“I would say that my passion is having people surprise themselves by what they’re capable of. And if I can be present at least a little bit for some of that internal dialog, that’s a privilege and a thrill for me.” Seth Godin
Dear Business Owner,
As the year draws to a close, it's a critical time for business owners everywhere. It's the season of reflection and, more importantly, of planning. It's the moment to ask yourself: Have you laid the groundwork for what your business must achieve in the coming year?
If you haven't yet started on your business plan, let me share with you why it's essential to do so. Without a plan, I've observed that business owners tend to fall into a pattern of reactivity. Without a clear target, they end up chasing the wind, getting entangled in every operational snare—from inventory counts to customer service complaints. Their days are not self-directed but are instead hijacked by the immediate demands of others.
Dear Business Owner,
I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. It's one of my favorite holidays, but the theme behind the day (giving thanks) is something we should be doing everyday. Years ago I found that the day after work I was right back in the office working hard and in the following weeks I wasn't focusing much on all the things I had to be grateful for.
This short blog post talks about how I changed that around to where I'm taking during each day to quietly think about all I have to be grateful for. I hope e you enjoy this read.
Lessons to be Learned From Guinness Stout
Dear Business Owner,
As you pour a rich, creamy pint of Guinness, your mind may conjure up images of a traditional Irish pub, the laughter of friends, and the unmistakable taste of a beer steeped in history. But beyond the iconic dark stout lies a tale of extraordinary corporate ethos—one that has inspired me to delve deeper into the importance of company culture.
Click on the line below to read why articulating a clear company culture is important not just for large companies such as Guinness Brewery but also for much small companies. We explore the importance within this blog. Enjoy
8 Suggestions
Dear Business Owner,
Embarking on the journey of scaling your business can be as exhilarating as it is daunting. The path to growth is often littered with obstacles and uncertainties that can leave even the most seasoned entrepreneurs feeling lost. This is where a business coach can become your guiding star, helping you navigate the complex terrain of business expansion. But with a myriad of coaches out there, how do you ensure you're choosing the right one to lead you to success?
After years of experience and countless client interactions, I've distilled the essence of what makes an effective business coach into eight critical criteria. Let's explore these together, so you can make an informed decision that propels your business forward.
4 Actionable Strategies
Dear Business Leaders,
It's a question that plagues many of us: How can we maintain the delicate balance between ensuring quality work and driving business growth? You're not alone if you find yourself mired in the day-to-day operations of your business, leaving little room to focus on expansion and development.
I recently had a heart-to-heart conversation with a business owner who was all too familiar with this challenge. He was eager to scale his business but felt shackled to the endless stream of daily issues that demanded his attention. It's a frustrating reality that many of us face, but there are strategies that can help us break free from these chains.
4 Actionable Strategies
Are you the kind of person who puts things off, letting tasks pile up until the last minute? Or, do you pride yourself on being decisive, slicing through options with swift, analytical precision? Perhaps you're caught in the middle, agonizing over every choice for fear of making the wrong decision—paralysis by analysis, as they say. If you find yourself nodding along as you're reading this, it's time to take a closer look at the art of decision-making.
I'll be frank: the price of procrastination is steep. It's not just about your time; it's about the ripple effect on your team's productivity and morale. Imagine the frustration that builds when a leader can't make up their mind. It's a surefire way to dampen the spirits of even the most enthusiastic team.
Let's also recognize the adverse impact procrastination can have on your company's performance and profits. Forever debating, and slow acting isn't a recipe for success.
4 Key Recommendation
In our previous conversation, we delved into the transformative power of a clear vision statement for your company. Remember how we likened it to a compass, guiding your business through the maze of growth and decision-making? With a vision, you have a beacon that illuminates the path to your future - whether that’s five or ten years down the line. It's the North Star that keeps you steadfast on your journey, ensuring that every step you take is a step closer to that ultimate destination.
But let's go beyond the 'what' and dive into the 'how'. Crafting a vision statement is an art form, a process that requires thought, collaboration, and inspiration. It's not just about setting a goal; it's about igniting a flame that warms and lights the way for everyone involved - from your employees to your customers.
4 Key Reasons
As a business owner, you're no stranger to the challenges and triumphs that come with steering your company's ship. But have you ever paused to consider the direction in which you're sailing? It's a question that often goes unanswered: Where do you see your business in the next five or ten years?
Embarking on a journey without a destination is unheard of. You wouldn't start a home renovation or build from the ground up without blueprints, would you? Yet, I've encountered countless entrepreneurs navigating the business landscape without a clear vision of their company's future. This, my friends, is akin to setting sail without a map.
Allow me to share why defining your business vision is not just beneficial but essential for your success.
3 Proven Strategies to Improve Motivation
Dear fellow entrepreneurs,
Have you ever sensed a lull in your team's spirit, that invisible yet palpable energy that fuels their daily endeavors? It's a common scenario that leaves many leaders pondering the secret to inspiring motivation. The truth is, a team lacking in motivation can inadvertently cultivate a lackluster company culture, which inevitably spills over into diminished customer experiences. This domino effect can be the silent saboteur of your business's potential, causing customers to drift away after a handful of transactions, dissatisfied and underappreciated.
It's crucial to acknowledge that every individual is driven by something. The challenge lies not in the lack of motivation but in building a team whose members support the attainment of your vision and goals. If your team seems disengaged, it might be time to ask yourself: Are you fueling their drive or simply demanding performance without considering their personal goals?
Recommendations on How to Reignite Your Passion
Dear fellow entrepreneurs,
Do you ever catch yourself staring at the mountain of tasks before you, feeling the zest for your business ebbing away? You're not alone. The journey of entrepreneurship is thrilling at the outset, but the daily grind can sometimes dim that initial spark. If you find yourself in this very predicament, it's time we talk about reigniting that flame.
I've crossed paths with many business owners who share this sentiment. They pour their hearts and souls into their ventures, yet they can't shake the feeling that their businesses aren't reaching their full potential. The excitement has waned, and they're left wondering why.
Discover a three proven strategies
Just yesterday, I found myself in a thought-provoking conversation with a local business owner. His dilemma? He was grappling with how to elevate the customer experience within his establishment. The crux of his concern lay in the inconsistency of service quality—a factor detrimental to customer retention and, consequently, the profitability of his business. After all, loyal customers are the lifeblood of any thriving enterprise, and without them, the potential for growth and success remains untapped.
Moreover, he recognized that referrals are born from the consistent delivery of exceptional service. Think about it; would you recommend a business to your friends or family if their service was as unpredictable as the weather? Of course not. It's the assurance of quality that compels us to share our positive experiences with others. Hence, consistency isn't just important—it's critical.
Time only allowed us to delve into 3 important areas of focus. There are many more highly effective strategies that I use e with my clients, but this blog discusses the three highly successful ones highlighted with the business owner.
Discover the hiring strategy that turned $1.5M into $4.8M!"
Just the other day, I had the pleasure of speaking with a business owner who was in a bit of a hiring conundrum. He approached me with a question that's all too familiar: "How can I attract and hire better employees?" This question is the gate to a larger, more prosperous business landscape, and I knew just the tale to inspire him.
Let me share with you a story that mirrors the transformative journey I could guide him through. I once partnered with a client whose business, while successful at $1.5 million in revenue, was struggling to scale due to a revolving door of mediocre sales staff. His eagerness to fill positions led him to settle for 'okay' hires who, after a few unproductive months, would either walk away or be shown the door.
Click on the button below to read three keys to hiring better employees.
As a business owner, you're no stranger to the grind. The long hours and the constant quest for growth are part of your DNA. You're always on the lookout for ways to boost sales, slash costs, and, ultimately, enhance profitability. But here's the million-dollar question: How do you measure the success of your relentless efforts against the competition? It's not just about the foot traffic or the number of products flying off the shelves. True success is a matter of profitability, and that's where the real story unfolds.
Imagine having a crystal-clear snapshot of where you stand in the financial race. The truth is, appearances can be deceiving. A competitor might seem to be outperforming you, drawing in crowds with attractive discounts. But are they really ahead, or is it just smoke and mirrors? To discount or not to discount—that is the question. And the answer lies in profitability, not popularity.
Click on the button below to read the three biggest learning from the Olympics that you can immediately apply to your business.
As the Olympic flame burns bright, millions of us find ourselves captivated by the sheer spectacle of human achievement. The Olympics are more than just a global sports event; they are a showcase of dreams, dedication, and the transformative power of coaching. I've been riveted by the performances in track and field, gymnastics, and swimming, marveling at the razor-thin margins that separate the victors from the valiant. But beyond the thrill of the competition, there are invaluable lessons to be gleaned for our own professional pursuits.
Click on the button below to read the three biggest learning from the Olympics that you can immediately apply to your business.
As an entrepreneur at the helm of your own enterprise, you might occasionally pause and ponder the trajectory of your business. Is it steering towards the success you've envisioned? This is where the concept of business coaching often enters the conversation. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many, it's the catalyst for unprecedented growth and achievement.
Consider this: where do you see your business in five years? Envision the journey from your current position (point A) to your aspirations (point B). Can you bridge this gap with your existing skills and the way you use your time? If there's a flicker of doubt, or if the path is clouded with uncertainty, it may be time to entertain the idea of a business coach.
In our previous discussion, we delved into the intricacies of customer experience and its pivotal role in your business's success. Today, we're venturing down a different path, one that leads to the heart of customer retention and advocacy. I'm excited to share with you a concept I've passionately coined as the "Ladder of Loyalty," a strategy that could revolutionize the way you engage with your clientele.
Consider the allure of loyalty programs you've likely encountered: Chick-fil-A rewards you through their app, Delta Airlines entices you with frequent flyer miles, and Hilton captivates with its Honors program. Even your favorite local eatery tempts with the promise of a complimentary dessert or meal after a series of visits. These aren't just random acts of kindness; they're carefully crafted tactics designed to keep you coming back for more. And why? Because your repeat business is the lifeblood of any thriving enterprise.
There's a universal truth in business that we can't afford to ignore: the customer experience is paramount. It's the lifeblood of any thriving enterprise, and yet, how often do we find ourselves tossing and turning, haunted by the specter of customer service woes?
I'm here to share a beacon of hope—a trifecta of strategies designed to sculpt the customer experience you not only envision but one that your clients deserve. Because let's face it, a single slip can sever the ties with a customer forever.
Our mission? To keep negative experiences to the barest minimum and, when they do sneak through, to resolve them with speed and to our customers' satisfaction.
As a business coach with years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through the treacherous waters of commerce, I've seen firsthand the pitfalls that can ensnare an unwary business owner. Recently, I stumbled upon some eye-opening statistics from SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, that underscore the most common hurdles to business success. These findings are a resounding call to action for anyone at the helm of a business venture.
The top 10 reasons businesses fall short of an owner's expectations are a mix of financial, strategic, and operational oversights:
1. Lack of cash flow
2. Lack of clarity
3. Ineffective marketing
4. Unsustainable products or services
5. Inadequate planning
6. Procrastination
7. Incompetent employees
8. Ignition (or lack thereof)
9. Ignoring competition
10. Lack of versatility
Do any of these challenges resonate with you?
As a business owner, you're the expert in your field. You know your product or service inside and out, but sometimes it feels like you're so deep in the weeds that you can't see the forest for the trees. That's where a business coach comes in—to guide you out of the tactical trenches and elevate your strategy to new heights.
In the journey of entrepreneurship, having a **trusted mentor** can be a game-changer. Imagine having a partner in your corner who meets with you regularly, diving deep into the challenges you face. Whether it's navigating personnel dynamics, fine-tuning your marketing approach, untangling financial complexities, or overcoming personal mindset blocks that are holding your business back, a business coach serves as your sounding board. They provide fresh perspectives that can lead to better, more informed decisions.
But mentorship is just the beginning. **Accountability** is the second pillar of effective business coaching. It's one thing to discuss action plans and quite another to follow through with them. That's why, at the end of every coaching session, we set concrete commitments. What will you accomplish before our next meeting? When we reconvene, we celebrate your wins, dissect the learning moments, and pivot as needed. It's a cycle of continuous improvement, taking the business forward one step at a time.
As a business owner, it’s natural to aspire for a constant flood of new leads pouring into your business. But what if the reality is a mere trickle? You might find yourself considering the services of a marketing firm to give your SEO and digital marketing efforts a much-needed boost. However, before you sign on the dotted line and invest in a potentially costly campaign, I want to share three powerful strategies that could significantly amplify your lead generation without breaking the bank. The time will come where use of digital marketing is appropriate; my point is let's start with simple and proven first.
**Refine Your Referral Strategy**
**Encourage Repeat Business**
**Forge Strategic Alliances**
Implementing these three strategies can have an immediate and profound impact on your lead generation efforts. They are low-cost, highly effective, and can save you from prematurely investing in expensive marketing campaigns.
As a passionate entrepreneur, I've noticed a paradox in the business world. We dive into the deep end of entrepreneurship with dreams of financial freedom, yet many of us are swimming in the shallow waters of financial understanding. It's a curious thing, isn't it? We start businesses with the goal of earning substantial profits, but when it comes to the nuts and bolts of our financials, we're often at a loss.
Let's talk about the reality for a moment. Are you one of those business owners who checks the bank balance and feels a false sense of security? If the balance looks healthy, you assume business is booming. But here's a little secret: don't rely on that bank balance? It's a misleading metric for measuring your business's financial health.
I've seen too many entrepreneurs caught off guard, spending money on initiatives that don't yield the expected returns. They're left scrambling, unable to forecast next month's cash flow, let alone the financial landscape two months down the line. This lack of foresight can seriously hinder your ability to manage and maximize profits.
Are you truly reaping the rewards of your entrepreneurial efforts? Do the fruits of your labor translate into the profits you've always envisioned—enough to enjoy extended vacations abroad, provide for your family, and invest in top-quality employees? If the answer is no, it's time to pivot your focus and realign your business strategies to unlock the financial success you deserve.
I've had the privilege of guiding numerous business owners toward a path of significantly increased profits by honing in on three critical strategies. Implementing these strategies is not just about immediate gains; it's about preventing the regret of stagnation and missed opportunities five years down the line.
These three strategies are just the beginning. They have consistently helped my clients achieve dramatic growth in their profits, and they can do the same for you.
Click here to schedule your 30-minute no-cost Strategy Discussion
Don't let another year slip by without maximizing your business's potential. It's time to take control and make the changes that will pave the way for your financial success.
Are you feeling the pressure as your business grows, constantly battling it out in a market where price seems to be the only differentiator? I understand the frustration, especially when your sales team is struggling, and it feels like they're losing more than they're winning. It's a common challenge, but it's one that can be overcome by focusing on a critical aspect of your business: your unique selling proposition (USP).
Today, I want to explore the power of a well-defined USP and share some strategies for crafting one that sets you apart from the competition. The impact of a strong USP cannot be overstated. I've seen firsthand the transformation it can bring – like the young remodeler I worked with who, by honing in on his USP, boosted his revenue by a million dollars in just two years. That's the kind of dramatic result we're aiming for.
When developing your USP, there are three key considerations to keep in mind: 1) relevance to your target market(s), 2) perception is reality, and 3) benefits over features.
Key # 5: Ownership = You Own Your Ship
Ownership is about owning your ship. So, if your team is more interested in getting a paycheck than helping your business grow, that reflects on you. That means you’ve built a business that attracts those kinds of employees. On the other hand, if your business has been consistently growing to your satisfaction, that likewise reflects that you’ve built a business that attracts a top-performing, growth-minded team.
If you fail to build a Dream Team for your business, that failure rests solely on your shoulders as the business owner. When I hear owners say, “I guess I didn’t hire the right people,” I wonder if they had taken the time to identify their ideal candidate and to establish the qualifications and personal qualities of their ideal candidate.
Or, if I hear a business owner say, “I just can’t find the right candidate,” I wonder if that owner recognizes that their ideal candidate is probably happily working for someone else and wouldn’t be attracted by traditional job posts.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight three areas business owners need to focus on to become the leaders top-quality candidates are looking for. I'll build on earlier blog posts about creating a compelling and empowering company culture by focusing on what you, as the leader, specifically need to do. I’ll highlight three areas where you, as the owner, have direct influence over the longevity of your employees: inspiring, delegating to, and coaching your team.
KEY # 4: Actively Coaching Mebers of Your Team is a MUST
At this point, you’ve successfully defined your ideal candidate, marketed the position in ways that spoke to your ideal candidate, as well as attracted and hired your ideal candidate. Congratulations!
This chapter builds on the discussion about creating a compelling and empowering company culture by focusing on what you, as the leader, specifically need to do. I’ll highlight three areas where you, as the owner, have direct influence over the longevity of your employees: inspiring, delegating to, and coaching your team.
Build on New Hire’s Excitement
The most, or one of the most, exciting days your new hire will have is their first day on the job. They have joined your company because they saw more potential for career advancement than if they had stayed in their former position. They come to you with high hopes and expectations.
You must avoid doing things that might cause them to regret their decision. This can easily happen if they feel ignored, under-appreciated, or neglected during their first four to six weeks.
The 5 Keys to Building Your DREAM Team
KEY # 3: Build Your Business to ATTRACT the Best
This chapter focuses on the importance of building a business that your ideal candidates want to work for...that has a great reputation as a desirable place to work.
Hiring top talent requires more than effectively marketing the open position. It requires that the owner has built a business that attracts the types of candidates that will help take the business to the next level. It’s important to keep in mind that your ideal candidate is probably happily working for someone else, which isn’t to say they won’t move to your company, but rather to suggest you have to present a compelling reason for them to take the risk to change jobs. They have to see in you and your business a better chance for their career development than where they are currently working.
If your goal is to take your business to the next level, then you have to hire top-quality people that will get you there, which means you have to proactively define and create a business that attracts these quality candidates. Sitting back and reactively building your business won’t attract this level of talent. Average businesses attract average employees.
Imagine how much easier it would be if you had people talking to you about working for you even before you post a post.
KEY # 2: You Have to MARKET Your Job Openings
In the previous chapter, we discussed the dramatically greater lift a top-quality employee will deliver to you and your business than an average candidate (one with low initiative and skills) candidate. In chapter two, we are talking about how to build a top-quality team.
It can be challenging to find those people who will help you take your business to the next level. The search process begins with the following:
This chapter looks at what you must do to attract top talent, because they are most likely happily working for someone else.
KEY # 1: The Importance of Building Top-Quality Teams
Many business owners do not truly appreciate the value that superior team members can provide their business. Owners will work to fill a vacant position without giving careful consideration to its roles and responsibilities. Typically, they also do not think about what characteristics would be ideal for that position.
The tendency is to post a position as soon as it is vacant without giving much thought to ideal characteristics and potential responsibilities. Owners often tell me that they don’t have time to analyze the job requirements – they know the technical skills required but not personal traits such as integrity, good communication skills, being a team player, and being a strong decision maker. They’re trying to find a clone of the recently departed employee.
In their book “Leading Organizations, Scott Keller and Mary Meaney highlight a study by Human Resource Management Associates (HRMA) found that high performers are 400% more productive than average employees. Those results suggest that a team of top-quality employees will complete their work four times faster than a team of average employees given the same assignment.
Initiate Positive Change
Why is it that some people don’t like change?
Or, more to the point, why is it that some people won’t make a change even when gains would clearly result from making the change?
You and your sales team undoubtedly encounter clients with this kind of counterintuitive behavior. For example, think of prospective clients who stayed with their current supplier despite your superior alternative. What gets in the way of their making such a positive change? On a personal level, we’ve all seen colleagues or family members avoid making a change that would clearly be in their best interests. Why don't they take action?
Americans by the millions are going back to work, so it's especially important that we discuss a key leadership skill. Whether you're a leader in a large organization of a business owner, these days it's especially important that you treat people with empathy and understand that there may be more at play with with each of your employees than your realize. People are dealing with more stress-inducing incidents than prior to the pandemic, and you as their leader must understand that fact.
Simon Sinek, a best selling author wrote "We must all try to empathize before we criticize. Ask someone what's wrong before telling them they are wrong." This blog post highlights why that attitude is important as a leader, and is essential if your goal is to build a GREAT team.
On the evening of December 26, 1776 General George Washington led 2,400 men across a treacherous ice-packed Delaware River to capture 1,000 British and Hussein soldiers encamped in Trenton New Jersey. This monumental victory came at the end of a calamitous year in which his army had been soundly defeated in several battles in New York and had been forced to retreat to Pennsylvania. His men were poorly equipped, poorly clothed, stricken with disease, nearly at the end of their enlistment, hungry and demoralized. But, all that changed with the victory at Trenton.
This monumental victory in America’s fight for independence points out two significant lessons that business owners need to learn.
Separately by 400 years, two incidents involving huge ships illustrate the importance of knowing the fundamentals and having processes in place so that people don't just assume.
The first incident happened in Stockholm on August 10, 1628 and involved the world's most powerful naval ship. This ship was the pride and joy of the Swedish king and was built to defeat countries that threatened Sweden. The king's joy when the ship was launched was short-lived. Advance 391 years and a ship departing a east coast port encountered a very similar problem.
This blog post highlights what is believed to have been the causes of these incidents and draws parallels for business owners to keep in minding as they grow their businesses. You'll have to read more to learn about these two ships and what happened.
Early in the morning of September 7, 2019 the Golden Ray, a massive car transport ship – 2 football fields long and 17 stories tall, departed the Port of Brunswick, Georgia. The Golden Ray was continuing its journey to deliver over 4,200 trucks and cars to the Middle East. Before departing 285 Hyundai Accents and Kia Fortes were unloaded from two decks and 335 Kia Tellurides were loaded onto three decks. The additional cars added 411 tons of weight.
The morning was mild and waters were calm. At 12:45 am the harbor pilot guided the Golden Ray out into the channel. At one point the narrow shipping channel bends to the right, but when the harbor pilot tried to turn the floating parking lot, the ship didn’t turn. He continued attempting to turn, but suddenly the Golden Ray turned over on its side.
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