Month: June 2024

Robyn Lonsdale, Temple Water Technologies Limited

At this stage of the industry, just about every business has been affected by at least one global crisis or another. Long before the pandemic, the dairy industry experienced a major blow, sending both producers and solutions providers like Temple Water Technologies reeling.

Robyn Lonsdale said, “The global dairy crisis hit, and it was in this environment that I got a call introducing me to The Alternative Board (TAB). My curiosity was piqued. Deep down I knew we needed help to get through this time, as achieving our goals seemed to be getting harder. It didn’t seem to me that we would get there on our own.”

To learn more about how Robyn’s TAB Board helped her business weather a global crisis, read this wonderful Member Case Study from The Alternative Board (TAB).

#tabboards #businesscoaching #peeradvisoryboard

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, CEOs are facing unprecedented challenges that necessitate a fundamental shift in their approach to strategic planning. Today demands a reevaluation of traditional methodologies to adapt to the rapid pace of change and uncertainty. According to a recent study by Vistage, a prominent business advisory and executive coaching organization, the strategic planning landscape is undergoing significant transformations that warrant immediate attention This article delves into the compelling reasons why CEOs need to rethink their strategic planning approaches and suggests solutions to navigate this dynamic environment.

Reasons for Rethinking Strategic Planning –

Accelerated Technological Disruptions: Technological advancements are occurring at an unprecedented pace, disrupting industries and reshaping market landscapes. CEOs need to reassess their strategic planning processes to incorporate emerging technologies, ensuring that their organizations remain agile and competitive.

Global Economic Uncertainty: The global economy is experiencing unprecedented fluctuations, with geopolitical tensions, trade dynamics, and public health crises affecting business operations. CEOs must reconsider their strategic plans to factor in economic uncertainties, ensuring resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Changing Consumer Behavior: Consumer behavior is continually evolving, driven by factors such as environmental concerns, social responsibility, and technological preferences. CEOs need to realign their strategic plans to address shifting consumer expectations, tailoring products and services to meet the demands of the modern customer.

Remote Work Dynamics: The widespread adoption of remote work has become a lasting paradigm shift in the business world. CEOs must rethink their strategic planning to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by remote work, focusing on employee well-being, collaboration, and the integration of digital tools.

Solutions and Strategies –

Agile Strategic Planning: Adopting an agile approach to strategic planning allows organizations to respond quickly to changes in the business environment. CEOs should implement iterative planning processes that enable frequent reassessment and adjustment of strategies based on real-time data and market feedback.

Embracing Technology: Integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation into strategic planning processes enhances decision-making capabilities. CEOs should invest in technology infrastructure and talent to harness the power of data-driven insights for more informed strategic choices.

Scenario Planning: Given the high level of uncertainty, scenario planning becomes a crucial tool for CEOs. By considering multiple potential futures and developing strategies for each scenario, organizations can build resilience and adaptability into their strategic plans.

Collaborative Decision-Making: In a rapidly changing environment, CEOs should foster a culture of collaborative decision-making. This involves engaging with diverse teams across the organization to tap into collective intelligence, fostering innovation and agility.

Conclusion – 

As CEOs navigate the complexities of the business landscape this year, rethinking strategic planning is not just advisable; it is imperative for survival and success. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges posed by technological disruptions, economic uncertainties, changing consumer behavior, and remote work dynamics, CEOs can chart a course for their organizations that is not only resilient but also capable of thriving in an unpredictable future. The Vistage study by Joe Galvin provides valuable insights into the evolving strategic planning landscape, serving as a catalyst for CEOs to initiate the necessary changes in their organizations. Embracing agile methodologies, leveraging technology, incorporating scenario planning, and fostering collaborative decision-making are key strategies to future-proof strategic plans and position businesses for sustained growth in the dynamic years ahead.

We would love to hear your comments. Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

In the realm of leadership, possessing a strong presence is crucial for inspiring and guiding others toward common goals. However, achieving such a presence requires more than just authority or charisma; it demands mastering certain fundamental attributes that set exemplary leaders apart. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a company, or striving for personal growth, here are five essential attributes to master for developing a commanding leadership presence.

1. Confidence: Confidence forms the cornerstone of a strong leadership presence. It’s about believing in yourself, your abilities, and your decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. Confidence inspires trust and respect from others. To boost your confidence, set achievable goals, celebrate your successes, and continually seek growth opportunities. Embrace challenges as learning experiences and cultivate a positive mindset that reinforces your belief in your capabilities.

2. Authenticity: Authentic leaders are genuine to themselves. They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not or hide behind a façade. Authenticity fosters trust and fosters meaningful connections with others. To be authentic, reflect on your values, strengths, and passions. the business. Be transparent about your intentions and motivations, and strive to align your actions with your values consistently. Embrace vulnerability and admit when you don’t have all the answers, as it demonstrates authenticity and fosters a culture of openness and honesty.

3. Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a crucial trait for effective leadership, as it allows leaders to connect with their team members on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and cooperation. To cultivate empathy, actively listen to others without judgment, put yourself in their shoes, and seek to understand their perspectives and emotions. Practice empathy in your daily interactions by acknowledging and validating the feelings of those around you. Show compassion and offer support when needed, demonstrating that you genuinely care about the well-being of your team members.

4. Communication: Effective communication is essential for conveying ideas, inspiring action, and building relationships. Leaders with strong communication skills can articulate their vision clearly, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback. To improve your communication skills, practice clarity and brevity in your messages, tailor your communication style to your audience, and use active listening techniques to ensure understanding. Foster an environment where open communication is encouraged, and feedback is welcomed, creating a culture of transparency and collaboration.

5. Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and persevere in the face of adversity. Strong leaders demonstrate resilience by maintaining a positive attitude, staying focused on their goals, and learning from failures. To build resilience, cultivate a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Practice self-care to recharge and replenish your energy reserves, and seek support from mentors or peers during difficult times. By developing resilience, you’ll inspire resilience in others and create a resilient team capable of overcoming any obstacle.

In conclusion, mastering these five attributes—confidence, authenticity, empathy, communication, and resilience—is essential for developing a strong leadership presence. By embodying these traits, you’ll inspire trust, foster meaningful connections, and effectively lead others toward success. Continuously hone these attributes through practice, self-reflection, and feedback, and watch as your leadership presence grows stronger over time.

We would love to hear your comments. Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Your business probably employs some pretty talented workers who are productive and efficient within their roles. But just how great are your people at going above and beyond?

Your team’s flexibility, willingness to grow and learn, and readiness to support and elevate each other are critical assets, particularly when navigating new initiatives, responding to a company crisis, or launching a new product or service.

Team building helps foster trust throughout your business and promotes more effective communication and problem-solving skills. A strong, supportive team enhances a company’s employee engagement and retention while promoting the agility, innovation, and creative thinking that allows a business to thrive. It’s pretty powerful stuff!

Click here to read “5 Creative Team-Building Strategies for Your Business” at The Alternative Board (TAB).

#tabboards #businesscoaching #teambuilding

 We would love to hear your comments or questions. Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Staying productive in the workplace is essential for career growth and personal satisfaction. Here are five daily habits professionals can adopt to enhance their productivity:

1. 1. 1. Prioritize Tasks: Begin each day by listing tasks in order of importance. Tackling the most critical tasks first ensures that high-priority work is completed, reducing stress and increasing efficiency throughout the day.
      2. Set Clear Goals: Establishing specific, measurable goals for the day can provide direction and motivation. Clear goals help professionals stay focused, make better use of their time, and track their progress, leading to a sense of accomplishment.
      3. Take Regular Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day can significantly boost productivity. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, help maintain high levels of focus and prevent burnout.
      4. Minimize Distractions: Creating a workspace that minimizes distractions is crucial. This includes turning off non-essential notifications, organizing the workspace, and setting boundaries with colleagues to ensure uninterrupted work periods.
      5. Reflect and Adjust: At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on what was accomplished and what could be improved. This practice not only provides a sense of closure but, also helps in planning for the next day, fostering continuous productivity improvement.

By integrating these habits into their daily routine, professionals can create a more productive and fulfilling work environment.

We would love to hear your comments. Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Kristi Dunham is the President and Co-Owner of Peak Engineering, a Denver structural engineering firm specializing in tilt-up distribution warehouses.

Kristi’s predecessor joined TAB back in 2010. Over the years, Kristi watched him successfully implement the strategies he had gleaned from his TAB Board. So, it just made sense that when it was her turn to move forward into that key leadership role, Kristi joined the same TAB Board that her predecessor had. After all, the board had a lengthy knowledge of the business, had helped advise on the leadership transition, and was ready to welcome Kristi with open arms.

Kristi said, “TAB played such a big part in our succession planning and execution. There was so

much to navigate. The board’s deep understanding of our business helped keep us accountable and make those important but sometimes tough decisions. TAB has been an anchor to help us move through all this.”

To learn more about Kristi, Peak Engineering, and her TAB Board experience, read this short but inspiring member case study from The Alternative Board (TAB):

Kristi Dunham, Peak Engineering

#tabboards #businesscoaching #successionplanning

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Many business owners make a crucial mistake when building their network by conflating the concepts of connections and sales leads. Creating a pipeline of hot leads certainly merits, but building a network has a much more nuanced, multifaceted, and arguably more powerful purpose.

Yes, your network should include sales leads. But also suppliers, investors, potential employees, and other business owners who may work in all types of industries. Your network is about creating a robust support system that elevates and augments your connection and capabilities.

Why You Want a Multifaceted Network

As mentioned, a dynamic network comprises more than just potential customers. It includes a diverse array of contacts like suppliers, who can provide insights into cost-saving opportunities, product innovations, and market trends. Potential investors may offer financial backing, strategic guidance, and industry connections. Professional connections give you direct access to the top talent you may need somewhere down the line.

Perhaps most importantly, maintaining a network of other business owners can be invaluable. More than anyone, your peers understand the challenges and opportunities of running and leading a business. You can lean on this network for insight and advice – and maybe even collaborate on a joint venture. Even business owners who know nothing about your specific industry likely have expertise in many common elements of running and growing a business.

Strategies for Building a Healthy Network

True networking success is about strengthening relationships and creating mutual value. When you approach networking with the purpose of both offering and receiving support and shared knowledge, you build stronger, longer-lasting connections. The following are some smart strategies you can use to build a more dynamic network:

Attend a Variety of Events: Don’t limit yourself to the same events with the same attendees. Consider attending events outside your industry and be open to connecting with business owners and professionals you may never anticipate doing business with. You never know when you might need that connection or when they might need you.

Use Social Media: Networking sites like LinkedIn give you access to all kinds of professionals and business owners. The platform offers fantastic sales tools like Navigator, but don’t limit yourself to just looking for leads. Connect with individuals beyond your ideal customers. Join a diversity of groups and then foster those relationships to a degree that makes sense to you.

Cultivate Long-Term Relationships: Your network isn’t a competition for how many contacts you can amass. Instead, focus on building long-term relationships and providing value to your connections. Don’t just send marketing messages; instead reach out with kudos, words of support, questions, or maybe even a personal referral for a position you need filled. You likely don’t have loads of time to spend on networking activities like these, but even a little effort can go a long way.

Provide Value: Approach new contacts with the mindset of how you can help them, not necessarily the other way around. Be a resource. Share an article, offer an introduction, comment on a post, and build reciprocity. Augment your network’s skillsets. Your interactions with your network should be much more valuable than just a sales pitch.

Use your connections wisely. Remember, a strong network is not just about who you know, but how those relationships can elevate both your business and theirs.

TAB Boards are small groups of business owners and CEOs who meet monthly to provide guidance, support, and accountability to each other. TAB Boards are more than networking groups. Together TAB Members help build strategies, inspire innovation, and elevate each other to do better and be better. Please feel free to message me if you would like to learn more about the power of joining a TAB Board.

 We would love to hear your comments or questions. Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

TAB Offers an Array of Diverse Business Services:

• • • Business Coaching
    • Advisory Boards
    • StratPro® Leadership Transformation
    • Additional Business Services

Our ideal candidates are described as:

• • • Business leaders with several years of experience.
    • Self-starters and motivated individuals who will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of their business.
    • Resourceful and resilient, who confidently understand that a franchise opportunity takes commitment, drive, and dedication on their part.
    • Who naturally enjoys relationship nurturing, networking, and communicating with potential clients.
    • Who are energized by facilitating, coaching, consulting, and other business-related activities.
    • Who are ready to monetize their business skills by becoming a TAB Franchisee.

Email us at tabfran@thealtnerativeboard.com or visit our website at www.tabfranchise.com to learn more.

#TABboards #IdealCandidate #FranchiseOpportunities #LeverageYourExperience

We would love to hear your comments. Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.