Chiang Mai SEO 2023 – 10 Practical Checklists
In this article I will share checklists I derive from some of the best talks. If you would find it…
report z konference
Recently, I attended a talk titled “3 Reasons Why Most Businesses Stay Small” by Mads Singers. Those who know me are aware of my affection for small businesses. To be precise, I ❤️ LOVE THEM ❤️.
Such businesses are agile and fast-moving, propelled by the enthusiasm of a few individuals. With just a bit of assistance and determination, one can significantly boost their profitability by tweaking a few variables like the offer, pricing, or outreach. That’s precisely why I’ve made it my full-time job :).
I approached this talk with a hint of skepticism. My experience has always been straightforward: the more people you manage, the more cumbersome and problematic it gets.
However, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
When Mads opened his talk with the statement:
My goal is simple: be away, come back, and have a bigger business.
I was all ears.
Here are the 7 most crucial takeaways from this perspective changing talk.
Mads has worked as a management coach for over 7 years, coaching individuals across various industries, including giants like Shell and Coca-Cola, as well as many entrepreneurs in smaller companies.
His primary emphasis is on effective people management — because the WHO question is much more crucial than the WHAT question.
You can explore all his materials at:
Focusing on a niche isn’t just about specifying the area of focus; it’s intrinsically tied to honing in on processes. Mads stressed the vitality of identifying:
“What is one process we can execute repeatedly and consistently over and over again?”
By adopting this mindset, businesses position themselves for scalable growth. Niche is not enough. As you drill down into your niche, remember the two-fold criteria for the process you finalize:
Mads’ emphasis on this subject underscores its significance:
“A business that masters its processes doesn’t just survive; it thrives by creating unmatched value time and again.”
Navigating the delicate balance between sales, marketing, and delivery is a challenge that many businesses grapple with. I amdefinitely quily myself). Mads pinpointed a prevalent issue:
“Businesses often oscillate between sales and delivery, struggling to manage both simultaneously.”
However, the true mark of a thriving business is its ability to effectively handle sales and marketing without compromising on delivery. Rather than stretching thin or reducing output quality, there’s a strategic way forward: As demand surges, incrementally raise prices or take more people (workforce) on board.
This not only reflects the value you’re providing but also ensures you don’t compromise on the quality of delivery.
One of the transformative questions every business owner should ask themselves is:
“What’s the one thing I can do today that will elevate my business?”
It’s an alarming revelation that many business owners just puts out daily fires instead of working on what moves the needle most. Being quilty of that myself 👀) (again :D).
Mads offered a personal insight into his routine, highlighting a disciplined commitment: he dedicates three focused 45-minute sessions every day to actively enhance his business operations.
This isn’t just about putting in time but about ensuring that each moment invested has a direct, positive impact on the business. By setting aside dedicated periods, like Mads’ 3×45 minute blocks, owners can ensure they are continuously steering their enterprise towards success.
It’s hard to argue with that logic). I set up at least one such blog every day and will see where it gets me).
Mads brought to light a critical distinction in the art of delegation:
“It’s not about handing off tasks; it’s about entrusting processes.”
This one hit hard.
It’s a common pitfall in many businesses to simply delegate tasks. However, the true power lies in delegating entire processes. When you do so, the individual doesn’t just mechanically complete a set task; they take full ownership, responsibility, and drive for that process.
This means they’re not only executing but also constantly looking to innovate, refine, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance the process.
I’ve always delegated tasks, and I believe it was a part of the reason I was so bad at managing others. If I were to highlight one thing from Mads’ talk, it would be this.
When bringing someone onboard, it’s more than just filling a position. Mads emphasized the significance of clarity and precision:
“Define success from the outset.”
Rather than just providing a generic job description, it’s pivotal to set clear, tangible targets. For instance, instead of vaguely asking for leads, specify the desired outcome: “We aim for 45 leads this month.”
This kind of precision doesn’t leave room for ambiguity. It provides a clear vision of what success looks like and sets the new hire on a defined path from the very beginning.
This approach not only ensures that expectations are transparent but also empowers the new team member to align their efforts with the company’s goals from day one.
In today’s data-driven world, it’s tempting to monitor a vast array of metrics. But Mads offered a counterintuitive wisdom:
“It’s not about how many metrics you track, but about tracking the right ones.”
There’s immense power in simplicity. By narrowing down to a few, say just five core and fundamental numbers, businesses can ensure that they are honing in on what truly matters. These core metrics act as a compass, directing your efforts and focus towards areas that will drive the most impact.
Mads encapsulated this mindset with a observation:
“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do. In metrics, it’s about discerning what truly deserves your attention. Focus on less, but ensure it’s the best.”
Mads struck a profound truth when he stressed the philosophy behind organizational growth:
“The power of an organization lies not in duplicating skills, but in harmonizing diverse strengths.”
The essence of businesses and organizations stems from the specialization of labor. It underscores the imperative of having specialists who master their specific domains as opposed to generalists who have a basic grasp over everything. This, in turn, leads to heightened efficiency, unparalleled expertise, and top-notch results.
For entrepreneurs and leaders, the key lies in recognizing their niche of specialization within their enterprise. Instead of attempting to be a jack-of-all-trades, they should hone in on their unique strengths, and then strategically team up with or hire individuals who excel in areas of their weakness.
A pitfall to avoid is the inclination to onboard individuals mirroring oneself. While it may seem comforting to have like-minded individuals, it might just lead to a redundancy of skills and a glaring void in others.
After this talk, I had to admit I was wrong about so many things when it comes to management and delegation. It sucks. But I am super grateful that I discovered them now. Thanks, Mads!
If Mads’ principles resonated with you as well, then here’s a golden ticket:
Chiang Mai Effective Management Mastery Training is right around the corner! Come November 1st and 2nd, witness some of Mads Wisdom in person (I’m not an affiliate by any means, just an atendee :).
Training Details:
If you are interested you can book your seat now! and see you there!
In this article I will share checklists I derive from some of the best talks. If you would find it…