Notes From the Messy Middle
Strategic thinking for Stage II owners. The growth phase no one warns you about.
Growth & Scaling
Different Is Better Than Better, Part 2: What My Clients Said When I Asked Why They Hired Me
I asked my longest-standing clients two questions: why they hired me and why they keep coming back. Their answers surprised me and reshaped my positioning.
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Growth & Scaling
Different Is Better Than Better: What Fast-Growing Bootstrapped Companies Taught Me About Standing Out
What “different is better than better” means for bootstrapped B2B service businesses, and why Jackie Nagel is testing it on her own company.
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Growth & Scaling, Strategy & Planning
How to Accelerate Business Growth When the Economy Feels Uncertain
Waiting for things to stabilize is the growth-killer myth. Here’s what actually moves a stalled business forward, uncertain economy or not.
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Growth & Scaling, Ownership & Entrepreneurship
What No One Tells An Entrepreneur About Breaking Through a Business Plateau
Editors Note: Originally published August 2022. Updated June 2026. Entrepreneurship is fun and exciting — until it’s not. There comes
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Sales & Marketing
Nine Steps to Building Trust Online & Offline for Your Small Business
When I first crafted this blog in 2018, trust was already eroding. The Edelman Trust Barometer that year flagged declining
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Strategy & Planning
Are You a Master Strategist? Test Your Strategic Skills with This Quiz
Where do your strategic skills stand? This engaging quiz challenges your ability to navigate complex challenges, and achieve your long-term goals.
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Ownership & Entrepreneurship, People & Partnerships
Navigating the Distinct Challenges of Women in Business
Discover the transformative impact of women in business with remarkable growth in firms, employment and revenue.
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Growth & Scaling, Strategy & Planning
Unlock Business Growth Through Annual Strategic Planning
Maximize your business growth by planning ahead. Learn how an end-of-year assessment sets the tone for success.
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