While the skill of an effective “ask” is quite complex, and takes many years to master, one quick tip for busy leaders is to always consider the “T’s & C’s” of an “ask” before sending – or saying – it: Tone, Time, Context, and Clarity. And, yes, these apply to instructions or mandatory required activities as well; it’s always better when people participate by choice rather than on demand.

The business landscape in 2024 demands a holistic approach that integrates technological, societal, and behavioural considerations. By remaining aware of these trends and their potential impact, business owners can position themselves to navigate the challenges and opportunities with more ease.

Running a sustained profitable business might be hard, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Traditional advice guides business owners who feel stuck in some way to review – or create – a business plan as a framework for identifying the cause of feeling stuck. The catch is that a business plan can often be unnecessarily complex or lengthy for a business owner that is in need of quick and practical insights. An existing or template business plan may also be more geared toward

Much has been published on living a purpose-driven life, and many business leaders try to apply the same philosophy in business. The concept of purpose is however a bit different when we think about it in terms of business.

It is simply not good enough to be good enough anymore. What was successful fifty years ago might not be enough to even stay afloat now. These days, a business has to be better than market average in everything it does and everywhere its clients connect with it.

There are countless stories of small businesses that have grown to incredible heights simply by treating customers in a way that made them want to share their experience with family, friends, colleagues and on social media and encourage them to try it for themselves.

Which routines are helping you to WIN in business and which routines are just keeping you busy?

Leading a business does not become easier the longer you do it, even though you become better at doing it. New levels of complexity arise as a business matures, often forcing business leaders to work on "busyness" - or in the business - rather than working on the business.

As business owner or leader your number one priority should be finding and keeping customers that buy from you, otherwise you don’t have a business, you’re just someone that can make a product or offer a service.

Businesses can’t guide customer decisions if they themselves are not crystal clear on the value they offer, or how it connects to the needs of their customers.

Instead of linear thinking that develops an opportunity into a lead and eventually into a sale, customer experience agents have to adopt a matrix thinking approach. This approach allows for fluidly moving back and forth between the phases of the customer journey based on the preferences of each customer.