Resources to run a better business.

I’ve got pins in my hand and screws in my knee. Like anybody who’s been around a few decades (or more), my body has taken some wear and tear. I’m extremely grateful for the good health I do have, but there are places in my body that sometimes feel stiff. Stuck. Sticky. My companies are like that, too. And, I’m betting, so is yours.

I love these rules of engagement, which I first heard from the great Bob Prosen. I’ve adapted them a bit over the years, but they are incredibly powerful as a set of guidelines to help teams communicate effectively.

In business, there’s a lot of lip service paid to meeting customer needs. You’ll hear about it in strategy. You’ll hear about it in marketing. You’ll hear about it in sales. But all too often, when it comes down to executing, companies choose to follow their own interests instead.

I’m back on the Disney train. Maybe it’s because I just spent 3 days in Orlando at a conference. Or maybe it’s because The Boathouse is so damn good. If you haven’t been, The Boathouse is one of the restaurants in Disney Springs, Orlando—THE restaurant in my opinion.

How do you learn to solve every problem your business will face as it grows?‍ Trick question. You don’t.‍ By its nature, business requires dealing with the uncertain and the unknown. ‍There are skills you don’t have, complexities you haven’t considered, and even unforeseen events that you never anticipated.

In the course of your company’s daily operations, how important is your customer?‍ Would it surprise you to learn that knowing your customer well—and serving them well—is an indicator of a company’s ability to grow?‍ It’s not just lip service. 

When does solving a problem require NOT solving a problem? One of the best things about operationalizing a company is the structure it provides around making decisions. If you’re familiar with our Growth Method or other business operating systems, you know they all tend to emphasize efficiency.

How stressful do you find your job, on a scale of 1-10? There’s no doubt that if you’re an executive, and especially a business owner, you’re under a good deal of pressure. Making the business run efficiently, navigating the danger zones of red growth, planning for potential economic crises. . . being in business is not for the faint of heart.

I just had the privilege of spending 3 days with 600 entrepreneurs at the EO Nerve conference in Virginia Beach. My team and I left feeling inspired, invigorated…and a little worn out from all those late-night parties. ;) These events always offer the chance to tap into what entrepreneurs are thinking about right now. Here are our takeaways on what’s top of mind for the entrepreneurial community.