Technology has been a real game-changer for small businesses, flipping the script on how they operate and compete. Remember the days when you needed a brick-and-mortar store to reach customers? Now, a sleek website or well-managed social media account can put your business on the map alongside the big players. The playing field has leveled…
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Ideas Are a Dime a Dozen, But Action Is Priceless
Ideas are a dime a dozen. Every entrepreneur has a notebook, a napkin, or a mind bursting with them. But here’s the kicker: ideas alone are worthless. It’s the people who roll up their sleeves, dive into the trenches, and put those ideas into action who are worth millions. Why is that? Because action turns…
Nailing Your Niche: How to Find Your Ideal Client Without Losing Your Marbles
Defining your target market and identifying your ideal client are pivotal for any business aiming for success. Remember, targeting “everyone” is like trying to herd cats—impossible! Instead, focus on a niche to stand out against larger competitors. Going too broad, like targeting “anyone interested in my services,” waters down your efforts. Zeroing in on a…
Is In-Person Networking Dying?
In the age of digital dominance, a question looms large: Is in-person networking dying? As Gen Z, a cohort deeply immersed in social media from their earliest memories, steps into the business arena, the landscape of networking and professional interaction is undeniably shifting. Jean Twenge’s seminal work, iGen, sheds light on this digital-first generation, illustrating…
Why Do We Champion Ethics in Business?
In an era when the fabric of trust within organizations is being tested, we want to emerge as champions for embedding ethics into business practices. This advocacy stems from a simple yet profound realization: ethics is not just morally right; it’s exceptionally good for business. The ethos of ethical leadership and cultivating a trust-based culture…
Defining is Your First Step to Acquiring Dream Clients
Defining your target market and identifying your ideal client are pivotal steps for any business aiming for success. It’s crucial to understand that targeting “everyone” is not feasible; focusing on a niche allows smaller businesses to stand tall against larger competitors. Being overly general, like targeting “anyone interested in my services,” dilutes your marketing efforts….
Customer Focus is the Key to Apply Strength to Weakness
During my tenure at the International Centre for Agriculture and Science, Dr. Roger Moore and I introduced the concept of “market-focused planning.” This approach shifted strategic planning from introspective analysis to emphasizing how the public perceives our key strengths and potential for organizational leverage. I applied this innovative strategy in my consulting practice, guiding companies…
How to Become a Great Conversationalist
Listening is an art that forms the foundation of effective communication, and becoming a good conversationalist hinges on this skill. As the adage goes, “We were born with one mouth and two ears, so we should listen twice as much as we talk.” This principle served me well during my tenure in large enterprise sales…
It’s OK to Brag
Navigating the fine line between sharing achievements and appearing boastful is an art form, especially at networking events. The key? Mastering the humble brag. It’s about weaving your accomplishments into conversations that sparks interest without overwhelming your audience. So, how do I balance pride in my achievements with humility to generate curiosity and not alienation?…
Green Gains: Turning Climate Challenges into Profitable Opportunities
Public opinion on climate change has reached a tipping point. Climate change and its impact are not something that will happen in the distant future; they are happening now. Over the next decade, climate change will be the dominant force affecting our daily lives and businesses, and with that comes potential opportunities for small businesses….