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Zack Oates of Ovation on Building Business Connections through Digital Storytelling
Soliciting feedback from customers often seems like a daunting task. However, Zack Oates and his team at Ovation have cracked the code with a proven strategy that not only encourages guest feedback, but also establishes a personal connection for exceptional results.Zack Oates and the guest feedback platform Ovation have taken a radically different approach to hearing from customers, which stems…
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8 Winning Strategies for Succeeding in a Hyper-Competitive Market
It's certainly enviable to have minimal competition in a hot space, but in the real world, this scenario is seldom the case. Even for category creators, those who introduce a new product or service that creates a new market, it's only a matter of time before someone else comes along…
Want to Close More Sales? Learn the 3 Types of ‘No.’
I began my career as a door-to-door salesman. It was hard. I would barely get my first sentence out, and their response would be, "Not interested!" — followed by a slammed door.These days, I'm a little disappointed when I don't get any pushback. I'll think, Wait a minute, come on,…
Here Are the Top 50 Mistakes I’ve Seen Kill New Companies
I've seen many startups succeed, and many fail. I've consulted for and invested in lots of them. My previous startup, Anchor, navigated its own challenges and missteps; we were fortunate to survive them, and ultimately Spotify acquired the company in 2019.Over the years, I've come to think of startups as…
The Top Tax Strategies for 2025, According to a CPA
Millions of Americans were in a holding pattern in 2024, waiting to make major decisions on business expansion, buying equipment, hiring, or even purchasing investment property. They were concerned about interest rates and inflation, of course, but they were also hampered by the uncertainty of the presidential election.With a new…
Stop Blindly Following ‘the Customer Is Always Right’ — Here’s What to Do Instead For the Sake of Your Employees
A couple of months ago, I visited a well-known establishment in Miami for dinner. Even though it was a regular weeknight — not nearly as busy as a weekend rush — I noticed one of the staff members seemed completely overwhelmed. The table next to me was making endless demands,…
Dine with Purpose at Immigrant Food in Washington, D.C.
Immigrant Food is a restaurant group with its flagship location nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., just steps away from the White House. It celebrates global flavors brought to America by immigrants while challenging the immigrant narrative in America. Owner Téa Ivanovic calls it "gastroadvocacy.""The idea of Immigrant Food…
How to Craft Marketing Campaigns That Reach Multiple Generations
Crafting a successful marketing strategy can be quite challenging for a startup or entrepreneur. The goal is to reach as many people within your target market as possible without breaking the bank. Since small businesses don't have the same resources as major corporations, every marketing dollar must be used carefully.Today,…
How Turning My Company Employee-Owned Saved Our Culture and Boosted Success
As CEO and founder, I recently decided to turn ZenToes into an employee-owned business. I am already seeing the incredible benefits for my team and the company as a whole.In this model, all employees hold a share of the company's equity, aligning the interests of employees with the overall goals…
Hospitality Leaders Embrace Tech and Human Connection
Michael Schwartz and Bobby Rutter, the dynamic leaders behind Forward Hospitality Group, have transformed the Midwest's entertainment scene.With 12 distinct concepts spanning multiple states and nearly 1,000 employees, their journey is a testament to adaptability, vision and resilience.Schwartz's road to hospitality was unconventional. With a background in finance and accounting,…
I Learned This Practical Approach to Management Over 20 Years Ago — and I Still Use It Today. Here’s How You Can Use It, Too.
Workplaces are experiencing alignment challenges. I've seen this across organizations, in virtually every industry and at varying levels. As businesses become more complex, the disconnect between upper and middle management increases.I've found success in enacting a "federal vs. state" approach to work policy. In this model, corporate (or federal) policies…
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Creative Ways Startups Can Earn Funding in Tough Economic Times
In a declining economy, startups face an uphill battle when it comes to securing funding.…
I Asked AI to Create a Plan for a Fake Company — The Results Blew Me Away, But Not in the Way You Might Think
With all of the recent news about artificial intelligence (AI), it got me thinking about…
Ideas To Transform You From Good To Better To Best
A while back, I took a couple of my grandchildren on a tour of the…
5 Crucial Challenges Startups Must Overcome
Startups face numerous challenges on their journey to success, and failing to overcome any one…