Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Business Therapist Advice and Support to Business Health and Wealth ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [The Secret to a Productive Business Team](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-secret-to-a-productive-business-team/) - As the business owner, the key to a productive business is to build a team with a diversity of strengths. - [How to Hire an Employee - Quick Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-hire-an-employee/) - Hiring or firing an employee can be tough. Here are two short and simple suggestions... - [Time Management Tip - Energy Management](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/time-management-tips/) - What is the point of freeing up time with good time management skills, if you’re not energized to get your work done? Here's the best time management tip... - [How to Be Both a Leader and a Manager](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-be-both-a-leader-and-a-manager/) - Managing and leading can be seen as opposites since change can challenge existing systems. Here are a few tips to help you while incorporating both skills. Managing and leading can be seen as opposites since change can challenge existing systems. Here are a few tips to help you while incorporating both skills. - [Buy Back One Day a Week](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/buy-back-one-day-a-week/) - What would you do with one extra day every week? Learn how business owners can buy back one day and begin turning business growth into personal freedom. - [Start With Why, Then Put It to Work](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/start-with-why-then-put-it-to-work/) - Your business “why” should do more than inspire a slogan. It should guide your decisions, shape the customer experience and help the company support the life you want to build. - [Turn Website Traffic Into Business Insights](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/turn-website-traffic-into-business-insights/) - Website analytics can help small businesses understand how customers find them, which pages attract attention and what may be preventing visitors from purchasing, booking or making contact. - [Busy Isn't the Goal - Progress Is](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/busy-isnt-the-goal-progress-is/) - Successful business owners don't simply work harder; they make better decisions about how they spend their time. Discover practical ways to turn busy days into meaningful progress. - [Hire for Potential, Train for Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/hire-for-potential-train-for-success/) - Cross-training during onboarding can uncover hidden talents, improve teamwork, and help businesses place employees where they'll be most successful. - [Improve Your Customer's Confidence in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improve-your-customers-confidence-in-your-business/) - Providing a guarantee is a powerful way to eliminate purchase risks for new and existing customers by increasing their confidence in your business. Providing a guarantee is a powerful way to eliminate purchase risks for new and existing customers by increasing their confidence in your business. - [A Simple Profit Improvement Strategy for Small Businesses](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-simple-profit-improvement-strategy-for-small-businesses/) - Many small businesses can improve profitability without adding customers or working longer hours. The Pareto Principle helps identify the activities, clients, and services that deliver the greatest return. - [Crafting Your Ideal Day: A Pathway to Cash, Freedom, and Happiness](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/crafting-your-ideal-day-a-pathway-to-cash-freedom-and-happiness/) - Imagine a day where your morning begins unhurried, then doing work that truly excites you. By scripting your ideal day, this dream morphs into a tangible goal. - [Know Your Numbers, Grow Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/know-your-numbers-grow-your-business/) - Want to grow your business with greater confidence? Start by establishing a baseline. Tracking basic key metrics can reveal opportunities for sustainable growth. - [Has Your Business Become a Prison Instead of a Path to Freedom?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/has-your-business-become-a-prison-instead-of-a-path-to-freedom/) - Many business owners build successful companies only to find themselves trapped by them. Learn how systems, delegation, and leadership can help you reclaim your time and energy. - [Systems Create Freedom in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/systems-create-freedom-in-business/) - Many business owners unknowingly become the bottleneck in their own company. Strong systems can create more freedom, less stress, and better growth opportunities. - [AI Basics for Small Business Owners - Your First Smart Step](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/ai-basics-for-small-business-owners-your-first-smart-step/) - New to AI? Learn the one question every small business owner should ask to uncover challenges, identify solutions, and work smarter. - [Small Changes That Keep Great Employees](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/small-changes-that-keep-great-employees/) - Great employees rarely leave over one issue. More often, small frustrations build over time. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference. - [Why Some Business Owners Hesitate to Hire a Coach](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-some-business-owners-hesitate-to-hire-a-coach/) - Business growth often starts with changing the mindset of the owner. The Business Therapist® helps business owners create sustainable change through practical, manageable steps. - [Small Change, Big Gains](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/small-change-big-gains/) - Improving time management doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small, consistent actions, like delegating one task, can create the space needed for real business growth. - [Change the Owner, Change the Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/change-the-owner-change-the-business/) - Real business growth doesn’t start with strategy; it starts with the business owner. A shift in mindset is often the first and most important step toward lasting success. - [How AI and Business Coaching Work Together](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-ai-and-business-coaching-work-together/) - AI is transforming how we work, but its true power depends on the questions we ask. That’s where human insight and a strong business coach remains essential. - [Business Improvement Through Reflection](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-improvement-through-reflection/) - Taking the time to reflect and identify what you are "pretending not to know" can help you to make more informed decisions and improve your business. Taking the time to reflect and identify what you are "pretending not to know" can help you to make more informed decisions and improve your business. - [Clear the Noise: Digital Declutter for Business Owners](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/clear-the-noise-digital-declutter-for-business-owners/) - A digital declutter is more than cleaning up files; it’s about reducing mental noise, improving focus, and creating clearer systems for how your business operates. - [Build a Resilient System-Based Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/build-a-resilient-system-based-business/) - Hidden knowledge inside your team can quietly put your business at risk. Capturing and sharing key processes helps build business resilience and stability. - [Action Is the Antidote to Anxiety](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/action-is-the-antidote-to-anxiety/) - From difficult conversations to everyday life admin, unresolved tasks quietly drain your energy. Action closes the anxiety loop and gives you your focus back. - [Employee Accountability That Actually Motivates](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/employee-accountability-that-actually-motivates/) - The most effective leaders don’t just correct mistakes, they consistently recognize what their team is doing right, creating momentum and a stronger workplace culture. - [What Are You Really Selling? Understanding Jobs to Be Done](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/what-are-you-really-selling-understanding-jobs-to-be-done/) - The Jobs-to-Be-Done framework challenges business owners to look beyond products and focus on the real outcomes customers want. - [Business Breakthroughs With Outrageous Ideas](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-breakthroughs-with-outrageous-ideas/) - Sometimes the best business ideas begin as something that sounds a little… crazy. Creating safe spaces for teams to share bold ideas can lead to business breakthroughs and countless benefits. - [Why Unfinished Tasks Won’t Let Go](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-unfinished-tasks-wont-let-go/) - The Zeigarnik Effect explains why unfinished tasks linger in our minds, quietly draining focus and energy, especially for business owners juggling constant decisions and actions. - [Second-Generation Business: Stepping Into the House That’s Already Built](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/second-generation-business-stepping-into-the-house-thats-already-built/) - Second-generation business leadership isn’t about rebuilding; it’s about leading what already exists. Early planning and support make all the difference. - [Clarity Over Perfection: Why “Good Enough” Wins](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/clarity-over-perfection-why-good-enough-wins/) - Clarity in business doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means understanding enough to act with intention, adjust with insight, and grow stronger with each step. - [What’s Really Driving Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/whats-really-driving-your-business/) - When personal and business goals aren’t aligned, business owners often lose passion and clarity. Discover why aligning what you want personally with what your business demands is key to long-term success. - [Family Business - 5 Tips for Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/family-business-5-tips-for-success/) - Family businesses can thrive when they set clear boundaries, adopt a consistent decision-making process, and keep the focus on business roles rather than family history. - [Track the Business Metrics That Drive Profit](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/track-the-business-metrics-that-drive-profit/) - Successful business owners track key behaviours like inquiries, quotes, follow-ups, and conversions. Start with one metric, review it weekly, and make small adjustments that add up to major results. - [Why Focused Customer Segments Drive Smarter Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-focused-customer-segments-drive-smarter-business-growth/) - Trying to be everything to everyone often weakens your message. Focused customer segments help businesses create clearer value, stronger connections, and smarter growth strategies. - [From Vision to Action: Why Small, Structured Goals Win](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/from-vision-to-action-why-small-structured-goals-win/) - A single, long-term vision rarely motivates a team on its own. Real progress comes from short-term, clearly defined goals that employees can understand, contribute to, and see moving forward. - [Employee Happiness Matters](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/employee-happiness-matters/) - Employee happiness isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It drives productivity, retention, and resilience. Small, human-centred actions can make a big business impact. - [2026 Predictions: Read Carefully, Plan Deliberately](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/2026-predictions-read-carefully-plan-deliberately/) - 2026 predictions are interpretations, not guarantees. The real advantage belongs to leaders who plan deliberately, adapt quickly, and stay accountable to their own goals. - [Three Questions That Shape Business Health and Wealth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/three-questions-that-shape-business-health-and-wealth/) - True business health and wealth isn’t measured by revenue alone. It’s built on clarity, balance, and systems that support both long-term wealth and personal well-being. - [Preparing Your Business for Sale: Why Readiness Matters](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/preparing-your-business-for-sale-why-readiness-matters/) - Many business owners hope to sell their company one day, but only a small percentage are actually prepared. Early preparation is the key to maximizing valuation and ensuring a smooth transition and a successful sale. - [The Power of a Strategic Pause](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-power-of-a-strategic-pause/) - Most business owners stay trapped in the daily grind, reacting to problems instead of creating solutions. A strategic pause can reveal clarity that simply isn’t available during day-to-day operations. - [The Silent Cost of “Just Getting By” Operations](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-silent-cost-of-just-getting-by-operations/) - Is your business “just getting by” operationally? These silent costs are hurting your business. Learn why this happens and how to fix the foundations and build a culture of consistent excellence. - [Beyond the Income Statement: Why Every Business Needs KPI Clarity](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/beyond-the-income-statement-why-every-business-needs-kpi-clarity/) - The most successful businesses don’t guess; they measure what matters. KPIs turn intentions into results, building businesses that create both profit and personal freedom. - [When Your Business Coach Becomes Your Accountability Partner](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/when-your-business-coach-becomes-your-accountability-partner/) - A great business coach doesn’t just advise, they hold you accountable. By combining expert guidance with follow-through, accountability helps business owners achieve growth and freedom. - [The Benefits of a Culture of Kindness in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-benefits-of-a-culture-of-kindness-in-your-business/) - When leaders model kindness, they inspire teams to work better together. The result? Loyal customers, motivated employees, and a thriving business culture. - [The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring a Business Coach](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-hidden-costs-of-not-hiring-a-business-coach/) - The real price of not hiring a business coach isn’t measured in dollars — it’s measured in missed opportunities, unmanaged growth, and the toll of trying to do it all alone. The real price of not hiring a business coach isn’t measured in dollars — it’s measured in missed opportunities, unmanaged growth, and the toll of trying to do it all alone. - [The Power of an Abundance Mindset: How Business Owners Can Stress Less and Thrive More](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-power-of-an-abundance-mindset-how-business-owners-can-stress-less-and-thrive-more/) - Shifting from scarcity to abundance means changing your focus from “What if I lose?” to “What can I learn?” This mindset helps business owners manage stress, nurture relationships, and create lasting growth. - [The Smartest Investment You’ll Ever Make: Yourself](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-smartest-investment-youll-ever-make-yourself/) - When the markets feel unpredictable, the smartest investment isn’t in stocks or bonds — it’s in yourself. You control the risk, the reward, and the pace of growth. - [Why Constant Connectivity Hurts Your Business and Your Life](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-constant-connectivity-hurts-your-business-and-your-life/) - Being constantly connected doesn’t make you a better leader — it makes you reactive and exhausted. Learning to check in only when you can respond helps you reclaim focus, energy, and peace of mind. - [Is the Problem Really the Problem?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-the-problem-really-the-problem/) - Jumping to solve a business problem might feel productive, but if you’re tackling the wrong issue, you’re wasting time. The key is to pause and ask: “Is the problem really the problem?” - [How “Busy Energy” Can Drive Customers Away](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-busy-energy-can-drive-customers-away/) - A full schedule is a great problem to have, but “busy energy” can cost you business. With small changes in communication and mindset, you can stay booked while still inviting new opportunities. - [Energy Management: The Hidden Key to Thriving Business Teams](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/energy-management-the-hidden-key-to-thriving-business-teams/) - You can manage your time perfectly, but without energy, productivity stalls. Energy management is the hidden driver of healthy, happy business teams. - [Don’t Let Insurance Oversights Put Your Business at Risk](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/dont-let-insurance-oversights-put-your-business-at-risk/) - Business changes can leave your insurance in the “wrong place.” A quick review with your broker can save you from a denied claim. - [The Hidden Cost of Minimizing Behaviour at Work](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-hidden-cost-of-minimizing-behaviour-at-work/) - Minimizing behaviours might seem harmless, but it quietly drains morale and engagement in the workplace. Recognition is not optional; it’s fuel for motivation. - [Building Business Resilience: Designing Flexible Systems That Endure](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/building-business-resilience-designing-flexible-systems-that-endure/) - Embedding regular feedback loops, dynamic frameworks and concise, actionable plans creates the flexibility business owners need, so when challenges arise, business shifts, not stalls. - [How Tiny Changes Spark Significant Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-tiny-changes-spark-significant-business-growth/) - Create business growth and change one small win at a time. The compounding effect is where the magic happens. - [How Better Communication Transforms Workplaces](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-better-communication-transforms-workplaces/) - A bad attitude is often a result of a good attitude burning out. Improved workplace culture starts with communication and respect. - [Why Every Business Owner Needs Someone to Talk To](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-every-business-owner-needs-someone-to-talk-to/) - A business coach doesn’t have to give you the answers. Discover how talking it out can lead to better decisions and less stress as a business owner. - [Start with the Customer, Not the Idea](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/start-with-the-customer-not-the-idea/) - Defining your market isn’t about going big, it’s about getting specific. Discover unmet needs in a focused customer segment and deliver a solution they can’t ignore. - [Stop Watching the Competition and Start Building Your Own Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/stop-watching-the-competition-and-start-building-your-own-business/) - Your most profitable ideas won’t come from copying your competition; they’ll come from listening to your customers and building something truly unique. - [Procrastination Isn’t the Problem - It’s a Symptom](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/procrastination-isnt-the-problem-its-a-symptom/) - Procrastination is often a symptom, not the root issue. Fear, perfectionism, or lack of clarity may be the real culprits. - [The Little Things That Make a Big Difference in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-little-things-that-make-a-big-difference-in-business/) - Want better culture and stronger customer relationships? Start small. Here are some no- and low-cost actions that can make a difference. - [How to Make “Owner-On-Site” Energy the Everyday Norm](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-make-owner-on-site-energy-the-everyday-norm/) - Owner on site? Service soars. Learn how to bottle that magic, lock in standards, and keep customers raving even when you’re off-site. - [Change Isn’t Easy - But It’s Worth It](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/change-isnt-easy-but-its-worth-it/) - A business coach offers objective insight, realistic actions, and accountability, transforming tough strategic shifts into real change. - [The Hidden Cost of Multitasking: How Distraction Steals Your Productivity and Joy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-hidden-cost-of-multitasking-how-distraction-steals-your-productivity-and-joy/) - Multitasking might feel productive, but it’s quietly stealing your time, energy, and satisfaction. Discover how to reclaim your focus and boost your results. - [Introducing TBT Ads: Your Partner in Results-Driven Digital Marketing](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/introducing-tbt-ads-your-partner-in-results-driven-digital-marketing/) - Discover TBT Ads, The Business Therapist’s expert digital marketing branch, offering tailored solutions backed by cross-industry experience and proven results. - [How to Sell What Your Customers Can’t Live Without](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-sell-what-your-customers-cant-live-without/) - Are you selling vitamins or painkillers? Customers always pay to fix pain now. Learn how to shift your message and make your offer irresistible. - [Setting Boundaries and Expectations in the Remote Work Era](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/setting-boundaries-and-expectations-in-the-remote-work-era/) - Email is more than a message; it’s your digital presence. Learn how to communicate more clearly and respectfully set boundaries and expectations. - [Is It Time to Hire a Business Coach? Here's How to Know](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-it-time-to-hire-a-business-coach-heres-how-to-know/) - Hiring a business coach isn't just about fixing problems—it's about unlocking potential. Whether you're aiming for more cash flow, freedom, or happiness, the right advisor can make all the difference. - [How a Bold Guarantee Can Boost Your Sales](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-a-bold-guarantee-can-boost-your-sales/) - When you make your guarantee big, bold, and impossible to miss, you reduce hesitation and make it easier for customers to choose you over your competitors. - [How to Truly Engage the Next Generation of Employees](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-truly-engage-the-next-generation-of-employees/) - Business owners: Your younger team isn’t driven by ownership but by alignment. Discover how to connect your business goals to their lifestyle needs. - [Prioritizing Mental Health at Work](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/prioritizing-mental-health-at-work/) - Good mental health drives resilience, innovation, and loyalty. Forward-thinking businesses are prioritizing employee well-being, and seeing remarkable returns. - [Unlocking Business Potential With Coaching](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/unlocking-business-potential-with-coaching/) - Our coaching helps business owners navigate challenges by fostering self-discovery and strategic thinking, leading to sustainable growth. - [Changing Perspectives - Step Outside Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/changing-perspectives-step-outside-your-business/) - Still hanging onto old systems "because that’s how we’ve always done it"? That mindset could be holding your business back. It’s time to change your perspective. - [Utilizing Insights to Elevate Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/utilizing-insights-to-elevate-your-business/) - In the quest for business excellence, the truth often hides beneath assumptions. Learn a methodical approach to gaining actionable business insights. - [Unlocking Success: The Power of Team Advisory Board Meetings](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/unlocking-success-the-power-of-team-advisory-board-meetings/) - Invest in your workforce with Team Advisory Board meeting, and transform feedback into actionable insights that drive success and engagement. - [How Decision Fatigue May Be Affecting Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-decision-fatigue-may-be-affecting-your-business/) - By recognizing the effects of decision fatigue, business owners can better strategize how to manage their decision-making workload more effectively. - [Building Better Banking Relationships](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/building-better-banking-relationships/) - Do you struggle with banking frustrations as a business owner? Learn how timing and the right requests can enhance your financial relationship. - [Empowering Teams Through Direct Communication](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/empowering-teams-through-direct-communication/) - Unleash the power of direct communication in your business. Discover why eliminating "soft talk" can improve your business. - [Discovering the Theory of Constraints to Help Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/discovering-the-theory-of-constraints-to-help-your-business/) - Productivity isn't driven by faster machines alone. The slowest process, or "bottleneck," dictates your system's pace. - [Overcoming Guilt for Healthier Business Leadership](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/overcoming-guilt-for-healthier-business-leadership/) - Are guilty feelings holding you back in your business journey? Discover how embracing balance can lead you to ultimate success. - [Strengthen Your Business Relationship with Your Accountant](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/strengthen-your-business-relationship-with-your-accountant/) - Proactive communication with your accountant can save you time and money, strengthening your business relationship. - [Unlocking Employee Potential without Breaking the Bank](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/unlocking-employee-potential-without-breaking-the-bank/) - Learn the simple strategies to unlock your employee’s potential, which can lead to incredible productivity and job satisfaction. - [Transform Your Business with These Simple Daily Habits](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/transform-your-business-with-these-simple-daily-habits/) - Incorporating simple, daily habits like setting clear goals and prioritizing continuous learning can profoundly impact your business's growth trajectory. - [Cultivating Growth: Small Daily Actions for Business Owners](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cultivating-growth-small-daily-actions-for-business-owners/) - While big-picture planning and long-term strategies are essential, business owners need to act on the power of small daily actions to cultivate business growth. While big-picture planning and long-term strategies are essential, business owners need to act on the power of small daily actions to cultivate business growth. - [Turning Your Business Vision Into Action](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/turning-your-business-vision-into-action/) - To create a vision for your business, align your goals with your team’s abilities and witness the power of collective action. Ready, set, grow! - [The Hidden Costs of Unnecessary Discounts](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-hidden-costs-of-unnecessary-discounts/) - Discounts may seem like a quick way to attract customers, but can drain your profits. Discover why voluntary discounts are the worst kind and how to address this challenge in your business. - [Tailoring Your Products or Services for Maximum Profit](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tailoring-your-products-or-services-for-maximum-profit/) - Businesses can achieve profits, cost savings and increased customer satisfaction by tailoring products and services to specific segments. - [Why Cyber Insurance is Essential for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-cyber-insurance-is-essential-for-small-and-medium-sized-businesses/) - Recent cyber threats have surged 40% on small and medium businesses. Learn why you need to invest in Cyber Insurance. - [Outshine Your Competition: No-Cost Strategies for Business Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/outshine-your-competition-no-cost-strategies-for-business-success/) - Stand out in a crowded market without spending a dime! Discover no-cost strategies for business success. - [Navigating the Unique Challenges of Family-Owned Businesses](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/navigating-the-unique-challenges-of-family-owned-businesses/) - Transform your family business dynamics with tailored coaching. Discover how The Business Therapist®, guides family-run ventures to achieve harmony and sustainability. - [Strategies for Essential Business Planning](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/strategies-for-essential-business-planning/) - Are you overwhelmed by daily demands and putting off strategic planning? Learn how to prioritize your business's future with these three actionable steps. - [Overcoming Negativity Bias: A Guide to Better Decision-Making](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/overcoming-negativity-bias-a-guide-to-better-decision-making/) - By recognizing negativity bias and contextualizing feedback with data, you can override the instinctual lean towards negative outcomes. - [Business Meetings: Essential Tools or Time Wasters?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-meetings-essential-tools-or-time-wasters/) - Are business meetings a waste of time or a crucial tool for success? Discover how they can drive effective communication, reduce conflicts and boost accountability. - [Merging Business and Personal Goals for a Thriving Life](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/merging-business-and-personal-goals-for-a-thriving-life/) - Aligning your business and personal objectives is not just a nice-to-have; it's essential for a sustainable and fulfilling life. - [Key Aspects Business Owners Often Overlook](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/key-aspects-business-owners-often-overlook/) - Many business owners are so engrossed in day-to-day operations that they can easily overlook key aspects of their business. Discover what you're missing! - [When Business Leaders Apologize Too Much](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/when-business-leaders-apologize-too-much/) - Business leaders, are you apologizing too much? Learn how unnecessary apologies can impact your authority and how to project confidence instead. - [Finding the Balance: How a Simple Fee Exemption Request Became a Business Opportunity](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/finding-the-balance-how-a-simple-fee-exemption-request-became-a-business-opportunity/) - A simple negotiation for a fee exemption turned into a game-changing opportunity. Discover how open dialogue with a bank revealed new ways to grow a business. - [The Unmatched Benefits of Hiring a Business Coach](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-unmatched-benefits-of-hiring-a-business-coach/) - Hiring a business coach serves as an accountability partner, fostering a culture of responsibility while driving productivity and motivation. - [What Are You Pretending Not to Know About Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/what-are-you-pretending-not-to-know-about-your-business/) - In the quiet moments of reflection, away from the distraction of daily tasks, you may find truths about your business that you've been pretending not to know. - [How to Identify Business Problems](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-identify-business-problems/) - Unlock your business potential by identifying the true problem. Discover effective strategies to pinpoint and address your business problems and learn insights. - [Business Owners Reclaim Your Day and Protect Your Time from Being Stolen](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-owners-reclaim-your-day-and-protect-your-time-from-being-stolen/) - Each day, business owners face culprits that steal their precious time. Reclaim your time and enhance both your professional and personal life satisfaction. - [Bridging the Gap: Help for Family-Owned Businesses](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/bridging-the-gap-help-for-family-owned-businesses/) - Balancing family dynamics and business objectives can be challenging. Check out our tips to help improve the dynamics in your family-owned business. - [Empowering Success: Ensuring Your Key Employees Thrive](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/empowering-success-ensuring-your-key-employees-thrive/) - Is your business prepared for unexpected changes? Learn the importance of helping your key employees thrive while safeguarding your company's future. - [Revitalizing Employee Motivation](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/revitalizing-employee-motivation/) - Unlocking Millennial Employee Motivation: It's no longer about the "carrot and stick." Discover the power of trust and authenticity in your business. - [The Key to Clarity and Productivity](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-key-to-clarity-and-productivity/) - Feeling overwhelmed by business decisions? Use this 8-step plan to systematically gain clarity and productivity. - [How to Make Lasting Change in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-make-lasting-change-in-your-business/) - Thinking of abandoning implementing a change in your business because it’s not working? Maybe it's just not working YET. - [A Great Business Differentiator](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-great-business-differentiator/) - What if all businesses deliver what is promised when it's promised? It's a great way to differentiate your business. - [Transforming Your Mindset Can Lead to Business Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/transforming-your-mindset-can-lead-to-business-success/) - It's true: the key to transforming your business, starting with your mindset, is within you. It's true: the key to transforming your business, starting with your mindset, is within you. - [No-Cost Strategies to Elevate Customer Service](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/no-cost-strategies-to-elevate-customer-service/) - Improving customer service doesn’t always demand a financial outlay. There are several no-cost ways to elevate your customer service. - [What North American Businesses Can Learn from Europe's August Sabbatical](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/what-north-american-businesses-can-learn-from-europes-august-sabbatical/) - Discover the secret behind Europe’s August sabbatical and why North American businesses should consider this to boost productivity and employee well-being. - [Part 2 - Solutions for Stress Bragging in the Workplace](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/part-2-solutions-for-stress-bragging-in-the-workplace/) - It's time to put an end to stress bragging in the workplace. Discover strategies to foster a healthier, more balanced work culture. - [Part 1 - How Stress Bragging Affects Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/part-1-how-stress-bragging-affects-your-business/) - Discover the hidden dangers of Stress Bragging and how it might be harming your business. - [Transforming Your Business with Effective Employee Accountability](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/transforming-your-business-with-effective-employee-accountability/) - Transform your business with effective employee accountability. Identify the barriers, provide timely feedback, and celebrate your team's achievements. - [The Importance of Consistency in Business Leadership](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-importance-of-consistency-in-business-leadership/) - For effective leadership in business:. reflect on the messages your actions are sending to your team. Consistency is key. - [Investing in Your Business for Long-term Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/investing-in-your-business-for-long-term-success/) - Maximize your returns by investing in what you know best: your business. From tech upgrades to employee training, smart investments can lead to long term success. - [Achieve Business Freedom in 4 Transformative Steps](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/achieve-business-freedom-in-4-transformative-steps/) - Align your business goals with personal passions for unparalleled success. Learn 4 transformative steps to business freedom. - [Elevating Your Personal and Professional Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/elevating-your-personal-and-professional-growth/) - Unlock the secret to sustained success and happiness. Learn why personal wellness, spiritual alignment, and healthy living are key for business leaders. - [Who Will Buy Your Business? A Roadmap to Succession Planning](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/who-will-buy-your-business-a-roadmap-to-succession-planning/) - Secure the future of your business with a solid succession plan. From identifying buyers to training successors, start planning today for a seamless transition. - [Goal Setting is a Key to A Thriving Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/goal-setting-is-a-key-to-a-thriving-business/) - Aligning personal and business goals is key to success. Empower employees to drive your vision of a thriving business. - [Understanding Business Valuation (What's Your Business Worth?)](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/understanding-business-valuation-whats-your-business-worth/) - The purpose of the valuation plays a critical role in determining what your business is worth. Here are some fundamental considerations. - [Strategic Customer Service Solutions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/strategic-customer-service-solutions/) - Customer service challenges? Reevaluate your service offerings and customer segments. By focusing on what you do best, you can pave the way for higher profits. - [Identifying the Real Business Problem Before Finding a Solution](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/identifying-the-real-business-problem-before-finding-a-solution/) - Taking the time to identify the real business problem problem before attempting to solve it can save you time and improve your business. - [Problem Solving in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/problem-solving-in-business/) - Many businesses do not struggle with problem-solving, but in understanding the actual problem, often looking too quickly for a solution. - [Maximizing Revenue: Converting Leads into Sales](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/maximizing-revenue-converting-leads-into-sales/) - By identifying and addressing gaps in the conversion process, businesses can maximize opportunities presented by their leads and ultimately boost their revenue. - [Creating a Motivating Work Environment](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/creating-a-motivating-work-environment/) - Small business owners can motivate their employees by offering a few key elements that can significantly improve employee satisfaction and productivity. - [Knowing When to Scale Back: Quality Over Quantity in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/knowing-when-to-scale-back-quality-over-quantity-in-business/) - Sometimes, having a smaller, more focused operation can lead to greater satisfaction and happiness than constantly striving for more. - [Shifting Your Focus: Overcoming the Magnification of Problems](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/shifting-your-focus-overcoming-the-magnification-of-problems/) - Are you spending too much time and energy on a business challenge? Learn how to shift your focus and reframe the problem. - [The Paralysis of Analysis: What Stops Business Owners from Making Important Decisions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-paralysis-of-analysis-what-stops-business-owners-from-making-important-decisions/) - As a business advisor, my role is to help business owners overcome analysis paralysis and make informed, timely decisions for their companies. - [The Best Investment Advice Nobody Ever Takes](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-best-investment-advice-nobody-ever-takes/) - I am not a financial advisor, but I often review investment plans for many clients and one key criterion prompts me to offer some advice. - [Maximizing Business Efficiency and Profitability](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/maximizing-business-efficiency-and-profitability/) - Maximize your business's efficiency and profitability by focusing on your top customers and top products. - [Unleashing Business Success: Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs for Business Owners](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/unleashing-business-success-overcoming-self-limiting-beliefs-for-business-owners/) - Unlock your business success by breaking free from self-limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of empowerment and possibility. - [Embracing the Customer's Perspective is Key to Exceptional Customer Service](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/embracing-the-customers-perspective-is-key-to-exceptional-customer-service/) - The customer's perspective is more than just feedback or complaints; it is a valuable insight into what drives their purchasing decisions. - [Maximizing Employee Motivation: Advice for Today's Business Leaders](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/maximizing-employee-motivation-advice-for-todays-business-leaders/) - To inspire and engage the millennial generation, traditional approaches no longer work. Rather it's crucial to understand each individual's personal motivation. - [A Tip for Advertising Effectiveness](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/advertising-effectiveness-advice/) - One recommendation we always make to business owners is to test and measure marketing efforts. - [How Focusing on Fewer Products Can Increase Your Business Profits](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-focusing-on-fewer-products-can-increase-your-business-profits/) - Businesses can increase profits by specializing and offering fewer products or services that provide significant value to customers. - [Trusting Your Gut: A Quick Technique for Making Big Business Decisions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/trusting-your-gut-a-quick-technique-for-making-big-business-decisions/) - Making important business decisions can often be overwhelming and lead to analysis paralysis. Sometimes the best approach is to go with your gut feeling. - [Creating an Induction Plan for New Hires](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/creating-an-induction-plan-for-new-hires/) - When compared to the cost of turnover and the need to replace employees, investing in an effective induction plan is worth it. - [Pricing Strategy for Small Businesses: It's About Being Different!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/pricing-strategy-for-small-businesses-its-about-being-different/) - A pricing strategy should be centered around being different from the competition. - [The Power of Setting Boundaries: A Key to Achieving Happiness in Life and Work](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-power-of-setting-boundaries-a-key-to-achieving-happiness-in-life-and-work/) - Instead of working towards work-life balance, business owners should focus on setting boundaries. - [Quick Business Improvement Actions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/quick-business-improvement-actions/) - By setting aside time each day to accomplish these tasks, you can actively work towards achieving your goals and ensuring the long-term success of your business. - [This is a Five Minute Job!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/this-is-a-five-minute-job/) - It takes more effort, time and thought to avoid a task than it does to just dive in and complete it. The simple wisdom behind 'This is a Five Minute Job!' - [Eliminating Costly Bottlenecks in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/eliminating-costly-bottlenecks-in-your-business/) - Learn how to eliminate costly bottlenecks in your business and understand the transformative impact of applying this valuable theory. - [A Strategy for Long-Term Business Growth and Sustainability](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-strategy-for-long-term-business-growth-and-sustainability/) - By embracing this approach, business owners can make well-informed decisions for long-term growth and sustainability. - [Holiday Thoughts](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/holiday-thoughts/) - The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on what's truly important. - [Communication in a Family-Owned Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/communication-in-a-family-owned-business/) - Struggling with communication in your family-aowned business? We specialize in navigating the unique challenges that arise when family and business intertwine. - [The Power of Downtime: Why Giving Your Brain a Break Boosts Productivity](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-power-of-downtime-why-giving-your-brain-a-break-boosts-productivity/) - Our unrelenting busyness comes at a cost. Here are some tips to help you embrace the power of downtime for better productivity. - [Employee Accountability is Essential for Business Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/employee-accountability-is-essential-for-business-success/) - When employees are held accountable, it gives them the opportunity to receive feedback and make necessary improvements, all which benefit your business. - [AI-Powered Blog Writing: What Small Business Owners Need to Know](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/ai-powered-blog-writing-what-small-business-owners-need-to-know/) - Using the power of AI can help business owners with blog or website content writing workflow. Doing so correctly can result in good Google search ranking. - [Spending Time Away From Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/spending-time-away-from-your-business/) - While spending time away from your business, prioritize activities that promote personal well-being, growth, and maintain a proper work-life balance. While spending time away from your business, prioritize activities that promote personal well-being, growth, and maintain a proper work-life balance. - [Writing Off a Vacation](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/writing-off-a-vacation/) - Consulting with a tax professional is highly recommended to understand and navigate the specific rules and requirements related to vacation tax deductions in your area. Consulting with a tax professional is highly recommended to understand and navigate the specific rules and requirements related to vacation tax deductions in your area. - [Small Business Succession Planning Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/small-business-succession-planning-advice/) - Succession planning is a complex process - it's important to have a quarterback who can coordinate and communicate with all the players. Succession planning is a complex process and it is important to have a quarterback who can coordinate and communicate with all the players. - [Stash the Cash: A Golden Strategy for Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/stash-the-cash-a-golden-strategy-for-your-business/) - When your business is flourishing, and the cash position is robust, it's time to consider "stash the cash" strategies. When your business is flourishing, and the cash position is robust, it's time to consider "stash the cash" strategies. - [Why a Tax Problem is a Good Thing!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-a-tax-problem-is-a-good-thing/) - Striving not to pay taxes may seem like a worthy goal, but if you achieve it, you'll also find yourself without any money. Striving not to pay taxes may seem like a worthy goal, but if you achieve it, you'll also find yourself without any money. - [Your Decision-Making Style Affects Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/your-decision-making-style-affects-your-business/) - The choice between a dictator boss or a leadership team both have their advantages, and it is important to consider several factors when making a business decision. The choice between a dictator boss ora leadership team both have their advantages, and it is important to consider several factors when making a business decision. - [Are Your Personal and Professional Goals Aligned?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/are-your-personal-and-professional-goals-aligned/) - Is your business driving your life? This problem often occurs when there's a lack of alignment between personal and professional goals. Is your business driving your life? This problem often occurs when there's a lack of alignment between personal and professional goals. - [Customer Service Strategy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/strategic-customer-service-decision-making/) - Businesses can allocate resources effectively and make strategic decisions by identifying exceptional and common customer service challenges. Businesses can allocate resources effectively and make strategic decisions by identifying exceptional and common customer service challenges. - [Turn Customer Service Problems into Profits](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/turn-customer-service-problems-into-profits/) - When business owners analyze customer problems, they often uncover opportunities for change to improve customer & employee satisfaction and increase profits. - [Develop This Key Business Skill](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/develop-this-key-business-skill/) - Learning to say no is a key skill for business owners. Saying no can help prevent financial loss and allocate your resources more efficiently. Learning to say no is a key skill for business owners. Saying no can help prevent financial loss and allocate your resources more efficiently. - [Is a Negativity Bias Affecting Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-a-negativity-bias-affection-your-business/) - By recognizing the negativity bias and keeping it in check, you can make more informed choices for your business. By recognizing the negativity bias and keeping it in check, you can make more informed choices for your business. - [Can You Honestly Answer This Question?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/can-you-honestly-answer-this-question/) - Business owners: Answer this question, you will uncover valuable insights which will serve as a guide leading you to the most pressing actions you need to take. Business owners: Answer this question, you will uncover valuable insights which will serve as a guide leading you to the most pressing actions you need to take. - [Focusing on Customer Retention is Profitable](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/customer-retention/) - In order to grow the customer base in your business, you should focus on retaining your existing customers as well as attracting new ones. - [The Basics Still Grow Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-basics-still-grow-your-business/) - Sometimes in our search for the latest and greatest new idea to help businesses grow for freedom and cash, we neglect some basic growth strategies. - [Evolve Your Business Strategy to Ride the Waves](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/creating-a-successful-business-strategy/) - Business owners can't control the uncontrollable factors. A successful business strategy is one that can ride the waves of change. - [Common Business Communication Problem](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/common-eliminating-business-communication-problem/) - There is a lethal combination of two factors which may be causing communication problems and ultimately serious issues within your business. - [Is the Economy Affecting Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-the-economy-affecting-your-business/) - Instead of preoccupying ourselves with the state of the economy, we should concentrate on what is in our control. Instead of preoccupying ourselves with the state of the economy, we should concentrate on what is in our control. - [Consistent Customer Service](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/consistent-customer-service/) - Business owners can create a strong foundation for consistent customer service by implementing these practices. Business owners can create a strong foundation for consistent customer service by implementing these practices. - [The Fear of Success in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-fear-of-success/) - Most often, what is actually feared is a side effect of success. Here are a few tips to overcome the fear of success and courageously move your business forward. - [Establishing a Competitive Pricing Strategy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/competitive-pricing-strategy/) - Is your business pricing to the 10% of customers that are never happy? You hear the 10% crowd clearly when they complain, but forget the other 90% are happy. - [A Consideration for Success and Happiness](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-consideration-for-success-and-happiness-business-owners/) - A quote written by Albert Einstien, and recently sold at auction is an insightful consideration for business owners. - [Do The Math Before Making a Business Decision](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/do-the-math-before-making-a-business-decision/) - If you’re about to make a change in your business, based on something “bad” that has happened, take the time to reflect and do the math. If you’re about to make a change in your business, based on something “bad” that has happened, take the time to reflect and do the math. - [Business Owners and Procrastination - It's Time to Get Things Done!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-owners-and-procrastination-its-time-to-get-things-done/) - Are you a business owner who procrastinates? Procrastination can often get the better of us, leading to delays and missed opportunities. Learn what you can do about it. Are you a business owner who procrastinates? Procrastination can often get the better of us, leading to delays and missed opportunities. Learn what you can do about it. - [Important Information for Baby-Boomer Business Owners](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/succession-planning-for-baby-boomer-business-owners/) - Succession planning is a long-term process that starts with the initial planning and continues through the implementation and evaluation of the plan. Succession planning is a long-term process that starts with the initial planning and continues through the implementation and evaluation of the plan. - [Tip for More Focused Business Meetings](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tip-for-more-focused-business-meetings/) - A lot of effort can go into business meetings. When attendees frequently check their phones, it can distract themselves and those around them. A lot of effort can go into business meetings. When attendees frequently check their phones, it can distract themselves and those around them. - [Put the Phone Away & Have Some Real Conversations](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/effective-business-meeting-advice/) - Meetings are about building or deepening relationships between people in a business. It's time to put away mobile phones and focus on having real conversations. - [The Importance of Evolving Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-importance-of-evolving-your-business/) - Evolving your business is essential for staying competitive and profitable in today’s marketplace. - [Liars Don’t Figure, but Figures Don’t Lie ](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/liars-dont-figure-but-figures-dont-lie/) - Don’t tell lies on your tax returns. The numbers will speak for themselves, and it may be years later when you must remember why you did what you did. Don’t tell lies on your tax returns. The numbers will speak for themselves, and it may be years later when you must remember why you did what you did. - [A Change in Your Mindset Can Make Every Business Day Better](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-change-in-your-mindset-can-make-every-business-day-better/) - When you let go of the frustrations around the things you can’t control, you end up having more control! - [Simplifying Your Business for Profit Improvement](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/simplifying-your-business-for-profit-improvement/) - Taking a good hard look at your business's product and service offerings may uncover simple opportunities for profit improvement. - [Create Time Saving Business Systems](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/create-time-saving-business-systems/) - Harness the power of video and the latest technology to create simple, time saving systems in your business. - [The Biggest Pricing Mistake in Small Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/small-business-pricing-mistake/) - All your customers don’t buy for the same reasons. If you group them all together, you end up thinking the main issue is price. It's about price and value. - [Improving the Dynamic in a Family Owned Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/help-for-family-owned-run-business-problems/) - Family owned businesses face unique issues and challenges. Here's our advice to help improve the overall dynamic and move past family business problems. - [Improving Employee Communications - When an Employee 'Doesn't Care'](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-employee-communication/) - When a business has employees with bad attitudes, the entire business suffers. - [1 Tip to Grow Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/1-tip-to-grow-your-business/) - If, as a business owner you’re struggling with sluggish sales and lackluster conversions - here's a tip to grow your business. - [Stop Making Stupid Business Mistakes](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/stop-making-stupid-business-mistakes/) - It's time to stop making stupid business mistakes! Using checklists removes the need to think about the small details and focus on other, important things! - [Tribal Knowledge is Good, But Business Systems Are Better](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tribal-knowledge-is-good-but-business-systems-are-better/) - Documented business systems are better than tribal knowledge. It is worth the short-term investments of time and effort to achieve the lasting freedom and time savings of a systems-building culture. - [Resolving Customer Service Problems](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/resolving-customer-service-problems/) - When customer service problems arise, it is important to take a step back and ask a few questions before reacting. - [Struggling with a Business Decision?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/struggling-with-a-business-decision/) - If you are struggling to make a business decision, have you figured in the consequences of not deciding? There is a potential cost to indecision. Here's our advice.... - [Business Owners - Banking Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-owners-banking-advice/) - Every independent business owner needs a good relationship with their bank. Here's our advice. - [Beat Your Competition by Forgetting Them!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/beat-your-competition-by-forgetting-them/) - Check out this advice on how to beat your business competitors. - [Don't be "This" Business Owner](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/dont-be-this-business-owner/) - The business owner who tries to be all things to all people, is fated to fail. Learn the 3 strategies to adopt to be more competitive in your industry. - [New Year Predictions - Have Caution](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/new-year-predictions-have-caution/) - It is important to be keep the following in mind when reading predictions; whether business, economic, personal or trend related. - [Marketing Your Business - There's a Hole in Your Bucket!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/marketing-advice-for-independent-businesses/) - If you want to increase profits in your business, the common method is to crank up the advertising spending. This can be expensive and ineffective. Learn more.. - [Positive Thoughts Create Positive Results](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/positive-thoughts/) - Could it be possible that the outcome of a business sales meeting can be influenced by positive thoughts? - [Work Smarter or “Work Martyr”](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/work-smarter-work-martyr-business-owner-time-management-advice/) - Business owners need to manage their business, but also their time and energy to function at their best, and that means spending time away from work. - [How to Work Smarter](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-work-smarter/) - To be successful in business you need to be smart in many skills pertaining to different professions. It's time to work smarter - [How to Work Smarter](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/working-smarter-not-harder/) - Business owners, in particular startup businesses, don't have the time to learn all we need to know for business success. It might be time to ‘rent some brains’. - [Discovering the Root Cause of a Problem](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/solutions-for-business-problems/) - Quite often in business, ‘The problem is not the problem’. It takes persistence and effort to drill down to uncover the true root of the problem and create the solution. - [The Importance of Creative Thinking in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-importance-of-creative-thinking-in-business/) - Developing a creative state-of-mind will help when you need to solve a business problem or are trying to develop an innovative idea. - [Business Plan vs Business Model Canvas](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-model-business-canvas/) - A Business Model Canvas is a more visual, dynamic, action focused and activity driven tool for business owners than the traditional business plan. - [The Goal: A Hike Through Operations Management](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/increasing-manufacturing-productivity-theories/) - The story detailed in "The Goal" is a fantastic introduction to industrial engineering basic theories. - [10 Marketing Activities: Save Time & Make Money](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/10-marketing-activities-save-time-make-money/) - Tips to improving your business's marketing process, save time in repetitive marketing work and help you marketing more effectively. - [Online Reviews - More Important Now Than Ever](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/online-reviews-tips-business-owners/) - Now, more now than ever, people are relying on this medium to research and learn about your business. - [Dealing with Negative Online Reviews ](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/dealing-with-negative-online-reviews/) - Online reviews are a fantastic opportunity to improve customer service and experience. Learn how businesses can best deal with negative feedback. - [Eliminate These Two Words in Your Customer Service Interactions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/eliminate-these-two-words-in-your-customer-service-interactions/) - Two little words can have a big impact on your customer service interactions. - [Motivate Your Employees With One-on-One Meetings](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/best-method-to-motivate-employees/) - Alignment between employees` personal goals and professional goals is key to motivation. A great tool for improving motivation is one-on-one meetings. - [Could Fewer Products Mean More Profits?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/less-products-could-mean-more-profits/) - Can less products offered result in more sales for your business? Consider the benefits. - [Special Issue - Stop Burning Your Marketing Cash!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/special-issue-stop-burning-your-marketing-cash/) - We've seen businesses waste some serious cash with marketing efforts. Here are the top four cash burns and simple solutions. - [Getting Beyond Your Barriers to Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/getting-beyond-your-barriers-to-success/) - The biggest barrier to business success is the self-limiting view and beliefs a business owner holds. It's time to explore and get past these barriers. - [Changing Poor Business Behaviours](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/changing-poor-business-behaviours/) - “You can’t think your way into a new way of acting, but you can act your way into a new way of thinking.” Change your business behaviour with simple actionable advice. - [Aligning Business Goals - Find Your Why](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/aligning-business-goals-find-your-why/) - People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it. For that reason, assess if your business goals are aligned with your "why". - [Non-Google Analytics](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/non-google-analytics/) - With Google Analytics, it's easy to determine the sources of your website leads - But are you tracking your ALL of your business's leads? - [The Benefits of Creating a Customer Persona](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-benefits-of-creating-a-customer-archetype-or-persona/) - The more you understand your customers the easier it will be to learn their wants, needs: from their perspective of the world. - [Break Free From Your Competition](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/break-free-from-your-competition/) - To innovate and create new market opportunities, businesses should pay less attention to their direct competitors and focus on these 6 key areas. - [Free Yourself From Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/smart-goals/) - The jobs to be done - Set smart business goals, gain clarity & alignment. Once communicated with your team, you can begin freeing yourself from your business. - [The Secret to Staying Focused in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-secret-to-staying-focused-in-business/) - To stay focused on the important business challenges and opportunities there is one great question to ask yourself at the start of every week... - [How Offering Discounts Can Ruin a Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/discounts-can-ruin-a-business/) - Is it your business's policy to give out discounts? Learn why discounts can ruin a business. - [2 Crucial Elements to Business Success and Happiness](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/2-crucial-elements-to-business-success-and-happiness/) - Honesty and integrity in business still matter, and are an important element to business a successful business and a happy life. - [Getting Over Guilty Feelings as a Business Owner](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/guilt-of-business-owners/) - Often when business owners take time away from the business they feel tremendous guilt. There are ways to avoid this feeling and better enjoy your business. - [How to Grow Your Business - 3 Easy Ways](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-grow-your-business-easy-ways/) - When you get down to it, there are 3 ways to grow your business. The methods, tools and gauges are simple to use and follow. - [Old Habits & Fear of Change are Costing Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/fear-of-change-is-costing-your-business/) - Are old habits and fear of change holding your business back from growth and improved efficiency? - [Grow and Keep Your Small Business!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/grow-your-small-business/) - More and more regions are realizing that supporting the existing businesses benefits the community as much trying to attract big new businesses to come to town. - [There is No Magic Pill for Small Business Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/there-is-no-magic-pill-for-small-business-success/) - If we could invent a magic pill that business owners could take to solve all their problems – our business problems would be solved too! - [Small Business and Stock Market Volatility](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/small-business-stock-market-volatility/) - How does your small business handle stock market volatility? Do you over react when the market decides it’s worth a lot more or a lot less? - [Increase Business Profits - 1 Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/increasing-business-profits/) - Some business owners have trouble saying NO for various reasons, and this often costs them financially. Learn how to increase profits by saying, 'NO'! - [Academic Degree vs. Real World Experience](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/academic-degree-vs-real-world-experience/) - How important is having a graduate university or professional degree? Is having real-life experience just as or more valuable? - [What Type of Business Owner Are You?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/what-type-of-business-owner-are-you/) - In business, each of us has a natural preference to be one of three business styles. The first step is to determine which type of work you naturally prefer. - [Hiring and Firing Employees - The Best Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/hiring-and-firing-employees/) - Some business tips need a lot of explanation and support stories. This particular piece of advice about hiring and firing employees stands on its own... - [Real Core Values in Small Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/core-values-in-small-business/) - One of the things we do for our business owner clients is to help them clarify and communicate their business's core values. - [Wise Business Advice from 1965](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/best-business-time-management-advice/) - The 1965 classic "The Effective Executive" by Peter Drucker is still very relevant today for business owners, managers and leaders. - [Value vs Time - A Tip for Business Owners](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/value-in-business/) - As business owners, we sometimes forget how many years of school or real life experience are involved in being able to share our talent. - [Grow Your Business - 4 Ways](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/grow-your-business-4-ways/) - There are four ways to grow a business, learn the most profitable method. - [Grow Your Business, Grow Your Mind](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/grow-your-business-grow-your-mind/) - You ‘grow’ your mind by exposing it to new and different things - not by thinking and seeing the same thing over and over again. - [What To Do With Your Small Business Profits?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/what-to-do-with-your-small-business-profits/) - There are two options for investing your small business profits, learn more: - [The Best Customers for Your Small Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-confident-and-educated-customer/) - Is your sales staff educated in all aspects of the products or services your business offers? An educated and confident consumer is your best potential customer. - [How to Hire Employees - 3 Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-hire-employees/) - Investing a little more effort at the beginning of the hiring process can save a small business money and avoid future frustrations. - [Improving Employer - Employee Dynamics](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/employer-employee-dynamics/) - How you lead your team, your leadership style, will set the tone for your workplace dynamics. Which type of leader are you? - [Business Leadership Development](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-leadership-development/) - The actions and attitudes of the owner impact every part of the business operations. Take ownership and move forward with your business goals and development - [Business Insights - Learn, Act, Grow](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-value-of-business-insights/) - Be open to learning something new about your business to grow and improve your business. - [Time and Energy Management Tip - Learn to Say NO](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/time-and-energy-management-tip-learn-to-say-no/) - Want more time in your business day? Have you spread yourself too thin? Is it because you agreed to a task that you should have said “NO” to? - [An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Ton of Insurance Coverage](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/implementing-change-in-business-insurance-advice/) - If you're making a change in your business, be certain to advise your insurance professional. - [Setting Business Goals](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/setting-business-goals/) - When you commit to writing a dream down on paper, it becomes a goal. When it's stated as a goal, it provides better clarity for your business. - [Good Business Advice Leads to Good Decisions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/good-small-business-advice-leads-to-making-good-decisions/) - Before making a significant decision, we often ask for business advice. A good business advisor is one who listens and asks questions, instead of giving answers. - [How to Motivate Your Employees (Without Money!)](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/5-ways-to-motivate-your-employees/) - 5 ideas to help business owners motivate employees - without money! - [How to (Not) Motivate Your Employees](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-motivate-your-employees/) - There is an assumption by many small business owners, that employees are motivated mostly by money. Could a complaint by an employee about 'not enough money' be masking the real problem? - [Amp Up Your Customer Service](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improve-customer-service-experience/) - How phone inquiries are handled can make or break a business. Here's how one business amped up their customer service while also increasing profits. - [A Simple Tip for Decision Making in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/decision-making-in-business/) - Indecision can be paralyzing and frustrating to your business. The actions you take to implement a decision can be more important than which decision you choose. - [Advice to Eliminate Customer Service Issues](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/eliminating-customer-service-issues/) - If your business has specific written systems to deal with customer service issues – everyone benefits - the business owner, the customers and the employees. - [Soft Skills for Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/soft-skills-for-business/) - I was at a meeting last week, where the idea of increasing the soft skills training in the business community might help the region grow. So what are 'soft skills'? - [A Solution to Surprise Fees From Accountants and Lawyers](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-solution-to-surprise-fees-from-accountants-and-lawyers/) - Do you cringe when you get an envelope from your accountant or lawyer with some unknown surprise fee inside? - [Improve Employee Productivity with the Right Tools](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improve-employee-productivity/) - “You need to spend a quarter to make a dollar”. This is very true when it comes to equipping your employees to be productive. - [Don't Avoid Firing an Employee](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/firing-an-employee/) - As a business owner, dealing with employee issues can be difficult, but not dealing with them can be worse - Don't avoid firing the bad employee. - [Customer Segmentation and Development](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/customer-segmentation-development/) - Many new businesses focus on determining their market. It is better to drill down in the marketplace and discover customers based on their needs and frustrations. - [All Changes Begin With a Small Step](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/all-changes-begins-with-a-small-step/) - Most people fail to adopt new habits because they want change to happen overnight. However, big changes can happen with just a few small changes. - [There's a Better Way to Deal With Disappointment](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/theres-a-better-way-to-deal-with-disappointment/) - Have you ever been disappointed, angry and/or just generally frustrated with employees, customers, bankers or the government? - [Mutual Respect in the Workplace is Free](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/mutual-respect-in-business/) - Employees will always rank respect higher than money in regard to what's most important to them. Let's explore the benefits of a respectful workplace. - [How to Win a Business Argument](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/win-a-business-argument/) - If you want to be right, you can be, you just need to allow the other person to also be right. - [The Importance of Repetition for Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-growth/) - The value of repetition is often neglected, but is an essential component to business growth. Through repetition, good habits and skills are developed. - [Implementing Change in Business - Understanding the J Curve](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/implementing-change-in-business-understanding-the-j-curve/) - Many businesses striving to make a change abandon the effort early on because "the plan didn't work". The reality is, "the plan didn't work - yet". - [Is Your Business "Flying Blind"?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-your-business-flying-blind/) - Businesses that use only “results based” gauges, are fooling themselves with a false sense of security and are essentially "flying blind". - [Pareto Principle for Profitable Products or Services](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/pareto-principle-for-profitable-products-or-services/) - Business owners: Does this statement resonate with you? The worst 20% of your products consume 80% of the company’s resources. - [How to Establish a Baseline for Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/establishing-a-baseline-for-business-growth/) - Establish a baseline for business growth - If you can measure your business activities and results properly, you can quantify your growth. - [Business Leaders Set the Rhythm](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/leadership-qualities/) - The leader of any business has the ability to ‘set the rhythm’ for the rest of the team - Good or bad, the leaders set the pace. - [Simplifying Your Workday](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tips-to-work-smarter/) - Busy? Unhappy? Stressed? Perhaps you could benefit by simplifying your workday. - [Energy Management for Superior Performance](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/time-energy-management-advice-business-owners/) - Achieve and maintain a higher level of performance at work and in your life by implementing rituals to better manage your energy and time. - [Shareholders Agreement - Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/shareholders-agreement/) - Any corporation with more than one shareholder should have an agreement in place. There are 4 major issues the shareholders can iron out themselves. - [Succession Planning - The Most Important Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/succession-planning-advice/) - In doing succession and estate planning, it is important to consider timing of life events and plan for each of them. - [The Next Generation Will Conduct Business Differently](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/help-for-family-business-challenges/) - Why is it challenging for second-generation business owners’ to become good managers and strong leaders? What do they need to do differently? - [Reducing the Dependence on the Business Owner - Succession Planning](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/succession-planning/) - When business owners start looking to the future of their business and succession planning, there are some common issues that arise... - [How Do You Motivate and Engage Your Employees?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/motivate-and-engage-your-employees/) - How do you motivate and engage your employees? The practice of recognition in the workplace achieves a higher level of employee motivation and engagement. - [The Hiring Decision - Costs, Risks and Growth Plans](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-hiring-decision-costs-risks-and-growth-plans/) - There are risks and a financial investment when hiring new employees. Here are some tips to make the hiring process less risky. - [3 Tips to Improve Your Business Motivation](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/3-tips-to-improve-your-business-motivation/) - Success is less about what you know and more about the actions you take. The option of doing nothing is easy. 3 Tips to Improve Your Business Motivation. - [The Best Pricing Strategy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-best-pricing-strategy-independent-business/) - This successful pricing strategy is taken from the startup rulebook and can easily be applied to main street independent business owners. - [3 Ways to Make Time for Small Business Planning](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/3-ways-to-make-time-for-small-business-planning/) - Yes, you need to plan for the future of your business, but if you feel paralyzed by the daily demands, consider the following three ideas to make time for business strategic planning. - [Work/Life Balance - Aligning Business and Personal Goals](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/work-life-balance-aligning-business-and-personal-goals/) - Proper alignment between the business owner’s personal goals and their business goals is necessary for a healthy, wealthy business and life. - [5 Ways to Improve your Seasonal Business Revenues](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/5-ways-to-improve-your-seasonal-business-revenues/) - Businesses with seasonal goods or services must prepare themselves for the lean periods. Here we explore 5 strategies to improve sales throughout the year. - [What is Your Business Style: Family or Corporation?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-style/) - In developing your own style for your business, there is a big difference between operating it 'like a family' or operating like a large 'corporation'. - [Do You Communicate 'Business' or 'Family'?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-communications-in-a-family-business/) - Business communications can be difficult in a family business due to the existing parent-child relationship. - [How to Build a Business System for Freedom and Profit](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-build-a-business-system-for-freedom-and-profit/) - Are there certain parts of your business that you feel have to be done by you? Here are some tips from to build a business system for freedom and profit. - [Improving Business Owner to Banker Communications – 3 Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-business-owner-to-banker-communications/) - Bankers speak one language – business owners speak a another – when they get together without a translator, the result is usually frustration. - [A Tip for Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-tip-for-business-growth/) - Do your behaviors and patterns affect your business? Will a change in your behavior create a positive or negative change in the business performance? - [What’s Better: Cash or Cashflow?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/whats-better-cash-or-cashflow/) - Have you ever worked through the math of selling versus keeping a business? - [Productivity Improvement Actions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/productivity-improvement-actions/) - What we all need is fewer distractions and more ACTIONS! Review our checklist of productivity improvement actions... then take action! - [How a Business Benefits from a Set of Fresh Eyes](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-a-business-benefits-from-a-set-of-fresh-eyes/) - Sometimes we stare down a business problem for so long that we lose sight of it as a problem - it becomes accepted as just a fact of business life. - [The Key to Managing Employees](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-key-to-managing-employees/) - It takes persistence to encourage employees to follow the everyday routines and further persistence to stick to the systems established in your business. - [How to End Workplace Gossip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-end-workplace-gossip/) - Have you spent time considering the real cost of gossip in the workplace? - [Scrappy is The New Perfect](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/scrappy-is-the-new-perfect/) - When forced to make a pivot, waiting to get the new product perfect means you will never get it done! - [Your Ego Won't Want You to Read This](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/your-ego-wont-want-you-to-read-this/) - Our ego loves us to be right. The biggest ego’s help us be right 100% of the time! And if we are always right then everyone else is wrong. Right? Wrong. - [The Best Businesses All Do This](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-best-businesses-all-do-this/) - Good employees want to perform well. When everyone is held accountable, it provides positive feedback to the good employees that they are performing well. - [Get Inside Your Customers' Head(ache)](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/get-inside-your-customers-headache/) - Customers will always buy a pain killer when they have a headache - it’s a “must-have” product. Vitamins are only a “nice to have” items. You want to position your offerings as pain killers, not vitamins. - [Joe Business Owner and Product Pricing](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/joe-business-owner-and-product-pricing/) - This is a story about Joe’s business and his pricing challenges... Joe’s business degree is S.O.H.K. – the School Of Hard Knocks. - [When an Old Dog Has to Learn New Tricks](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/when-an-old-dog-has-to-learn-new-tricks/) - The pandemic forced a behavior change. This adjustment in my business model benefits my clients in two profound ways. - [Pricing Strategy Advice - Be Different](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/pricing-strategy-be-different/) - For a small business, your pricing strategy should not be only about price. It should be about being different! - [Do You Want Good Answers or Good Questions?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/do-you-want-good-answers-or-good-questions/) - With one simple exchange, I learned a valuable life lesson. The best way to be a successful, trusted advisor is to stop trying to give answers and start asking good questions. - [Good Employees are Hard to Find](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/why-is-it-hard-to-find-good-employees/) - If you believe you can’t find good employees, then it will be true as long as you hold that belief as your reality. - [20 Years Ago Today – I Changed My Life Forever!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/20-years-ago-today-i-changed-my-life-forever/) - December 30, 2000 was a great day. Here’s the backstory on the events and decisions that led up to that fateful day. - [Solving Your Accounting and Accountant Frustrations](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/solving-your-accounting-and-accountant-frustrations/) - How much fun is it to sit with your accountant as they go through every line of your financial statement? Aren’t they speaking an entirely different language? - [Understanding Your Customer Segments](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/understanding-your-customer-segments/) - A business growth strategy that is focused on a particular customer segment is the opposite of the 'one size fits all' strategy. It's important to learn how to define each segment. - [How to Be a Better Business Owner](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-be-a-better-business-owner/) - We are pleased to offer this free Webinar, where you will explore the 4 key ingredients for achieving more cashflow and freedom in your business. - [Dealing with Business Stress - 1 Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/dealing-business-stress-tips/) - Have you ever felt stress about a particular business issue? Just 'thinking' about the problem doesn't help. Take action! Here are tips to get you started. - [Increase Business Profitability - One Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/increase-business-profitability-one-tip/) - This powerful advice for business owners can help strengthen their own intentions and goals in small business management, leadership and success. - [The Importance of Team Goal Setting](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/goal-setting/) - Clarify personal goals first, and then align the business vision to serve the personal goals. However, if you really want to take a small business forward... - [What’s Easy Versus What’s Best](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-customer-service-and-experience-2/) - If a goal of your business is to give consistent and excellent customer service, then you need to step into the customer’s shoes. - [What Your Business Can Learn from Childish Politics](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/what-your-business-can-learn-from-childish-politics/) - Here are some tips to make sure the Clinton – Trump childish political drama doesn’t make its way into your independent business! - [A Small Business Succession Plan Needs a Quarterback](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-small-business-succession-plan/) - Succession planning is a huge multi-year process that requires careful planning and involves many players. Clear communication is essential to a successful plan. - [Improving Communications in a Small Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-communications-in-a-small-business/) - Effective employee communications in a small business can increase efficiency and create value within the employee-employer relationship. - [How to Increase Your Business Profits](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/increase-business-profits/) - If you give a customer a ‘deal’, you could sell more than if you didn’t. But instead of giving a discount on price, have you considered adding value instead? - [Are You Chasing Rabbits?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improve-business-productivity/) - Confucius says, “The man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.” Here's our advice on how to increase focus and productivity. - [The Little Things Matter to Your Customers](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/best-growth-hack-for-business/) - The "little things" in business can make a big difference - differentiating your business from the competition and adding value to the customer experience. - [Solving Business Problems - Simple Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/solving-business-problems-advice/) - Whenever you come across a business problem... First you need to ask the question: Is the problem really the problem? - [Give More Value to Your Customers](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/be-different/) - When your business positions its expertise in a way that adds real value to the customer, the conversation moves from ‘How much is it?’ to 'What incredible value!' - [People Are Talking About Your Business!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/managing-online-reviews-business-reputation/) - If your business has any online presence, then very likely people are talking about your business! If your customers are important, then their opinion matters! - [You Need a Quarter to Make a Dollar](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/you-need-a-quarter-to-make-a-dollar/) - Even in challenging times, “spending a quarter” makes sense. If you are short on cash, consider “renting” some for a period of time. - [The Most Important Things in Life](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/most-important-things-in-life/) - Here is a great story to remind us all to enjoy every moment - in our personal and business lives. - [Good Mental Health is Critical to Business Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/good-mental-health-is-critical-to-business-success/) - Our collective recovery depends on the leadership of business owners and managers. Applying proactive mental health measures now can only help to ensure the future of your business. - [Business Success and Happiness Starts with One Simple Word](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-success-and-happiness-starts-with-one-simple-word/) - The word is "why". To align your personal and business goals to have a happy and successful life, you need to start with why. - [Feeling Overwhelmed or Challenged?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/feeling-overwhelmed-or-challenged/) - Feeling overwhelmed, out of control or stressed during these uncertain times? You are not alone! - [The True Purpose of Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-true-purpose-of-your-business-2/) - There have been significant and impactful changes in the world of late. What lasting changes to your business will ensue as the result of the global pandemic? - [Preparing Your Retail Business for “The New Normal”](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/preparing-your-retail-business-for-the-new-normal/) - The reopening of businesses has been likened to turning on a dimmer switch, rather than switching a light on. Now is the best time to prepare for the future.. - [Independent Retailers – It’s Time to Get Creative](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/independent-retailers-its-time-to-get-creative/) - With so many businesses struggling during these challenging times now is the time for independent retail business owners to get creative. - [Staying in Contact with Your Customers   ](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/staying-in-contact-with-your-customers/) - With so many aspects of our daily business life affected by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to remain active and engaged with your customers. - [Controlling What You Can](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/controlling-what-you-can/) - Are you a business owner unsure of how to navigate the rough waters ahead? So, what can you do? What can you control? - [Taking Action Solves Business Anxiety](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/taking-action-solves-business-anxiety/) - Do you have more free time than normal during these challenging days? How do we make good use of the time? How do we break out of the coronavirus funk? - [Optimistic and Practical Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/optimistic-and-practical-advice/) - I heard some really good advice many years ago when I was helping a client fight with the government on a GST issue. - [Innovative and Entrepreneurial Inspiration](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/innovative-and-entrepreneurial-inspiration/) - Keeping these ideas and the time frame they were written in mind can help foster the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. - [Help Your Accountant Help You - 3 Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/help-your-accountant-help-you/) - Being proactive and improving communication with your accounting firm benefits your business. Here's some helpful tips to help... - [Aligning Your Business and Personal Goals](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-and-personal-goals/) - As a business owner, do you feel like you are sitting in the back seat and your business is driving your life from the front seat? We call this an alignment problem. - [Big Business Achievements - When to Reward Yourself](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/big-business-achievements-when-to-reward-yourself/) - There can be a tendency to celebrate short term business success too soon. Should you reward yourself right away? Should you take a bonus? - [Self Limiting Beliefs](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/self-limiting-beliefs/) - A part of our business model is to help business owners identify a self-limiting or business-limiting belief. - [Providing Good Customer Service During Challenging Times](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/good-customer-service-tips/) - How do you give good customers service when the problem is out of your control? Here are a few tips to easily improve customer service and satisfaction. - [The Four Stages of Learning a New Skill](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-four-stages-of-learning-a-new-skill/) - While attending a sales training discussion at a business coaching client of ours, I learned the concept of The Four Stages of Learning. - [The Importance of "Taking a Break"](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-importance-of-taking-a-break/) - As business owners, we all know the importance of taking a break and getting away from the day to day routine of business. - [Motivation in the Workplace - 3 Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/motivation-in-the-workplace/) - “To activate others, to make them enthusiastic, you must first be enthusiastic yourself.” 3 tips to get yourself and your team motivated for business success - [The Pareto Principle for Profit Improvement](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-pareto-principle-for-profit-improvement/) - The Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule) can apply to many areas of business. Perform a Pareto Analysis on your customer base & better determine the source of profits. - [Growth Strategy for a Small Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/growth-strategies-small-business/) - In business, have you ever heard the saying, ‘you need to spend a quarter to make a dollar’? Money is cheap to 'rent' these days. - [A Simple Way to Beat the Competition](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-simple-way-to-beat-the-competition/) - Beat your competition - A lot of potential new customers will judge us on some very simple tests... - [Learn to Listen Like a 3 Year Old](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/simple-listening-skills/) - Why are we careful not to say anything 'bad' around a young child? Because they are very, very good listeners! To them, listening is power; it is how they learn and grow. - [Enjoying Your Life](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/enjoying-your-life/) - Business owners work hard and make many sacrifices. We should all remember that it's important to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. - [3 Reasons Why Business Meetings are Still Important](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/3-reasons-why-business-meetings-are-still-important/) - Many believe that business meetings are a waste of time - that is true for only ineffective meetings. Here are 3 reasons why business meetings are still important. - [Business Tip - The Power of a Good Purge](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-tip-power-of-a-purge/) - It can feel pretty good to do a 'purge' in our business lives. For example, it's a known fact that a clean desk can result in a more productive workspace. - [Decision Making Process Made Easy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/decision-making-process/) - Simplify the business decision-making process - Here is an easy tool to determine the best business decision for you. - [When Less Money is More Money](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/when-less-money-is-more-money/) - When is accepting less money worth it? Paul Foster, The Business Therapist, discusses when less money is actually more. - [Two Wacko Investment Opportunities](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/two-wacko-investment-opportunities/) - Something is definitely up in the investment world! - [Back to Business Basics](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/back-to-business-basics/) - Many business owners desperately seek methods to attract new customers. It's time to get back to business basics. - [7 Secrets of Entrepreneurial Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/7-secrets-of-entrepreneurial-success/) - Rick Spence is a Toronto-based business writer, consultant and speaker. Here is Rick's 7 secrets of entrepreneurial success. - [Asking for Business Advice - 1 Important Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/asking-for-business-advice/) - We all rely on different professionals for advice for business and personal concerns. When we are looking for advice on a specific decision, there is one really important tip... - [Be Courageous in Advancing Your Business Strategic Plan](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/be-courageous-in-advancing-your-business-strategic-plan/) - 'Burning of the ships' might just give you the courage and commitment you need to move forward with your strategic business plan. - [Changing Poor Business Behaviors and Beliefs](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/changing-poor-business-behaviors-and-beliefs/) - You can’t think your way into a new way of acting, but you can act your way into a new way of thinking - learn how to improve poor business habits. - [Implementing a Change in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/implementing-change/) - We all want to implement positive changes in our businesses but making it happen is not easy. Here are two tips to help make the change a positive and lasting one. - [How to 'Write Off' a Vacation](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/write-off-a-vacation/) - Wouldn’t it be great to take a vacation and get a tax deduction too? Here are some tips to assist you. - [Bonus Pay - The Employee Bonus Dilemma](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/bonus-pay/) - Many business owners struggle with the Employee Bonus Dilemma. Should you pay one, and how much is fair? Here are some tips to help business owners. - [Billing by the Hour](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/billing-by-the-hour/) - Is the productivity of every hour of work the same? Are the first 2 hours of the work day as productive as the last 2 hours of the day? - [How Does The US and Canadian Exchange Rate Work?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-does-the-us-and-canadian-exchange-rate-work/) - The percentage used to calculate the exchange is not the same as the difference between the two currencies. Learn how the exchange rates are calculated by the banks... - [Financial Statements Versus Business Activities](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/financial-statements-versus-business-activities/) - Business owners can relate better to the activities of the business. Financial statements report the results of the activities. - [3 Good Reasons to Ignore Your Competition](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/3-good-reasons-to-ignore-your-competition/) - Focusing on your business's competition can be frustrating and misleading. Here are 3 great reasons why you shouldn't focus on your competition. - [One Thing All Successful Businesses Do](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/one-thing-all-successful-businesses-do/) - Successful coaches learn from the game and develop a new plan of action - and business owners need to do the same. - [3 Tips for Dealing with Constant Interruptions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/3-tips-for-dealing-with-interruptions/) - With all the great technology to make the world more productive it seems there are more ways to be interrupted than ever! Here's 3 tips to help you. - [Achieving Business Goals - 4 Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/achieving-business-goals-tips/) - Here are some tips to help you achieve your business and personal goals. - [How to Determine the Value of Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-value-of-your-business/) - There are many factors to consider when placing a value on a business including fair value or the assets and liabilities, past and future cash flow and more. - [Who Will Buy Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/who-will-buy-your-business/) - Across North America, baby boomer small business founder-owners will have a business transition in their near future - Only about a quarter of them have a plan. - [Business Strategy - Hope or Hypothesis?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-development-strategy-hope-or-hypothesis/) - Do you use the ‘hope’ strategy in your business? It works like this: Let’s try something new and HOPE it works! There is a safer and better approach... - [Improving the Hiring Process - 3 Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-the-hiring-process-tips/) - Does your business have a formal induction plan for new hires? An induction plan will help ensure that the new employee starts off productively. - [6 Tips to Holding Effective Team Meetings](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/6-tips-to-holding-effective-team-meetings/) - The businesses that hold regular meetings are also the businesses that have better communication and run more efficiently. - [How to Increase Profits Easily in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-increase-profits/) - There are untapped profits stuck between the leads your business generates and the actual revenue dollars converted from these leads. - [Measuring Customer Satisfaction in a Service Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/measuring-customer-satisfaction-in-a-service-business/) - Determining service offering quality depends on human perception. There are good tools available which solve this measurement challenge and can improve your business. - [Setting Prices in a Business - An Agonizing but Critical Task](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/setting-prices-in-a-business/) - Raising prices is a challenge for many independent business owners. Are you differentiating your product or services properly? - [Overcoming Procrastination as a Business Owner](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/overcoming-procrastination-as-a-business-owner/) - If could complete the tasks we procrastinate, our business would benefit greatly. Here are some simple tips. - [Investing in Yourself is the Best Business Investment Plan](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/investing-in-yourself-is-the-best-business-investment-plan/) - Small business owners ask: Where is the best place to invest your money? - [Asking For Business Referrals](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/asking-for-business-referrals/) - Check out these tips to help you build your business with client referrals. - [The Best Social Media Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-best-social-media-advice/) - If your business has a social media marketing plan in place, then likely you know the importance of using great images. - [Perspectives on the Importance of Your "Job"](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/perspectives-on-the-importance-of-your-job/) - Here we use the traditional scenario of the hard-working business owner dad and the hard working stay at home mom to ask a question about the importance of each one’s job. - [A Fantastic Tool for Quality Management](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-fantastic-tool-for-quality-management/) - To manage the Costs of Quality is a classic "trade-off" situation. So, how can costs be minimized while still ensuring your product will satisfy your clients? - [Be Kind, Rewind!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-email-communication-advice/) - With so much of our professional communication relying on email, here is a consideration for your business interactions. - [Mental Health is Important for Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/mental-health-is-important-for-business/) - According to recent research, the number of people reporting mental health issues while employed has climbed from one-quarter to one-third over the last five years. - [Grow and Improve Your Business With "Design Thinking"](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/grow-and-improve-your-business-with-design-thinking/) - Design thinking is a user-driven method to develop processes, services, products or solve complex problems to help grow and improve your business. - [It’s Not Google Calling Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/its-not-google-calling-your-business/) - Many companies are harassed daily by phone calls from people asserting themselves as either a Google representative or partner. Here's our advice. - [Wrong is Just Another Version of Right!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/confirmation-bias-small-business-challenges/) - We filter out information which doesn't conform to our beliefs. This process excludes a lot of valuable information, particularly important for business owners. - [Upcoming Changes to Your Facebook Business Page](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/upcoming-changes-to-your-facebook-business-page/) - There are a few best practices that you can implement now to benefit your business and your Facebook Business Page visibility. - [Is "Servant Leadership" Still Relevant?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-servant-leadership-in-business-and-life/) - Regardless if it is business or politics, leaders have a choice in how they approach their work. Learn the important differences between the "servant" and the "leader first" type of leadership. - [Supply Chain Management: A Key Aspect of Your Business Strategic Planning](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/supply-chain-management-a-key-aspect-of-your-business-strategic-planning/) - When developing a strategic business plan, business owners need to understand the best supply chain strategy for their business. - [The Science of Shopping: eCommerce Insights](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-science-of-shopping-ecommerce-insights/) - The timeless insights behind, "Why We Buy" are still relevant today, even decades after the first edition was published. - [New Considerations for Employee Motivation](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/new-considerations-for-employee-motivation/) - What is the best way to motivate employees? How do motivate millennials in the day-to-day activities which may be considered repetitive and demotivating? - [Listening to the Leader Within You](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-be-a-business-leader-skills/) - Leaders are change makers. However, to change the world, they first must shift the inner place from where they operate to a deeper state of awareness. - [The Innovations Lending to an Evolution in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-innovations-lending-to-an-evolution-in-business/) - New technology and recent trends have changed the way companies fit into society. To thrive and be competitive, companies must adapt. - [Moneyball: From Baseball Teams to Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/actionable-metrics-for-business-success/) - There are some valuable lessons about actionable metrics that business leaders can learn from the movie "Moneyball". - [Update Your Website. Please.](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/good-first-impression-of-your-business-tips/) - Your business's outside appearance is no longer the first impression for many of your potential customers, it's your website and online appearance. - [Banana Muffins and Small Business Decisions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/productivity-improvement-and-small-business-decisions/) - Are there improvements that could be made in your business that are currently being ignored, but may positively impact productivity and job satisfaction? - [Understanding Digital Marketing](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/understanding-digital-marketing/) - Creating a digital strategy can be overwhelming for many business owners. Learn the aspects to create an effective online presence. - [A Productive Start to Your Work Day](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/time-management-advice-for-business-owners/) - Implementing this little tip will allow you relax away from work and will help energize you on the start of your next work day: - [How to be an Effective Leader](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-leadership-skills/) - We'd like to offer for your consideration these 5 Habits of an Effective Leader. - [3 Tips for Improved Self-Control](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-increase-improve-self-control/) - We offer three simple tips to help increase willpower and gain improved control of your personal, business and life decisions. - [Burn Out or Burn Brighter?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-burn-out/) - To be productive, to learn something new, to be creative, to solve non-trivial problems, to be healthy, and happy; we need to give our brains ample downtime. - [The Importance of Google For Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-importance-of-google-for-business/) - Ensuring that your business information is correct on Google is essential for all businesses. Is your business "good on Google"? - [Accounting Challenges](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/accounting-challenges/) - Why is it so hard to get a good answer to a tax or accounting question? Is there a better way to get answers to your questions? - [What Are You Pretending Not To Know?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-gain-business-insights/) - When you can honestly answer this question, you'll have insight into your business direction and pressing actions. - [What’s Easy Versus What’s Best](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-customer-service-and-experience/) - If a goal of your business is to give consistent and excellent customer service, then you need to step into the customer’s shoes. - [Avoiding Negative Bias](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/avoiding-negative-bias-business-advice/) - We tend to give more attention to negative experiences, than positive ones. This negativity bias can lead to poor decision-making by business owners. - [Implementing a Change in Your Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/implementing-a-change-in-your-business/) - If you need to implement a change in your business, here is our advice: - [Need to Make a Business Decision?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/need-to-make-a-business-decision/) - Business owners face many decisions, large and small on a daily basis. Here's a simple tool to help you make the decision-making process easier. - [Be Effective, Not Busy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-be-more-effective-efficient-work-business/) - Do you have too many items on your to-do list? Are your days stretching beyond five o’clock? Your work week’s stretching beyond 5 days? - [These Attributes Will Make You a Great Learner](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-learn-new-skills/) - You can become a better learner and smoothly surf the changes in your business and your life by altering the way you approach new situations. - [What’s Happening at Your Business When You are Not There?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-customer-experience-ideas-strategies/) - Do you know what’s really happening at your business when you’re not there? Do you really know how your customers are being served? - [Habits for Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/habits-for-success-business-owners/) - Adding positive habits into your day can help business owner take productive steps towards fulfillment, success and ultimately happiness. - [Increase Your Brand Awareness Online](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/increase-your-brand-awareness-online/) - Review these considerations about your business's marketing strategy and how your brand can benefit from online marketing channels. - [Be a Manager and a Leader](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-and-management-leadership-skills/) - Managing and leading may seem to be opposing activities if you consider that business growth and change challenges the established systems. - [Banking Advice for Business Owners](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/banking-advice-for-business-owners/) - Every independent business owner needs a good relationship with their bank, but so many business owners are frustrated by the banking processes. Here's our advice. - [The Competition: Fuhgeddaboudit](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-competition-advice/) - When you're focused on what your business's competition is up to, it's a distraction and takes time and energy away from what you can control; your business. - [Remote Workers – Communication is Key](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/remote-workers-communication-advice-tips-help/) - With our remote team at The Business Therapist®, we've established systems to help us be in constant communication, regardless of our locales. Here's our advice: - [Act Now: Stop Thinking and Start Writing](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/advice-to-help-solve-business-problems/) - Business problems swirling in your head? This results in increased stress, reduced productivity, and a lower level of satisfaction with your work. - [What Makes a Good Leader?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/good-business-leadership-skills/) - Discover the skills and perspectives necessary to become a great business leader. - [How Online Marketing Can Help Your Small Business Grow](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-online-marketing-can-help-your-small-business-grow/) - Technology and online advertising has forever changed the small business marketing world. Learn why the 'old ways' no longer make sense today. - [Is it Entitlement? Millennials and Mentorship](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-it-entitlement-millennials-and-mentorship/) - Are millennial workers different than the previous younger generation? Are their differences due to the feeling of entitlement, or something more? - [Bad Backup Behavior](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/doing-computer-backups/) - There are actually two problem behaviors that are usually in the way of doing a backup... and both are easy to overcome. - [Don't Blame The Economy For Your Business Challenges](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/overcoming-business-challenges/) - Is the economy the real reason your business isn't growing? Are you falling into the "if-then" mindset? Learn more: - [Is Software Eating Away at Your Industry?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-software-eating-away-at-your-industry/) - New business startups are disrupting their relative industries and eating the world with software. - [Staying Competitive - Changing Perspectives](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/staying-competitive-changing-perspectives/) - The disruptive ride sharing company Uber is causing a lot of grief for traditional taxi companies - It doesn’t have to be that way! - [Understanding the Canadian - US Exchange Rate & 2 Money Saving Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/understanding-the-canadian-us-exchange-rate-2-money-saving-tips/) - Learn how the exchange rates are calculated by the banks and two money saving tips. - [Is Intuition Running Your Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-intuition-running-your-business/) - Would you want to learn about a tool or method that seems counter – intuitive? Welcome to the world of disruptive innovation! - [The Business Model Canvas Explained](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-business-model-canvas-explained-2/) - The Business Model Canvas and customer discovery methods are far superior than just a business plan full of assumptions and guesses. - [Entrepreneurial Success - 3 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/entrepreneurial-success-3-biggest-mistakes/) - Sometimes a budding entrepreneur knows ‘just enough’ to be dangerous. While they believe they are on the path to success, they will end up failing. - [Business Innovation - 2 Types](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-innovation-2-types/) - What type of business innovator are you? Are planning for disruptive innovation or incremental innovation? - [Disruptive Technology Example and Insights](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/disruptive-technology-example-and-insights/) - Understand the uncertainty and requirements for learning and discovery when faced with potential disruptive innovation in your industry. - [The Customer Development Process](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-customer-development-process/) - Customer development is the process of ‘getting out of the building’ to talk to potential customers - do this BEFORE you build your product. - [Business Plan vs Business Model Canvas - An Interesting Trend:](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-plan-vs-business-model-canvas/) - There are many benefits to using a Business Model Canvas: it’s visual, it’s easy to change your business assumptions and it provides a common language for communicating. - [Borrowing and Combining Innovation](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/borrowing-and-combining-innovation/) - Think you have to start your invention from scratch? Why not borrow or combine existing innovations? - [One-liners for Business Failures](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/one-liners-for-business-failures/) - In business, sometimes you have to have a sense of humor, learn from your mistakes and move on. - [New Approaches to Enhance Innovation & Creativity](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/new-approaches-to-enhance-innovation-creativity/) - Companies must incorporate alternative tools within their business in order to continually innovate and generate a competitive advantage. - [Being Proactive About Business Communication](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/being-proactive-about-business-communication/) - Good business leaders make it a priority to be proactive and intentionally work on improving communication intentionally. But where do you begin? - [Improving Your Advertisements Effectiveness](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-your-business-advertisements-effectiveness/) - Review your business's marketing materials and consider the 'headlines' on each one. Does it grab the attention of the reader about a specific pain point, need or want? - [When to 'Let it Go' and Have a Nice Day](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/when-to-let-it-go-and-have-a-nice-day/) - Whatever your frustrations are, they are YOUR frustrations and they don’t do YOU any good by hanging on to them! Maybe it's time to 'let go'. - [Be a Small Business 'Growth Hacker'](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/be-a-small-business-growth-hacker/) - ‘Growth hacker’ sounds like a bad person, but in reality it’s a term used for a savvy business person, focused on growing their business. - [A Productivity Tool For Businesses - Kanban Board](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-productivity-tool-for-businesses-kanban-board/) - The kanban concepts have Japanese roots and were developed for managing workflow in manufacturing, but can also be used for business and personal applications. - [Book Review - 'Remote'](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/book-review-remote/) - The authors of 'Remote' challenge most of the practices of traditional office work. A difficult concept for many to accept, but worthy of consideration. - [The Business Therapist® Manifesto](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-business-therapist-manifesto/) - The team at The Business Therapist® has developed our own manifesto. We found this to be a collectively creative experience it helped clarify our beliefs. - [Your Business - Mission Statement or Manifesto?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/your-business-mission-statement-or-manifesto/) - What is the difference between a business a 'manifesto' and 'mission statement'? A manifesto is a better, often visual way to state what your business believes. - [Should Your Business Have a 'Nap Room'?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/should-your-business-have-a-nap-room/) - I heard of the ‘nap room’ idea a couple years ago. I was facilitating feedback from a team of employees without the owner present. The idea was came up twice! - [A Focused Approach to Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/focused-approach-to-business/) - Here at The Business Therapist®, we are taking our own advice and directing focus on one project and 'getting out of the building' to test our new product. - [Reality Distortion Field Needed for Small Business Success](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/small-businenss-success/) - The key ingredient in distorting reality to help with small business success, is to simply be open to the possibility that other realities may exist. - [The 'Flipped' Classroom](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-flipped-classroom/) - What if Instead of using the class time to give a lecture, the lectures were pre-recorded on video and the students required to watch them before coming to class, and 'class' time was used to discuss real life situations? - [Economic Gardening - Needs More Water!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/economic-gardening-needs-more-water/) - 'Economic Gardening' is focusing the support of economic development on the existing businesses in your region that have the best chance of growth. - [Experiential Learning in Small Business and Entrepreneurship](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/experiential-learning-in-small-business-and-entrepreneurship/) - There is a missing piece in the way small business owners acquire knowledge. Why is there not a structured and scientific experiential learning model for existing small business owners? - [5 Tips for Successful New Year Resolutions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/5-tips-for-successful-new-years-resolutions/) - It is the time of year we make New Year’s resolutions and goals. Here are some tips to increase the probability you will achieve your goal... - [A Technology Prediction](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-technology-prediction/) - I'd like to share a strange dream about a technology transformation that I think could happen. - [A Video is Worth 228 Pages of Words](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/a-video-is-worth-228-pages-of-words/) - If you want to create a system of a routine in your business, why not just video you or an employee performing the system and create a private link on YouTube? - [Business Meeting Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-meeting-tip/) - Why do some business owners hold up a meeting waiting for the latecomers? - [The Power of Habit in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-power-of-habit-in-business/) - Most of our days are made up of millions of habits. A successful profit improvement strategy involves recognizing and changing existing habits within the business. - [Business Decision Making - Dictatorship or Consensus?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-decision-making/) - When making critical business decisions, what leadership type is better? A dictatorship or a consensus? There are advantages and considerations for both. - [Business Life Without Lawyers](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-life-without-lawyers/) - If business owners could sharpen communication and listening skills, some of the problems could be eliminated without the need for lawyers. - [Business Decisions - Making Progress](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-decision-making-progress/) - If you're struggling with a business decision, making a decision, any decision is usually better than holding out for the perfect option. - [The Definition of an Entrepreneur](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-definition-of-an-entrepreneur/) - What is an entrepreneur? - [How To Be A Good Employee](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-be-a-good-employee/) - Respectful communication is essential to a happy, productive employer - employee relationship. Here are some tips to be a good employee. - [The Lean Startup - Pivot or Persevere](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/lean-startup/) - The book, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, context is for a startup business, however, it is just as relevant for an established business that wants to innovate and grow. - [Advertising Advice for Businesses](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/advertising-advice/) - The real purpose of an ad is to generate a response or inquiry. First, the headline should grab attention, you should then be directed with a call to action. - [Business Types - Lifestyle Business or a Scalable Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-types-lifestyle-scalable/) - The approach necessary to build a scalable business is different than a lifestyle business. - [Email Etiquette Reminders for Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/email-etiquette-reminders-for-business/) - Email is the most effective manner of communication in business today. Often proper etiquette is overlooked in haste. Here are a few email etiquette reminders. - [Business Visioning - Creating a Structure](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-visioning-structure/) - Put your business vision into action and reduce problems. Get your team on-board and passionate about the future of your business. - [Business Strategic Planning & Inspiration](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-strategic-planning-inspiration/) - Stepping outside the day to day routine of business is essential for business strategic planning and entrepreneurial inspiration. - [Should Your Business Offer a Guarantee?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-offer-guarantee/) - A good guarantee removes the risks and makes it easier for a customer to complete a purchase. Here are 5 tips to developing a great business guarantee. - [Improve Customer Service - 1 Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improve-customer-service/) - Improve customer service... How easy it should be for a business to issue a refund, deal with a cancellation or honour a guarantee?. - [Improving Business Communication](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improving-business-communication/) - Do you need to have an uncomfortable professional conversation? Here are some strategies when preparing for an important or uncomfortable business discussion. - [Corporate Communication Skills](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/corporate-communication-skills/) - Do you avoid having a business conversation because it might be uncomfortable? Here are a few tips to improve your corporate communication skills. - [Emotions in Business - The Letting Go Process](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/emotions-in-business/) - As business owners, we are expected to lead the business and not let our emotions affect us. We need to learn to let go and move forward. - [Start a Small Business - NOW!](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/start-a-small-business/) - If you are planning to venture into the business world, you may be waiting for the perfect time - the closest to the perfect time is now! Start your startup now. - [A Simple Solution to Small Business Cash Management Problems](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cash-management-solution/) - One simple secret with two approaches, of how small business owners can easily collect money owed to them and thereby improving their cash flow. - [How to be an Entrepreneur](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-be-an-entrepreneur/) - One of the ingredients for entrepreneurial success is knowing the passion for what you do. Discover your 'why'! - [The Economy and Growing Your Small Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-economy-and-growing-your-small-business/) - Business owners may wonder why they shouldn’t just liquidate their business and hide under a rock. However, real opportunities for growth in your business exist and are within your control! - [How to Collect Money Owed from Customers](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/how-to-collect-money-owed-from-customers/) - Slow paying customers tend to get a lot of attention from business owners, trying to get them to pay. - [Improving Leadership in Business - A Simple Tip](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/leadership-in-business/) - Sometimes business owners preach the systems for their employees to follow, but then override the systems - the employees will ignore the words spoken. - [A Quick Study on Increasing Your Business Revenues](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/increasing-business-revenues/) - When you think about increasing your business revenues, there are three ways to do it... - [The Importance of Sharing Your Small Business Work Ethics](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/the-importance-of-sharing-your-small-business-work-ethics/) - When business owners share their work ethic with their young employees, everyone benefits. - [Yes, Your Business Needs a Mission Statement](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/your-business-needs-a-mission-statement/) - The purpose of a mission statement is to clarify and communicate what your business stands for. It states what you believe, and why. - [Trick Yourself to Get Free Business Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/trick-yourself-to-get-free-business-advice/) - Why is it we can look at another small business and so easily observe what they're doing right or wrong? Ask yourself these self-help business advice questions. - [5 Tips to Manage Your Business Cash Flow](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cash-is-king-5-tips-to-manage-your-business-cash-flow/) - Take control of your business finances by understanding and managing your business cash flow with these 5 critical learning points. - [Do Business Owners Have Self-Imposed Barriers?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/do-business-owners-have-self-imposed-barriers/) - Are you confident that your current customers are aware of your complete business offerings? Could this be 'a sales-limiting belief'? - [Consider Convergence of Products and Services for Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/consider-convergence-of-products-and-services-for-business-growth/) - Product and service businesses which have converged, benefit the consumer and the small business owner seeking business growth and profitability. - [Finding Business Inspiration for Business Growth](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/finding-business-inspiration/) - A simple conversation or an inspiring landscape can result in creative breakthroughs for your business. Be open to business inspiration. - [Is it Time to End Your Small Business?](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/is-it-time-to-end-your-small-business/) - The tough-but-honest question to ask yourself is: Based on today’s current facts and situation, would you start this business today? - [Improve Profits by Monitoring Your Business Activities](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/improve-profits-by-monitoring-business-activities/) - The key to improved profits might not be spending more money getting leads, rather improving your conversion ratio of the current leads your business generates. ## Pages - [Home](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/) - Achieve more cashflow, freedom & happiness ​ Virtual business development programs for small business owners Learn More Why Work With Us Build Personal Wealth We work with your banker, financial advisor and tax planner as an independent resource to get and keep your business optimized and financially healthy while minimizing risk. Grow Your Business We - [Privacy Policy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/privacy-policy/) - Who we are The Business Therapist®, Inc. (thebusinesstherapist.com) has created this privacy statement to demonstrate our strong commitment to your privacy, and protecting your right to privacy. We have strict privacy policies and we are dedicated to keeping your personal and financial information secure. The Business Therapist® presents this privacy policy to disclose and describe - [About](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/about/) - Our Mission We believe successful independent businesses are the backbone of any vibrant community. As an independent business ourself, we enjoy the responsibility of supporting our extended business families and their community needs. Why Us? We work with Independent Business Owners who need help to sustain and/or grow their business and overcome business challenges.As an innovative advisory - [Cases](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/) - Our Cases Whether your business is experiencing growth challenges, or you’re winding down to retirement – We can help. Employee Challenges The employees of a business didn’t seem to care. The owner asked for feedback from team members but hears nothing. Read Case Profit Improvement Success and double-digit sales growth for an independent retail store - [A Sounding Board](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/a-sounding-board/) - A Sounding Board Many business owners have a skill that they transform into a successful business; without a business degree or formal training. It’s not surprising that owning an independent business can be lonely and challenging.This business owner turned to The Business Therapist® for guidance and a change in perspective. Challenge This business owner spent - [Business Decisions](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/business-decisions/) - Business Decision Poor gauges, a changing industry, and general uncertainty had this business owner feeling challenged and alone.Despite seeking advice and support, this business owner was unable to make important business decisions. She needed guidance, advice, and a sounding board. Challenge A third-generation business owner had poor gauges for measuring results. Due to significant market - [Pricing Strategy](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/pricing-strategy/) - Pricing Strategy Price increases are traumatic for many business owners. They have no idea how to approach it and often would rather avoid thinking about it.Increasing prices for higher profits can cause businesses a lot of stress. Business owners worry about staying competitive and dealing with complaints from price-sensitive customers. Challenge The pricing strategy of - [Goals Setting](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/goals-setting/) - Goals Setting Defining and communicating personal goals and aligning them with the future of the business.A husband and wife team put their heart and soul into a business and it was finally growing fast – too fast! The business was consuming their life and they felt they could not go forward alone any longer. They - [Profit Improvement](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/profit-improvement/) - Profit Improvement Success and double-digit sales growth for an independent retail store happened with a little effort and a simple sheet of paper.Our goal was to establish a baseline and increase the conversion ratio of potential leads to sales.This effort improved the company’s planning and execution functions. We learned why they were losing business and - [Employee Challenges](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/cases/employee-challenges/) - Employee Challenges The employees of a business didn’t seem to care. The owner asked for feedback from team members but heard nothing.The overall morale of the team was lackluster, employee turnover was high, and the owner couldn’t understand why this was happening. Challenge The business owners sincerely wanted to improve the morale and productivity of - [Business Coaching](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/business-coaching/) - Our Process Our journey together is about bringing about positive change.It will be about exploring a new mindset, becoming a better leader and new ways to motivate and develop your entire team of employees.Our role is to provide accountability to action, support, facilitate, educate, mentor and coach.Your role will be to take control of your - [Online Programs](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/online-programs/) - Online Programs Achieve More Cashflow, Freedom and Happiness in Your Business and Life with this Virtual Business Coaching Programs. Discover The Four Key Ingredients For Achieving More Cashflow And Freedom In Your Business Working with clients from many different sectors over the past 20 years, we have learned that most business owners are reluctant to ## Categories - [Blog](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/category/blog/) - Busi-Leaks: Confidential Secrets for future-proofing your independent business! A blog full of tips, insights, real stories, and advice all designed to deliver you more cash flow, freedom, and happiness. ## Tags - [Achieving Innovation in Business](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/achieving-innovation-in-business/) - [Analysis of Leading Business Performance Indicators](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/analysis-of-leading-business-performance-indicators/) - [Business activities management](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-activities-management/) - [Business Advertising Tips](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-advertising-tips/) - [Business advisory service](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-advisory-service/) - [Business Communication Skills](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-communication-skills/) - [Business Development Strategies](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-development-strategies/) - [Business financial help](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-financial-help/) - [Business Growth Advice](https://thebusinesstherapist.com/tag/business-growth-advice/) - 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