Image by Jirsak via Shutterstock In today's fast-paced, interconnected business world, a crisis can present itself without warning, catching even the most prepared organizations off-guard. A twist in market dynamics, an unforeseen operational failure, or a global phenomenon such as the COVID-19 pandemic - there's an array of situations that may impose severe challenges for any business. According to statistics from FEMA, nearly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, demonstrating the significant impact a crisis can have on an organization's survival. “Crisis management is the art of avoiding trouble when you can, and managing it well when you can’t.” The importance of crisis management cannot be overstated. A robust, action-oriented strategy not only mitigates the immediate impact but also shields long-term reputation and shareholder…
Article 2/2 Leadership and Sales: Bridging Strategy and Execution Building on the discussion of sales team hiring and building a high-performing sales team in Article 1, this second article delves into the Leadership Role in Sales and Sales in a Changing Environment, with an emphasis on how AI and technology are transforming sales functions. The discussion will conclude with Professor Cespedes’s practical advice for SMB business leaders looking to improve their sales performance. About Professor Frank Cespedes Frank Cespedes teaches at Harvard Business School and for 12 years was Managing Partner at a professional services firm. He has worked with companies on go-to-market and strategy issues, and has been a Board member at consumer goods, industrial products, services, PE and…
Ever heard the phrase, 'Accounting is the language of business'? Well, that nugget of wisdom originates from none other than business magnate, Warren Buffett. Consider this: accounting is like a puzzle within the business realm. But Buffett's thoughts in 2014 went beyond this simple comparison. He drew a parallel between accounting and learning a foreign language – and he was serious. Just as deciphering a foreign language as a native English speaker, diving into accounting terms can be like wading through a dictionary with no end in mind. Fixed assets, retained earnings, accounts receivable – they might as well be coded messages! But don't worry; you don't need to become an accounting expert overnight to do business. One key takeaway…
Books Can Spark New Ideas and Shift Your Thinking When your days are packed with meetings, operational fires, and never-ending to-do lists, reading often slips down the priority list. And when you do finally have a moment to crack open a book, it’s tempting to reach for the familiar — that go-to stack of leadership reads that feel comfortable, safe, and predictable. However, if you’re looking to grow, evolve, or reignite your perspective, it might be time to shake up your inputs and that starts with what you choose to read. Fresh insights are unlikely to emerge if you stick with familiar authors and comfort genres. Staying within this echo chamber can limit your perspective and keep you stuck in…
Decarbonization and Sustainability Reporting: Shaping a Resilient Future for the Built Environment In today's world of heightened environmental awareness and the urgent need for sustainable practices, innovative solutions within the built environment have taken center stage. While energy-efficient technologies play a vital role, operational excellence has become the cornerstone of effective carbon reduction efforts in this sector. Six years ago, the acquisition of a company in the built environment industry brought about significant organizational changes. This decision created a void in the market, but it also created an opportunity for forward-thinking professionals. Recognizing the growing need for expertise in sustainability, a group of experienced professionals from the advisory services division came together to establish DeltaQ. Rooted in energy management within…
