Each instrument in a song is a part of a system, just like each department in your business. 🎸🎹🥁

At the most basic level, you’ve got your instruments (your systems), then you bring them together to create a harmonious piece of music (your operations). Whether it’s a solo artist or a full orchestra, each part plays a role in the overall performance. 🎤🎵

From one-person teams to large departments, every level of your business requires a tailored system to make it all work. The better your systems work together, the more seamless the performance! 🌟

So, whether it's your team, processes, or tools—make sure all your systems are in tune. 🎶

When we think of systems, most people picture networks or mechanical parts, but at its core, a system is simply a set of things working together. It’s how your people, processes, and tech/tools align to create harmony. 🎯✨

Think of it like a beautiful orchestra: when all the systems in your business (and even your personal life) are in sync, it’s pure flow. But when they’re out of tune? It’s just noise. 🎶

The key to a smooth-running business? Perfecting the triple threat:
1️⃣ People
2️⃣ Processes
3️⃣ Tech & Tools

When these systems work together, that’s where the magic happens. 🎉 Let's keep tuning those systems until they're in perfect harmony!

Picture this: 📷
when you buy a sandwich, the most exciting part is usually what’s in the middle—the special sauces, the extra toppings, the flavors that make the sandwich unique.
That’s the strategy and tactics: they’re the fun, exciting part that everyone sells you on.

But here’s the kicker: 🥾

the bread (the foundational elements) is what truly holds everything together. The systems and your overall mission are that bread. Without them, the sandwich doesn’t stand a chance. They’re the consistency your business needs to succeed.

When you’re building a business, focus on the unsexy parts: systems and mission. They’ll always be there, even as the rest of the sandwich evolves.

❌ The misconception:
Many believe that when you change your strategy, you need to tweak your systems.

💡 The truth:
Systems should not be adjusted just to fit a new strategy. Instead, your systems should be built around your overarching business aim—your mission.

🔑 Why?
Systems are the foundation of your business—your people, processes, and tech. These core elements should remain solid and adaptable, even if your strategy needs tweaking.

✅ Here’s how it works:

1. Don’t change systems just because a strategy didn’t work.
2. Look within your existing systems for strategic options.
3. Adjust the strategy based on your high-level goal, not the other way around.

The goal is to avoid ripping everything apart because a strategy failed. Systems don’t fail—strategies do. Build your business to evolve, not break when things don’t go according to plan.

🔄 Takeaway:
Focus on strengthening your systems first. Then, let your strategy evolve around them.

So, if you’re scrambling to get everything together right now, let’s keep it simple. I’m here to give you a straightforward system to get back on track. Execute this plan, get through this season, and then—mark my words—book a call with me at NoSalesBS.com for January. You’re way too busy to think long-term right now, but next year, let’s make sure you’re not stuck in this same frantic cycle.

1. Make a List and Prioritize Ruthlessly
   Write down every task you think you need to complete. Then, tackle it in order of importance. Be honest with yourself—if something isn’t a deal-breaker, scratch it off. Your list doesn’t need to be exhaustive; it needs to be manageable.
   
2. Use the 80/20 Rule
   Perfectionism has no place here. Focus your energy on the 20% of tasks that will drive 80% of your results. Whether it’s your ad copy, campaign visuals, or email sequences, avoid obsessing over minor details. Get it done, not perfect.
   
3. Proofread with Fresh Eyes
   You’re running on fumes, so it’s easy to overlook mistakes. Have someone else proofread your work. It could be a teammate or even your 12-year-old kid—it doesn’t matter, as long as they’ll catch glaring errors. If no one’s available, proofread it yourself backward, word by word. Trust me, this works.
   

Remember: Done is better than perfect - Your campaigns might not look flawless, but your customers need to hear from you—now. If they’ve forgotten about you since their last purchase, this is your chance to get back on their radar. Even an imperfect campaign is better than silence.

So, take a breath, execute the plan, and remember: Something is always better than nothing.

And don’t forget—when January hits, let’s talk. Together, we’ll make sure next year’s holiday season runs like a well-oiled machine.

Think of it like making a sandwich:

🍞 The Bread (unchanging elements):

• Overall Aim (Mission): Your big picture, the reason you're in business.
• Systems: Your foundation—people, processes, and technology that support everything.

🥪 The Filling (changing elements):

• Strategy: The plan to achieve your aim.
• Tactics: The methods you use to execute that strategy.

Now, here's where it gets critical:
Your bread never changes. Your overall aim and systems are the foundation, the constant base of your business.

But the filling—your strategy and tactics—can and will change.

For example, your aim might be international expansion, and your strategy might involve entering marketplaces. But if that strategy fails? You adjust the filling, not the bread. The systems you’ve built remain solid, and you simply switch up your tactics or adjust your strategy to continue moving forward.

Stay focused on what doesn’t change and adapt what does. Need help identifying what that is, send me a DM, and we can talk.

If you’re deep in campaign weeds right now, let me remind you: This isn’t the freedom you imagined when starting your business.

🔹 Know Your Genius Zone:
If managing ad spend and campaigns isn’t your area of expertise or joy, stop doing it. Hire someone whose genius is maximizing campaign performance. They'll save you money in the long run and free you up for higher-impact tasks.

🔹 Think Beyond Today:
While you’re caught up in this season, are you even thinking about next year’s Black Friday or Valentine’s Day promotions? Successful businesses plan ahead to avoid repeating the same cycle of stress.

🔹 Regain Your Freedom:
Your business should give you the life you envisioned—not leave you drowning in day-to-day challenges. Start building the systems and teams to make that happen.
If you’re ready to reclaim your time and stop being a firefighter, let’s chat in January.

If you want real accountability, consider: 1️⃣ Hiring specific freelancers - they’re owners, so your success = their success. 💼 2️⃣ If you must use an agency, work directly with top leadership. They understand the stakes.

Don't settle for being "an account" — work with those who value your growth. 🙌

Fast forward to today: every business has its strengths, weaknesses, and specific challenges. And yet, so many leaders still chase “one-size-fits-all” strategies, looking for a magic bean that’ll miraculously solve everything. Here’s the truth:

💥 Strategy doesn’t work without the right systems and tools. You can have the world’s best talent, but if you don’t equip your team to maximize their strengths, you’re setting them up to fall short.

To make your business strategy really click:

• Start with your people and recognize what they’re great at.
• Equip them with the exact tools and tech that support their strengths.
• Avoid chasing “one-size-fits-all” strategies; build a plan that fits your unique team, their strengths, and your specific market.

Because, if your archers don’t have arrows, or your charioteers don’t have horses, you’re in for a world of inefficiency.

🔑 Bottom line: don’t get distracted by magic beans. Focus on the real magic—your people, their strengths, and the tools they need to thrive.
Do you need help getting your teams up to maximum efficiency, or addressing the systems in an area you are not strong in so you can fortify that part of the business.

Maybe you’re a pro at operations, but marketing isn’t your forte. Or you’ve built a top-notch product and fulfillment process but hit a wall with visibility. When there’s a gap in your team’s skillset, hiring for an area of genius is key. Here’s the catch: hiring the right talent isn’t just about plugging in an expert. It’s about building systems that turn a single role into a powerful advantage.

👉 Start with Specialized Systems
Identify the missing piece and find a skilled individual, beit a freelancer, fractional or part-time employee who can develop systems tailored for your business. Setting up Google Ads? Paid social?
F*ck the Agency approach, it will be a redundant and never ending loop of failure...
Building in-house is the only way to have the dedication and ownership needed to grow like you desire.

👉 Hire for Genius, Not Coverage
Assemble a team, again, this can be part-time equivilents, freelancers, advisors whatever thee need be, each specialized in their field, who work systematically to build and manage their pieces. That’s how you create a flexible, effective machine without hiring full-time equivalents across the board.

Investing in strategic, genius-level hires builds out the critical areas of your business that drive growth and strengthen your foundation.

If you’re on the hunt for superstars—be it sales, marketing, or operations—you need to stand out. Stop with the usual “5 years’ experience, 3 degrees, and a list of duties” stuff. That doesn’t attract A-players. Instead, here’s a simple framework that’ll get the high performers lining up to apply:

1️⃣ Make it a Marketing Piece
Sell the job! Why should they care? What’s compelling about your company? Show them why this is an opportunity, not just another position.

2️⃣ List Performance Metrics
Top performers want to know what success looks like. Define the expectations and metrics they’ll be evaluated on. This weeds out the mediocre and attracts those ready to excel.

3️⃣ Highlight Growth & Learning Opportunities
Top talent doesn’t stay stagnant. Let them know about opportunities to grow within the company and any learning resources you offer. They want to thrive and level up—show them that’s possible with you.

4️⃣ [BONUS] Share Your Mission and Values
Share your real mission and values—not just what’s on the wall. This attracts people aligned with your core purpose, bringing in team members who’ll stay for the long haul.

We often hear about the wins, the bold strategies, and the “overnight successes.” But behind every success story lies the less glamorous, essential work—the systems, people, processes, tech, and tools that held it all together.

Success isn’t in the flashy strategies alone. It’s in the daily, foundational grind that makes those strategies even possible.

As Earl Nightingale said, “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” It’s the small steps, repeated day after day, that eventually lead to “overnight success.”

Keep building your foundations, focus on your systems, and let the strategies flow from there. That steady progression? That’s success.

🌱 What comes first, the system or the strategy?

Many believe you need a "winning strategy" to fix all business problems. But here’s the truth: strategy alone won’t cut it without solid systems to support it.

✅ Systems come first. Your systems, people, processes, and tech form the backbone of your business. They allow you to pinpoint issues, adapt quickly, and lay the groundwork for effective strategies.

If you try to build a strategy on shaky systems, it’s like building a tower without a foundation. When the winds of change hit, it’ll topple.

Start by investing in the right systems to scale, then build a strategy to grow on top of them. That’s the true “winning strategy.”

I hear this all the time. But when you pull back the layers, it’s rarely just marketing. Often, the issue touches other key areas—finances, legal, your website, employees, distribution, fulfillment, purchasing, products... the list goes on.

🤔 We’re often pre-programmed to think that if we could just fix our sales or marketing, everything would fall into place. Or that we can’t afford to hire that key team member who could make all the difference.

Here’s the truth:

⚡ You can’t run a business effectively by working 100-hour weeks. It’s not sustainable, nor will it solve the problem that hiring someone in their area of genius can solve. If you’re stretching yourself thin to cover for not hiring, that’s a mistake.

✅ Focus on your strengths. Hire for your weaknesses.

And stop making excuses like, “I can’t afford it right now,” or “When our marketing machine kicks in, everything will work.”

Yes, a marketing machine is key—but relying on that alone sounds an awful lot like a magic bean solution to me. 🌱💼

What does that have to do with Triumph Motorcycles, Branden? 🤔

Well, I prefer to think of them as speed bumps instead of ceilings. These are the challenges we hit while growing our businesses. They slow us down, but they don’t have to stop us from breaking through to the next level of success. 🚧

Too often, we entrepreneurs hit these roadblocks and start looking for some magic strategy to save the day. 🙄 You’ve all seen the ads—“This one trick will skyrocket your business.”

💥 Stop. 💥 That’s not the answer.

The real solution isn’t a strategy—it’s in your people, processes, and tech/tools. The key to solving your biggest challenges is already within your team or the systems you’ve built. 💡

Here’s what I recommend:

🔧 Examine your processes. Where’s the bottleneck?
🛠️ Check your tech and tools. Do you have the right setup to support growth?
👥 Look at your team. Are they empowered and equipped to tackle the issue? If not, what needs to change?

When you start seeing these challenges as speed bumps, you’ll realize you can plow right through them. 
And remember, these issues — whether it’s cash flow, margins, or distribution, or sales channels — are part of the journey, not the end of the road.

Break through. Don’t just wait for a “strategy.” Look within your systems.

While I’m not a generational expert, I can tell you one thing that transcends age: Authenticity. 🎯

👉 Whether you're communicating with your customers or leading your team, being genuine, honest, and authentic is what resonates across all generations. It’s not about trying to be someone you’re not—it’s about being true to who you are.

But there’s something else happening that's even more important. 🌍

🔄 We’re seeing a shift—people are divided between two main motivations: price and purpose. On one side, you have people flocking to platforms like Temu or Shein for the cheapest products. On the other, you have buyers choosing brands that stand for something, that have a mission.

It’s a polarized market: 1️⃣ People want cheap. 2️⃣ Or they want meaning.

And as a leader or brand, it’s crucial to choose where you stand. 🚀 If you’re selling low-cost, fine. Own it. Be authentic about it. But if you’re driven by purpose, let that mission guide everything you do.

At the end of the day, your authenticity is going to define how people perceive you—whether that’s as a brand or as a leader.

Many people think, "If I believe it, or if I think about it enough, it will happen." 🧠 But here’s the truth:

👉 It’s not just about thinking it – it’s about believing it AND more importantly, earning it.

You can’t just sit around visualizing success and expect it to land in your lap. 🚫 You need to put in the work, put in the effort, and earn what you desire.

⚡ You don’t deserve clients – you earn them. ⚡ You don’t deserve success – you earn it. ⚡ You don’t make money – you earn money.

Positive thinking matters. But it’s not just thinking, it’s seeing your goal clearly, and working relentlessly toward it. 🔥

Manifestation starts when you can see it, but it only becomes reality when you earn it. 💪 The same goes for negative things. You can manifest the bad too, if you dwell on negativity.

🌟 This isn’t new. It’s ancient wisdom—connecting the dots between believing, working hard, and achieving. When you combine a positive mentality with hard work, manifestation follows.

🎯 LTV (Lifetime Value) is one of the most critical numbers you need to know. Focus on your LTV at 30 days, then at 60 days, and keep track of it over a year! It should grow over time. If not, that’s a signal something’s off.

📊 Another crucial ratio: the first order value compared to your CAC (Cost of Acquisition). It needs to be cash positive. 🤑

Sure, there are loss leader strategies, but let’s keep things simple. If your first order value to CAC ratio is healthy, your business is healthy. 💪

And don’t forget to measure your 1-year LTV against your CAC as well.
If you’re successfully reselling to existing customers, you’re in a much stronger position!

✨ Lastly, my favorite: CPR (Customer Profitability Ratio). This includes:

• Profit margins 📈
• LTV as a percentage 🔢
• CAC 💵

When you put it all together, your CPR becomes a real-time pulse on your business’s health. If the number fluctuates, you can quickly see if the problem lies in your profit margins, LTV, or CAC—and take action. ✅

As entrepreneurs, we know that what gets measured, gets improved.
📈 It’s crucial to understand your KPIs in e-commerce! Let’s break down 4 essential ones for operations.

1️⃣ COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) as a % of revenue 📊

2️⃣ OPEX (Operating Expenses) as a % of revenue 💰

3️⃣ Cash Conversion Cycle ⏳ (How quickly cash flows back into your business)

4️⃣ Profit Margins 💵 (A healthy profit margin is a must!)

🔥BONUS: The Holy Grail: CPR (Customer Profit Ratio). This combines:

• Profit Margin ✅
• Customer Lifetime Value ⏳
• Customer Acquisition Cost 💸

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on cash flow and cost control, and always aim to increase your profit margins!

Curious about the marketing KPIs? Stay tuned for my next post! 😉

The decision to build or buy requires careful consideration. Here’s my take:

✅ First: Ask yourself, Do I have the people and processes in place to manage, maintain, and continuously improve this new software? It’s not just about building something great—it’s about making sure it consistently delivers the results you need.

✅ Second: Apply the 80/20 rule. If a tool already exists, and it delivers 80% of the value you need, it may not be worth building from scratch. Don’t get hung up on a checklist of features—focus on the value it brings to your overall goal.

🌟 Don’t overcomplicate things. Sometimes, the right solution is already out there—you just need to evaluate if it aligns with your objectives.

Let’s talk about outside resources. 
🤔 Whether it’s for social media, email campaigns, or legal assistance—sometimes, you need to bring in external help because you can’t handle it all or it’s not your area of genius.

But here’s the key: Don’t settle for generalists when you need specialists.

Take legal teams as an example. Unless you're a trained lawyer, you're not an expert. ⚖️ When I reached out to a friend for a lawyer, the first question was: Do you need a patent lawyer or a trademark lawyer?

To some, those sound the same—but they’re very different.
🎯 Hiring the right lawyer, whether for patents or trademarks, is critical. You wouldn’t hire a patent expert to handle a trademark issue just because they’re available. You need someone in their zone of genius.

That’s the point: The more specific the expertise, the better the outcome.

Have a system in place where you can easily reach out to the right people when the time comes. This helps you stay prepared and ensures you have the support you need when you hit that red button for help. 🚨

But the more I thought about it, the answer became clear: mental health.

Here’s the deal.
Your area of genius is the space where you’re not only amazing at what you do, but it energizes you. You feel driven to do more because you’re good at it and it makes you come alive. 🔥

And when you’re working in this space, toward a mission that truly resonates with you—not just fleeting passion, but a core mission—you see incredible results.

💡 Happy people = amazing outcomes.

When your team is working in their area of genius, aligned with a mission they believe in, magic happens. The work stays positive and focused, and even when things get tough, there’s a mindset of resilience and positivity. 🙌

On the flip side, when people aren’t in their genius zone, negativity creeps in. 😔 And negativity can pull down a company like a cancer—it has to be cut out fast.

So, as a leader, make sure your people are in their areas of genius. Most importantly—make sure you are too.

Your company's success hinges on building around people who share the same core values. This alignment drives your team toward long-term success.

Now, I have a methodology that flips traditional job postings upside down. 📄 But today, I’m not here to talk about that. Want more info? Drop a comment or DM me. 📥

So, let’s focus on managing your lean team instead. 💡 A lean team doesn’t always mean fewer full-time employees. It’s about people handling the right tasks in their areas of strength.

Whether you have 20 people doing 20 tasks or 5 people doing 4 tasks—it varies. The key is communication and clarity. 🗣️ And yes, you can manage this with the right tech and processes, but remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

What I love to do is pocket tasks—small, specific tasks you can pull out when needed. The right person should do the right task, regardless of their role. For example, an ops person might handle something typically for marketing.

💡 Focus on their area of genius—the stuff that energizes them, the things they’re amazing at.
🔥 That's where you'll get maximum efficiency.

Bottom line: It’s not about the number of people or revenue figures. It’s about having the right people doing the right things in their areas of genius. That's where you'll see real success.

Think about it. One of the highest open rates you’ll ever see in your email marketing comes from that post-purchase series. People love to open those "Thank you for your order!" emails. They're excited about their purchase, and that excitement is your chance to keep them engaged.

Here’s what you do next:

• Use this opportunity to introduce complementary products they may have missed on the site. 🤔
• Follow up with personalized offers that fit what they’ve already bought. 🎯
• Provide an amazing customer experience with on-time delivery and great communication.

You’ve already spent money to acquire that first customer. Now, maximize that investment by setting the stage for repeat sales. 📈 Keep that momentum rolling and watch your lifetime value (LTV) skyrocket. 🚀

Let me break it down: Perfect practice makes perfect. But here’s the thing – nobody is perfect. So, what do we do?

If you’re practicing something incorrectly, guess what? You’ll just get better at doing it wrong. 🧠 

Muscle memory kicks in whether it’s in sports 🏀 or business 💼. The more you repeat something the same way, the more ingrained it becomes – right or wrong.

Take your business processes, for example. You might have a solid routine or a process you follow day in and day out. That’s great! But... if you’re not continuously refining that process, you’re missing out on potential growth. 📈 

If you’re only doing it the same way because "it works," you’re settling for "good" when you could aim for "great."

The key is constant refinement and continuous improvement. That’s what gets you closer to perfection, not just repetition.

So, remember: practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice does. Keep tweaking, keep improving, and you’ll see those big wins. 🚀

But if it’s a pattern—if they’re not showing up when you need them most—maybe there’s a bigger issue. 🚩

First, ask yourself: Are they bought into the company’s mission?
Are they truly aligned with the deeper "why" behind your organization?

If the answer is yes, great! Keep fostering that connection. If not, well…not everyone will be. And sometimes, you just need a person in that seat to get the job done. But that's not sustainable.

Here’s what you can do:
Get to know them, ask questions, and find out if they’re doing work in their area of genius—the things that energize them. 🌟

When people aren’t working in their zone of genius, they’re disengaged. Even if they’re physically there, they’re not contributing at the level you need.

You may not always be able to place them in their area of genius full-time, but giving them opportunities to do work that lights them up—even in small doses—brings hope. And hope is what drives people to keep showing up and giving their best. 🙌

So, take the time. Find their genius. Because when you do, you’ll see a change.

It’s a loaded question with many variables. So let’s break it down.

First, ask yourself: Why do I want to expand my team?
Is it because you’re overwhelmed with tasks that don’t excite you?
Or are you bogged down with work that pulls you away from your area of genius? 🌟

If it’s the latter, that’s a valid reason to consider bringing someone on board. But remember, expanding your team should be driven by efficiency, not just a dislike for certain tasks. 

Adding a team member can streamline processes, boost productivity, and let you focus on what you do best.

However, don’t expand just to offload work you don’t enjoy. Leaders often have to tackle tasks they don’t love to get things done. Instead, think about bringing in someone who thrives in the area where you’re currently stretched thin. 

It could be a full-time hire, a fractional team member, or a consultant. The key is to fill gaps with people who excel in those specific areas. 🚀

Ultimately, focus on aligning team roles with your company’s mission and ensuring everyone is working in their zone of genius. That’s where real magic happens. ✨

That’s the mindset too many leaders have. They think they’ve got all the answers, but here’s the truth: you don’t.

When challenges pop up, a lot of leaders turn to their exec team for solutions.
But what they don’t do is ask their people. Whether it's the janitor or the VP, it doesn't matter.

Go to your team.

Why? Because if they’re in their area of genius, they’ve got insights you might not even see.

Sit down with them and say: "Here’s the challenge. What do you recommend?"

By asking questions, you're giving them power and authority. You're saying, "I trust you."

And guess what happens?
They come up with genius ideas—solutions you’d never have thought of! 💡

That’s how you build trust. That’s how you build a team that’s not just following orders, but owning the outcome.

Remember, people respect authority, but they trust transparency.

So next time you’re stuck on a problem, set aside the ego.

Ask your people the right questions and watch how they surprise you. 🙌

The truth is, the key to success lies in your processes.

When your team has clear, well-defined processes to follow, they can regularly check and balance your CRO efforts, ensuring continuous improvement without the need for outside "gurus" or overpriced audits.

Your team should own the process—because they already hold the answers unique to your business.

Equip them with the right tech and tools to dive deep into the data and make informed decisions.

It’s not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution;
it’s about building a system that works specifically for your business.

Focus on your processes, empower your team, and watch your conversion rates improve from within. 🚀

Your brand's success doesn't come from mimicking the competition;
it comes from telling your unique story. 🌟

Instead of following the herd, focus on what truly drives your company.

Be authentic. Be transparent.

If making money is your mission, own it—your customers will appreciate the honesty.
Let’s face it: if your brand lacks authenticity, your customers will see right through it, and you won’t be around for the long haul.

So, how do you build this authenticity into your brand?

It starts internally. 🛠️
Build your systems around your people, processes, and technology.

When these three elements are aligned, it shines through to your customers.

Get everyone on the same page, working in their area of genius,
and use the right tools to monitor and improve your conversion rates.

Stop copying the crowd—start telling your story and watch your conversion rates climb! 🚀

1️⃣ DAP (Delivered at Place):
The customer pays for shipping and additional customs fees upon delivery.
This method can lead to surprises at the door, so transparency is crucial.

2️⃣ DDP (Delivery Duty Paid):
The customer pays all fees upfront at checkout.
This ensures no additional costs upon delivery, making for a smoother experience.

3️⃣ Included in Product Price:
Customs fees are embedded in the product price, so the customer sees no extra charges at delivery.

Clear communication about fees and no hidden costs will keep your customers happy and coming back.

Remember, fulfillment is an extension of your customer service. Get it right, and you’ll see increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. 🌟

🔑 The key here is avoiding surprises.

When considering whether to manage shipping and fulfillment in-house or outsource it to a 3PL, the decision is anything but simple. 

It’s about aligning your team’s skills, understanding fulfillment as a crucial part of your customer experience, and weighing factors like cost, speed, and inventory management.

Remember, fulfillment isn’t just logistics—it’s the extension of your brand’s promise to your customers. 🌍

Let's talk about international shipping and fulfillment. 🌍 Expanding globally isn't just about strategy—remember what I always say, #FckStrategy—it's about having the right systems in place.

Before you dive into global expansion, take a hard look at your current setup. The three key areas to focus on are:

1. Inventory and Location Management 🗺️
2. Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) 📦
3. 3PL vs. In-House Fulfillment 🤝

Ask yourself:

• Do you have warehouses strategically placed to handle international markets? 🏬
• Are you clear on how customs fees will impact your customers and how your team will handle these inquiries? 💰
• Is it more efficient for you to handle fulfillment in-house or outsource to a 3PL? ⚙️

These aren't just strategic decisions; they’re operational imperatives. If your ultimate goal is global expansion, you need systems that align with that ambition.

Stay tuned—we'll dive deeper into these topics throughout the week. ✨

Instead of asking them what they want, have them test out different systems and give you feedback. 🔄 Their hands-on experience is invaluable.

Keep management involvement minimal; this decision should be driven by the team that will use the CRM daily. 👥
Trust their insights. Let them trial, test, and compare notes to find the best fit for your organization. A CRM system chosen by your team will not only be more effective but will also ensure they feel invested in its success.

Your job? Facilitate and support their decision-making process, then step back and let them lead. 📊💼

Imagine being at your favorite spot, anticipating that meal you’ve been craving, only to be let down by slow, chaotic service. That disappointment lingers, and in many cases, it’s enough to ensure you never return.

Now, let’s translate that to your business. Your customer service team is your kitchen—on the front lines, making or breaking the experience. 👩‍🍳 

If they get overwhelmed, if bottlenecks aren’t identified and addressed quickly, everything else suffers. 🚨 

Monitor response times, analyze customer feedback, and ensure your team has the tools and training they need to deliver a consistent, authentic experience. 🛠️💬

Treat your customer service like the heart of your business, and everything else will follow smoothly. ❤️🔄

Templated responses, SOPs, and step-by-step guides become essential. 

But here’s where many get it wrong: relying solely on cheaper labor or bots, focusing on efficiency at the expense of personal touch. 🚫🤖 

This approach misses the mark by not putting people first, breaking the system that should be enhancing customer experience.

Now, imagine breaking down the silos between sales, marketing, and customer service. 🔄💼 Picture the value a single positive, personal interaction can add—boosting AOV, LTV, and even conversion rates. 📈 

My friend Ed did just that by ditching chatbots in favor of live chat, and the results were immediate: sales surged, and customer satisfaction soared. 🚀

It’s not just about tech-driven personalization; it’s about real, human connections. I challenge you to test this approach for a week. You might just see a lift in performance that proves it’s worth the investment. 💪

Drop a comment if your going to give it a test, then let's compare notes 👇

Here’s the kicker: those very tasks that you dread?
Someone else in your organization thrives on them—they can't wait to dive in.
🎯 That's their area of genius.

It's time to let go of the notion that no one else can do it as well as you can.
💼 Empower your team, let them take over, and yes, allow them to fail.

This isn't just about delegation; it's about confidence.
Confidence in your people, confidence in your leadership, and confidence in the growth of your business when everyone is working within their genius.

By staying in your area of genius and letting others shine in theirs, you're not just leading—you're elevating your entire organization. 🌟

Your role isn't to do everything; it's to do what you do best and inspire your team to do the same.
When everyone is operating in their genius zone, that's when the magic happens.
That’s when your business really soars. ✈️

The first step seems simple—just ask them. WRONG!
Here's the reality:
🔍 Many people don’t actually know what they’re amazing at or what they struggle with.
What we see as our strengths or weaknesses might not align with reality.

So, instead of just asking, get to know your people as individuals, both inside and outside of work.
🧠 Understand what makes them tick, and you'll begin to see how they fit into the roles within your organization.

But knowing them isn’t enough—you have to push them beyond their comfort zones. 🚀

Here’s the key:
As you challenge them, empower them with the tools they need to succeed, but also allow them the space to fail. ⚙️

Failure isn’t just a possibility; it’s a necessity.
How they adjust and bounce back from failure is crucial in determining whether they’re in their area of genius.
💪 It also reveals how they handle challenges and where they truly belong on the team.

This is how you build a team where everyone operates in their area of genius, working together to elevate your business toward its mission. 🏆

And remember, this applies to you too.
We'll dive into that tomorrow. 🔥

In the movie, there's a character named Moonlight Graham, a real-life baseball player who got to play in the major leagues but never got to bat. The main character, Ray Kinsella, says to him, "It would kill some men to get that close to their dreams and not touch it."

That line struck me for years, but the follow-up line from the older version of Moonlight Graham, now known as Doc Graham, really hit home: "If I had only gotten to be a doctor for five minutes, now that would have been a tragedy."

Moonlight Graham’s true genius wasn't on the baseball field—it was in helping people as a doctor. 🩺 This story perfectly illustrates that your passion isn't always your mission. Finding your area of genius is key to discovering your mission in life.

Doc Graham's passion was baseball, but his mission, his true genius, was in medicine. Once you identify your area of genius, you'll often find that it aligns with your life's mission. 🌟

Despite not being a skateboarder myself, I was struck by Rodney’s insight on success. When I asked him about his achievements, he spoke about falling countless times before mastering his tricks.

His key to success?
“You have to fall in such a way that you can get back up.”

This philosophy applies directly to business. You’re going to fall, but the goal is to fall in a way that doesn’t knock you down permanently.

To achieve this, you need resilient systems in place—frameworks that include your people, processes, and tech/tools. These systems catch you when you fall and help you rise again, ensuring you’re always moving forward.

The key to success is not just in the falling but in how you get back up. 🚀

You fell, got up, and repeated until you nailed it.
That resilience was built early, but as we age, life knocks us down, and our mindset shifts.

It’s easy to get stuck in failures, but just like in baseball, where a player is considered an All-Star if they get a hit 1 out of every 12 pitches, success isn’t just about skill—it’s about resilience. 💪

The key is to have a system in place that allows you to fall and get back up, focusing on the next move without dwelling on past mistakes.

This mindset applies to everything, from sports to business. You must move forward, learn from your failures, and use them as fuel for success.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about building a system that supports your journey forward. 🚀

We found out that it's a myth that strategy has anything to do with it. Strategy has nothing to do with whether your business is built to last or not.

Why do I say that?

"You don't rise to the level of your strategy, you fall to the level of your systems."

Think about it: you can have the grandest strategy in the world, but if your systems—your people, processes, and tech/tools—aren't solid and fundamentally sound, you'll fall.

The strength of your business lies in your systems.

When businesses face ups and downs, it's these systems that catch you, ensuring higher highs and higher lows. 📈💪

So, what does that mean? Let's dissect it. 🧐

Your mission is something you feel deep inside, driving you every day.

This applies to everyone, from a one-person business to a 50-person business and beyond.

Your mission isn't just a fleeting passion; it's what you wake up to do.

As an entrepreneur, your mission is set and it's hard to pull you away from it.

When I say I empower you to do more of what you love, I mean helping you identify what drives you—whether it's marketing, operations, or networking—and making sure you can focus on it. 💡📈

I also help your team live in their areas of genius. This is achieved through a framework of people, processes, and tech/tools.

Tell me, what do you do? I'm curious and I want to know! 🤔👥

Systems mean so many things to so many people.

To me, a system stops chaos in your organization. A proper system can solve any problem.

When you face a challenge in your business, having a proper system and framework lets you easily diagnose and fix the issue quickly.

My system revolves around a simple framework: people, processes, and tech/tools.

When these elements work together, aligned with the company's mission, success takes off. 🚀

A well-tuned system not only builds lasting business infrastructure but also provides a clear path to identify and address problems.

So, what does a system mean to me? It's a way of making things work efficiently, with everyone operating in their areas of genius. When disaster strikes, that system supports you in finding the solution swiftly. 🔧💡

Take a sustainable company, for example.

They have people driven by the mission, and processes aligned with sustainability, and then they choose tech and tools.

But here’s where it gets tricky:

Is your hosting solution for your website zero emissions or solar-powered? ☀️🌱

Your tech and tools need to meet the same stringent guidelines as your people and processes.

You don't want to be accused of being inauthentic. 🚫🟢

It takes extra effort to vet your tech and tool providers, but it’s worth it.

Ensure they uphold the same standards as your team and processes.

When all three components—people, processes, and tech—align with your mission, your company stands strong and authentic. 💪

The right people will collaborate across departments to create and enhance processes that streamline, automate, and boost efficiency.

But remember, these processes must align with your company’s mission.

For example, if you outsource fulfillment, ensure the external company shares your values, especially if sustainability is a key focus. ♻️

If they don't meet your standards, reconsider.

Every process should echo your company's mission.

This principle holds true across all aspects of your business, including your people, processes, and tech tools.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s discussion on tech and tools! 🛠️

They have a song that goes, 'Worst comes to worst, my people come first.'

This is absolutely critical in all aspects of business, especially when you're building your systems.

People come first. 👥

If you look back a few days, I posted a Venn diagram illustrating the synergy of People, Process, and Tech and Tools.
It all starts with people, but you need all three working together towards your common mission.

When everyone's dialed into your mission, you'll achieve remarkable success. 🌟

It's not just about having any people—it's about having good people who believe in the mission and are working in their area of genius.

For those new here, the area of genius is where individuals love what they're doing, are energized by it, and can be the best in the world at it.

When you align these individuals with your mission, amazing things happen.

So, remember what Dilated Peoples said, 'Worst comes to worst, your people come first.'

But let's flip that—better comes to better, your people are everything.

Here's the deal: you don't need your team to simply buy into your mission; you need them to believe in it.

Buy-in is like lust—fleeting and easily swayed. 💔

Belief, however, is like love—deep-seated and unwavering. ❤️

When your team believes in your company's mission, no one can persuade them otherwise.

This isn't about sipping the Kool-Aid; it's about embracing a truth that binds your team together for the long haul.

Consider this: buy-in can be persuaded, like convincing your kids to go to a fancy restaurant when they really want McDonald's. 🍔

Belief, on the other hand, is rooted in a deep-seated truth that aligns with long-term goals.

When your team shares a common belief, they are united and driven, ready to move mountains together. 🏔️

So, focus on cultivating belief within your team—it's the foundation for lasting success. 🌟

Now, let's contrast that with the "cult of personality."

This concept, defined as a situation where a leader is idolized and surrounded by yes-men, stifles true innovation and growth.

Leaders who create this cult of personality discourage differing opinions and independent thought, limiting the potential of their teams.

As a leader, it's crucial to do the opposite.

Empower your people to make their own decisions, offer suggestions, and present ideas that might differ from yours.

When you foster an environment where diverse opinions are valued and systems are in place to support this, you create a productive and winning solution for your business.

This not only boosts productivity but also empowers your team to take risks and innovate, leading to greater success. 🚀

But actually, systems do the complete opposite—they set you free.
Think about an artist’s studio: while it might look chaotic, many artists have their own systems.
They might start their day with a routine that sets the tone for creativity.
These systems allow them to be free, providing structure that supports creativity rather than stifles it.
When you have systems in place, the creative minds in your team can truly flourish.
Systems provide the framework that supports creative freedom, ensuring that the business can adapt and evolve. 🌟
Encourage your creative team to help develop systems that work for them, enabling them to thrive in their creative genius.
It’s not about confining creativity, but about empowering it with the right support. 💡

Today, let's dive into another critical element: mission. 🎯

When you have a mission, you create an additional layer of resilience.
Your mission is your "why," driving you forward regardless of the obstacles.

It’s the reason you persevere through the toughest days, because you know you're creating a positive impact.
Your systems support you, but your mission motivates you.

For me, my mission is about making a positive impact for my clients, enabling them to scale and grow their businesses.

Whether it's creating jobs, promoting sustainability, or driving success, the results we see from our efforts are what keep us going. 🌱💼

This mission isn't just for me; it motivates my team and everyone around us to push forward and make a difference.

A solid mission, coupled with resilient systems, is the powerhouse behind enduring success. 💪✨

We all face those days when life keeps knocking us down.

Resilience is what gets us through, but it's not just about personal grit—it's about having robust systems in place.

You can have the best strategy in the world, but without the proper systems, that strategy won't hold up.

Systems build a strong foundation, enabling flexibility and quick adjustments when things don't go as planned.

With the right people, processes, and tools, your system will allow you to execute effectively. 🛠️

Even on the toughest days, when you feel beaten down, a solid system helps you bounce back faster and keep your company moving forward.

Resilience is built through systems, allowing you to adapt, pivot, and thrive in the face of challenges. 🌟

Well, and that's one of the things that I find, too, is when you're in a challenging situation, you can sit back and look at two things.

Right. What is the overall mission of your business? 🎯

The goal, deep-seated goal.

And that helps you drive.

And then you also have, what are the systems that you have in place?

Because the systems you have in place allow you to solve that problem in the right direction. 🛠️

That's the wrong question to ask.

The real question is, what are we doing to make a positive impact on the world? 🌍

This drives the heart of your business, keeps people motivated, and gives everyone a common purpose.

Creating a positive impact isn’t just good for the world—it’s good for business. 📈

When your mission is authentic, it resonates with today's consumers.

Millennials and Gen Z can see through inauthentic efforts like greenwashing.
They seek authenticity and alignment with their personal values.

When your mission is genuine and your product is high quality, they become loyal customers. 💖

This isn’t just about selling—it's about creating a tribe of loyal followers who believe in your mission.

That’s how you connect with today's generation and run a successful business. 🚀

When you start focusing on the things that can lose you money, you’re essentially working to stop the cash bleed.
You need a steady cash flow first – income that covers your expenses and makes you profit.
Once you have this steady foundation, then you can start considering the elements that will make you money.
As entrepreneurs, we see endless opportunities all around us.
The problem is, chasing too many opportunities can actually cause you to start losing money because of the distraction and resources it consumes.
I call it shiny object syndrome. ✨
Write down those ideas for later, but don’t let them derail you from maintaining a solid financial base.
You need proper systems in place to address those ideas in an orderly fashion.So, stop focusing on the things that can make you money and start focusing on the things that can lose you money.

They were too focused on the product, too wrapped up in the vision or the mission, and forgot the foundational components necessary to build the business properly from the ground up.

Two companies come to mind. One had to completely restructure their financials twice, nearly avoiding Chapter 11. The other was so focused on the product and their team of "pirates" that they were pulled in all the wrong directions.

The former company’s latest restructuring will hopefully match their cash flow needs and allow senior leadership to focus on critical tasks.

The latter, however, refused to embrace proper systems, transforming from a band of pirates aiming to become the navy to a band of pirates thinking the Titanic would make a lovely triumph. Were they ever wrong.

Don’t be a band of pirates taking a ride on the Titanic because it looks nice. Follow your passion, drive your efforts in that direction, but MAKE DARN sure you have the proper systems in place to support your current needs and future growth.

They walk into their office, see the mission of the business, and nobody gives a damn. I’m sorry, but that’s why I call mission statements horsesh*t.

Here’s the thing: I don't care what you write on your wall. As a customer or advisor, it doesn’t matter to me. What matters is you, the owner, founder, leader, living the mission. That mission has to come from deep within you and become an integral piece of your business.

If your mission is to be better for the environment, but you’re not recycling or producing your product sustainably, you’re not living your mission. It has to be real, a part of you, driving your actions every day.

This authenticity will attract the right people, those who buy into your mission and will help drive your business to the next level.

Live your mission, don't just write it. 

Can you sense the sarcasm?

People started moving away from this by using online chats, but now those chats have become just as frustrating. They're often just glorified phone queues, and if not done properly, they become a source of irritation rather than help. 😤

If you're going to implement a chatbot, don't treat it like a glorified form or a typed version of a phone message.

Treat your customers like gold because they are your pot of gold. 🌟 Happy customers lead to happier businesses.

If you can't properly support a chat function, be upfront about it. Let customers know your availability clearly, rather than relying on a bot to do everything.

Over-automation is a whole other issue, which we'll dive into on the next episode.

It's not really new—artificial intelligence and machine learning have been around for a while. Sure, new interfaces like ChatGPT have made them more accessible, but here's the thing: don’t fall into the FOMO trap. 🚫

Fear of missing out shouldn't drive your decisions.

Instead, think about the challenges you need to solve and find the right solutions.

Maybe AI fits the bill, maybe it doesn't. I use AI regularly, and it can be incredibly powerful, especially in e-commerce and DTC. But remember, it's not about what your competitors are doing.

Focus on your needs, and see if AI can help solve your specific problems. Don’t jump at every shiny object—stay grounded and focused. 💡

It reminded me of an old audio recording by Earl Nightingale called The Strangest Secret. I highly recommend giving it a listen—it’s all about positivity, gratitude, mindset, and success. 🌟

In it, Nightingale likens the mind to a field where you can plant poison on one side and crops on the other. If you nurture both, they’ll grow equally. This analogy highlights how the thoughts we feed—positive or negative—will flourish.

This ties into something I always emphasize: focusing on your areas of genius. When you and your team work within your key strengths, you stay energized and positive. It's not about dwelling on weaknesses but leveraging your strengths.

So, let’s remember to feed the good wolf and cultivate a mindset that drives success. 💡

In this episode, let's talk about a different angle—too many bodyguards. This time, it's about those people put in place to protect you: VAs, EAs, AI, anti-AI, agencies, business managers, PR managers...the list goes on. Each one of these roles adds another layer, building a bigger wall around you. 🧱

Don't get me wrong, you need these filters. We all do in today's world. However, you must keep two things in mind:

First, you need to have a means to keep your eye on your business, ensuring everything is on track before you step back. 🚁

Second, you need to ensure these filters don't block valuable opportunities. Each person in these roles might unintentionally filter out potential golden nuggets that seem like threats to their position.

It's all about balance. You don't want to become Fort Knox and miss out on valuable opportunities. Instead, create a process that allows the good to come through while keeping the bad out. 🌟

This reminded me of a book I read over 20 years ago, "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli. The wisdom in it is timeless. Machiavelli warned that "mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous." Back then, he cautioned against hiring external forces because they lacked a vested interest in your success.

Fast forward to today, and leaders echo the same sentiment. Before you hire an agency to handle a core piece of your business or buy into a magic bean of a strategy, remember: if your interests and goals aren't completely aligned, it won't work.

Agencies work for you, not with you. They move on to the next client without a vested interest in your success. It's that deep commitment that drives true excellence.

It's time to shift that mindset.

Maybe your business is running like a well-oiled machine, allowing you to step away when needed—and that's amazing.

BUT to keep your business thriving and growing in the direction you want, it's crucial to be able to helicopter in at any time and know where and what to look for to keep your business on the path to success. 💼🚀

Success isn't just about having the best strategy; sure, it helps, but it's NOT the KEY. It's about understanding the essence of your STORY, YOUR MISSION. Then aligning that with your systems. The Triple Threat - People, Process, and Tech/Tools.

#FckStrategy prompts a shift FROM a strategy-centric mindset to one that prioritizes these foundational elements. People, Process, Tech/Tools. These are what drive your success. And it's not about having more or less; it's about balance.

If you're arguing with an umpire in baseball you are more than welcome to say it, but call him it and you will be tossed immediately. 🎾

It's how I feel when I see people saying things like single strategy is all you need. These 5 strategies will boost sales, and other BS slinging to get you to pay into a program, a book or whatever they are pedaling. It's this exact type of thing that causes those with great intentions to get misdirected and veer off course, why because it's that shiny object. 💰

FckStrategy. Sorry I digressed but until you have a system as simple or complex as it need be, strategy is your enemy, it's the dangling carrot, the flashy object, that freaking squirrel you just need to chase because he won't leave you alone and teases and temps you until you give chase only to stub your toe, or trip on your face because someone had that perfect freaking strategy to take you and your business to the moon. 🌙

Simply put it's HORSESHIT! 💩

Yes that's the word I would opt for on my gravestone, yes the word you can say to an umpire but not call him, yes my favorite word, and precisely why I started the FckStrategy revolution, because the way people sling this word around is pure Horseshit! 🚀

1️⃣ Communication Tools: Simplify and unify team communication. Whether you’re a $5M or $50M company, break down silos and ensure everyone’s on the same page. 🗣️💡

2️⃣ Smart Sales Strategies: Forget the magic beans! 🫘 Avoid generic sales widgets and find tech that fits your unique needs to boost sales effectively. 📈

3️⃣ Backend Efficiency: Streamline your workflows to remove bottlenecks. I’ve seen a company grow 284% in just 8 months by automating processes! 🔄✨

Remember, it’s all about improving your front-end, back-end, and team communication to keep things flowing smoothly and driving growth. 🌟

First off, when problems arise, don’t rush to tech as your first solution. Instead, think of tech as the accelerant for change, not the change itself. 🔥 Look at your people and processes first:

• People: Do you have the right team? Are they in their areas of genius?
• Processes: Are your processes streamlined and efficient?

Then, consider where tech can bridge gaps, make life easier, or fill essential roles. Maybe it’s automation to free up time or tools to enhance productivity.

Here's the deal: tech is like the salt in your favorite dish. It's essential but not the main ingredient. When tech is broken, it's usually a symptom of a larger issue. When tech is absent, it increases the demands on your people and bottlenecks growth.
It’s not about man vs. machine; it’s about man and machine working together harmoniously. 🕺🤖

So, circling back to our initial question: Tech should be your secret weapon, not the main event. It supports, enhances, and accelerates, but it doesn’t take center stage. Keep the balance, and let your people and processes shine with tech as their powerful ally. 🌟💪

🌱 Imagine holding a magic bean in one hand and the triple threat in the other. Which would you bet on for your business's success? 🤔

💥 We all know the story of Jack and his magic beanstalk. He took a chance, planted the bean, and lucked out with a towering plant that led to adventures in the clouds. But let's face it, relying on luck isn't a sound business strategy.

💪 On the flip side, there's the triple threat: your people, your processes, and your tech and tools. These are the cornerstones of a thriving business. When you invest in your team, streamline your workflows, and leverage technology effectively, you build a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

⚖️ So, when it comes down to it, are you willing to gamble your business's future on a fleeting promise, or are you ready to harness the power of the triple threat? Personally, I'm putting my money on the triple threat every time. It's time to stop relying on luck and start building a future rooted in strategy and strength. 💼💥

When you're running a tight ship, ain't nobody got time for complaining or Kumbaya sing-alongs.

Learn how to spot, address, and nip workplace toxicity in the bud.

I recently came across an ad of his promoting the idea of "firing yourself" and empower your team. While I'm all for empowering teams, firing yourself isn't always the answer. Many of my clients have to step back from their businesses temporarily due to personal commitments.

In these situations, empowering your team is crucial, but so is having the right systems in place. You can't just disappear without a safety net. Instead of firing yourself, focus on empowering your team and implementing systems that keep you informed, even when you're not present.

Let's create a balance where you can step away confidently, knowing that your business is in capable hands. 💪

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: strategies. We've all fallen victim to the allure of a new strategy promising to solve all our business woes. But here's the reality check: strategies alone won't save your business. What you really need are robust systems that form the backbone of your operations.

Before you get swept away by the next big strategy craze, pause for a moment and assess your business's foundation. Are your people, processes, and tech/tools aligned to support your goals? These are the real drivers of success.

1. People: Are your team members engaged and playing to their strengths? When people enjoy what they do, they're more productive and motivated to succeed.
2. Processes: Do your workflows make sense to your team? Involve them in the process of designing and refining systems to ensure they're practical and efficient.
3. Tech and Tools: Are your tools empowering your team or holding them back? Invest in technology that streamlines processes and enhances productivity.

When these three elements work together seamlessly, your business operates like a well-oiled machine. And that's when you'll be ready to supercharge your growth with strategic initiatives. But until then, focus on laying the groundwork for success. It's all about the systems, baby! 

Recently, while browsing LinkedIn, I noticed something interesting. Every question was about strategy—how to solve this, fix that, and more. But here's the thing: flashy strategies won't fix your problems if your systems aren't solid.

It's like trying to build a house without a strong foundation. Strategy is crucial, but it only works when you have the right systems in place. Once you've got that foundation, then you can build your strategy and play to your company's strengths while addressing weaknesses.

Let's solve problems the Winston Wolf way—assessing the situation and implementing the right tactics.

Baseball's intricate weave of positions and plays mirrors a successful business. Picture this: hitters hitting, pitchers pitching—it's about people in the right roles.

Just like in your business, operators operate, and visionaries vision. Silly examples, but spot on for what you need! 

The catch: you start, you hustle, then you shut it down as classes resume. If only I'd grasped the importance of systems back then! Imagine managing my business post-summer while acing my studies.

A course with a brilliant professor opened my eyes. He loved strategy and Scotch. He drilled home the importance of systems, drawing from the Art of War.

Every business needs solid systems—people, processes, tech—to drive strategy. Skip the flashy strategies; start with rock-solid systems! 

After his parents forced him into bankruptcy, this determined young mind discovered his passion for selling toys and unintentionally created a system for consistent sales. 🧸

It's a remarkable example of how systems drive business success, ensuring every toy sale contributed to his growing venture. 💪

Embrace the power of systems in your business journey!
Watch the video for more insights! 📹

Let's unpack this. Persuasion implies convincing someone to do what you want. But what if what you want isn't necessarily the best thing? Moreover, assuming that others are smarter than you and involving them in the process fosters collaboration and ownership.

Empowering people means allowing them to develop processes and structures that make sense for their work. When employees are involved in crafting solutions, they're more likely to fully embrace them. They take pride in their contributions and hold each other accountable.

Visionaries are strategists, operators are systems people, but it's all about finding your Area of Genius™ and working in sync. 💡

Without a proper system that aligns with your people, it's time to say, "F**k STRATEGY" and focus on PEOPLE, PROCESS, and TOOLS. 🔧 Let's build systems that empower every member to shine in their areas of genius! 💪

This rings true in business, especially when it comes to the dynamic duo of the operator and the visionary.

Just look at iconic pairs like Henry Ford and James Couzens... (can you name the other two operators from this video - tell me in the comments!). The secret to their enduring success? A visionary leading the charge and an operator making things happen behind the scenes. 💼🚀

Find your counterpart in business—whether it's a partner, colleague, or mentor—and watch your organization thrive!

It's not some groundbreaking concept, but more of a refined approach I've developed to ensure leaders are proactive in staffing the right roles as their businesses evolve. 💼

The key? Flexibility. Jobs change, people change, and that means roles will vary.

It's all about empowering your team, focusing on tasks rather than rigid titles, and ensuring everyone's in their area of genius™. 🧠💡 Embrace the fluidity and watch your organization thrive!

It's not just about following your passion or being driven; it's about honing in on what you excel at and maximizing it tenfold. Whether you're a visionary, an operator, a strategist, or a technician, it's about embracing your strengths and leveraging them to set yourself apart.

Surround yourself with a team built on trust and transparency, where everyone's talents are recognized and empowered. It's not about competition; it's about collaboration and challenging each other to be the best versions of ourselves.

Together, we can break down silos and propel our businesses to new heights.

This is what "Fuck Strategy" is all about – authenticity, transparency, and real solutions.

But not everyone operates on checklists. It's important to empower your people to do what works for them. This empowerment will lead to amazing breakthroughs in productivity, and more importantly, create a culture of people who work in their Area of Genius™

It's what everybody wants to talk about because it's the cool thing. BUT in that Google search I found a topic it said “Productivity is about your systems, not your people” - Harvard Business Review.

Let me tell you why that's wrong...

What's your passion? What’s your passion? Oh, I love that question. Actually, I hate it. It’s so annoying. It has nothing to do with the success of your business.

Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you’ll be successful at it. There’s a bigger piece to it.

There’s a difference between your passion and your mission. And I’m not talking about the mission statements on office walls. I mean the mission inside you. What drives you? That’s what led me to #fckstrategy.

When I was asked what my mission was, it became clear. My mission isn’t just about wanting you to be successful.

It’s about believing that entrepreneurs, especially in e-commerce and D2C, have an incredible opportunity to make a profoundly positive impact on the world. My mission is to help those who can make that positive impact. That’s where my drive comes from.

It’s not about a simple passion but a deeper mission. Find yours. What’s your mission?