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Doing business in a pandemic: 5 things you should be focusing on right now
“May you live in interesting times” is an English expression which purports to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse. While seemingly a blessing, the expression is normally used ironically; life is better in “uninteresting times” of peace and tranquility than in “interesting” ones, which are usually times of trouble. (wikipedia reference) These most…
Read More9 Reasons You Should Join a Mastermind Group
9 Reasons You Should Join a Mastermind Group For business owners looking to improve their business, a mastermind group is one of the best opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. The number of self-employed professionals is expected to grow about three times in the next couple of years. That means there will be…
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Finding A Path Forward: A Coaching Success Story
Even though Simalex – a good old fashioned die casting company – had decent cash flow and customers with brand names, the company had been mismanaged for a number of years and was in rough shape when Fred Lynn Jr. took over as CEO. Fred was essentially taking over a start up. Fred is extremely…
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When should you fire your client? A short case study.
Recently, I saw this post from someone on my social media feed: Question: I want to fire my client but a great deal of recurring revenue depends on this one account. What should I do? Here is their post: I need to “FIRE” a Client, but as one of my top 3, it forces me to walk…
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What is your mission? What are your top 3 talents and what contribution will you make to the world?
Recently, I received an email from a highly esteemed colleague that had this challenge: What is your mission as a coach? Specifically, what are your top 3 talents and what contribution will you make to the world? Here is how I responded, and I trust you’ll agree it is worth sharing. My Top 3 Talents/Strengths are: Strategic: People…
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Are you a professional? Here are 3 reasons why you should present your service as a product.
Are you a lawyer, accountant, doctor or architect? These are the services that first come to mind when we think of a professional. The dictionary definition of a professional is : relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill : done or given by a person who works in a particular profession.…
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How do I communicate clearly and cut down on industry jargon? Ask the Experts
Recently I was asked to participate in Business in Vancouver’s (BIV) Ask the Experts column. Here is my response to the question BIV posed: Ask the Experts: How do I cut down on Industry jargon and communicate clearly? Thomas Levitt a professor at Harvard Business School had this insight: “People don’t want to buy a…
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I keep six honest serving-men!
Sometimes I am asked what the meaning of the W5 is in W5 Coaching. At W5 Coaching we practice the Socratic Method of teaching. Socratic inquiry is emphatically not “teaching” in the conventional sense of the word. The leader of Socratic inquiry is not the purveyor of knowledge, filling the empty minds of largely passive…
Read MoreList of Keith Cunningham’s top 15 business books!
Keith Cunningham is one of my mentors. Over the last 25 years, he has read two to three books per week! He is repeatedly asked for his recommendations for the top 10 business books he has ever read. This is a little like asking a mother about her favourite children. Here is the list of the top…
Read MoreFree E-Book: Five Steps to Freedom
How to build a business that runs smoothly, profitably, and (mostly) without you
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