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The Employee Advantage

March 11, 2025

The Employee Advantage How Mystery Shopping Can Transform Service Skills In the ever-competitive world of customer service, companies strive to provide top-tier experiences to their customers. One tool that stands out for its effectiveness is the mystery shopping program. While it’s commonly celebrated as a way for businesses to evaluate customer satisfaction, it’s equally valuable … Continued

3 Tips to Help Your Burnt-Out, but Still Enthusiastic Employees

March 11, 2025

  3 Tips to Help Your Burnt-Out, but Still Enthusiastic Employees   A Happyologist (yes, that’s his real job title) and a CMO share strategies for keeping workers engaged. Illustration: Getty Images It’s a modern workplace dilemma: employees remain highly committed to their company’s goals and missions but are also experiencing burnout, according to recent … Continued

Top Small Business Trends for 2025

March 11, 2025

  Top Small Business Trends for 2025   Business is changing fast—these are the trends you need to know. Illustration: Getty Images Small businesses tend to be slow adopters. But according to the head of small business at Verizon, Aparna Khurjekar, the opposite is true when it comes to artificial intelligence. Khurjekar is definitely right … Continued

Why Great Marketing Can’t Fix Bad Customer Service

March 11, 2025

  Why Great Marketing Can’t Fix Bad Customer Service The Hard Truth: No Amount of Marketing Can Save a Poor Customer Experience Marketing is a powerful tool—it draws customers in, builds brand awareness, and drives sales. But what happens when customers encounter a frustrating experience after being attracted by your brilliant campaign? The hard truth … Continued

Inc. 5000 Entrepreneurs Say These Are the Key Elements of a Strong Company Culture

March 11, 2025

  Inc. 5000 Entrepreneurs Say These Are the Key Elements of a Strong Company Culture A strong company culture is essential for success. Here, Inc. 5000 entrepreneurs share their insights on the three elements that define a thriving workplace culture. Photo: Getty Images Culture can make or break a company. Or, as two of our … Continued

It’s Time to Put Everyone on a Performance Improvement Plan

March 11, 2025

It’s Time to Put Everyone on a Performance Improvement Plan Why does this valuable tool have such a bad reputation? It can be a great way to make your employees’ lives and work better—if approached correctly. Photo: Getty Images Look, I know everyone (except me) hates performance improvement plans. Unfortunately, a recent survey by HR … Continued

The No. 1 Business Skill You’ll Need in 2025

January 30, 2025

  The No. 1 Business Skill You’ll Need in 2025 If you want to take on the competition, the incumbents, and the AI hype, you’ll need to use their momentum against them. Illustration by Getty Images I’m going to be honest with you. It doesn’t matter if you’re an entrepreneur or technologist or just someone … Continued

Stop Letting Money Walk Out the Door: 5 Secrets From a Customer Service Guru

January 30, 2025

  Stop Letting Money Walk Out the Door: 5 Secrets From a Customer Service Guru Achieving a level of customer service that will distinguish your business in today’s marketplace doesn’t have to be difficult at all. Photo: Getty Images There’s literally no greater competitive advantage than improving the customer service and customer experience of your … Continued

How to Build a Brand That Connects

January 30, 2025

  How to Build a Brand That Connects Successful brands engage audiences with authentic storytelling, shared values, and emotional resonance to create lasting relationships that go beyond transactions. Getty Images The shift from brand-centric to audience-centric communication is transforming how brands connect with consumers. In today’s competitive landscape, success isn’t achieved through flashy, hard-sell campaigns … Continued

Mark Cuban Just Gave the Pep Talk on Staying Positive in Crazy Times We All Need to Hear Right Now

January 30, 2025

  Mark Cuban Just Gave the Pep Talk on Staying Positive in Crazy Times We All Need to Hear Right Now Mark Cuban explained why he’s “bullish on the United States of America.” And why, despite the chaos of 2024, you should be too. Mark Cuban. Illustration: Inc; Photo: Getty Images Feeling exhausted after all … Continued

5 Simple Ways to Infuse Gratitude Into Your Life and Business

January 9, 2025

  5 Simple Ways to Infuse Gratitude Into Your Life and Business Gratitude has had a major impact on my founder journey—and it can do the same for you. What gets you out of bed in the morning? As a founder, each day is often defined by long hours, sleepless nights, and endless puzzles. But … Continued

These 5 Data Points Can Help Retailers Keep Pace With Shifting Consumer Demands

January 9, 2025

These 5 Data Points Can Help Retailers Keep Pace With Shifting Consumer Demands A consulting firm’s survey finds shoppers expect online and in-store price consistency, increased product availability in shops, and fast and free delivery. Getty Images With the holiday shopping underway, retailers wanting to ring up a maximum number of prospective sales would do … Continued

Steal This EMT’s 3-Word Mantra to Stop Yourself From Freaking Out in Stressful Situations

January 9, 2025

  Steal This EMT’s 3-Word Mantra to Stop Yourself From Freaking Out in Stressful Situations The three words stand for three ultra-simple steps that will help you stay calm in the face of crisis. Photo: Getty Images You think your job is stressful when your supplier bails at the last minute, your website goes down … Continued

6 Ways the New Trump Administration Could Impact Your Business

January 9, 2025

  6 Ways the New Trump Administration Could Impact Your Business What Trump’s past and future policies could mean for your small business. President-elect Donald Trump. Photo: Getty Images As we gear up for another four years of presidency under Donald Trump, let’s consider how his previous policies and potential future stances in areas such … Continued

Gen-Z Workers Are Swapping Jobs—and It’s Paying Off

January 9, 2025

Gen-Z Workers Are Swapping Jobs—and It’s Paying Off A new report shows young workers aren’t afraid to leave their jobs for higher salaries. Illustration: Getty Images Gen-Zers are job-hopping their way to financial security. Nearly one-third of Gen-Z workers changed jobs last year, according to a new report from H&R Block. Of these job-hoppers, 35 … Continued

How to Attract Holiday Shoppers? Target and Walmart Say: Price Cuts and Throwbacks

January 9, 2025

  How to Attract Holiday Shoppers? Target and Walmart Say: Price Cuts and Throwbacks Big-box retailers are rolling out discounts ahead of the winter shopping season. Walmart’s Thanksgiving Meal. Photo: Courtesy Walmart. Consumers are nostalgic for simpler times and cheaper prices. And appealing to that sentimentality is exactly how Target and Walmart plan to win … Continued

Election Stresses Could Impact Worker Productivity. Here’s What You Need to Know–and How to Manage It

January 9, 2025

  Election Stresses Could Impact Worker Productivity. Here’s What You Need to Know–and How to Manage It Here’s how you could help boost your team’s productivity during a fraught election week. Photo: Getty Images Although Election Day is over, tuning out political tensions and anxieties could be an ever-challenging feat for employees–or a flat-out fruitless … Continued

Employee, Including Executives, Work in Stores. It’s an Absolutely Brilliant Move

October 31, 2024

  Employee, Including Executives, Work in Stores. It’s an Absolutely Brilliant Move Cleaning up customer messes is a great use of time for corporate employees—seriously. An employee assists a customer inside a Home Depot store in Livermore, California. Photo: Getty Images In a recent memo to employees obtained by Bloomberg, Home Depot announced that all … Continued

Retailers Can Expect Another Record-Breaking Holiday Season

October 31, 2024

  Retailers Can Expect Another Record-Breaking Holiday Season The National Retail Federation anticipates up to $990 billion in holiday sales despite inflation-wary consumers. Photo: Getty Images Consumers aren’t just resilient — they’re consistent. Despite lingering inflationary pressures, the National Retail Federation anticipates consumers will spend 2.5 to 3.5 percent more this holiday season than they … Continued

It’s Official: How to Be a Servant Leader Comes Down to 6 Behaviors, Says Research 

October 31, 2024

  It’s Official: How to Be a Servant Leader Comes Down to 6 Behaviors, Says Research  The best leadership philosophy in the world, simplified to its most basic tenets.  Illustration: Getty Images Workplace culture became a critical business topic a decade ago, with more executives and HR leaders recognizing that shared values and behaviors drive engagement, innovation, … Continued

When Hard Work Really Does Pay Off: How to Embrace (and Leverage) the Return-on-Hassle Factor

October 31, 2024

  When Hard Work Really Does Pay Off: How to Embrace (and Leverage) the Return-on-Hassle Factor Return on investment is important, but counter to conventional wisdom, return on hassle can be the best path to success. Illustration: Getty Images Many aspiring entrepreneurs love the idea of passive income. Who doesn’t want to make money while they … Continued

How AI Helps Retail Grow Faster

October 31, 2024

  How AI Helps Retail Grow Faster  Hallucination-free generative AI can help retailers get and keep customers buying.  Illustration: Getty Images Generative AI chatbots that respond to natural language questions with cogent sentences have the potential to help retailers grow faster. If chatbot responses are consistently accurate and effective, customers will happily use them at all hours of … Continued

In Just 1 Week, I Increased My Productivity and Obliterated My Burnout With 2 Simple Words

September 27, 2024

  In Just 1 Week, I Increased My Productivity and Obliterated My Burnout With 2 Simple Words How I stepped up by stepping off the hamster wheel.  Illustration: Getty Images I have a confession. For years, and like millions, I was burnt out. I went as far as the other side of the world to find the … Continued

How Small Businesses Can Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Employee Engagement

September 27, 2024

  How Small Businesses Can Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Employee Engagement Effective strategies for reducing expenses while maintaining productivity and morale. Illustration: Getty Images Small businesses are often hailed as the lifeblood of the economy, driving innovation and creating jobs across industries. However, even the most successful small businesses can face financial pressures that necessitate cost-cutting measures. Rising operational … Continued

3 Signs You’ve Become a Disrupter in Your Industry

September 27, 2024

  3 Signs You’ve Become a Disrupter in Your Industry Discover how resilient, forward-thinking organizations harness technology and strategic analysis to navigate challenges and achieve long-term success. Illustration: Getty Images The business world loves disrupters. Those who upend the status quo and offer truly noteworthy innovation — from Ford to Netflix — often end up … Continued

10 Keys to Rising Above the Crowd in Your Business

September 27, 2024

  10 Keys to Rising Above the Crowd in Your Business Putting your head down and working harder is not always the best route to career advancement. Illustration: Getty Images Everyone knows that all businesses are risky, but they also expect that the right job will be exciting and potentially very lucrative (think early employees at … Continued

The Secret to Success Lies in What You Avoid

September 27, 2024

  The Secret to Success Lies in What You Avoid More entrepreneurs need this reality check. Joseph Campbell. Illustration: Inc.; Photos: Getty Images Here’s the deepest life quote that I’ve ever heard: “The magic you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding.” Joseph Campbell, the famous American writer and professor who inspired the creation of Star Wars, … Continued

How to Get Really Good at Sales, Using 3 Rules of Emotional Intelligence

September 27, 2024

  How to Get Really Good at Sales, Using 3 Rules of Emotional Intelligence There are no guarantees, but tactics like these make your desired outcomes a little bit more likely. Photo: Getty Images It’s probably the most famous challenge in sales, to say nothing of an increasingly dreaded interview question: “Sell me this pen.” Even if … Continued

How Brands Can Grow Awareness Through Meaningful Partnerships

September 27, 2024

  How Brands Can Grow Awareness Through Meaningful Partnerships Partnerships are necessary marketing activities. But are you seeking the right kind of connections to build long-term growth for your brand? Photo: Getty Images There were a record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications filed in 2023. Even if many of these stall out or fail entirely, the fact remains that … Continued

How Google’s New Fields Simplify Business Profile Verification on Maps

September 27, 2024

  How Google’s New Fields Simplify Business Profile Verification on Maps This new step can help small businesses get verified quickly and easily on Google Maps, boosting their visibility and customer reach. Photo: Getty Images Getting verified on Google Maps is one critical step for small businesses to build visibility with potential customers. Now, Google has … Continued

AI in Business: Maximizing Gains and Minimizing Risks

September 27, 2024

  AI in Business: Maximizing Gains and Minimizing Risks Amid the AI gold rush, be advised of three risks to your business and the best practices to address them. Photo: Getty Images Over half of CEOs recently surveyed by Fortune and Deloitte said that they have already implemented generative artificial intelligence in their business to increase efficiency. And … Continued

5 Ways Great Leaders Stay the Course When the World Outside Seems Crazy

July 31, 2024

  5 Ways Great Leaders Stay the Course When the World Outside Seems Crazy How businesses can scale quickly without losing their way. Photo: Getty Images Aahh, coffee time! Imagine starting your morning trying to enjoy your java-all good until the cacophony of today’s news headlines hits. No matter your stance, relentless messaging that promulgates … Continued

To Be More Successful in the Face of Challenges and Adversity, a Navy SEAL Says Always Keep Your World Small

July 31, 2024

  To Be More Successful in the Face of Challenges and Adversity, a Navy SEAL Says Always Keep Your World Small How businesses can scale quickly without losing their way. Photo: Getty Images The moment went viral (over 200 million people watched the various clips), but if you missed it, here goes. Nascar driver Ross Chastain needed to make up … Continued

July 31, 2024

  This Top Leadership Coach Shares What May Be the Secret Sauce Behind Fast-Growing Organizations How businesses can scale quickly without losing their way. Photo: Getty Images CEOs have plenty of obvious benchmarks for assessing how the company is doing: winning a huge customer, hitting sales forecasts, securing funding, and increasing market share are just a few. … Continued

1 Game-Changing Growth Move for Your Biggest Deals

July 31, 2024

1 Game-Changing Growth Move for Your Biggest Deals Give everyone on the team a role. Everyone. Photo: Getty Images What if the key to sustainable business growth was as simple as giving everyone in your company a role, no matter their title or background? Imagine a workplace with an all-hands-on-deck approach, with each team member, from the CEO to the … Continued

3 Qualities That Will Set You Apart From Other Leaders

July 3, 2024

  3 Qualities That Will Set You Apart From Other Leaders Leadership is about going first, taking responsibility, and leading people somewhere worth going. Where are you taking your people? Photo: Getty Images The most effective leaders create a better world, anchored in unshakable commitment, earnest responsibility, and lasting caring for people. They do not shake things … Continued

5 Keys to Getting Results From People Not Like You

July 3, 2024

  5 Keys to Getting Results From People Not Like You Team members can be difficult, so how you communicate will be the key to your success. Photo: Getty Images One thing is certain in any business — not everyone you have to deal with will be like you, or will like you (and vice versa). These … Continued

Companies Say Skills Matter, but Hiring Skews to Degree Holders

July 3, 2024

  Companies Say Skills Matter, but Hiring Skews to Degree Holders Employers across the U.S. are eliminating diplomas as a job requirement, with smaller businesses leading that shift amid tight labor markets. But candidates with degrees still have an edge. Photo: Getty Images A growing number of companies across the U.S. have committed to reversing … Continued

Your Managers Think They’re Doing Great. Employees Disagree

July 3, 2024

  Your Managers Think They’re Doing Great. Employees Disagree A new Gallup survey finds a clear disconnect between managers and employees. You can fix it. Photo: Getty Images Everyone says people don’t leave jobs; they leave managers. And yet, managers don’t get the feedback they need to improve, according to a new survey from Gallup. As a result, many think they’re … Continued

Inflation Is Still a Big Problem for Small Businesses–but There’s Cause for Hope

July 3, 2024

  Inflation Is Still a Big Problem for Small Businesses–but There’s Cause for Hope While high costs remain a cause for concern for small companies, there’s some good news when it comes to pricing and sales. Photo: Getty Images For the first time this year, small-business optimism increased–but inflation continues to worry owners. The Small Business Optimism Index from the National … Continued

Economists Confident U.S. Economy Can Steer Toward a Soft Landing, Avoiding a Recession

July 3, 2024

  Economists Confident U.S. Economy Can Steer Toward a Soft Landing, Avoiding a Recession But higher growth will come with higher inflation. Photo: Getty Images Economists are increasingly confident the U.S. economy will avoid a recession this year. Nine out of 10 business economists predict the economy is heading for a soft landing in 2024, according to the … Continued

Investing in Durable Skills–the Smart Bet in the Age of AI

July 3, 2024

  Investing in Durable Skills–the Smart Bet in the Age of AI How automation and an unpredictable business environment are driving a new emphasis on human-centric skills. Photo: Getty Images If you’ve ever listened to global business leaders on the main stage of a conference discussing what drove their success, you might have been surprised … Continued

Your Performance Reviews Are Not Enough

July 3, 2024

Your Performance Reviews Are Not Enough Your employees want more from you than a yearly hourlong check-in. Photo: Getty Images It’s no secret that after the pandemic, workplace dynamics and our employees’ career desires changed drastically. Our offices were altered from traditional workplaces to digital workplaces. We were no longer separated by physical barriers like cubicles or offices … Continued

The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Business Success

July 3, 2024

The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Business Success There are plenty of bottom-line reasons to fully embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Photo: Getty Images Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace are no longer optional but important to have on your radar. Companies that don’t foster an inclusive environment or prioritize diversity initiatives do … Continued

Why Gen-Z Employees Are Some of Your Least Happy Workers

July 3, 2024

Why Gen-Z Employees Are Some of Your Least Happy Workers Gen-Z employees have a strong purpose-driven mindset — but aren’t feeling satisfied with their sense of purpose at work. Here’s what employers need to know. Photo: Getty Images It’s no secret that happy employees are more productive. However, according to a recent report from insurance giant MetLife, Gen-Zers are the least happy … Continued

Strategies for Incorporating AI Into Your Organization

July 3, 2024

Strategies for Incorporating AI Into Your Organization Do it as soon as possible, while preparing both your company and your people. Photo: Getty Images As more organizations adopt AI into everyday operations, the gap between those who choose to innovate with this technology and those who do not is only going to widen. The movement to adopt AI will … Continued

How to Help Your Underperforming Employees Improve

July 3, 2024

How to Help Your Underperforming Employees Improve Reframe how you think about Performance Improvement Plans Photo: Getty Images Are you using the best method to improve the performance of an underperforming employee? Is your framework helping them and your organization stay compliant with current labor laws? It’s a question every employer asks. What’s the best action to take? … Continued

Unlocking Success: How the Millionaire Mindset Can Transform Your Life and Business

July 3, 2024

Unlocking Success: How the Millionaire Mindset Can Transform Your Life and Business Use this to overcome challenges and achieve your ultimate goals. Photo: Getty Images Quite often, achieving success comes down to your mindset. Developing traits like gratitude, empathy, and persistence goes a long way in enabling you to accomplish your goals — both as an entrepreneur and in … Continued

Gen-Z Has Issues. What Bosses Need to Know

July 2, 2024

Gen-Z Has Issues. What Bosses Need to Know Smartphones and social media threaten the stability of the younger generation. Photo: Getty Images The youngest generation entering the workforce, Generation Z, bears a unique burden. Famous social psychologist Jonathan Haidt draws attention to the cohort in his recent book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an … Continued

Sustainable Shopping: What Consumers Really Want

July 2, 2024

Sustainable Shopping: What Consumers Really Want A new sustainability survey gives businesses a glimpse at their target market. Photo: Getty Images Consumers want sustainability, but you need to meet them halfway. That’s the big takeaway from Blue Yonder’s annual sustainability survey. The supply chain company’s report found that consumers are eager for sustainability measures that prioritize reducing waste and saving money. … Continued

How to Build a High-Performance Leadership Team

July 2, 2024

How to Build a High-Performance Leadership Team As a leader, you set the tone for your leadership team. Photo: Getty Images In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the success of an organization depends heavily on the strength of its leadership team. A high-performance leadership team can drive innovation, foster a positive workplace culture, and guide the company … Continued

8 Times You Should Slow Way Down at Work, According to a Stanford Management Expert

July 2, 2024

8 Times You Should Slow Way Down at Work, According to a Stanford Management Expert Bob Sutton argues 2024 should be the year of ‘strategic slowness.’ He just explained exactly what he means. Photo: Getty Images Last week, I stumbled on a LinkedIn post by Stanford management professor and author Bob Sutton predicting that the next big trend for … Continued

Embrace the Legendary Lasso-Reynolds Approach for Your Company

July 2, 2024

Embrace the Legendary Lasso-Reynolds Approach for Your Company A guide to cultivating a compelling work environment for your small business. Ryan Reynolds (left) and Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso from Apple TV’s original series <i>Ted Lasso</i>. Photos: Getty Images and Apple TV+ In the dynamic tapestry of small-business management, the infusion of character traits from influential … Continued

How to make the most of your Business Reviews

July 2, 2024

How to Make the Most of Your Business Reviews The invisible trap that keeps small businesses, well, small. Photo: Getty Images Customers and vendors both benefit from regular and formal check-ins, also known as business reviews. However, in my experience as a customer success leader, business reviews are not always well attended by the people who … Continued

3 Ways to Develop the Best Mindset for Success

February 8, 2024

3 Ways to Develop the Best Mindset for Success A growth mindset is the key to long-term success because it helps build resiliency. Here’s how to get started. Photo: Getty Images Researchers have identified a key ingredient that often distinguishes those who succeed in the long run, versus those who stop short. It’s called a growth … Continued

4 Marketing Trends Your Brand Needs to Know for 2024

February 8, 2024

4 Marketing Trends Your Brand Needs to Know for 2024 AI is definitely changing the game, but you’ll want to be on watch for these other big shifts happening within the marketing landscape. Photo: Getty Images Trying to keep pace with all of the transformation that’s happening right now, across every area of business? You’re … Continued

How Entrepreneurs Can Succeed Despite Industry Headwinds

February 8, 2024

How Entrepreneurs Can Succeed Despite Industry Headwinds Follow these strategies to deal with today’s challenges. Photo: Getty Images Everything is cyclical. History repeats and markets ebb and flow. Every period of innovation has its naysayers and setbacks – from the Enlightenment leaders who faced resistance from the establishment to more recently, the burst of the … Continued

Keys to Leverage the Future of AI to Grow Your Small Business

February 8, 2024

Keys to Leverage the Future of AI to Grow Your Small Business How to understand the differences between Predictive AI and Generative AI. Photo: Getty Images Over the last year, Artificial intelligence has taken a front-row seat in the conversation across many industries. The utility and power of Generative AI Large Language Models such as ChatGPT have disrupted the … Continued

Jobs Are Changing in 2024: How Experts Predict Roles Will Fade, Shift, and Grow in the New Year

February 8, 2024

Jobs Are Changing in 2024: How Experts Predict Roles Will Fade, Shift, and Grow in the New Year New technologies and growing industries may drive big changes in the labor market. Here’s how company leaders can prepare.  Photo: Getty Images Roles are rapidly shifting–and company leaders will need to keep up in 2024. Changes in demand and technology have … Continued

5 Truth Bombs About Work and Life Nobody Wants to Admit

February 8, 2024

5 Truth Bombs About Work and Life Nobody Wants to Admit Remember: Failure is inevitable. Photo: Getty Images To become successful leaders and entrepreneurs, we must acknowledge and confront the challenges and obstacles shaping our journey. These “truth bombs” may include external factors such as economic conditions and competition, but also internal factors such as our strengths, weaknesses, … Continued

12 Digital Strategies for Business Growth

February 8, 2024

12 Digital Strategies for Business Growth Your social media marketing blueprint. Photo: Getty Images Social media is a wonderful tool to differentiate your business in today’s crowded marketplace. It builds trust, which is uniquely powerful and very difficult to achieve with an ad. I built my first company using social media before it was called … Continued

What’s Your Blind Spot? How Cognitive Biases Limit You as a Leader

February 8, 2024

What’s Your Blind Spot? How Cognitive Biases Limit You as a Leader Few would argue the importance of leadership. Yet only 23 percent of employees strongly see their organization’s leadership as effective. Photo: Getty Images The task of being an effective leader is a difficult one. All the real work of organizations gets done through … Continued

7 Lessons on Creating a Service Experience That Does Your Marketing for You

February 8, 2024

7 Lessons on Creating a Service Experience That Does Your Marketing for You Great service doesn’t happen by accident. Photo: Getty Images As a lifelong student of all things business, I love to look for lessons in my everyday commerce-related interactions. After reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and getting inspired by the transferable lessons in top-tier … Continued

Why Creativity Gets Driven Out of Your Organization as It Grows

February 8, 2024

Why Creativity Gets Driven Out of Your Organization as It Grows You need to balance rules and creativity. Photo: Getty Images As a rule, organizations in their early stages are highly creative and have few rules or low rule density. They might have a rule guiding everything they do in the business, such as “We … Continued

Improve Your Communication Skills at Work With These Tips and Watch Your Productivity Soar

February 8, 2024

Improve Your Communication Skills at Work With These Tips and Watch Your Productivity Soar Clarity in communication is key to everything. Photo: Getty Images As an entrepreneur, you know how important communication at work is. And in order to successfully work with others, you need to clearly communicate your ideas, thoughts, and goals to others in a way that’s … Continued

1 Thing Smart People Do to Boost Their Willpower, Determination, and Odds of Success

February 8, 2024

1 Thing Smart People Do to Boost Their Willpower, Determination, and Odds of Success Not sleep. Not nutrition. And certainly not self-talk. When you need to stay the course, make sure you don’t do this. Photo: Getty Images Achieving any challenging long-term goal requires perseverance. Determination. Staying the course. Obvious? Absolutely. But no less true. So what makes … Continued

3 Hard Questions No One Is Asking About A.I., but Everyone Should

February 8, 2024

3 Hard Questions No One Is Asking About A.I., but Everyone Should At recent high-profile tech event, VCs, entrepreneurs, and big-tech executives discussed A.I.’s potential–and its drawbacks. Photo: Getty Images A.I. is a powerful tool, but it can also bring negative consequences for those who work alongside it or are affected by it. It has already cost some … Continued

How to Make Better Decisions, Faster

February 8, 2024

How to Make Better Decisions, Faster Daniel Kahneman, John Smoltz, and A.J. Pierzynski on why data and analysis are important, as long as you also develop a feel for whatever game you play. Photo: Getty Images Contemplation and reflection are important, but nothing ever gets done until you actually get started. In business (and in life), a bias … Continued

Why Are Employees Really Quitting? You Can Boil It Down to 6 Simple Reasons

February 8, 2024

Why Are Employees Really Quitting? You Can Boil It Down to 6 Simple Reasons When a manager doesn’t solicit the opinions of others, trust weakens and morale plummets. Photo: Getty Images After extensive research conducted over the years, I have uncovered key insights into the primary factors contributing to employee turnover. The financial impact of turnover … Continued

3 Habits for Effective Coaching and Building High-Performing Teams

February 8, 2024

  3 Habits for Effective Coaching and Building High-Performing Teams How coaching can unlock performance and growth. Photo: Getty Images No one person has every leadership attribute because different seasons call for different skills. One of the most overlooked leadership skills is coaching. Early in my career, I sought advice and mentorship to help learn the ropes and gain … Continued

How to Build an Advisory Board to Protect and Grow Your Company

September 28, 2023

  How to Build an Advisory Board to Protect and Grow Your Company Harness expertise, gain accountability, and unlock strategic wisdom from board members who have already been where you aim to go. Photo: Getty Images Kent Lewis, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in Portland, Oregon, is the founder of pdxMindShare, an online career community focused on Portland … Continued

6 Strategies for Futureproofing Your Team and Navigating the Next Crisis

September 28, 2023

  6 Strategies for Futureproofing Your Team and Navigating the Next Crisis Don’t let the recent multiple crises cause you and your team to become stressed and dysfunctional. Photo: Getty Images Most companies I work with, like yours, are still reeling from the effects of Covid-19, the rise of inflation, and talent shortages. They are rightly … Continued

Harvard Research Shows Using 1 Word Dramatically Increases Your Ability to Build Consensus and Buy-In

September 28, 2023

  Harvard Research Shows Using 1 Word Dramatically Increases Your Ability to Build Consensus and Buy-In Swapping one word for another changes the nature of the conversation, and its outcome. Photo: Getty Images Some people are unusually persuasive. They influence — in a good way — the people around them. They make people feel a part of … Continued

How to Unlock Your Business’s Growth Potential

September 28, 2023

  How to Unlock Your Business’s Growth Potential Ten sources for continuous business growth. Photo: Getty Images The pursuit of business growth is a fundamental goal for every business. However, for investor-backed companies, particularly those supported by venture capital (VC) or private equity (PE) investors, this pursuit becomes even more critical. With investors seeking substantial returns … Continued

8 Mindsets to Keep You Calm and Productive Despite Increasing Demands

September 28, 2023

  8 Mindsets to Keep You Calm and Productive Despite Increasing Demands You may think that multitasking is the answer, but it takes a terrible toll on your productivity and health. Photo: Getty Images Unfortunately, many of the business professionals I meet these days in my mentoring and consulting activities feel perennially stressed and out of … Continued

How Smart Leaders Use the 10x Rule to Clarify Everything in Their Business

September 28, 2023

  How Smart Leaders Use the 10x Rule to Clarify Everything in Their Business This rule is a simple way to eliminate everything that won’t work and hone in on what will. Photo: Getty Images Are you tired of striving for consistent growth, trying to figure out a hundred different ways to grow your business by 10 … Continued

How to Deal With Customers Who Are Angry, and Prevent Others From Getting That Way? Use Emotional Intelligence

September 28, 2023

  How to Deal With Customers Who Are Angry, and Prevent Others From Getting That Way? Use Emotional Intelligence Dealing with irate customers requires two qualities: transparency and empathy. Photo: Getty Images Inc.com columnist Justin Bariso answers questions about how to handle workplace and management problems using emotional intelligence. (Note: Some names have been changed.) … Continued

Your Customers Will Tell You Where to Focus, If You Let Them

September 28, 2023

  Your Customers Will Tell You Where to Focus, If You Let Them Evite expanded the way it thought about the journey to parenthood to serve more people. Here’s what every brand can learn from its approach. Photo: Getty Images As brands plan for how to grow and include more people, a wonderful place to start … Continued

Once Is Not Enough–Why Repeating Is the Lesson You Should Keep Repeating

September 28, 2023

  Once Is Not Enough–Why Repeating Is the Lesson You Should Keep Repeating We know the lesson, even believe in it, but we err in thinking applying it once is enough. Photo: Getty Images Lather, rinse, repeat. There’s an urban legend around these three words. The story goes that a few decades ago, leading consumer … Continued

Don’t Call Your Mother. Call Your Competitors First

September 28, 2023

Don’t Call Your Mother. Call Your Competitors First Rather than fear your competitors, find ways to cooperate and learn from them. Photo: Getty Images I’ve been friendly to my competitors throughout my career. I’ve habitually called leaders in my space to chat them up whether I had an agenda or not. And this is a … Continued

3 Crucial Factors to Manage Your Company’s Growth Without Losing Its Spark

July 19, 2023

  3 Crucial Factors to Manage Your Company’s Growth Without Losing Its Spark How a fast-growing business can restore its entrepreneurial soul Photo: Getty Images As a business professor, I have studied organizations that range in size from startups with just a few employees to huge multinationals that employ tens of thousands of people. In … Continued

How To Be A Customer

July 19, 2023

  How To Be A Customer Are there classes for that? Photo: Getty Images In my first career life, I was in some form of department store management.  Everything from managing particular departments, operations manager and store manager.  I’ve spent countless hours helping my associates deal with every customer type known to mankind.  At one … Continued

4 Kinds of Worker Misery You Must Eliminate Now

July 19, 2023

  4 Kinds of Worker Misery You Must Eliminate Now Spend time in workers’ shoes to see how your company keeps them from serving customers well. Photo: Getty Images Business leaders who walk in workers’ shoes are better than those who spend their days holed up in their corner offices. The reason seems clear: if … Continued

3 Things You Need to Know to Build a Strong Network

July 19, 2023

  3 Things You Need to Know to Build a Strong Network It can seem a lower priority when you’re building your business, but a small-time investment here will pay off later. Photo: Getty Images The biggest misconception I hear about building and nurturing a strong network is that it takes a lot of time … Continued

How Can I Get Better at Spotting Talent?

July 19, 2023

  How Can I Get Better at Spotting Talent? And three other tricky workplace dilemmas Photo: Getty Images Inc.com columnist Alison Green answers questions about workplace and management issues–everything from how to deal with a micromanaging boss to how to talk to someone on your team about body odor. Here’s a roundup of answers to … Continued

5 Ways to Better Manage Your Gen-Z Employees

July 19, 2023

  5 Ways to Better Manage Your Gen-Z Employees This generation of young employees is different. Here’s how to work with them. Photo: Getty Images   As a business owner and CEO, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented young professionals over the years. For the platform Apprentice, we’ve even done significant research … Continued

The Keys to Top-Quality Customer Service, According to 24 Business Leaders in the Know

July 19, 2023

  The Keys to Top-Quality Customer Service, According to 24 Business Leaders in the Know They share their advice on how to hire the best CX talent, train your team to walk in your customers’ shoes, and offer support that goes above and beyond expectations. ILLUSTRATIONS BY ESTHER AARTS Entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely … Continued

3 Innovative Ways to Build Brand Loyalty

July 19, 2023

  3 Innovative Ways to Build Brand Loyalty Gaining a customer is a feat in and of itself. Keeping a customer, however, takes that initial effort plus innovative thinking. Photo: Getty Images Building brand loyalty is one of the most critical contributors to the success of any business in today’s highly competitive market. A loyal … Continued

The Owner Versus Employee Mindset

July 19, 2023

  The Owner Versus Employee Mindset Some people just want to be employees. Photo: Getty Images In the early stages of a company, you want everyone on the team–from your front-line employees to your partners who own equity with you–to go above and beyond toward making the company successful. You hope everyone thinks strategically and … Continued

5 Steps to Take to Stand Out in a Rough Market

July 19, 2023

  5 Steps to Take to Stand Out in a Rough Market Follow these steps and the market might not mean your startup will die Photo: Getty Images If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve surely noticed that the market is not exactly sympathetic to startups nowadays. You’ve been hearing a lot about layoffs in tech, … Continued

The Power of Connection: How Relationship-Focused Leadership Drives Success

July 19, 2023

  The Power of Connection: How Relationship-Focused Leadership Drives Success Why leaders need to focus on relationship building now more than ever Photo: Getty Images Outcomes > hours. I hope to be able to convince you of this by the end of this article. Why? Because if you’re looking to create more reliable revenue in … Continued

The Power of Connection: How Relationship-Focused Leadership Drives Success

July 19, 2023

  The Power of Connection: How Relationship-Focused Leadership Drives Success Why leaders need to focus on relationship building now more than ever Photo: Getty Images Doing this one thing changed everything about how I lead. I stopped thinking about leadership as a role with responsibilities and started treating it as a relationship. You’ve probably heard … Continued

Deepak Chopra: ‘We Need a Pandemic of Joy’

July 19, 2023

  Deepak Chopra: ‘We Need a Pandemic of Joy’ At Inc. Founders House during SXSW, the New Age icon and entrepreneur offered advice on what makes a good company, and predictions on new business opportunities in wellness. Deepak Chopra at Inc. Founders House during SXSW in Austin. Photo: Dennis Burnett   Amid the frenzy that is … Continued

5 Ways to Prepare Your Business Team to Tackle Any Market Change

July 19, 2023

  5 Ways to Prepare Your Business Team to Tackle Any Market Change To survive and thrive in business today, you need every team member engaged and working together. Photo: Getty Images Many business leaders I meet in my consulting practice are frustrated by the challenge of getting their teams working together, increasing engagement, and … Continued

To Keep a Conversation From Becoming a Conflict

July 19, 2023

  To Keep a Conversation From Becoming a Conflict, Understand and Interrupt the Pattern of Escalation There’s only one thing you need to do to defuse a conflict.  Listening isn’t it. Photo: Getty Images Almost every interpersonal conflict follows the same pattern of escalation. Once you are familiar with that pattern, it’s easier to understand how … Continued

How to Create a Consistently High-Performing Team

July 19, 2023

  How to Create a Consistently High-Performing Team Employee performance is an ongoing concern. Here are three areas to focus on if you want to build a team that can perform at a high level over time. Photo: Getty Images I’ve found that getting a team to perform well is a bit like maintaining my … Continued

How to Improve Key Areas of Your Business

July 19, 2023

  How to Improve Key Areas of Your Business While every business has something that makes it unique, they all have similar features that can be streamlined with the right tools. Illustration: Getty Images   Are you finding it tough to streamline your daily work processes, and that most of your business resources remain overworked … Continued

5 Ways to Promote Your Business Without Directly Promoting Your Business

July 19, 2023

  5 Ways to Promote Your Business Without Directly Promoting Your Business Instead of shamelessly self-promoting, try doing this. Illustration: Getty Images As our social-media feeds and inboxes get busier and busier, our attention span decreases accordingly. None of us have time to spend following a company or a person who talks about himself all … Continued

Scaling Your Business Means Taking Risks. Here’s How to Make Sure Yours Are Calculated

July 19, 2023

  Scaling Your Business Means Taking Risks. Here’s How to Make Sure Yours Are Calculated To maximize your chances of success, make sure the risks you take are the right ones.   Illustration: Getty Images Taking risks is a natural part of being in business. The key to dealing with them is to make sure … Continued

7 Simple Steps to Creating a Productivity Tracker for Your Business

July 19, 2023

  7 Simple Steps to Creating a Productivity Tracker for Your Business Work on the right things at the right time in your business using this simple method. Illustration: Getty Images It’s no secret productivity is a serious concern for entrepreneurs. You regularly set lofty goals for yourself and you’re keen on growing your business … Continued