The Best Leaders Empower Others
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The Best Leaders Empower Others

BySonya Shelton

We become more powerful when we empower others. Great leaders unleash the leader within each person, liberating them to use their own power. Everyone wants to feel like they are contributing to the vision. This is why leader empowerment is important. You can empower others by acknowledging their strengths and potential contributions. First, identify their…

Growing Fast? Here’s What’s Likely To Kill Your Company
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Growing Fast? Here’s What’s Likely To Kill Your Company

BySonya Shelton

If your goal is to grow your business fast, you need a positive cash flow cycle or the ability to raise money at a feverish pace. Anything less and you will quickly grow yourself out of business. A positive cash flow cycle simply means you get paid before you have to pay others. A negative…

5 Ways To Get Your Business To Run Without You
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5 Ways To Get Your Business To Run Without You

BySonya Shelton

Some owners focus on growing their profits, while others are obsessed with sales goals. Have you ever considered making it your primary goal to set up your business so that it can thrive and grow without you? A business not dependent on its owner is the ultimate asset to own. It allows you complete control…

Have you fallen into The Mile Wide Trap?
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Have you fallen into The Mile Wide Trap?

BySonya Shelton

If your company’s revenue has stalled after a period of rapid growth, you may have fallen into The Mile Wide Trap. Consider the case of Kim (not her real name) who runs a public relations firm. Kim studied marketing at school and went on to work for a big advertising agency where she spent ten…

Take a Blood Pressure Test for Your Business
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Take a Blood Pressure Test for Your Business

BySonya Shelton

When was the last time you had your blood pressure tested? Taking your blood pressure is one of the first things most doctors do before treating you for just about anything. How much pressure your blood is under as it courses through your veins is a reliable indicator of your overall health; and it can…

Thinking Vs. Doing: The Owner’s Dilemma
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Thinking Vs. Doing: The Owner’s Dilemma

BySonya Shelton

There’s a steady breeze from the northwest, which cools the warm Caribbean afternoon. Framed between a palm tree and the turquoise water, you notice a man reading. He appears to be working, which seems strange given his appearance: shaggy blonde hair, linen shirt, surf shorts and flip-flops. You squint and realize the man is Richard…

Six Ways to Profit From Your Vacation
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Six Ways to Profit From Your Vacation

BySonya Shelton

Summer is almost over, and many of us are getting in those last weeks of vacation before Fall. Although it may seem strange, now may be the perfect time to increase the value of your company. The most valuable businesses are the ones that can survive without their owner. A buyer will pay a premium…

How Three Moves Quadrupled the Value of this Business
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How Three Moves Quadrupled the Value of this Business

BySonya Shelton

Are you stuck trying to figure out how to create some recurring revenue for your business? You know those automatic sales will make your business more valuable and predictable, but the secret to transforming your company is to think less about what’s in it for you and more about coming up with a reason for…

How Executive Leaders Make Tough Decisions
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How Executive Leaders Make Tough Decisions

BySonya Shelton

Making clear decisions is a critical factor to effective leadership. However, many executives suffer from decidophobia, the fear of making tough decisions. Decisions take courage, and courage means taking intelligent risks to move the organization in the direction of the vision. It’s important to gather data and perspectives, and you can use several decision-making models to help you do it well. However,…

How to Use the Power of Influence
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How to Use the Power of Influence

BySonya Shelton

Ultimately, leadership is influence. We all influence each other, every day, one way or another. Great leaders influence the behavior of others ethically and intentionally to create value and make a contribution. They understand influence is at the core of all the work they do. At its essence, you want to influence others to create…