Archive for category: Small Business

The Best Business Advice I Ever Ignored (Until It Was Almost Too Late)

When I was just starting out in business, I read a book by Michael Gerber. This was the core focus:

“Don’t just work in the business—work on the business.”

Too busy to think
Back then, I was coding during the day, handling proposals at night, managing clients somewhere in between, and generally trying to do everything myself. Growth meant more work, more chaos, more duct tape.

I wasn’t working on the business. I was sprinting in it—head down, inbox full, and calendar jammed. And I told myself that was what success looked like.

It took nearly burning out, missing some important family moments, and watching key people leave for me to finally listen to that advice.

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Working on the business meant stepping back.
Not to disengage—but to lead. To think about where we were headed. To build systems. To delegate, hire better, and create a company that didn’t depend on me being everywhere all the time.

When I started carving out time to work on the business, things changed:

• We hired stronger leaders
• Our delivery process became repeatable
• Client relationships deepened
• Profitability improved
• I slept better

Funny how that works.

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What I’ve learned since
That advice wasn’t just good—it was essential. And the best leaders I know? They carve out regular time to work on their business like it’s a non-negotiable.

They treat strategy like a discipline, not a once-a-year retreat.

They document what works so others can repeat it.

They create a culture where growth doesn’t mean chaos—it means clarity.

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So here it is again:

Don’t just work in the business. Work on the business.

You can thank me later. Or ignore it and learn the hard way. Either works—I’ve done both.

Let’s Start Q2!

As we move from Q1 into Q2, businesses, managers, and leaders should take the opportunity to assess performance, refine objectives, and mitigate risks for the rest of the year. Here’s what should be on the radar:

1. Evaluate Performance & Adjust Goals

• Q1 KPI Review: Are revenue, profitability, and other key metrics on track? If not, why?
• Customer & Employee Feedback: Are there recurring pain points or emerging trends that need attention?
• Budget vs. Actuals: Are expenses in line with projections? Are there areas to cut or invest more?
• Sales Pipeline Health: Is there enough in the pipeline to hit annual targets, or does lead generation need a boost?

2. Identify Growth & Market Opportunities

• Industry Trends & AI Adoption: Are competitors leveraging AI, automation, or new tech in ways you’re not?
• Customer Needs: Has anything shifted in customer expectations or behavior that presents a new revenue opportunity?
• Strategic Partnerships: Any new collaborations that could accelerate growth or provide a competitive advantage?
• Expansion & Diversification: Are there adjacent markets or services that make sense to explore?

3. Address Risks & Operational Bottlenecks

• Talent & Workforce Planning: Any high-performing employees at risk of leaving? Does hiring align with business goals?
• Supply Chain & Vendor Risk: Any vulnerabilities in procurement, logistics, or dependencies that need mitigating?
• Tech & Cybersecurity: Are systems secure and scalable? Are there process inefficiencies that tech upgrades could solve?
• Regulatory & Compliance Risks: Any upcoming legal, tax, or compliance shifts that need preparation?

4. Reinforce Culture & Engagement

• Employee Motivation Post-Q1: Are people feeling engaged and aligned with company goals, or is burnout creeping in?
• Leadership Development: Are managers equipped to lead effectively and adapt to changing workplace dynamics?
• Remote & Hybrid Work Adjustments: If hybrid/remote work is a factor, does the setup still support productivity and collaboration?

5. Plan for Q3-Q4 Success Now

• Mid-Year Adjustments: If Q1 wasn’t strong, what immediate pivots can improve trajectory?
• Summer Slowdowns: If Q2/Q3 is historically slow, what strategies can keep momentum going?
• Big Projects & Initiatives: What needs to be set in motion now to hit year-end targets?

Bottom line: This is the perfect time to correct course, capitalize on early trends, and ensure the rest of the year unfolds with fewer surprises. What’s the biggest challenge or opportunity you’re seeing as Q2 approaches?

Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines: Insights from Leading a Top-Rated Workplace

Leadership is not just about directing others; it’s about inspiring, challenging, and, most importantly, learning from them. At Intertech, being recognized as a top workplace is not just a title—it reflects the culture and values we uphold. Here are some leadership lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Empathy Drives Engagement

Understanding the personal and professional needs of your team can transform the way you lead. Empathy allows you to create a supportive environment that boosts morale and productivity. It’s about listening, responding, and adapting to your team’s needs.

2. Transparency Builds Trust

Being open about company goals, challenges, and successes creates a culture of trust. Transparency encourages team members to be forthright with their ideas and concerns, fostering a collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued.

3. Resilience is Contagious

Challenges are inevitable in any business. Showing resilience—staying committed to the vision and adapting to changing circumstances—inspires your team to handle setbacks with a positive attitude and an open mind.

4. Encourage Innovation

Encouraging your team to bring new ideas to the table and rewarding innovation is crucial. It’s not just about the ideas that succeed; it’s about fostering an environment where creativity is valued and failure is seen as a step towards success.

5. Recognize and Reward

Regular recognition of team members’ efforts and achievements helps in building a motivated workplace. Whether it’s through formal awards or a simple “thank you,” acknowledgement goes a long way in making employees feel appreciated.

6. Lead by Example

The strongest leadership lesson I’ve learned is the power of example. The behavior you want to see in your team starts with you. Whether it’s work ethic, attitude, or dedication, leading by example sets the standard for the entire organization.

7. Continuous Learning

The landscape of technology and business is ever-changing. Staying committed to learning and adapting is essential. Encourage continuous education and provide opportunities for your team to grow their skills.

Each of these lessons has played a pivotal role in shaping Intertech into the workplace it is today. Leadership is a journey of constant learning, and each challenge is an opportunity to refine your approach and inspire your team.

A Leaders Guide to Navigating 2025

Navigating 2025 as a leader will require agility, foresight, and a deep understanding of technological advancements and the evolving workforce dynamics. Here are some practical pieces of advice to guide leaders through the upcoming year:

1. Embrace Flexibility in Work Arrangements: As hybrid and remote work environments continue to be popular, leaders should strive for flexibility in work arrangements. This not only helps in attracting and retaining talent but also in building a culture of trust and responsibility. Use technology to maintain communication and collaboration regardless of physical locations.
2. Prioritize Continuous Learning and Development: The rapid pace of technological change demands continuous learning. Invest in training and development programs to keep your team’s skills up-to-date, particularly in emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Consider partnerships with educational platforms or in-house training to nurture a culture of growth and adaptability.
3. Strengthen Emotional Intelligence: The complexity of today’s work environment requires leaders to have strong emotional intelligence. Focus on developing skills like empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal communication. This will enable you to lead more effectively through change, manage conflicts better, and improve team morale.
4. Leverage Data for Decision Making: In an increasingly data-driven world, leaders must be adept at interpreting and utilizing data to make informed decisions. Invest in analytics tools and skills to understand market trends, customer behavior, and business performance. This will not only improve decision-making but also enhance strategic planning.
5. Focus on Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: Consumers and employees alike are placing greater importance on sustainability and ethical practices. Leaders should integrate these values into their business strategies to ensure long-term viability and align with public sentiment. This can involve anything from reducing carbon footprints to ethical sourcing of materials and fair labor practices.
6. Build Resilience and Prepare for Disruptions: The lessons learned from recent global disruptions highlight the need for preparedness and resilience. Develop contingency plans for various scenarios, from economic downturns to natural disasters. Encourage a mindset of resilience, where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation.
7. Enhance Customer Experience: Differentiate your business by focusing on customer experience. Utilize technology to improve service delivery, personalize interactions, and streamline customer support. Understanding and predicting customer needs before they arise can set your business apart in a competitive market.

By following these guidelines, leaders can position themselves and their organizations to thrive in 2025, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in a dynamic global landscape.