Leadership Lessons

As small business owners and leaders, we’re no strangers to the daily grind of comparison and competition. It’s easy to look at the success of others and wonder if we measure up. But this Thanksgiving, we’re taking a page out of Heather Holleman’s novel1, “Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison,” and the transformative words of Ephesians 2:6: “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” In the hustle to prove our worth and carve out a place in the market, realizing that your seat at the table is already secured is revolutionary. This isn’t about your turnover, your team size, or the number of followers on social media. It’s about recognizing the value you bring to the table just by being you, backed by the firepower of your determination, creativity, and the unique vision only you possess for your business. The Overlooked Seats Comparison is the thief of joy in business, and it’s also the thief of innovation and growth. The environment of inauthentic seats fuels comparison, the moment you and your team stop eyeing the lane beside you is the moment you turbocharge your path forward. Your business isn’t like anyone else’s—for a reason. The individual strengths and talents within your team are your biggest asset, waiting to be unleashed. Recognize and harness the power of these unique capabilities to drive people-powered change. A Secure Seat on The Team Your team—the one you’ve built, trained, and grown—holds untapped potential. Just as we are seated with Christ in a place of honor and security, so too should our team members feel valued and vital to our mission. This Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to express genuine gratitude for the diverse skill set each member brings to the table. When people feel valued, they’re more engaged, productive, and innovative. And that’s how a small business not only survives but thrives. The Power of People-Powered Change FIREPOWER Teams is founded on the belief that the power of a small business lies in its people. “Fuel your people power” isn’t just a motto; it’s a mission statement and a call to action. Reflect on how you can empower each team member to contribute their best this holiday season, fully aware that their seat at the table is as non-negotiable as yours. Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, reflection, and community. As business owners, it’s a prime opportunity to reassess what we’re thankful for and how we express that gratitude through our actions and leadership. Let’s enter this season with a renewed commitment to value ourselves, our team, and all our unique contributions. Let’s reject the ceaseless comparison and instead focus on fostering an environment where everyone feels seated at the table—secure, valued, and ready to make a difference. The entrepreneurship journey is rarely easy, but with a team that genuinely feels like their efforts matter, there’s untold strength to be garnered. Your business, team, and vision have a secured seat at the table. Let’s give thanks for that incredible opportunity and the journey ahead. Conclusion Remember, the most sustainable growth comes from within. Thanksgiving is a time to rekindle our appreciation for the value we each bring to the table, reminding us that when we work together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

In recent years, workplace discussions around diversity and inclusion have gained unprecedented momentum. Unfortunately, one facet of this multifaceted issue often gets overlooked: ageism. By dispelling negative ageist cliches, we not only uphold the dignity of older workers, a fundamental aspect of respect, but also unleash the full potential of an experienced workforce. This shift in perspective can lead to a more inclusive, dynamic, and productive work environment where the wealth of knowledge that older employees bring is embraced and celebrated. The Reality of an Aging Workforce The statistics are clear 1. By 2031, workers aged 55 and older will make up over 25% of the U.S. workforce. Additionally, 41% of American workers plan to work beyond 65. These figures underscore the urgent need for a shift in perspective, as many companies overlook the wealth of experience and knowledge this demographic can bring to their team. The Impact of Negative Ageist Cliches Ageism, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age are particularly pernicious in the workplace. Older workers often battle stereotypes that paint them as being out of touch, slow to adapt to new technologies, or less productive than their younger counterparts. These misconceptions can have profound effects for an individual and lead to an imbalance of problem-solving wisdom.  Bias of any kind will hurt the organizational bottom line.  Without a diverse workforce, an organization has too much of a good thing.  Leaders must be cognizant of the potential loss of valuable institutional knowledge, a crucial factor in organizational continuity. 1. Detriment to Team Member Morale and Motivation Persistent undervaluation of older workers can significantly impact their motivation and engagement. When employees feel dismissed or underestimated because of their age, morale, productivity, and ability to connect with their teams, decrease. This is harmful to both the individual and the organization. Age discrimination is real 2. Two out of three workers between ages 45 and 74 say they have seen or experienced age discrimination at work, and job seekers over age 35 cite age discrimination as a top obstacle to getting hired.  If you happen to work in the high-tech industry, your chances of experiencing age discrimination are even higher. 2. Lost Opportunities for Knowledge Sharing One of the most significant losses when older workers are sidelined is the missed opportunity for cross-generational knowledge transfer. Seasoned employees possess a wealth of experience, insights, and skills honed over years of service. This depth of knowledge is invaluable, particularly when paired with the fresh perspectives and tech-savviness of younger employees, creating a powerhouse of innovation and problem-solving capabilities. 3. Diminished Diversity and Inclusivity True diversity and inclusivity extend beyond ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation and should encompass age.  A workforce that appreciates and leverages the strengths of employees across the age spectrum is more representative of society and is better positioned to respond to the needs of a diverse customer base. Older Workers: A Valuable Resource 1. Rich Experience and Expertise Older workers bring an unparalleled level of expertise and experience. Their years in the workforce equip them with a nuanced understanding of their industry, a comprehensive knowledge of company history, and a network of connections that can be leveraged for strategic advantages. 2. Stability and Reliability Older employees can often be depended on to present greater stability and reliability than their younger counterparts. They tend to have lower turnover rates, which translates to reduced hiring and training costs. Their dedication and loyalty to their roles contribute to a stable workforce, which is critical for long-term planning and growth. 3. Mentorship and Leadership Older workers are invaluable resources for mentorship and leadership within organizations. Their insight and guidance can help nurture the next generation of professionals, ensuring a legacy of knowledge and skills that support the company’s future success. In Conclusion, Embracing an Age-Diverse Workforce is a Competitive Advantage As the American workforce continues to work later into life, employers must make a concerted effort to create a workplace that values and promotes age diversity. Debunking negative ageist cliches and recognizing the invaluable contributions of older workers are essential steps toward building more inclusive, innovative, and successful organizations. By tapping into unique strengths and perspectives across the employee age spectrum, companies can enhance their competencies and competitiveness and foster a culture of respect and appreciation for a workforce rich in diversity of knowledge.   Citations Article by Growthspace: The hidden potential of older workers: A strategic advantage

As a small business owner, your instinct might tell you to seize every opportunity that knocks on your door. Let’s face it: saying yes can be a thrilling ride into new ventures. Sometimes, you need to remind yourself of your organizational Sweet Spot.  Does your team have the bandwidth, the people power, and the infrastructure to take it on? Sometimes, saying no is not just the better option; it’s a powerhouse move that aligns your business with your growth goal. Here’s the lowdown on when, how, and why flexing your “no” muscle is your smartest play. The Unmanageable Yes When you’re overcommitted and under-resourced, every additional yes is like adding more weight to an already overstretched team. If saying yes means sacrificing the quality of your work, spreading your resources thin, or burning out your team, then it’s time for a firm, resolute “no.” Remember, quality over quantity isn’t just a great saying – it’s the golden rule for sustainable growth. The Misaligned Opportunity Some opportunities seem golden on the surface, but they won’t help you achieve your business mission, vision, or values. Listen up: Your business is your compass; every decision should steer you to your true north. If it doesn’t fit, say no. It’s not just about avoiding the wrong turn; it’s about staying true to your course and your team’s potential. The Power of Prioritization Here’s a reality check—you can’t do it all. When you say no to less important things, you say yes to more focus, energy, and time for what truly matters. Embrace the art of prioritization because knowing what to decline is as vital as knowing what to pursue. Make your yes count! Cultivating Respect Saying no isn’t just about protecting your time and energy; it’s about setting boundaries. Assertiveness isn’t rude; it’s a sign of respect – for yourself, your team, and your business’s vision. When you respect your limits, others will follow suit. It signals to the world that your time, team, and resources are valuable. Conclusion Saying no is a tough decision. It’s not a negative judgment; it’s a selective choice. Think of the word no as a complete sentence and a powerful tool to guide your business to where it truly belongs. So, the next time you’re faced with a request that doesn’t feel right, plant your feet, take a deep breath, and remember that saying no is not just okay—it’s essential for your business’s health and ongoing success.   Do you need to get in your Owner Sweet Spot?

Today we are highlighting the FIREPOWER Owner Sweet Spot Sessions! We’re about to embark on a game-changing conversation that will revolutionize the way you approach your business. It’s time to shift gears and start envisioning the future of your company in a new personal role. The Small Business Universe: Common Concerns of Owners Similar concerns echo throughout the small business universe. Maybe you feel like you’re lacking the right leadership, or worse, you don’t have any leadership at all. Perhaps your workforce has hit a plateau, or you’re dealing with the frustrating challenge of high turnover. And let’s not even get started on the never-ending cycle of decision-making, where it feels like you’re carrying the entire load on your own. What is the Work that Only You Can Do? We’re here to share a secret to successfully moving your business into the future. It all starts with a simple question: What is the work that only you can do? It’s time to tap into your natural talents and abilities that have fueled your business success from its inception and then refocus your efforts in a new way. Now, brace yourself for a little revelation that’ll bring a smile to your face. The answer to that question is much less than what you’re currently doing. Yes, you heard it right. You’re probably sporting way too many hats, it’s time to bid farewell to those unnecessary responsibilities and rediscover your true sweet spot. Enter the FIREPOWER Owner Sweet Spot sessions. These sessions are crafted to help you pinpoint those burdensome responsibilities that are holding you back from doing the work your company desperately needs from you. We’re here to lift that heavy weight off your shoulders and set you free to focus on what truly matters in achieving your future goals. Deciphering the best use of your time is the key to solving both short-term challenges and long-term business goals. It allows you to stay fully engaged in the work that only you should do, helps your teams to know your true superpowers, and ultimately unleashes your full potential to lead your company into the future. At FIREPOWER, we truly get the challenge, we live it every day. We understand the struggles you face as an owner.  Juggling numerous roles and tasks can be incredibly overwhelming and downright draining. But here’s some fantastic news – it doesn’t have to be that way. By identifying your unique strengths, you can reclaim your valuable time, restore your energy reserves, and reignite your enthusiasm for your business. So, are you ready to unlock your Owner Sweet Spot? Then it’s time to bid farewell to all the hats you’ve been wearing, delegate those unnecessary responsibilities, and rediscover the true value you bring to your company. Our owner-focused approach led by Maria Forbes, will expertly guide you through the process, empower your team, and take your business to unprecedented heights. Conclusion Remember, sustainable growth flourishes when you harness the potential of your team and become laser-focused on the work that only you can do. The number of hats you wear will shrink, while the quality of your life expands. It’s time to embrace the FIREPOWER within you and achieve the success you’ve always dreamed about. Together, we can make it happen! Fuel your people power, Maria Forbes with FIREPOWER Teams

What is the cornerstone in the strategy for scaling and preparing your business for the future, to grow, to thrive, and to build a legacy that lasts? That’s right – Regular Progress Check Meetings! Think of them as your business’s GPS, helping you navigate the winding roads of growth and strategy. These are not the same conversations as the old water cooler chats.  These are checkpoints along the journey to ensure your highly regarded employees and associates are engaging purposefully and meeting the expectations of their roles. Why are these meetings essential? Here’s the breakdown: Tracking Growth: Stay updated and informed about your Team’s collective journey to success. Ensuring Alignment: Everyone must know not only the what but the how and why behind their goals, ensuring harmony as you move forward collectively. Unify Direction: This is where your team member’s hard work shines. Each team member’s contribution is crucial and should enable the entire team to move in sync towards a common goal. When every team member is crystal clear about their role, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when a small business is not just a player, but a force to be reckoned with.  Use a Progress Check Meeting to fuel team participation and guide your business growth.  Team participation means understanding each role and its impact, assuring that every step takes us closer to our goals. Remember, in your team every voice is influential, and your team’s ideas, feedback, and perspectives are the answer to the next level of greatness and success in your business. With the guidance of Maria Forbes and FIREPOWER Teams, you can empower your team to drive sustainable growth.  Let’s Connect!  

Please join us on February 29 for our 20th annual Cocktails and Conversations program, presented by the Women’s Network of Miles & Stockbridge and featuring Brooke Lierman — the 34th Comptroller of the state of Maryland and the first woman to be independently elected to one of our state’s constitutional offices. We’ll kick off Women’s History Month a day early — on Leap Day 2024 — with a fabulous group of women celebrating women. And, we’ll take this “extra” day of the year to focus on making new connections, sharing ideas and focusing on the WHM theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” We look forward to networking with everyone while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, capped off with a dynamic talk from our speaker. Register online at  

Whatever happened to the original 11 companies Jim Collins featured in his 2001 book Good to Great? As part of a review I recently Key Findings. The research team discovered many lessons along the way, but one “giant conclusion” stood above the others. Their research confirmed that “almost any organization can substantially improve its stature and performance, perhaps even become great, if it conscientiously applies the framework of ideas they [the Collins team] uncovered.” Additional lessons learned from the companies that went from good to great: Celebrity Leaders. Famous leaders with larger-than-life personalities who ride in from the outside were negatively correlated with taking a company from good to great. Executive Compensation. There is no systematic pattern linking specific forms of executive compensation to the process of going from good to great. Strategy. The strategic planning process did not separate the good-to-great companies from the comparison companies. Both sets of companies had well-defined strategic plans, used similar planning processes, and spent comparable amounts of time on long-range strategic planning. What Not To Do. Good-to-great companies focused less on what to do, than on what not to do, and what to stop doing. Technology. Technology-driven change has virtually nothing to do with igniting a transition from good to great. Technology can only accelerate a transformation but cannot cause a transformation. M&A. M&A plays virtually no role in igniting a transition from good to great. Merging two mediocre companies never make one great company. Focus on the business. Good-to-great companies create alignment and motivation by focusing on running their business rather than getting distracted by large-scale change management initiatives. No Launch Event or Revolutionary Process. Good-to-great companies had no name, tagline, or launch event to signify the start of their transformation. Most were evolutionary, not revolutionary. Greatness is primarily a matter of conscious choice. Good-to-great companies were not, by and large, in great industries; some were in terrible industries. Greatness is not a function of circumstance (i.e., sitting on the nose cone of a rocketship). What I Found Interesting. Few people realize that as unfortunate as Collin’s only high-profile bankruptcy was of his original 11 Good To Great companies, a rise-from-the-ashes story emerged shortly before the Circuit City bankruptcy happened. The Circuit City management team accelerated the spinoff of another one of their start-ups, called CarMax (NYSE: KMX), which has since grown into a juggernaut that today employs 32,647 people and generates $31.9 billion in annual revenue. It’s interesting to note that even when the original Circuit City business model was failing to keep pace with their larger rival, BestBuy, their leadership team had the foresight and was able to fund and launch the next great idea – while continuing to build both businesses for a few years until they were able to safely step off the sinking Circuit City ship and onto the CarMax lifeboat they had launched. Summary – The book organizes a highly complex, multi-year research project into groups of insightful examples using a framework that supports and explains their findings. The case studies were well-researched and easy to follow, and I appreciated the handy summaries at the end of every chapter. I was impressed with the breadth and depth of the research put forth to write the book. Based on years of empirical research, data gathering, interviews, and real-world examples, it provides an understandable path for helping companies move from good to great.

When a new leader takes the helm, their decisions and maneuvers can cause a ripple effect that can be felt throughout your organization – especially regarding technological infrastructure. Even the most minute change can affect the delicate balance of technology within your organization and impact your control environment. During a leadership transition, CFOs have an opportunity to play a critical role in ensuring the passing of the baton is smooth and secure. Taking the proper steps to ensure consistent operations of critical controls during times of change is essential to keeping every aspect of your company secure. Where Do Things Go Wrong? Many scenarios could occur for a leadership change to create a technological disruption. Perhaps your new CEO doesn’t have a strong technological background, so they’re not focused on strengthening internal control processes, which increases the possibility of preventable risk. Or, they want to shake things up from the beginning, introducing new services or technology. Switching vendors or adopting different software tools without proper planning, vetting, and evaluation can create vulnerabilities. Recent headlines demonstrate changes in leadership have the potential to call digital operations into question. For instance, consider the recent takeover of one of the most prominent social media companies. Immediately upon acquisition, the new CEO took a hard-lined approach by significantly restructuring staff and fast-tracking product updates. In situations where such moves occur, leaders will want to be mindful of a potential public loss of confidence or resulting operational issues, which can result in negative publicity. This can have down steam impacts: remaining staff can be left scrambling to plug vulnerabilities and shoulder the added workload left by those let go. Meanwhile, frustrated users of the company’s applications can face glitches, bugs, and other disruptive issues. Another example is the recent collapse of a well-known cryptocurrency exchange group. The absence of a robust control environment led to the first crack in its fragile framework. For businesses looking to safeguard operations with potential leadership shifts in mind, some basic business process controls can help stop or identify issues in control environments early on. While navigating a leadership change, risk management is essential to continue operating ethically and remaining compliant. With the proper considerations in place, you can position your company to be as best prepared as possible when it steers into the unknown. How to Avoid Technological Pitfalls As many CFOs know, when leadership changes in an organization, everything could change, or nothing could change. Being proactive instead of reactive is the key to being prepared for any scenario. You must ensure all your bases are covered if changes are made to processes and technology, and perform due diligence to confirm other areas aren’t affected. When anticipating a change in leadership, consider how that change will affect your organization’s processes and technology and the continued operation of your internal controls. Be ready to address any potential problems swiftly and with proper communication from the top. Conduct an assessment of all IT systems, and evaluate and audit security protocols. Also, be sure to equip your team with the necessary knowledge and tools required for data protection today. And finally, analyze how third-party services might help reduce risk during times like these when changes require you to depend on them more than ever before. Having an independent party study your controls to ensure they’re secure and ready for a leadership transition can help increase consumer and stakeholder confidence. Furthermore, Connect with our seasoned experts today. Copyright © 2023, CBIZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced without the express written consent of CBIZ. This publication is distributed with the understanding that CBIZ is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. The reader is advised to contact a tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. CBIZ assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this information and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein. CBIZ MHM is the brand name for CBIZ MHM, LLC, a national professional services company providing tax, financial advisory and consulting services to individuals, tax-exempt organizations and a wide range of publicly-traded and privately-held companies. CBIZ MHM, LLC is a fully owned subsidiary of CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ).

“So far I have been a great CEO, but I am not sure that I am the best person to take my company to the next level,” confided this CEO of a fast-growing company. It looked like his recipe for success didn’t work anymore: he was constantly fighting fires and couldn’t streamline his operations. He was trying though – unsuccessfully. In short: he felt stuck, overwhelmed, and doubted his ability to improve the situation. I hear similar stories of “imposter syndrome” from many CEOs. The imposter syndrome is the belief, grounded in self-doubt and fear, that you don’t belong where you are. Often these CEOs’ reaction is to work harder to prove that they deserve to be in their position. Unfortunately, this negatively impacts their performance: they are not at the top of their game because of increased self-doubt, persistent fears of failure, and long working hours. If you experience imposter syndrome, you need to tackle it head-on. In a few instances, they are not the right person in the right seat indeed. Very often though they just lack tools, methodologies, and self-confidence to clarify their priorities to move more decisively toward their goals. Many CEOs experience imposter syndrome Many more CEOs and successful people than you may think experience at some point the imposter syndrome – even though few admit it openly, as Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz put it: “Very few people, whether you’ve been in that job before or not, get into the seat and believe today that they are now qualified to be the CEO. They’re not going to tell you that, but it’s true.” Tom Hank once shared: “No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?” Research estimates that 70% of the US population experiences it at some point in their life, and it disproportionately affects high-achievers: Facebook’s former COO Sheryl Sandberg admitted: “Every time I excelled, I believed that I had fooled everyone yet again. One day soon, the jig would be up. There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am.” David Bowie struggled with self-esteem too: “I had enormous self-image problems and very low self-esteem, which I hid behind obsessive writing and performing. I really felt so utterly inadequate.” Even Agatha Christie, despite selling two billion copies of her books: “I don’t know whether other authors feel it, but I think quite a lot do – that I’m pretending to be something that I’m not, because even nowadays, I do not quite feel as though I am an author.” Practically speaking: What can you start doing today? Find out practical ways to deal with your imposter syndrome here:

In their book The Execution Premium, Harvard’s Norton and Kaplan stated that 80% of companies never achieve the full value of their strategy.  That is a frightening statistic.  In our experience, the greatest reason is that short term needs take precedence over long term strategic choices. So, what can leaders do differently to be among the 20% that achieve all your strategic objectives? Embrace the discipline of strategy management. Consider these four principles of strategy management: Focus – Strategy provides focus to make the complex more manageable. It helps to manage the allocation of resources toward the most promising opportunities. Alignment – Focus results in organizational alignment. A clearly articulated strategy brings everyone together—owners, family, management, and employees—to work collaboratively to achieve the strategic objectives. Commitment – Alignment results in commitment to achieving the Mission, Vision, and Objectives. Commitment builds confidence and drives excitement about the future. Accountability – Commitment creates an environment where employees will hold each other accountable to deliver on their personal responsibilities. By embracing strategy management, you can become part of the 20% of companies to achieve the full value of your strategic plan.  Do you have an explicit strategy that you can clearly communicate to all your employees?  Does everyone understand their role in making strategy happen?  Are you holding everyone responsible and accountable to achieving the full value of your strategic plan?  Let us know what you are doing to make strategy happen. Please share this newsletter with your friends and associates as you see fit. Quote: “Without strategy, execution is aimless. Without execution, strategy is useless.” — Morris Chang, CEO of TSMC

Do you provide an employee orientation? That is great news, now what about onboarding?  If you are leaving this one out you are missing part of a winning team performance structure.  What is the difference and why utilize both?  One is informative and one is integrative, both are intended to get your new employees off to a great start.  What you really want is a simple way to engage and retain your employees so you can continue to grow without performance set-backs, so here is what you need to know. Let’s get a few current catch phrases out of the way.  Quiet Quitting is a symptom of the Great Resignation.  It simply means that employees are doing their expected work but they are not investing time in achieving broader company goals.  There are many reasons for this sentiment and it is not a new condition of the American workforce, except that post Covid, the personal need to engage in something more than a set of responsibilities has become top of the mind and it is driving employment decisions.  If your employees feel they are doing a job, they are functioning as a job holder, this weakens your business model.  A transition to business contributor roles across your company will strengthen your biggest asset and your best competitive advantage in meeting and surpassing growth goals.  No more quiet quitting. People are a moving target and talent must be nurtured in order to avoid performance set-backs.  Getting the right people in the right position and keeping them, requires a simple and effective process for retaining the interest of new members beyond an offer letter or employment agreement.  If you want them to stay, you need to bond new hires to your company starting day one.  Building long-term associations begins with orientation and onboarding. One of these is about the company and one is about the person and the role.  Employers often use orientation and onboarding interchangeably, and that is risky business.  The processes are related, but different.  Understanding the elements of a structured onboarding process vs orientation can help you to prepare new employees for success and encourage them to stay with you long term.  The onboarding process will enable new employees to achieve success in their new role and boost bonding as they accomplish each new level outlined in their personalized plan. Making your best day-one impression and turning that impression into a true and lasting bond with your organization, requires visualization of the new role, an agenda for learning, knowing with whom you will collaborate, and time required for each learning and doing segment over a 90-Day period. Employee orientation provides new hires with company information.  There might be some interactive elements, such as tours and question-and-answer sessions, but it’s primarily designed to give employees the information they need to get started quickly. Onboarding engages new hires in their role, including what is learned, how work is executed, and what they will lead, all of which are planned with written and verbal learning, and hands-on experience. The onboarding process will include one-on-one training, meetings with supervisors, group training and other customized processes based on what each employee needs. Benefits of employee orientation Aimed at introducing new employees to the company policies such as breaks and lunch times, required meetings and general code of conduct, usually found within an employee handbook. Your new hires will set up benefits, systems log-ins, and payroll. All new hires typically go through the same orientation. Benefits of employee onboarding Onboarding engages talent as soon as a new employee starts working at your company. It helps a team member learn the role in an organized fashion and increases productivity. Boosts new hire confidence in their role with regular feedback and ongoing support. Encourages early relationships between new hires and current employees. Reduces the chances of miscommunication and confusion about individual and collaborative work. Onboarding is personalized for each new member and the plan is edited, based on their progress over the first 90 days of employment. The process can be extended to six months or a year based on an employee’s progression. Observing less than desirable performance, such as misaligned efforts, from a new employee? It may be due to the lack of a structured onboarding process.  Skipping the onboarding process will have costly consequences.  Leaders experience lack of productivity, increased inefficiencies, higher rates of employee turnover, reduced employee morale and engagement, and difficulty meeting strategic goals. Remember, the employee experience on day-one either seals the deal or erodes a new employee’s confidence in their decision to join your company.  Orientation and onboarding are complementary processes to help your new employees succeed.

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How would it feel to shorten the time to productivity? Why does someone need to do their job the way they do? How can people become productive faster? Introduction: As a small business owner, you wear many hats. You’re the visionary, the marketer, the accountant, and often, the HR department. However, having the right people in the right roles is key to your success. It’s not just about filling seats; it’s about aligning talent with the demands of each department. This is where Kolbe comes in – a powerful tool that can help you unlock your team’s natural strengths and optimize your business’s performance. The Problem: Mismatched Skills and Frustration We’ve all seen a detail-oriented person struggling in a fast-paced, idea-generating role or a creative mind bogged down by rigid processes. Mismatches like these lead to frustration, decreased productivity, and, ultimately, higher turnover. This is especially damaging in a small business where every team member’s contribution is crucial. You might be tempted to use traditional methods, like resumes or personality tests. While these have their place, they don’t always get to the heart of how someone naturally gets things done – the key information the Kolbe A™ Index provides. Enter the Kolbe A™ Index: Understanding Your Team’s Conative Strengths The Kolbe A™ Index isn’t about measuring intelligence or personality. It measures a person’s conative strengths – their instinctive method of taking problem-solving action and getting things done. It reveals how they prefer to: Fact Finder: Do they need to gather data or rely on intuition? Follow Through: Are they good at meticulously executing plans, or are they more adept at improvising? Quick Start: Do they prefer to start new processes or refine existing ones? Implementor: Are they good at taking something complex and making it simple, or are they adept at handling intricate details? The Kolbe Index places you on a spectrum for each mode of action and gives you a number (ranging from 1-10) for how you naturally prefer to act within each mode. Map Roles to Kolbe Strengths: Now it’s time to analyze the demands of each department and role within your business. For instance: Marketing: You might look for individuals with high “Initiator” and “Fact Finder” scores. Operations/Production: This might be an area for those with a stronger “Follow Through” style. Sales: Those with a strong mix of “Initiator” and “Implementor” could excel here. Accounting/Finance: Look for those with a high “Follow Through” preference and a strong preference for “Fact Finder”. Open the Dialogue: Have open and honest conversations with your team. Share their Kolbe results (with their permission) and discuss how their strengths align (or don’t align) with their current role. Make Strategic Adjustments: Consider making adjustments based on the Kolbe results and those conversations. This might mean moving someone to a different department, shifting responsibilities within a team, or modifying a team member’s workflow to better utilize their strengths. It’s critical to remember that this is not a tool to punish or demean anyone but to place them in their best role, where they can thrive. Embrace Team Diversity: Each Kolbe profile offers unique strengths and values. A team of people working in the exact same way is not as effective as a team that balances diverse strengths. Benefits of Using Kolbe in Your Small Business: Increased Productivity: People who work within their natural strengths are more efficient and engaged. Reduced Frustration: Fewer mismatches mean less frustration, which leads to improved morale. Lower Turnover: Happier employees are less likely to leave. Improved Team Collaboration: When people understand how their teammates approach work, they can collaborate more effectively. Enhanced Problem Solving: A well-balanced team with diverse Kolbe profiles can tackle challenges more creatively. Better Decision-Making: Understanding the different ways each person naturally approaches a problem can lead to better decision-making in the long run. Rethink your Growth and Exit Planning: As a small business owner, you’re constantly looking for ways to optimize your operations and create a thriving work environment. Using Kolbe is not about forcing square pegs into round holes. It is about understanding the natural approach of your team and putting everyone in a place where they can thrive. Investing time and resources to understand your team’s conative strengths will pay dividends in increased productivity, happier employees, and, ultimately, a more successful business. So, take the first step, explore the power of Kolbe, and watch your team’s potential flourish. Call to Action: Are you ready to understand the power of your team’s strengths? It is important to have a Certified Kolbe Consultant guide you on how to use this data to attract, engage, and develop your team so you can grow and exit on your terms.

Listen to this post as a podcast: Click here to talk to Bloomwood about your finances. Are you ready to take control of your finances and maximize your after-tax income? If so, you’re in the right place. I’m Billy Amberg, founder of Bloomwood, and today, we’re going to explore a financial case study that affects everyone—whether you’re just starting out on your wealth-building journey or you’re a seasoned investor with substantial assets. The 1% Financial Advisor Fee: Is It Worth It? The financial advisory and wealth management industry invests massive marketing dollars to convince you that paying a 1% portfolio management fee is worthwhile. But is it really? Let’s break it down. For those with financial advisors who provide significant value through tax planning, estate planning, and comprehensive financial strategies, paying 1% can be justified. If you have a complex trust or unique investment needs, that fee might also make sense. However, if your advisor is merely managing your portfolio, responding to your questions reactively, and failing to offer proactive financial planning, then you are overpaying. Many advisors hold periodic meetings about investments, but that alone doesn’t justify the 1% fee. Why Paying 1% for Just Investment Management Is Too Much To understand why paying 1% for basic investment management isn’t worth it, we must first explore key investment principles. One of the best ways to structure your investments is by using the Three Buckets Approach: Cash Reserve Bucket: This is your safety net, typically covering 6 to 12 months of living expenses in case of an emergency. It also provides liquidity for investment opportunities, such as purchasing real estate. Fixed Income Bucket: If you need stable income to support your lifestyle, especially in retirement, this bucket consists of low-risk investments like bonds, ensuring steady cash flow. Long-Term Growth Bucket: Everything else belongs here. This is where equities and growth-focused investments come into play, aligning with long-term wealth accumulation. Understanding Risk Tolerance and Why It Matters Less Than You Think Many investors are familiar with risk tolerance questionnaires used by financial advisors or platforms like Vanguard. While these assessments provide insight into your comfort level with risk, they are not the ultimate determinant of investment strategy. For example, a young professional with limited financial resources who fears market volatility might lean toward ultra-conservative investments. However, avoiding equity exposure could mean they never accumulate enough wealth to retire. An advisor’s role should be to educate and coach clients through investment realities rather than just accommodating risk aversion. Why Beating the Market Is Nearly Impossible Many financial advisors attempt to justify their fees by claiming they can outperform the market. However, history shows that even professional fund managers struggle to consistently beat benchmark indices like the S&P 500. Consider this: The NASDAQ (Technology Index) has significantly outperformed the S&P 500 in recent years. The S&P 500 itself remains a difficult benchmark to beat even for top-tier investment professionals. The only funds consistently outperforming the market are quantitative hedge funds like D.E. Shaw, Citadel, and Two Sigma—which charge exorbitant fees and require massive investment minimums. If professional fund managers can’t consistently beat the market, how can an individual financial advisor do so? The answer is simple: they can’t. The True Cost of Active Management vs. Index Funds Rather than paying a financial advisor 1% to actively manage investments, many investors can achieve better results with low-cost index funds. Vanguard, for instance, offers index funds with fees as low as 0.05% per year. Additionally, for just 0.30%, you can get a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Vanguard, which is more than a third cheaper than the typical advisor fee. How to Determine If Your Advisor Provides Real Value Before you continue paying a 1% management fee, ask yourself: Is my advisor providing value beyond just investment management? Am I receiving proactive tax planning, estate planning, and financial strategy sessions? Can my advisor point to tangible financial benefits I’ve received beyond portfolio returns? If your advisor’s only contribution is managing your portfolio, you are likely paying for underperformance. Paying 1% for an actively managed fund that fails to beat the market is counterproductive when low-cost index funds offer superior long-term results. The Bottom Line: Are You Getting a Fair Deal? If you’re paying 1% for asset management, it should come with significant added value, including tax planning, estate planning, and personalized financial strategy. At Bloomwood, we focus on delivering real, tangible benefits beyond just managing investments. If you want to learn more about investing and getting massive value through financial planning, check out our other content: Kickstart Your New Year with Smart Financial Planning: A Comprehensive Guide Tax Planning: How Buying Tax Credits Can Cut Your Tax Bill and Boost Profits Disclosures Bloomwood does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. We are neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this material should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant. For additional information about Bloomwood, please request our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information set forth herein, or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (

We know that a way higher-than-acceptable percent of those who sell their company have many regrets a year later.  A piece of that is how well did they plan life beyond the sale?  Purpose is a huge part of that, and we have many XPX members who are retirement coaches and help people plan for purpose.  That is incredibly important. And there is so much more.  How is that person going to thoughtfully, proactively remain healthy, minimize their health-related risk factors, stay mentally sharp, have a robust social network since so much of their current social network is wrapped up with the business, partners, clients, etc. And then what about knowing when and how to include family members so that inevitable changes in the future are fully planned?  We have XPX members who plan the financial, the estate, the insurance pieces which are all important.  There is a much deeper personal side that is rarely planned and leaves families not knowing what to do when a crisis happens, health declines, a spouse is lost, or other unexpected events. All of this can be planned, and when it is, the future is brighter and more secure. Selling the business just opens the door to new phases of life that are just as fulfilling and engage those prior business owners in new ways to engage with their community, their family, and their unique interests. Purpose is not busy-ness.  In a future article we will talk about how very important that differentiation is.

Listen to this post as a podcast: Click here to talk to Bloomwood about your finances.   Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two transformative technologies that have the potential to reshape industries and solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of driving breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. In this post, we’ll explore the synergy between quantum computing and AI, the challenges involved, and the exciting future ahead. What is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing offers the potential to solve problems that classical computers struggle with, such as those in drug discovery and material science. Quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition). This ability to represent both 0 and 1 at once allows quantum computers to solve problems much faster than classical systems. How AI is Transforming Industries Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, is already transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, and defense. By analyzing large datasets and making predictions based on that information, AI systems are helping organizations make more informed decisions and predictions. In fields like healthcare, AI is improving diagnostics, personalizing treatment plans, and advancing medical research. In finance, AI-powered algorithms are being used for fraud detection, risk assessment, and market prediction. The Challenges of Building Stable Quantum Computers Despite its potential, building stable quantum computers remains a significant challenge. Quantum states are incredibly fragile, and any disturbance can cause errors in calculations. This makes developing reliable quantum computers a difficult task. Furthermore, quantum encryption is a concern, as quantum computers could eventually break current encryption methods. Researchers are already working on developing quantum-resistant encryption to address these challenges. The Rise of Quantum Sensing Quantum technology is not limited to computing. Quantum sensing is emerging as a powerful tool for detecting small changes in physical properties such as magnetic fields, gravity, and time. This could lead to breakthroughs in medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and navigation, with applications in everything from precision healthcare to transportation. The Economic Impact and Job Creation The growth of the quantum and AI industries is expected to generate over $1 trillion by 2035, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across various sectors. By 2030, it is predicted that 250,000 jobs will be created in the quantum sector, with that number rising to 840,000 by 2035. These technologies will not only fuel economic growth but also provide opportunities for innovation and creativity across a range of industries. How Companies Can Capitalize on Quantum and AI Advancements Companies looking to thrive in the quantum and AI space must: Adopt early: Be early adopters of quantum and AI technologies to establish themselves as leaders. Create value: Apply these technologies in ways that solve real-world problems in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Innovate rapidly: Keep pace with technological advancements and remain adaptable in a fast-moving market. Invest in infrastructure: Have the financial strength to fund R&D and build the necessary infrastructure. Leverage marketing: Effectively communicate innovations to the public and industry stakeholders.   Key Companies to Watch in the Quantum and AI Space Tech Giants Leading the Way Companies like IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Nvidia are heavily investing in quantum computing and AI technologies. These tech giants are positioning themselves for long-term leadership by developing cutting-edge solutions and forging strategic partnerships in the space. Industry Disruptors Smaller companies like Square, Chime, Clario, and Anduril Industries are harnessing AI and quantum technologies in unique and innovative ways. Particularly in finance, healthcare, and defense, these disruptors are pushing the envelope on what’s possible with these technologies. Innovations in Telecommunications and Manufacturing Telecommunications: The Future of Quantum Communication In telecommunications, BT is exploring quantum communication to enhance the security and efficiency of digital networks. IQ Go is leveraging AI to improve network management, optimizing resource allocation and improving network reliability. Manufacturing: Virtual Models for Optimization In manufacturing, companies like Forge are using AI to create virtual models of manufacturing processes. This allows them to simulate, optimize, and improve production lines with digital twin technology, resulting in greater efficiency and cost savings. Democratization of Quantum and AI Technologies One of the most exciting developments in the quantum and AI space is the democratization of these technologies. Cloud-based services now allow small businesses to access powerful quantum and AI tools without needing their own hardware. This mirrors the early days of the internet when once-exclusive technologies became available to the broader public, sparking innovation across industries. Quantum Startups Making Waves Several startups are making significant contributions to quantum computing. For instance: Reggetti Computing combines quantum and classical computing in a hybrid approach to enhance performance. IonQ is pushing the boundaries of quantum computing with trapped ions as qubits, offering high fidelity and long coherence times. Zapata Computing provides platforms for quantum algorithm development, making quantum computing more accessible to those without deep expertise in the field. Key Concepts in Quantum Computing To fully appreciate the potential of quantum computing, it’s essential to understand some key concepts: Superposition: Qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for parallel computations. Entanglement: A quantum phenomenon where qubits are linked, enabling instantaneous communication and increasing computational power. Fidelity: The accuracy with which qubits can be manipulated. Coherence Time: The duration for which a qubit can maintain its quantum state before it decays. Will Quantum Computers Replace Classical Computers? While quantum computers are powerful, they are not meant to replace classical computers. Instead, they are designed to tackle problems that classical systems cannot handle, such as complex simulations and optimization tasks. The future will likely see a hybrid approach where both types of computers complement each other, each playing to its strengths. Responsible AI Development As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we develop it responsibly. This means addressing issues like bias, transparency, and accountability. For example, if an AI system is trained on biased data, it may perpetuate and even amplify those biases in its decision-making. In fields like healthcare and finance, transparency is essential. We must ensure that AI decisions are understandable and explainable, particularly when they have a direct impact on people’s lives. Similarly, accountability is key: if an AI system causes harm, we need to determine who is responsible. The Future of AI and Quantum Computing As we look ahead, the future of AI and quantum computing is filled with possibilities. These technologies have the power to revolutionize industries, create new economic opportunities, and solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. But with great power comes great responsibility. We must ensure that these advancements are used ethically and transparently to benefit society as a whole. The quantum era is here, and it’s full of opportunity. Whether through AI’s ability to enhance communication or quantum computing’s ability to solve complex problems, these technologies are set to transform our world. Check out our other recent article on investing in quantum computing! www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you engage our firm for advisory services. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.   The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.    All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.  There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such. Bloomwood is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Bloomwood and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 730 Starlight Lane, Atlanta, GA 30342.

Enhance your member profile by adding a photo and your company logo! It’s a great way to personalize your presence and showcase your organization. Follow these simple steps to update your profile: 1. Log In to Your Account First, make sure you’re logged in to your member account by going to www.exitplanningexchange.com and clicking on the Log In button on the top right-hand corner of the page. Remember to use the email address associated with your member profile as your username. 2. Go to Your Profile Once logged in, navigate to your member profile. You can usually find this by clicking on your profile picture or your name at the top of the page. 3. Select “Edit Photo” Look for the “Edit Photo” button—typically located near the top of your member profile’s dropdown menu (photo below). Click on it to upload or update your high-res photo.

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