Merely stating that you have to carve out time for strategic thinking doesn’t make it so. For many small business owners already overwhelmed by all they have to do, an activity has to be valuable if it’s to be added to an already bloated calendar. The results achieved, especially in a highly competitive and fast-changing business environment, make it a must!
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia
6 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Strategic Thinking Muscles
Running a growing enterprise often provides little time for strategic thinking. In fact, according to The Persimmon Group and Center for Creative Leadership, only 4-7% of business leaders are considered strategic thinkers. If you’re one of the lucky ones, good for you! Unfortunately, most entrepreneurs are consumed by day-to-day operations. So instead of settling into their favorite … Read more
Magic Wands, Unicorns & Other Mythical Thinking of Entrepreneurs
Who hasn’t made a wish while blowing out a candle or breaking a wishbone? Mythical thinking, loosely defined as a story or a tale, can’t be proven. Lacking any facts, this type of future thinking explains the world around us. Fundamental to all human beings, the notion of mythical thinking never really leaves us. What … Read more
Use Strategic Thinking to Shape Your Small Business Growth
What actions do smart entrepreneurs take when business growth stalls? Most double down and work harder or throw more money at the perceived problem — or both! Neither of these options are advisable — or desirable — without the application of some strategic thinking to your business growth.
Should You Micro Niche Your Way to Business Growth?
Business growth isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of being everything to everybody. Yet, despite that, some business leaders tout the benefits of being a generalist. I see advantages for both the generalist and the specialist. For instance, a generalist doesn’t necessarily develop the same blind spots as someone specializing in … Read more
Use This Strategic Approach in Your Business to Uncover Moments of Truth
Before the introduction of business technology, the traditional marketing model remained unchanged. This reduced consumer choices. Marketing opportunities to learn about competing products or services were limited. Before the digital revolution, we may have heard about a product from advertising on TV, radio, or newspaper. (Remember those?) However, to experience the product or service, we made our way to … Read more
Maneuvering the “Jargon Jungle” of Small Business Marketing
It’s a jungle out there, especially when understanding the terminology to market your small business. A misunderstood term or misapplied could blow a big deal with a critical client. Egads! What’s worse than not knowing a vital marketing phrase? Of course, that would be not using the correct lingo at the right time! In a … Read more
The Business-Changing Lessons of a Mastermind Group
Business is becoming increasingly complex. And, just like “it takes a village” to raise a child, it takes an armada to grow a business. Increasing complexity and overwhelm is why we launched mastermind groups — to bring together a flotilla of like-minded business owners to share insights, experience, knowledge, and encouragement unavailable when growing your business … Read more