You’re Managing Your Business Like It’s Still Day One
You started this firm because you were brilliant at something. Your expertise. Your vision. Your hustle. That scrappy, hands-on approach got you here.
Pro Serv Blogs
Seller’s Journey – “The Soft Stuff is the Hard Stuff”
Selling your business is the most difficult event during a business owner’s journey. Period. After 25 years advising business owners, I have developed a deep conviction in the phrase that during ownership transition “the soft stuff is the hard stuff.”
Embrace the Unknown
Historically, something has always been thought to disrupt companies, from the printing press to machinery to Excel, and now AI. Every day, I log into LinkedIn or other social media and see new content about AI. Some are inspiring, some educational, but there are also warning AI will replace the whole workforce.
What Business Sellers Need to Know About Due Diligence
It’s common sense to do a little background research before any important purchase — whether that means checking reviews for a new dishwasher, having a mechanic inspect a used car or browsing forums before choosing a contractor.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves: How Fear Shapes Professional Services Decisions
When I listen to professional services leaders share their fears, concerns, and challenges, it becomes clear that their decisions are often based on internal narratives rather than market realities. These stories, while understandable, can lead to choices that undermine the very advantages that make boutique firms competitive.
Connect Your Data or Stay Small
Most professional services firms hit a ceiling. The cause may be one of a hundred things. It’s not usually lack of talent. Quite often, it’s fractured data.
You’re Not Solving the Right Problem (And That’s Why Clients Push Back on Price)
Ask most founders of boutique professional services firms what problem they solve, and they’ll give you a list of services.
Managing CEO Stress and Anxiety in Healthy Ways
This quote resonates with me: “Work on the business, not in the business.”. For me, part of working on the business is making myself more resilient, healthy and happy so that I can make the investments in the rest of the business. If I’m not stable, energized and able to bounce back from challenges, then how am I supposed to work on the rest of the business?
Employment Law Axiom No. 21: Accept Resignations
When someone quits, let them. Thank them. Wish them well. And start planning for life without them.
Why Customer Research Is the Growth Lever Most Firms Overlook
When we began doing customer research at Integral, I thought it would confirm what I already knew. Instead, it changed how we saw our business.