After experiencing burnout in 2017 due to excessive work, I turned to daily long walks in nature as a form of recovery. This simple yet profound activity has since become an integral part of my routine, not only aiding in my personal health but also significantly benefiting my business. In this article, I'll share the most valuable insights I've gained from making daily walks a cornerstone of my lifestyle and how it has positively impacted my business. Now, I'll walk you through my six key takeaways on how incorporating daily walks has transformed not just my health, but also the way I do business. 1. Generating ideas One of the most transformative benefits of my daily walks has been the surge in creativity they've sparked, leading to some of my brightest ideas. For instance, the names of my two blogs, thrivemyway.com and createandgrow.com, were both conceived during these peaceful strolls. This phenomenon isn't just a personal experience; it's supported by research. A Stanford University study found that participants' creative output increased by an astonishing 60% while they were walking. This demonstrates that the simple act of taking a walk can be a powerful catalyst for generating ideas, even in the most unlikely settings. 2. Improvement of cognitive function That's our ability to clearly think, learn, and remember. Beyond sparking creativity, daily walks significantly enhance cognitive function — our capacity to think clearly, learn new information, and retain memories. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, foster neural growth, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age. This improvement in brain health is pivotal for entrepreneurs and business professionals, who rely on sharp cognitive abilities to make decisions, solve problems, and innovate. Incorporating walking into your daily routine can thus be seen as an investment in your brain's long-term performance, ensuring that your mental faculties remain robust and agile, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that come your way. 3. Vitamin D and productivity Adopting daily walking habits has significantly boosted my productivity in two distinct ways. Initially, the anticipation of my daily walks motivated me to complete tasks more efficiently, avoiding the tendency to stretch them out unnecessarily. More importantly, there's a scientific basis for this increase in productivity. Regular walking not only refreshes the mind but also enhances cognitive functions, allowing for quicker problem-solving and better task management. This habit has transformed how I approach my work, making my daily routine not just more structured but inherently more productive. This research shows that Vitamin D significantly affects work productivity. By studying over 10,000 healthcare workers, it was found that those with Vitamin D levels above 40 ng/mL were more productive than those below 20 ng/mL, who experienced lower energy, focus, and ability to perform tasks. This highlights Vitamin D's importance for both physical and cognitive health at work. Therefore, to boost productivity, it's essential to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels. Being outside, even on a cloudy day, can provide more Vitamin D than staying indoors and relying on sunlight through a window. 4. Creating a draft for an article (via voice-to-text) Creating articles represents one of the primary tasks to which I allocate my time. Indeed, the process of article writing becomes much simpler with a well-structured outline and a clear topic in mind. I've adopted the practice of using voice notes for sketching out article outlines. By hitting the record button, I dedicate five minutes to verbally outlining all the elements I wish to cover in the article. It's quite remarkable to notice the seamless flow of thoughts and speech when you're moving, in stark contrast to the stumbling blocks encountered when sitting down. 5. Listening to audiobooks and podcasts Incorporating audiobooks and podcasts into my routine has been a transformative experience, particularly during my daily walks. This habit has allowed me to delve into a wide array of subjects, from business strategies to personal development, all while staying active. The beauty of audiobooks lies in their ability to turn walking time into a dual-purpose activity: Not only do I get the physical benefits of exercise, but I also engage my mind in learning and inspiration. 6. Online meetings I've always had a preference for in-person interactions, finding that, in many cases, online meetings could be efficiently replaced by an email or a brief Loom video. However, I acknowledge that this is a personal preference and understand that many people thrive on online meetings as their primary mode of communication and collaboration. To adapt and ensure I still work effectively, I began scheduling my online meetings during my walks outside. This adjustment has not only allowed me to maintain my walking routine but also engage in necessary digital interactions. With the advent of 5G technology, concerns about internet connectivity have become a thing of the past, making it seamlessly possible to connect and converse while enjoying the outdoors. In conclusion, integrating daily walks into my routine has not only been a journey of personal health and creativity but also a strategic adaptation to enhance my business processes. From generating groundbreaking ideas and improving cognitive function to listening to audiobooks and business podcasts, and even reimagining the way I conduct online meetings — each step taken outdoors has contributed significantly to my professional success and well-being. Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com
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Recently, my company was exploring a business opportunity in Australia. I've been there more than 50 times but have found myself puzzled over a real estate term. I could have pretended to understand it so I'd look smart to everyone, but I asked what the term meant – and the answer changed our direction completely. The experience taught me, once again, that when it comes to business challenges, being willing to ask questions is often the answer you need to succeed. No one is an expert in everything, so questions are an essential part of running any business. By asking questions and then listening to the answers and acting on them, even if you reach a different conclusion than they have, you are telling everyone around you that they are important and you value their opinions. Great salespeople are excellent listeners The consequence of not asking questions is obvious: failure. When you neglect to seek critical information, you put your project (or your entire business) at risk of failure, and your reputation suffers because you look like a know-it-all who places your own ideas above all else. Not enough people understand this. Great salespeople are excellent listeners — they hear what the customer wants and then give it to them. Poor salespeople, on the other hand, consistently misread people because they haven't learned how to listen or ask questions — or they're just too busy talking. It's essential to ask the right questions, but you can't hold back for fear of looking like you don't know anything. Being willing to admit what you don't understand can be more valuable than showing your authority. No one expects me to know all about legal issues or be a technology expert; that's why we have a legal department that hires lawyers and an IT department that hires computer experts. But being honestly curious about areas you're not familiar with will lead you to the answers you need, and if your experts give you clear answers you can understand, you can be more confident you've got the right team in place. 5 Questions that can yield the answers you need As the saying goes, we don't always know what we don't know. That can make it hard to come up with the right questions. But it's not that hard if you start with these five basic inquiries: 1. What do you think? You might be surprised at how many employees don't think their ideas matter to senior leaders. Asking for a team member's opinion gives them permission to speak up with an honest assessment you might never hear if you don't ask for it. 2. If you were me, what would you do? This is helpful if you don't know much about the subject being discussed. It's a stronger way of asking "What should I do?" because it requires the employee to put more thought into their answer and to imagine the consequences. 3. Is there something I'm missing here? If you don't understand an answer or it doesn't make sense, this is a diplomatic way of getting clarity. It gives you the responsibility for understanding rather than making the team members feel they're not explaining things correctly. 4. Who else can I talk to about this? This gives you the opportunity to expand your resources and relieves the employee of being completely responsible for the answers you need. Don't ask in a way that suggests you're unhappy with their responses, however. 5. Is there a better way to do this? If you're not satisfied with the answers you've received, this is a positive way of asking for better ones without denigrating the first answer or the person who gave it. But asking questions is just the first step in seeking the information you need. Stop talking and start listening I'm not always looking for new information when I ask questions. I'm also seeking to understand my team's rationale so I can evaluate their decisions. Sometimes I'm just looking to confirm my own thinking. That's why I believe listening is such an important part of communication; once you ask the questions, you must listen to the answers and be willing to go deeper – "peeling the onion" with two, three, or more queries that will get you where you need to be. I even wrote a short book on the subject; You're Not Listening to Me! Learn to Communicate Better by Improving the Listening Side. If you go in a different direction, asking intelligent questions and listening thoughtfully to the responses can minimize the team's resistance. When you base your decision on the answers they've given you, and you can explain the decision rationally, they are more likely to feel valued and respected. If someone gets upset or doesn't accept your decision, it may be because you behaved like a prosecutor interrogating them on the witness stand – looking for reasons to reject their ideas without fair consideration. Not all my questions are directed at my teams. My most productive one is often something I ask myself: What changes would someone else make right away if they were sitting in my seat? It's not always easy to hear the answer, but taking an observer's perspective and trying to see myself as someone else might view me has led to some surprisingly honest appraisals. Remember, however, that what you ask is not as important as the mere fact that you're asking. It shows you're willing to admit you don't know everything and you trust your team to help you choose the right direction. But it's not just about image; ensuring you understand issues surrounding your business and have accounted for possible problems will make projects more likely to succeed Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com
I've been thinking about the alchemy of impactful partnerships a lot lately: We've been lucky to have some amazing partnership wins over the last decade — and plenty of failures, too. Over time, my team and I have gotten better at screening for partnerships that will be a big win for all involved. But as exciting and full of promise as they can be, jumping into any kind of business arrangement is not something to take lightly. Whether it was in forging a long-standing relationship with a big tech brand or carving out a relatively new opportunity with a renowned creator and journalist, I've always believed partnerships should be designed to deliver tangible value for all parties, and their success needs to be predicated on a robust process to ensure the best outcomes. While data shows partnerships are a good idea for creators and entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach, boost revenues, and build brand equity, they're only beneficial if they're defined and approached effectively. And the reality is, many of them fail due to mismatched expectations. For creators and entrepreneurs, the question of when, how and who to partner with will inevitably come up at some point in their journey. Here's what to consider if you're looking to set up a business partnership that beats the odds. Be proactive about exploring your options There are many different types of partnerships you can enter into, but before you do, take the time to consider which would best suit your business — whether it's a traditional brand sponsorship, a reciprocal swap or a more collaborative endeavor. And if you haven't been approached by a brand, there's no need to wait for them to come to you. Being proactive about identifying and pursuing opportunities can also yield incredible results. Sometimes it boils down to the right conditions happening at the right time. Take Coastal Drone Academy, a creator business that saw the chance to expand its reach when drone operators faced new regulations and certification requirements. They partnered with Best Buy to package their intro course with every drone sold. The creator business benefited from the retailer's extensive customer base and its significant brand association. Meanwhile, Best Buy was able to provide a true value-add to its drone sales. Go in with eyes, mind and heart wide open Knowing exactly what you're getting into is important to your partnership's success. But so is keeping an open mind — and heart. I realize that might sound a bit corny, but partnerships, like any relationship, are built on trust above all else. Here are some helpful ways to approach partnership-building with that in mind:
Bonus consideration:
Regardless of how you structure and approach your partnership, the benefits will go beyond the metrics you set for exposure and sales. A collab can become a forcing factor around time and motivation, kicking you into high gear with deadlines and deliverables that might feel less urgent when you're working solo. But keep in mind, while it might be tempting to jump into the first partnership offer that comes your way, I'd caution against it — even if it matches your core business values or content. My biggest advice is to do a gut check before you sign on the dotted line. Or, ideally, much earlier in the process. Does the partnership feel right to you? Are you inclined to give as much (or more) as you'll receive? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Depending on the answers to these questions, remember that there's no obligation to proceed. Just like choosing a life partner, finding the right business partner can take time. Being rigorous right away can be a great way to get your feet wet before jumping into the deep end. Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com
What is disruption in small business? Entrepreneurs and startup junkies are always going on about the power of disruption – and when the media report stories about disruptive innovation, it’s widely assumed the term is just a synonym for innovation. But the truth is, disruption and innovation are two totally different things. To explain how and why, it’s worth back-tracking a bit. What is Disruption? When talking about any kind of business-related disruption, we’re actually referencing a wider theory of “disruptive innovation”. This term was coined and defined for the first time by Harvard Business School’s Clayton Christensen in his 1997 book “The Innovator’s Dilemma”. According to Christensen, disruptive innovation occurs when an industrial advancement creates brand-new markets via the discovery of new types of customers. What does that mean? Essentially it means that all disruptors are innovators, but not all innovators are disruptors. For example, the first automobiles that emerged in the late 1800s were not a disruptive innovation because they didn’t pose a tangible threat to companies that produced horse-drawn vehicles. At that point, this new technology was perceived as an ultra-luxury item competing for a tiny share within an existing sales market. That all changed when Ford debuted its first mass-produced automobile, which essentially shifted market demand by offering a previously non-existent, affordable transportation option for the masses. Cars weren’t disruptors, but the Ford Model T was a textbook definition. What Should You Do About Disruption? It’s easy to laugh about scores of redundant horse-drawn carriage manufacturers going out of business a hundred years ago because of Henry Ford – but it’s not quite as funny if it’s your business at risk. So, what does disruption look like in the here and now? Businesses have generally got two options when faced with a disruptive innovation: try and hold on to an existing market by doing the same thing better, or try to capture new markets by embracing new business models and technologies. IBM provides a pretty straight-forward example of the former. The personal computer was a huge disruption, because it ignited a new mass-market that had previously been non-existent. Until then, computers were commonly perceived to be huge, expensive mainframes that were sold only to huge companies and universities. Rather than cry over spilt milk, IBM chose to react to personal computers by launching a new business division to focus exclusively on the production and development of IBM PCs. The venture proved undeniably successful, and helped IBM to better position itself in this new market. Netflix is an apt example of a business that responded to disruption by changing and embracing a new business model. The company initially launched as a video rental company that sent out DVDs to customers in the mail. Yet as online video began to dismantle the traditional video rental market, Netflix decided to drop their old business model entirely in order to adopt a brand new way of doing business and launch a streaming business of its own. The rest, as they say, is history. The Role of Timing in Disruptive Innovation Timing plays a critical role in the realm of disruptive innovation. It can make the difference between a groundbreaking success and a missed opportunity. Here’s why timing matters:
Navigating the Timing Challenge Given the complexity of timing in disruptive innovation, here are some strategies to navigate this challenge effectively:
Iterative Learning and Feedback Loops In the world of disruptive innovation, the journey is often just as important as the destination. Embrace an iterative approach to timing that allows for continuous learning and adjustment:
Embracing Risk and Uncertainty Disruptive innovation inherently involves risk and uncertainty, and timing is no exception. To navigate this:
Building a Timing-Centric Culture To fully harness the power of timing in disruptive innovation, consider cultivating a timing-centric culture within your organization:
Evolving with the Ecosystem Finally, remember that the timing landscape is constantly evolving, driven by factors such as technological advancements, market shifts, and global events. To thrive in the long term:
Embracing Change: Preparing for Disruption in Your Small Business In the dynamic landscape of modern business, disruption is not a question of if, but when. Preparing your small business for potential disruption involves a proactive approach, embracing change, and being ready to adapt. Here are key strategies to fortify your business against the unpredictable waves of disruptive innovation: Cultivate a Culture of Innovation
Strengthen Your Online Presence
Diversify Your Product or Service Offerings
Build Strong Relationships with Customers and Suppliers
Leverage Data and Technology
Plan for Financial Resilience
Conclusion: Navigating Disruption with Agility and Resilience Disruption can be daunting, but it also presents opportunities for growth and innovation. By preparing your small business in advance, you can navigate the challenges of disruption with agility and resilience. Embracing change, fostering a culture of innovation, and building strong relationships with customers and suppliers are key to thriving in a constantly evolving business environment. Believe it or not, small business owners are generally best positioned in order to survive disruptive innovation and emerge stronger. After all, it’s much easier to pivot a small, niche service with a few employees than it is for a multinational to risk investing billions into creating previously untested business divisions. At the end of the day, disruption is all about trial and error. That’s how disruptive innovations emerge, and it’s also how businesses must learn to adapt and survive. Just remember to keep your ear to the ground, think outside the box and tread carefully. Remember, the ability to adapt and evolve is a significant advantage for small businesses in the face of disruption. Source: https://smallbiztrends.com Image Source: Disruptive Innovation Photo via Shutterstock
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