Shadow IT: The Hidden Tech Explosion in Your Business
In today's fast-paced digital world, businesses constantly adopt new technologies to stay competitive. But what might surprise you is how many of these tools aren't coming from your IT department. Welcome to the world of Shadow IT.
What is Shadow IT?
Shadow IT refers to any software, application, or online service used by employees without the explicit knowledge or approval of the IT department. This can range from seemingly harmless browser plugins and productivity tools to full-fledged cloud-based services and AI platforms.
The Scope of the Shadow IT Surprise
You might be shocked to learn how widespread Shadow IT truly is. Studies estimate that the average employee uses dozens of unsanctioned applications, with some companies having hundreds or even thousands of these tools in active use. Consider browser extensions for grammar checking, online project management tools, communication apps outside the company's official channels, and even powerful AI tools for content creation or data analysis.
Why Do Employees Turn to Shadow IT?
Speed and Convenience: The IT procurement process can be slow. Employees often turn to Shadow IT to solve problems quickly or access a tool they need.
Enhanced Functionality: Sometimes, Shadow IT tools offer features or capabilities that the company's approved solutions lack.
Personal Preferences: We all have our favorite apps. Employees might prefer a tool they're already familiar with.
The Hidden Dangers
While Shadow IT might seem like a harmless way for employees to get their work done, it poses significant risks:
Security Vulnerabilities: Unsanctioned tools can introduce malware, data breaches, or compliance violations.
Data Loss: If sensitive information is stored or processed in shadow IT applications, it can be difficult to track and protect it.
Integration Issues: Shadow IT tools might not work seamlessly with your existing systems, leading to compatibility problems and inefficiencies.
Cost Inefficiencies: Companies might end up paying for multiple overlapping tools, leading to unnecessary expenses.
Embracing the Shadow: Managing Shadow IT
Instead of fighting it, organizations should aim to manage Shadow IT effectively:
Increase Visibility: Use tools to discover and monitor the applications used within your network.
Educate Employees: Raise awareness about the risks of Shadow IT and offer training on approved tools.
Evaluate and Approve: Regularly assess Shadow IT tools to determine if they should be officially adopted and supported.
Embrace the Cloud: Consider cloud-based solutions that offer the flexibility and functionality that employees often seek in Shadow IT.
The Future of Work
Shadow IT reflects work's changing nature and technological innovation speed. By understanding and managing it, businesses can empower their employees while mitigating the risks, ensuring a more secure and productive digital environment.
Conquer Difficult Decisions with a Powerful Tool: SWOT Analysis
What is SWOT?
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It's a framework that helps you analyze both internal and external factors that could influence your decision.
Strengths: These are your advantages and positive attributes. What makes you well-positioned for this decision?
Weaknesses: These are your limitations and disadvantages. What areas could hold you back?
Opportunities: These are external factors that could present favorable outcomes. Are there trends or situations you can leverage?
Threats: These are external factors that could create challenges. What potential obstacles should you be aware of?
How to Use SWOT for Difficult Decisions
Define Your Decision: Clearly articulate the choice you're facing.
Brainstorm Each Category: Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats relevant to your decision.
Analyze and Evaluate: Once you have a list for each category, take time to analyze and weigh the factors. How can your strengths help you capitalize on opportunities? How can you address weaknesses to mitigate threats?
Turning Insights into Action
By understanding your SWOT factors, you can make a more informed decision. Here are some tips:
Use your strengths to pursue opportunities.
Find ways to overcome weaknesses or minimize threats.
Develop strategies to address both positive and negative factors.
Conclusion
A SWOT analysis is a simple but effective tool for organizing your thoughts and gaining a well-rounded perspective on a difficult decision. By taking the time to analyze these internal and external factors, you'll be better equipped to make a choice you're confident about.
The Power of Decision: Why Getting Started Wins
We often get stuck waiting for the "perfect" moment to make a decision. We tell ourselves we need 100% certainty before we move forward. But here's the truth: perfection is the enemy of progress.
Making a decision, even if it's not guaranteed to be the absolute best, is far more powerful than staying stagnant. Action is key. By taking that initial step, even at 70-80% confidence, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.
This applies to any area of your life, from starting a business to pursuing a passion project. The key is to understand how to measure your results. As you move forward, track your progress and be willing to adjust your course if needed. This adaptability will ultimately lead you to your goals.
Here's a takeaway: don't wait for perfection. Embrace the power of decision, take action, and be ready to course-correct as you go. That's the recipe for real progress.
The Power of CFRs: Continuous Feedback and Recognition for Engaged Employees
Employees crave regular feedback and for their hard work. A system of Continuous Feedback and Recognition (CFRs) can be a powerful tool to boost employee engagement, motivation, and performance.
What are CFRs?
CFRs stand for Conversations, Feedback & Recognition. It's a framework for ongoing communication between managers and employees. Here's a breakdown of the three components:
Conversations: Regular one-on-one meetings to discuss goals, progress, and challenges.
Feedback: Two-way exchange of constructive criticism and praise to improve performance.
Recognition: Timely appreciation for employee contributions and achievements.
Why are CFRs important?
CFRs benefit both employees and organizations in several ways:
Boosts employee engagement: Regular feedback and recognition show employees their contributions are valued, leading to greater engagement.
Improves performance: CFRs help employees identify areas for improvement and adjust their approach.
Strengthens manager-employee relationships: Regular conversations foster trust and open communication.
Encourages a positive work culture: Recognition creates a more positive and appreciative work environment.
Getting started with CFRs
Here are some tips for implementing CFRs in your organization:
Establish a clear CFR process: Define how often conversations will take place, how feedback will be delivered, and how recognition will be given.
Train managers on CFR techniques: Equip managers with the skills to provide constructive feedback and meaningful recognition.
Make CFRs a two-way street: Encourage employees to actively participate in feedback discussions and share their perspectives.
Recognize achievements big and small: Timely appreciation, even for small wins, can go a long way.
By implementing a CFR system, you can create a work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work.
Tech for Tomorrow's Small Business
In today's dynamic business landscape, staying ahead of the curve requires embracing technology. But for small business leaders, navigating the IT world can be daunting. Here's a roadmap to help you leverage technology for success in 2024 and beyond:
Prioritize Cloud Solutions: Cloud-based technologies offer scalability, remote access, and enhanced security. Explore cloud storage, project management tools, and CRM software to streamline operations.
Invest in Cybersecurity: With the rising threat of cyberattacks, robust cybersecurity is paramount. Implement data encryption, employee training, and reliable backup solutions.
Embrace Automation: Repetitive tasks can bog down your team. Explore automation tools for tasks like scheduling, social media posting, and data entry to free up your team's time for strategic initiatives.
Harness Data Analytics: Data is gold. Leverage analytics tools to glean valuable customer insights, optimize marketing campaigns, and make data-driven decisions.
Foster a Tech-Savvy Culture: Equip your team with the skills to navigate new technologies. Encourage continuous learning and provide training opportunities to ensure everyone is on board.
By strategically integrating these solutions, small businesses can empower their teams, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the years to come.
Ransomware on the Rise: FBI Report Shows 74% Increase
A recent report by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has revealed a significant surge in ransomware attacks. The report found that the number of ransomware complaints received by the IC3 in 2023 increased by a staggering 74% compared to 2022.
Even more concerning is the fact that 91% of these attacks involved data extortion. In these cases, hackers not only encrypt a victim's data but also threaten to leak it publicly if the ransom is not paid.
This increase in ransomware attacks highlights the growing threat posed by cybercriminals. It's crucial for businesses and individuals to take steps to protect themselves from these attacks, such as regularly backing up data and implementing strong cybersecurity measures.
The IC3's annual report provides valuable insights into the latest trends in internet crime. By staying informed about these threats, we can all take steps to better protect ourselves online.
Link to the FBI report: Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3Report.pdf
Understanding RTO and RPO: The Cornerstones of Effective Disaster Recovery
In today's digital landscape, data downtime translates to lost revenue, productivity, and even reputational damage. While backups are essential for disaster recovery, a critical aspect often overlooked is understanding Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO).
RTO defines the acceptable timeframe for restoring critical systems after a disaster. RPO determines the maximum tolerable data loss. Understanding these objectives enables organizations to develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that minimizes downtime and data loss.
Here's why understanding RTO and RPO is crucial:
Reduced Downtime: Clearly defined RTOs guide the implementation of recovery procedures, ensuring a swift restoration of operations.
Limited Data Loss: RPO dictates backup frequency, minimizing potential data loss in the event of an outage.
Improved Decision-Making: Understanding RTO and RPO empowers businesses to make informed decisions about disaster recovery investments.
By neglecting RTO and RPO, organizations risk:
Extended Downtime: Uncertain recovery timelines lead to prolonged disruptions, impacting productivity and revenue.
Significant Data Loss: Without defined RPOs, data backups may not capture the latest information, leading to substantial data loss.
Inefficient Recovery: A lack of focus on RTO and RPO can result in haphazard recovery efforts, further delaying normalcy.
Taking the First Step
Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to identify critical systems and acceptable downtime durations.
Define RTOs for various systems based on the BIA findings.
Establish RPOs that balance data protection needs with backup feasibility.
Implement a robust backup solution aligned with your RPOs.
Regularly test your disaster recovery plan to ensure its effectiveness.
By prioritizing RTO and RPO, organizations can ensure a swift and efficient recovery from disasters, safeguarding their critical data and business continuity.
For more insight and discussion, check out CIT’s Tech for Business Podcast at https://www.cit-net.com/deep-dive-what-are-rtos-rpos/ or check out our short overview video https://youtu.be/Aao03z97KkU
Zero Trust: The Renewed Imperative in a Shifting Cybersecurity Landscape
The recent security incident involving Microsoft in January 2024 is a stark reminder that the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. With supply chain vulnerabilities rising, even trusted software can pose a significant risk. This is why organizations of all sizes must make a conscious shift towards a Zero-Trust security model.
What is Zero Trust?
The core principle of Zero Trust is "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional security models that created perimeters with inherent trust inside the "wall,” Zero Trust assumes that no user, device, or application should be trusted by default, regardless of whether they operate within or outside your network.
Why the Renewed Emphasis on Zero Trust?
Evolving Threat Landscape: Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeted. Supply chain attacks can turn legitimate software into a gateway for malicious activity.
Remote and Hybrid Work Expansion: The rise of remote work has blurred traditional network boundaries, making it harder to enforce perimeter-based security.
Cloud Migration: Increasing adoption of cloud services has introduced new complexities for securing data and applications.
How Threatlocker Strengthens Your Zero Trust Approach
Threatlocker is a valuable tool for implementing an effective zero-trust strategy. It goes beyond traditional antivirus solutions by:
Ringfencing Applications: Threatlocker allows you to define exactly what applications and processes are allowed to run, blocking anything unauthorized. This dramatically minimizes your attack surface.
Controlling File Access: It enables granular control over file and folder access, preventing unauthorized changes or malicious activity.
Restricting Device Usage: You can set policies that allow only approved USB devices or peripherals, prevent data exfiltration, or prevent the introduction of malware.
Centralized Management: Threatlocker's easy-to-use dashboard empowers you to apply and manage security policies consistently across your entire environment.
Key Takeaways
The security breaches of the past few years underscore the need for organizations to adopt a Zero Trust mindset.
Threatlocker's application ringfencing, access controls, and device restrictions perfectly align with the Zero Trust philosophy.
By implementing a layered defense strategy with Zero Trust at its core, including tools like Threatlocker, you can substantially improve your organization's security posture against today's complex threats.
If you would like additional information, CIT has several podcasts on zero trust that can provide further insight. You can find the CIT Tech for Business podcast on your favorite podcast app or via the web using this link.
Maximizing Productivity and Accountability with EOS Traction’s L-10 Meetings
The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a set of tools and principles designed to help entrepreneurs run their businesses more effectively. One of the core components of EOS is the Level 10 Meeting (L-10), a weekly 90-minute meeting designed to maximize productivity and accountability.
The L-10 meeting follows strict guidelines to keep teams focused on important issues and aligned on key objectives. The meeting is structured to ensure that teams address crucial business issues and stay focused on their goals and priorities. The meeting operates at a more strategic level, ensuring everyone has a focus on company objectives and metrics on a regular basis, reminding everyone of their priorities.
One of the reasons L-10 meetings are so effective is that they don’t allow too much room to dwell on status updates or information sharing. Instead, the meeting is designed to focus on the most important things each week without the nonsense. The Level 10 Meeting Agenda incorporates the psychology of what makes for great weekly meetings, forcing you to look at and address what is most important, solving your issues as they arise.
In conclusion, the L-10 meeting is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and leadership teams looking to maximize productivity and accountability. By following the guidelines and structure of the L-10 meeting, teams can stay focused on their goals and priorities, and address crucial business issues in a timely and effective manner.
Conquering Chaos: How OKRs Helped My IT Managed Services Thrive (Even with Limited Time)
Running your own IT Managed Service business is like riding a rollercoaster – thrilling, challenging, and sometimes terrifying, all at the same time. You juggle client demands, fight fires, and strategize for growth, all while feeling like there's never enough time. Sound familiar? As a fellow MSP owner, I get it.
But here's the secret weapon I discovered that helps me stay focused, motivated, and achieve real progress: OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Now, you might be thinking, "Another goal-setting framework? I barely have time to breathe!" Hear me out. Unlike vague to-do lists, OKRs offer a structured and clear path to success, even for time-crunched business owners like us.
What are OKRs?
Imagine OKRs as a roadmap for your business. Your Objective is the ambitious destination you want to reach, like "Become the go-to IT Managed Service in our region." Your Key Results are the specific milestones you must hit, like "Grow monthly recurring revenue by 20% within the next quarter."
Why are they perfect for IT Managed Service owners?
Focus & Prioritize: OKRs force you to identify your most important goals and channel your limited time and resources toward them. No more getting lost in the weeds of daily tasks.
Track & Measure: Each key result has a measurable target, so you can track your progress and adjust your course as needed. No more flying blind and wondering if your efforts are paying off.
Align & Motivate: You can set individual and team OKRs, ensuring everyone's work contributes to the bigger picture. This fosters transparency, accountability, and shared ownership of success.
Here's how OKRs work for me:
Quarterly Planning: At the beginning of each quarter, I set 2-3 ambitious objectives aligned with my overall business vision.
Key Result Breakdown: For each objective, I define 3-5 key results with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) criteria.
Tracking & Adjustments: I regularly review my progress, celebrate achievements, and adjust course if needed. This helps me stay flexible and adapt to changing market conditions.
Remember, OKRs are a journey, not a destination. Don't expect perfection. Embrace the learning process, track your progress honestly, and adjust your goals as needed.
Ready to get started? Here are some resources to help you implement OKRs for your IT Managed Service business:
Free OKR Templates: https://clickup.com/blog/okr-templates/
OKR Software: https://support.monday.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010487220-Understanding-the-Free-Plan
The Measure What Matters Book: https://www.amazon.com/Books-John-Doerr/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AJohn+Doerr
Don't let feeling overwhelmed hold you back from achieving your business goals. Embrace the power of OKRs and watch your IT Managed Service soar!
Steering Your Organization to Success: Why a Management Framework Matters (and Why EOS Traction Could Be the Answer)
Imagine navigating a vast ocean without a compass, map, or any sense of direction. It's a daunting prospect, isn't it? That's essentially what running an organization without a structured framework can feel like. Sure, you might have some goals in mind, but achieving them becomes an inconsistent, reactive, and ultimately frustrating experience.
This is where management frameworks come in. They provide the structure, processes, and tools needed to chart your course, align your team, and propel your organization towards its desired destination.
Why Every Organization Needs a Framework
Whether you're a startup or a multinational corporation, implementing a management framework offers numerous benefits:
Clarity and Focus: Clear goals, defined roles, and prioritized initiatives translate to everyone understanding their part and how it contributes to the bigger picture.
Improved Communication and Collaboration: Shared frameworks create a common language and understanding, fostering better team communication and collaboration.
Increased Accountability: Defined roles and responsibilities lead to ownership and accountability, driving better performance.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Structured processes and data-driven insights pave the way for informed, confident decisions.
Streamlined Processes: Frameworks identify and eliminate inefficiencies, optimizing workflows and improving productivity.
Why EOS Traction Might Be Your Perfect Fit
Among the various frameworks available, the EOS Traction model stands out for its emphasis on transparency, feedback, and collaboration. This unique combination resonates with many organizations, including mine. Here's why:
Clarity of Vision: EOS starts with establishing a clear, compelling vision that unites and inspires everyone within the organization.
Healthy Debate: Encouraged, constructive debate ensures all perspectives are heard and considered, leading to better-informed decisions.
Rocks System: Prioritization becomes crystal clear with the "Rocks" system, focusing everyone on achieving the most impactful objectives.
Accountability Check: Regular meetings and scorecards keep everyone accountable and on track, promoting ownership and responsibility.
Beyond these core elements, EOS Traction offers a comprehensive toolkit, including:
Meeting Pulse: A quick assessment tool to identify and address team dynamics and communication challenges.
Leadership Checkup: Helps leaders refine their skills and effectively lead the organization toward its vision.
Issues Solving Track: Provides a structured approach to identify, solve, and prevent recurring problems.
The Choice is Yours: Embark on Your Success Journey
Implementing a management framework, like EOS Traction, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, the potential benefits, particularly in transparency, feedback, and collaboration, make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking success.
Remember, the decision ultimately lies with you. However, by understanding the power of frameworks and exploring options like EOS Traction, you can equip your organization with the tools and clarity needed to navigate the ever-changing business landscape and achieve remarkable results.
Start your journey toward organizational success today!
The Power of AI Assistants: Microsoft Copilot for M365 and Google Duet for Google Workplace
In today's fast-paced world, productivity is key. With the help of AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot for M365 and Google Duet for Google Workplace, it's easier than ever to stay on top of your tasks and be more productive.
One of the ways these AI assistants can help is by simplifying the process of scheduling meetings. With just a few simple commands, you can easily schedule a meeting with your colleagues, without having to spend time going back and forth trying to find a time that works for everyone.
Another way these AI assistants can help is by composing emails for you. With their natural language processing capabilities, they can understand your intent and help you quickly draft an email that gets your message across.
But that's not all. AI assistants can also help with reminders, organization, research, language translation, and even customer service. They can send notifications for upcoming events, tasks, or deadlines, sort and categorize your data, find and present relevant information on a given topic, provide real-time translations, and provide quick and accurate responses to customer inquiries.
Overall, the power of AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot for M365 and Google Duet for Google Workplace is undeniable. By helping with tasks like meeting scheduling, email composition, reminders, organization, research, language translation, and customer service, they provide quick and easy ways to simplify your work and be more productive.
According to a study by Accenture, AI has the potential to increase productivity by up to 40% by automating routine tasks and enabling employees to focus on higher-value work. This suggests that the use of AI assistants can have a significant impact on productivity and economic growth.
In conclusion, the use of AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot for M365 and Google Duet for Google Workplace can provide a range of benefits for business leaders and office professionals alike. By automating routine tasks and simplifying complex processes, these AI assistants can help you be more productive and efficient in your work.Top 5 Mentors for a Business Professional
As a business professional, it is essential to have mentors who can guide and inspire us on our journey towards personal and professional growth. In this post, I would like to share with you my top 5 mentors in the personal development space who have helped me tremendously.
Ed Mylett: Ed Mylett is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He hosts the popular podcast "The Ed Mylett Show," where he interviews top performers and shares his insights on personal development and success. His books, "Max Out Your Life" and "#Maxout Your Life: Strategies for Becoming an Elite Performer," provide practical advice on achieving your goals and living your best life.
Alex Hormozi: Alex Hormozi is an entrepreneur, author, and business coach. He founded Gym Launch, which helps gym owners grow their businesses. His books, "Gym Launch Secrets" and "The Big Little Gym," provide insights into his successful business strategies. Alex is known for his straightforward approach to sales and marketing and his ability to help businesses achieve rapid growth.
Brendon Burchard: Brendon Burchard is a personal development trainer, author, and speaker. He founded the GrowthDay app, which provides personal development training from top experts. Brendon authored several best-selling books, including "The Motivation Manifesto" and "High Performance Habits." He is known for his ability to help people achieve their full potential and live more fulfilling lives.
John Maxwell: John Maxwell is a leadership expert, author, and speaker. He has written over 100 books on leadership and personal development, including "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" and "Developing the Leader Within You." John is known for inspiring and equipping leaders to achieve their full potential.
Vishen Lakhiani: Vishen Lakhiani is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker. He is the founder of Mindvalley, a personal growth education company. Vishen is the author of "The Code of the Extraordinary Mind" and "The Buddha and the Badass." He is known for his passion for helping people improve their minds and achieve their full potential. His 3MIQ process is a powerful tool for personal growth and has been adopted by many businesses.
These are just a few mentors who have helped me on my journey. I hope that by sharing my experiences, you, too, can benefit from their wisdom and guidance.
Top 5 Morning Habits for a Productive Day
As someone who has studied and learned from leading personal development experts such as Ed Mylett, James Clear, Tony Robbins, and Jim Kwik, I have discovered several common takeaways that I have made part of my daily rituals. These habits have helped me start my day on the right foot and set myself up for success. I will share my top 5 morning habits with you in this post.
Get up before 5 am: Waking up early is a huge advantage. The extra time in the morning before most others are up allows you to focus on the following four habits.
No phone for 1-2 hours: Start your day with your plans, not your phone. Checking emails and texts first thing in the morning can derail your morning. It can wait.
Spend time praying or meditating: Taking quiet time alone to clear your head and focus on the moment is a massive benefit before the rest of the day comes at you.
Exercise: Doing 20-30 minutes of exercise in the morning not only helps your physical health but also your mental health.
Plan your day: Use your calendar to plan activities and times for focus, reading, and follow-up. Don’t let your inbox drive your schedule.
Incorporating these habits into your morning routine can help you start your day with intention and focus. Give them a try and see how they work for you.
Top 5 Personal Growth Recommendations for Leaders
As a leader, it is important to continuously strive for personal growth and self-improvement. Here are our top 5 recommendations for personal growth for leaders:
Create your winning habits: Establishing healthy habits is key to personal growth. Start by getting up early (5am or earlier), praying or meditating, exercising, and making your bed. These small actions can set the tone for a productive and successful day.
Learn something: In today's world, it has never been easier to access a wealth of learning resources. Take advantage of books, audiobooks, podcasts, and learning platforms to expand your knowledge and skills. Continuous learning is essential for personal growth and development.
Practice gratitude: Taking inventory of the things you are grateful for and making a habit of expressing gratitude can have a profound impact on your personal growth. Gratitude can help you maintain a positive outlook and appreciate the good things in your life.
Learn to listen: As a leader, it is important to do more listening than talking. Practice active listening and seek to understand others' perspectives. This can help you build stronger relationships and make better decisions.
Surround yourself with positive influences: Surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you can have a positive impact on your personal growth. Seek out mentors and role models who can guide you on your journey and provide support and encouragement.
By following these recommendations, leaders can continue to grow and develop both personally and professionally. Remember, personal growth is a journey, not a destination. Keep striving to be the best version of yourself.
The Impact of Technology on Business: A Tale of Two Leaders
As a business leader with over 30 years of experience, I have worked with hundreds of businesses and witnessed the impact of technology on organizations. Technology can do great things for organizations, but it can also become a hindrance. The primary difference lies in the approach of the owners and leaders towards technology.
On one hand, there are leaders who invest in quality and robust technology. They view technology as an investment in their business and are willing to spend on it. These organizations see the results and ask for more. They understand that, like so many other areas in life, we get what we pay for.
On the other hand, there are leaders who view technology as a cost that they are always looking to reduce. They opt for low-cost solutions, which are often followed by poor results. Slow and unreliable systems, cyber security incidents, and little to no use of data are some of the common problems faced by these organizations. They are unwilling to engage outside expertise and miss out on the benefits of technology.
I have witnessed first-hand the power of an organization using technology, and it is a wonderful thing. I would challenge any business owner or leader who is frustrated with the technology in their organization to ask themselves if they view the spend on technology as an investment in their business or a cost to their business. The answer could make all the difference.
Balancing Act: Managing Stress as a CEO and Parent of Nine
Hello there! I’m the CEO of a technology solutions provider and a parent to nine wonderful children, some of whom have special needs. In this dual role, I navigate a complex maze of professional challenges and personal commitments, which often brings its own set of stresses. But over the years, I’ve developed a routine that helps me manage these pressures effectively.
1. Early Mornings for Mental Clarity:
Every day begins before the sun rises, at 5 am. This quiet time is reserved for prayer and exercise, a combination that clears my mind and energizes my body. It’s a sacred time for me to connect with my inner self and prepare mentally for the day ahead. The tranquility of early morning provides a stark contrast to the day’s hustle and helps me maintain a calm demeanor.
2. The Power of Communication and Planning:
Open and regular conversations with my wife are the backbone of our family’s well-being. These discussions about our children and their needs help us stay aligned and supportive of each other. Similarly, meticulously planning my day ensures that I am in control of my schedule, rather than it controlling me. This proactive approach to time management is crucial in balancing my professional responsibilities with my personal life.
3. Learning from Mentors:
The insights of Ed Mylett, Jim Kwik, and John Maxwell have been instrumental in shaping my approach to stress management. From Mylett, I learned the value of self-discipline and mental resilience. Kwik’s teachings on brain performance and memory have been crucial in keeping my mind sharp. Maxwell’s leadership principles remind me daily of the importance of leading with empathy and understanding, both at home and at work.
Each of these strategies – rising early for personal time, communicating openly with my spouse, planning diligently, and learning from mentors – plays a vital role in how I manage stress. While the journey isn’t always smooth, these practices provide a framework for handling the challenges that come my way. To those reading, I hope you find your unique rhythm and methods to navigate the stresses in your life. Remember, in the balancing act of life, the key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
Sales Strategy: Group Selling vs One-to-One Selling
Getting the sales funnel working should be one of your top priorities as an owner/business leader.
For sales insights, one of my favorite Podcasts: is - The Game with Alex Hormozi he had a great comment I wanted to share.
Utilizing group selling methods like webinars, seminars, and events can help compress the time frame to make money, especially for products above $30,000.
However, focusing on one-to-one sales is currently preferred. Building a sales organization should involve repeated sales materials like VSLs and webinars for qualification, with salespeople focusing on closing during one-to-one interactions rather than information spewing.
Unleash the Power of AI: Microsoft CoPilot 365 for SMB
I love working with Small and medium-sized businesses. More than ever these businesses need cutting-edge tools to boost productivity, unlock creativity,and streamline workflows. This is where the game-changer enters: Microsoft CoPilot 365.
CoPilot isn't your average office assistant. It's an AI powerhouse embedded within your familiar Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Think of it as a supercharged Swiss Army knife for your digital workforce.
Here's how CoPilot can transform your SMB:
Boost Productivity: Say goodbye to repetitive tasks. CoPilot automates manual processes, like creating complex formulas in Excel or writing meeting summaries in Outlook. That frees up your valuable time for strategic thinking and innovation.
Unlock Creativity: Need a catchy tagline for your marketing campaign? Want to craft a compelling presentation?CoPilot helps you brainstorm ideas, generate different copy variations, and even translate languages on the fly.
Level Up Skills: CoPilot doesn't just get things done; it helps you do them better. It provides real-time guidance and suggestions, improving your writing, grammar, and data analysis skills. Think of it as having a personal AI coach constantly whispering helpful tips in your ear.
Simplify Collaboration: CoPilot fosters smooth teamwork. It translates languages in Teams meetings, helps schedule appointments collaboratively, and even suggests relevant documents and emails to share.
The best part? Accessing CoPilot is seamless. If you're already using Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Premium, it's just an add-on, priced at $30 per user per month. Think of it as an investment that pays off in spades - increased efficiency, higher employee satisfaction, and a competitive edge for your business.
Ready to experience the AI revolution? Here's how:
Visit the Microsoft CoPilot website: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot-commercial-data-protection/
Learn more about its features and benefits: Explore the resources and case studies showcasing CoPilot's impact on real businesses.
Talk to your IT team: Discuss how CoPilot can integrate with your existing workflows and add value to your operations.
Take the plunge! Don't be afraid to experiment and see the magic unfold.
Sharing My Experience: The Journey of 30+ Years in Business
As a business owner and leader with over 30 years of experience, I have had the privilege of growing a business to over 50 million dollars and working with hundreds of businesses to solve their problems. Throughout my journey, I have learned valuable lessons and gained insights that have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
I have decided to start this blog to share my knowledge and experience with others who are looking to grow their businesses and achieve personal success. My goal is to provide helpful information and insights that can help others on their journey.
In the coming posts, I will be sharing my thoughts on various topics related to business growth and personal development. I will be drawing from my own experiences, as well as the experiences of others, to provide practical advice and tips that can help you achieve your goals.
I am excited to embark on this journey with you and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and learning from your experiences as well. Together, we can grow and achieve success.