Is Your Business Sustainable? How to Succeed at Decarbonization

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…

Blockchain Accounting: An Answer to Financial Fraud?

Image by Hitesh Choudharya via Unsplash Many have touted the arrival of blockchain technology as the next frontier in business operations, a pioneering breakthrough that possesses the potential to transform conventional procedures across industries. Often associated primarily with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the application of blockchain goes far beyond this investment phenomenon. To understand blockchain technology's potential impact, we must first examine the fundamentals of this groundbreaking approach.  At its core, blockchain is a decentralized system where all transactions or digital events get consolidated into 'blocks' and distributed across a network of computers, referred to as 'nodes'. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. The unique attribute of this system is its ability for self-audit - a quality that…

The First Step to A Successful Business: A Shareholders’ Agreement

What Happens When Two Founders Start a Business With No Clear Rules? Every entrepreneur begins their journey with a good idea, a trusted friend, a shared dream. It always starts with, “We should do something together.” The idea feels fresh, the energy is high, and the possibilities seem endless. Those first moments are filled with hope and optimism, where everyone is enthusiastic, the roles seem obvious and collaboration feels smooth. This is the classic startup story of two friends chasing a dream and finally deciding to make it happen. Party A and Party B were exactly like this: Friends with complementary skills, united by a vision, and eager to launch their business. They set things up quickly, registered the company,…

Crisis Management: What Is It?

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…

Is Sales Really Difficult? Are there Proven Methodologies for Success?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations face numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting and developing top sales talent. In this two-article series, we uncover overlooked strategies to boost sales performance, examining the impact of technology, strategy, leadership, performance management, and other critical factors that drive business success. In a recent interview, Professor Frank Cespedes shared his expert insights on effectively managing the sales function to enhance business outcomes. This interview is divided into two articles. This is Article 1, where we begin by exploring Strategic Approaches to Sales and Sales Talent. We’ll delve into foundational strategies and best practices for building a high-performing sales team. Article 2 will follow in two weeks, focusing on the Leadership Role in…

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