Justifiable Procrastination

Hands up, who’s guilty of this? As I juggle my competing priorities this year – work, home, studies, I’m constantly fighting the urge to justify my procrastination.  Every task I have to do is necessary in my overall scheme, but when I am truly honest, I know I’m often picking one task over the other because I am procrastinating. Some food …

Price vs Loyalty – How to price your services so your customers stay

The price of a relationship I found myself in an unenviable position recently, caught between loyalty to a service provider and an irresistible offer. I had an established relationship with my current provider and had no complaints or issues.  The service and relationship were good enough that I would happily provide a recommendation.  But the offer was irresistible.  My mental calculations …

The difference between knowing your limits and short-changing yourself

A rather personal post today, after an unintentionally long absence.  Read on and you’ll understand why. “You can’t do that.  You’re insane” I have deliberately messed up my work-life balance this year, adding study to my already hectic life. And of all things, I’m attempting a law degree. Yes, it’s one more ball in the air, and a really big one. …

4 ways to risk-proof your business partnership

Setting up a business in partnership?  Before you carried away with the euphoria and excitement, there are some things you need to consider.  Many partnerships start wonderfully and later turn sour due to misunderstandings, differing expectations or change of personal circumstances.  Dealing with these possibilities up front will save you a lot of potential grief. “Many hands make light work” …

Collaboration teamwork

Meetings destroy collaboration

Yes, I am deliberately being provocative, but it is true, ineffective meetings destroy the true value of collaboration. Ever heard of the phrase death by committee?  It’s a long-standing joke that committees can’t get anything done.  If you’ve ever been involved in a community based committee, you probably get it.  If not, think about all the meetings that you’ve attended where …

Blogs vs Newsletters

I’m confused.  What’s the difference between a blog and my newsletter? This question comes up time and time again with business owners who are just starting out with their online presence.  Already stretched for time, producing content for a blog seems like a big task. Newsletters are easier to understand.  They are digital versions of paper newsletters that we have …

Five minute business review

No time to do a full review of your business?  Grab a coffee (or other warm drink of your choice!) and try this five-minute review. Ask yourself these two questions: What is working? What is not working? If it’s working, you’ll want to keep doing what you are doing, or do more of the same.  If it’s not working, you …

5 things you should know before you start your business

Nothing will completely prepare you for starting a business, but there are some things that you can do to set yourself up well.  Some of the areas highlighted below are stumbling blocks in many businesses that I have observed.  While they are relatively minor, they could make a world of difference if considered earlier in the journey of starting a …

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Is it time to call it quits?

It’s a conversation no business owner wants to have but for some, there comes a time when the question won’t go away – “Is it time to call it quits?” Like all difficult questions, there is no simple answer and often it is as much about motivation and energy of the business owner as it is about whether a business is …