Success is Always a Choice: Choose Your Pathway Forward

The pathway to success in this era of endless and rapid change is neither straight nor smooth. Each business must chart its own course, based on its unique strengths, market realities, and aspirations. Some guiding thoughts and principles can help along the way:

• Be Proactive, Not Reactive – anticipate change and invest time regularly to look ahead, brainstorm scenarios, and prepare contingency plans.
• Balance Innovation with Stability – innovate to enhance without neglecting your core competencies. 
• Communicate Early and Often – with rapid change, real-time communication is crucial. Ensure timely and transparent communication and ensure it resonates throughout your organization.
• Measure and Celebrate Progress – rapid change can be overwhelming. Set clear milestones, track achievements, and celebrate big and small wins.
• Cultivate Resilience – setbacks will be inevitable. What matters is your ability to learn, adapt, and persist through change.

Charles Darwin said it well: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” The message is clear: embrace change, chart your own pathway, and success will follow. Keep in mind that a business coach brings valuable experience, clarity, and a focus on your success. They act as your strategic partner, empowering you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.

Read more on our website!

If you’re open to the idea of having a business coach, take a chance, it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call… 

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping owners close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want. 

It all starts with a conversation - Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you. Or contact David. Your success is waiting!

The Challenge of Adapting and Adjusting in the Business World

With change comes opportunity, and with it tremendous challenges. Listed below are some of the most pressing difficulties business owners experience as they try to keep pace: 

•    Information Overload
•    Adoption of Technology
•    Workforce Adaptability
•    Unpredictable Markets
•    Ethical and Regulatory Complexities
•    Customer Expectations

Each day owners are swamped by the volume of data — market and competitor positioning, regulatory adjustments, and challenges with customer sentiments. Sorting through this flood to pick actionable elements is a mountainous task. Missing a critical signal or following an unsustainable trend can drain resources.

Adding new technologies can be a game-changer and may determine whether a business thrives or falters. The cost, complexity, and endless evolution of tech tools make it difficult to choose the best platforms, and small businesses may struggle to balance necessary digital changes with limited budgets, time, and expertise.

Team members, just like customers, face their own learning curves. System changes demand new skills, and retraining the workforce requires an investment of time, effort and money. Failure to get everyone on the same page of change can lead to silos, loss of morale, and subsequent impacts on business performance.

Our global and interconnected world means that events halfway across the world can have a profound impact on local businesses. Think supply chains, geopolitical factors, with warp speed shifts in demand – these require businesses to be more agile and responsive than ever before.

Consumers and governments are holding businesses to higher and changing standards - data privacy, the environment, and social responsibility. Navigating this is a huge undertaking, and it’s no small feat to also be profitable.

Today’s customers are better informed, less loyal, and more demanding. They expect personalized experiences, instant gratification, and a seamless digital experience. Navigating change in today’s business climate is nothing short of dizzying.

Read more on our website!

If you’re open to the idea of having a business coach, take a chance, it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call… 

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping owners close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want. 

It all starts with a conversation - Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you. Or contact David. Your success is waiting!

Every Business Stage Will Benefit from a Business Coach

For new ventures and startups, laying a solid foundation is critical particularly when those early days are often full of excitement and uncertainty. A Business coach will help a new owner:

•    Clarify their vision, mission, and strategic priorities
•    Develop a solid business or strategic plan
•    Identify target markets with sound messaging
•    Navigate initial challenges like securing funding, generating revenue, and building a team

A coach brings experience, focus, and perspective that helps startups avoid common pitfalls that could derail their progress.

For businesses excited to scale and grow there are many challenges, including managing demand and making the right operational changes to support growth. A business coach will:

•    Help you develop scalable systems and processes
•    Guide you on acquiring and retaining talent and team development
•    Offer market insights for market penetration and/or launching new products
•    Ensure you stay focused on your top priorities

A coach's guidance during a business’s growth stage ensures that scaling occurs strategically rather than chaotically.

Established and mature businesses face a distinct set of challenges such as staying competitive, maintaining relevance, and fostering innovation – sometimes it’s a change in ownership. Business coaches support mature businesses by:

•    Identifying existing processes and operations that need refining
•    Encouraging adjustments related to market trends
•    Offering strategies for succession planning and leadership development
•    Helping the business owner stay aligned with short- and long-term goals.

Learn about how a business coach can also help with exit planning on our website.

If you’re open to the idea of having a business coach, take a chance, it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call… 

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping owners close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want. 

It all starts with a conversation - Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you. Or contact David. Your success is waiting!

Why Hiring a Business Coach is Beneficial at Every Stage of Your Business

Running a business (whether you're just starting out, scaling up, refining your operations, or planning to exit) is a journey filled with challenges, decisions, and opportunities. At every stage of this journey, hiring a business coach can be a transformative decision, enabling you to gain clarity, develop strategy, and achieve your goals effectively and efficiently. 

What is the Role of a Business Coach?

A business coach is a professional advisor who helps owners and team members navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop effective strategies with implementation for successful outcomes. 

Unlike consultants who tend to focus on specific tasks, business coaches work holistically, addressing both personal and professional growth. Coaches ask probing questions, provide insights, and foster accountability, all of which are vital for ongoing success. Hiring the right coach can be a game-changer for each stage in the life of your business.

Read more on our website!

If you’re open to the idea of having a business coach, take a chance, it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call… 

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping owners close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want. 

It all starts with a conversation - Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you. Or contact David. Your success is waiting!

The Entrepreneurial Dream (And How a Business Coach Can Help)

For most owners, a dream is at the forefront of their entrepreneurial journey. Success will be defined by personal goals that vary in scope and ambition. Some owners will be driven by a desire for financial independence, while others aim to build a business that fosters community impact or innovation. Equally valid is the owner who is quietly running a family business in their hometown, motivated by the goal of sustaining a legacy and serving their community. One owner’s ambition is as valid as the next. Owners are often at risk of having their entrepreneurial dreams clouded by the challenges of start-up or first stage growth. The business needs to be ‘fed’ or fueled for success and eventually the business must work for the owner, not the other way around

Success Fueled through Aspirations

Aspiration is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, driving owners to pursue paths that others may consider impossible. These dreams and ambitions are often rooted in experiences, passions, or challenges that shape the entrepreneur’s worldview. Such aspirations are not solely confined to the business itself. They often extend to how owners view their role in society, how they contribute to their community, or how they show their ethical principles. Aspiration, in this context, is more than a motivator—it becomes the essence of the owner’s identity, driving them to create paths that are uniquely theirs.

Read more on our website!

Take Stock with a Business Coach in Ann Arbor

Your success is about self-expression, making a difference, and creating something that aligns with your values and aspirations. Are you on the pathway that you dreamed of and for which you aspired? If you are not 100+% satisfied, it may be time to seek some help. Hiring a business coach may or may not be your best choice, but how will you know unless you explore it as a possibility?

If you’re open to the idea of having a business coach, take a chance, it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach in Ann Arbor, he specializes in helping owner’s close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want.

It all starts with a conversation – Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you, or contact David. Your success is waiting! 

Every Business Owner Has Their Own Unique Pathway to Success

Personal goals, aspirations, and timing all play a role in shaping the Journey. Ownership and success are often looked upon through the lens of innovation, resilience, ambition, and results. Yet, in your journey as an owner, an often-overlooked element is the way your individuality is inherently woven into your pathway to success.

Unlike traditional careers that follow rather structured and predictable routes, business ownership offers possibilities for self-expression, shaped by personal goals, aspirations, and timing that contribute to a journey as unique as you, the individual owner.

Each Business is as Unique as its Owner

Business ownership is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each owner will bring their distinct personality, values, vision, life goals and lifestyle preferences to the table, making their pathway to success uniquely different from other owners. Whether you are developing groundbreaking technology, revolutionizing an industry, or creating a legacy business, the journey very much reflects the owner.

What truly sets owners apart is the manner in which they align their business pursuits with their personal goals. For some, success may mean building a scalable enterprise that generates wealth and creates jobs. For others, it could be about creating a product or service that brings value to a niche area or to customers it serves. These aspirations act as a guiding beacon, influencing the decisions they make and the risks they take.

Read more on our website!

Your success is about self-expression, making a difference, and creating something that aligns with your values and aspirations. Are you on the pathway that you dreamed of and for which you aspired? If you are not 100+% satisfied, it may be time to seek some help. Hiring a business coach may or may not be your best choice, but how will you know unless you explore it as a possibility?

If you’re open to the idea of having a business coach, take a chance, it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach in Ann Arbor, he specializes in helping owner’s close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want.

It all starts with a conversation – Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you, or contact David. Your success is waiting! 

Why Hire a Business Coach?

Every business faces challenges, but how these challenges are addressed makes a significant difference. Business coaches equip owners with problem-solving techniques and tools that help them tackle issues effectively. By encouraging innovative thinking and providing structured approaches, coaches enable owners to find solutions that drive growth and enhance operational efficiency.

Resource management is critical for business sustainability. Business coaches can help you identify, acquire, and optimize financial, human, and operational resources, ensuring they are utilized effectively. This optimization leads to better cost management, improved productivity, and higher profitability.

We know that life for a business owner can be stressful. Business coaches can support you in your personal growth, helping you build resilience and confidence. By addressing personal challenges and fostering a balanced mindset, coaches enable owners to lead with clarity and purpose.

Business coaches have often developed business networks that can benefit owners. They can introduce owners to potential clients, partners, and industry influencers, facilitating valuable connections. These networks can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and markets, contributing to business growth and success.

All businesses are unique, each with their own set of challenges and opportunities. Business coaches offer tailored, client-specific support that addresses the needs both of the business and its owner. This client-focused approach ensures that the coaching process is relevant, impactful, and drives meaningful results.

The ultimate goal of a business coach is to empower owners with the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success and sustainability. By fostering strategic thinking, effective leadership, and operational efficiencies, coaches help owners build businesses that can survive and thrive in dynamic market environments.

Read more on our website!

If you’re feeling some need to address the long-term success of your business coupled with how it supports your personal life, don’t wait – starting doesn’t take more than a brief phone call… 

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping owner’s close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want. 

It all starts with a conversation - Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you. Or, contact David. Your success is waiting!

What Can a Business Coach Do for You?

Running a business is multifaceted and requires a healthy mix of strategic thinking, leadership skills, operational expertise, and the ability to manage change – more rapidly than ever. Amid the complexities and challenges, as an owner, you may often find yourself navigating uncharted territories. With this in mind, hiring a business coach can be a transformative decision that unlocks potential and propels your business towards sustained success and growth. 

Below are some compelling reasons why you should consider hiring a business coach: 

• Expert Guidance and Perspective – Advocating for Your Success
• Enhanced Strategic Planning with Results
• Skill Development and Leadership Enhancement
• Accountability and Focus
• Improved Problem-Solving with Manageable Solutions

A business coach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They offer tailored, expert guidance and an external perspective that can help you see your enterprises through a different lens and avoid blind spots. By challenging existing assumptions and providing constructive feedback, business coaches enable you to identify areas for improvement and optimize their strategies.

Read more on our website!

If you’re feeling some need to address the long-term success of your business coupled with how it supports your personal life, don’t wait – starting doesn’t take more than a brief phone call… 

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 45 years of perspective to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping owner’s close gaps, prioritize needs, and achieve the success they want. 

It all starts with a conversation - Call 734-645-9406 today to see if business coaching might be a fit for you. Or, contact David. Your success is waiting!

Securing the Future of Your Business, Its Legacy, and Your Personal Future

As an entrepreneur you started your business journey with dreams of growth, success, and making an impact. While much emphasis is placed on starting and building your business—such as drafting a business plan, securing funding, and attracting customers—the end of the journey warrants equal attention. This end often entails an exit strategy, succession, or transition plan. Developing these plans early is crucial for many reasons, and here we will explore the benefits of starting early.

The Concept of an Exit Strategy

Your exit strategy is a roadmap that outlines how a you intend to leave your company, one that maximizes the upside, minimizes downside while at the same time providing for your personal needs, wants, and wishes. It includes the method of exit, such as selling the business, merging with another company, passing ownership to a family member, or in some way transitioning the business to another party.

Read more on our website!

If you’re feeling some need to address the long-term success of your business coupled with your post-entrepreneurial life, don’t wait – starting doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you develop your exit or transition plan.

Business transition planning starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!

It’s Never Too Early to Take These Steps in Developing Your Exit Strategy

No matter how far ahead it is, thinking about your exit plan early is important. If  you don’t know how you will exit your business and how your exit aligns with your life goals and future needs, you may be in for some uncomfortable challenges.

• Define your goals, your personal ones first and then your business goals for your exit. This includes financial goals, legacy considerations, and desired timeline.
• Understand business valuation, which may not give you a financial value for your business, but it can help you plan for the value you most desire.
• Explore your exit options so that you can test different exit strategies and choose the one that aligns best with your goals. Consider the pros and cons of each choice.
• Create a timeline for your exit early that includes key milestones and deadlines. This helps in maintaining focus and ensuring progress towards the exit.
• Improve your business operations, financials, and market position in alignment with your personal goals, while enhancing the value of your business.
• Engage with business and financial advisors, legal experts, and other professionals to guide you through the complex process of exit planning.

At some point you will take steps to communicate your plan and ensure transparency and clarity with stakeholders such as employees, clients, and family members. This builds trust, prepares them for the transition, and helps get everyone rowing in the same direction.

You may have exit questions that are impossible to answer today simply because your life journey and your business life journeys are evolving and incomplete. In the same way you develop a strategic plan that you execute, review and adjust, your exit strategy and plan may start small and be updated as you become more certain about what your end game should be.

Read more on our website!

If you’re feeling some need to address the long-term success of your business coupled with your post-entrepreneurial life, don’t wait – starting doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you develop your exit or transition plan.

Business transition planning starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!

The Importance of Leadership Development

Effective leaders ensure the talent pipeline of human capital is robust, balanced, and capable of meeting organizational needs today and well into the future. Often this talent pipeline can be developed from within your organization reducing reliance on external hires. Well-developed leaders will be adaptable and responsive to market changes, ensuring their organization stays competitive. A strong leader will embrace continuous learning, build on emotional intelligence, and develop their soft skills. All of this will ensure good employee retention.

Leadership and leadership development are vital components of business success. Effective leaders drive organizational culture, foster innovation, enhance decision-making, and ensure adaptability in a rapidly changing market. Investing in leadership development creates a pipeline of capable leaders, improves employee retention, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.

In the ever-evolving and fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the journey to success is often fraught with challenges and opportunities. As a business owner, navigating this dynamic landscape, a key element is leadership and its effectiveness. Every business has room for improvement! If you think that leadership has not been as impactful to the success of your business… it may be time to get help. For the specifics of your business, we’ll need to rely on your candid assessment. Don’t wait, take stock today, and figure out where success or the lack of it is coming from – download the Five Business Dangers reflection exercise and complete it.

Read more on our website!

If you’re feeling some desire to address the success of your business, don’t wait – starting doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you examine the health of your business and help with leadership development for your Ann Arbor business.

It all starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!

Why Investing in Leadership Pays Dividends

In the ever-changing and fast-paced world of business, effective leadership is the cornerstone of organizational effectiveness and success. Leadership is not simply about holding a position of authority; it’s about influencing, guiding, and inspiring others towards achieving common goals. Leadership and skills of leaders do not grow overnight, and they require a long-term focus and investment. Over time, leadership skills become increasingly vital, as businesses navigate through challenges and opportunities.

Leadership in a Nutshell

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to take action towards achieving a common objective. It encompasses many skills including strategic thinking, communication, empathy, and decisiveness. As a leader, you will set the vision, create a roadmap, and mobilize resources in support of desired outcomes. As a strong and competent leader, your presence can elevate your company's performance, foster a positive work culture, and drive innovation.

Read more on our website!

If you’re feeling some desire to address the success of your business, don’t wait – starting doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you examine the health of your business and help with leadership development for your Ann Arbor business.

It all starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!
 

Real-Time Accounting vs. After-the-Fact Accounting

In the ever-evolving and fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the journey to success is often fraught with challenges and opportunities. As a business owner, navigating this dynamic landscape, one of the most critical elements that can either propel you forward or hold you back is the quality and timeliness of your financial information. Sound financial information is not just a tool for tax filing; it is the backbone of informed decision-making, strategic planning, and sustainable growth.

The Bedrock of Success: Sound Financial Information

For business owners, sound financial information is like a GPS that helps you navigate from point A to point B. Set up properly, your financial information can provide direction, clarity, and confidence, enabling entrepreneurs to steer their ventures toward success.

Accurate financial data allows you to:

• Make Informed Decisions: With precise financial information, you can make decisions about investments, expansion, cost-cutting, and pricing strategies. It empowers you to evaluate the financial health of your business, identify trends, and anticipate future needs.
• Plan Strategically: Financial information is crucial for creating realistic and achievable business results. By understanding your financial position, as a business owner, you can set goals, allocate resources effectively, and devise strategies that align with your long-term vision.
• Manage Cash Flow: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Reliable financial data helps you watch your cash flow, ensuring you have the ability to meet obligations and seize opportunities as they arise.
• Secure Financing: Whether seeking loans, attracting investors, or negotiating with suppliers, having sound financial information enhances credibility and demonstrates your business’s stability and growth potential.
• Ensure Compliance: Accurate financial records are essential for complying with regulatory requirements and tax obligations. They help avoid legal issues and penalties that could derail the business.

Read more on our website!

Your Gateway to Performance Improvement and Business Success

If you’re feeling some pressure to address the success of your business, don’t wait – it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you examine the health of your business and find critical areas which once addressed will result in performance improvement for your business.

It all starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!

Creating a High-Performing Sales Team: Get The Sales Outcomes You Want!

Creating a Sales-Focused organization that is resilient, focused on new and repeat business, and successful in achieving its revenue and profit goals is not transactional. It requires a commitment and the investment of time, energy, and effort with a clear vision of what success looks like. Why not take stock now and find a few areas that will make a difference?

Is your company focused on the right areas, and producing the performance and outcomes you want? Thinking of your current organization, its focus on sales, the culture, employee & management attitudes (mindset), along with sales performance, read the statements below and ask yourself: are these in place and are they optimized?

If your answer is NO to two or more of the following statements, then you would likely benefit from a shift in sales related focus in your organization:

• All employees have a positive view of sales and selling in our organization
• The sales leader meets regularly with the business owner /leadership to ensure alignment of sales and organizational strategy
• Strategic prospecting targets are defined and included in each salesperson’s territory plan
• All employees in the organization understand the importance of sales and the role they play in supporting and increasing both sales and customer satisfaction

Read more here on our website!

Your Gateway to Performance Improvement and Business Success

If you’re feeling some pressure to address the success of your business, don’t wait – it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you examine the health of your business and find critical areas which once addressed will result in performance improvement for your business.

It all starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!

High Performing Sales Team: Inspiring Success

What is the view or mindset of your organization toward its sales team? The sales team should be viewed as a high-performance team, no different than a professional sports team. The entire organization (employees / leadership) must get behind the sales team and be supportive, helpful, and passionate about winning, succeeding, and driving results. Something as simple as setting the mindset of ‘everyone sells’ can be a shift in the culture and attitudes embraced by the organization.

Has organizational leadership made clear its go-to-market strategy, along with high value targets? Is the sales manager and sales team equipped and armed with the needed information to carry to prospective customers? Too often sales teams are expected to function just like an owner or leader would, often relying on passion and inside knowledge the sales team doesn’t have access to. Is your sales team set up for success or failure? What information does the owner or leadership have that once shared becomes a game-changer?

We’ve found that many organizations truly want great results, but when it comes to a sales-focused organization with a high-performance team, gaps in this concept emerge. These gaps may include mis-hires in the recruiting of sales team members, not being clear about the role and results expected for the position, and not providing the right tools or direction that supports the optimal success of the sales team. It may be sales management, where success is expected, not celebrated, or assumptions that the team is trained and knows what to do, but no one is checking to see if that assumption is valid.

Creating a Sales-Focused organization that is resilient, focused on new and repeat business, and successful in achieving its revenue and profit goals is not transactional. It requires a commitment and the investment of time, energy, and effort with a clear vision of what success looks like. Why not take stock now and find a few areas that will make a difference?

Read more on our website.

Your Gateway to Performance Improvement and Business Success

If you’re feeling some pressure to address the success of your business, don’t wait – it doesn’t take more than a brief phone call…

David is an accomplished and experienced business professional who brings over 40 years of insight to the table. As a business coach, he specializes in helping business owners prioritize their needs. He can help you examine the health of your business and find critical areas which once addressed will result in performance improvement for your business.

It all starts with a single, free conversation. Call 734-726-5208 today for a free coaching session or contact David. Your success is waiting!