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How smart companies build momentum

Marketing fails when it’s treated like decoration — something to make the business look good. It succeeds when it’s treated like infrastructure.

The pathway to purposeful growth

Aligning your path and purpose is hard work, but it is essential, and you will reap the benefits if you are committed to removing barriers and striving for the best outcomes.

Hard conversations build stronger people

As leaders, our responsibility is not to eliminate the challenges for those around us but to prepare them to face challenges with clarity, honesty and courage.

The remote work dilemma

While I’m of the opinion that being in the office is imperative for both the organization and the employee, objectively, I do understand the argument for remote or hybrid work.

When your best need boundaries

Top performers are difference makers and need protecting — not from outsiders trying to poach, but from themselves and the organization they support.

Time to pivot or burn the boat?

Burn the boat so that you cannot retreat to the past, and open your thinking to new ways to achieve the growth you desire.

Sell or keep the business in the family?

Whether you sell or keep it in the family, the key is making a strategic, intentional choice — one that sets up the business, your team and your future for success.

Thoughts on when to sell

It is a fact that all entrepreneurs leave their companies — some vertically, some horizontally. I intend to be in the former category.

Don’t fake it, make it

Have you built the company to amplify your strengths and support the areas where you are weak? Or is it built based on your idea of a leader?

Blueprint for success

By cultivating a culture of collaboration and constant improvement, we lay the foundation for long-term growth and success.

Leading through challenging times

This principle — focusing on what we can control — extends beyond business challenges; it serves as a guiding philosophy for leadership, decision-making and personal growth

Developing more health care talent

Tackling health care workforce shortages demands innovative solutions that connect education, training and real-world experience to build a sustainable talent pipeline.

Benefits of breaking out of the silo

Working with those outside of your day-to-day operations can be refreshing and may even lead to some new ideas that apply to your specific work.

How fun drives business performance

Fun isn’t fluff — it’s fuel. So, crack a joke, loosen the tie and let a little fun into your business. You might just laugh all the way to success.

The power of leadership and engagement

Investing in leadership, management and engagement leads to more than just warm and fuzzy feelings. Productivity spikes, teams gel and goals are achieved.

One size does not fit all in M&A valuations

M&A managers should recognize how acquisitions are valued and then develop their companies to maximize price along these lines. Then, when it is time to sell, their companies will better “fit” what acquirers are willing to pay.

How do you steel yourself against tough times?

Beyond the surface definition, an abundance mindset is how we steel ourselves against the tough times. It is easy to have a good attitude when things are going well; a true leader has an abundant mindset even when the chips are down.

Strive to make change your partner in growth

It’s wise as a business owner to embrace, anticipate and ultimately benefit from the many changes that we’re certain to experience in the next presidential term and beyond. 

Finding your competitive advantage

By identifying and leaning into your unique strengths, you’ll not only stay competitive but also build trust and loyalty with clients, colleagues and partners.

It’s time to upgrade your operating system

Creating a framework that aligns your team around a shared vision, identifies and solves issues early, and ensures that you have the right people in place, you can unlock new levels of success.

A lesson in resilience for startups

The odds of a startup surviving 10 years is less than 50 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fortunately, thanks to the support of our investors, our terrific advisory board and talented Citymark colleagues, we have beaten those odds.

For leaders, time is the best teacher

The early stages of your leadership journey are the gathering phase. After 10 or so years of gathering tools, you will begin to apply them more frequently and more artfully, and you will start to see your leadership as a form of creative expression.

Leading the flourishing enterprise

The goal is not to turn for-profit businesses into nonprofits or philanthropies. It’s to make them smarter by approaching social, health and environmental issues as opportunities to create additional value, rather than only as constraints that incur costs.

A critical ingredient to successful M&A

Any two organizations coming together must tackle two core challenges around talent: how to retain people critical to the combined company’s performance and how to manage the employee selection in a way that causes the least disruption and anxiety.

Efficiency vs. effectiveness

In a world where resources are finite and goals are many, understanding the difference between effectiveness and efficiency is essential.

Don’t shoot the messenger

If someone has bad news, it must be delivered in person or, if that’s not possible, by telephone. Email is not an acceptable substitute.

Homelessness can’t be conquered alone

Like many other nonprofits, The City Mission is heavily supported by its donors and volunteers, who have helped through monetary donations, in-kind gifts, volunteering and event attendance.

3 things I got wrong about becoming a leader

People that find themselves in leadership roles, particularly those at a young age, often get there because they are confident they can do it, because they’ve been frustrated with their past bosses, and because they want a challenge.

M&A communication best practices

Effective communication fosters trust, minimizes resistance, and ensures a successful transition, helping companies emerge as trusted organizations to stakeholders, employees and the media.

The economic earnings power of a business

Unlike public companies, which report the highest earnings possible to drive stock prices up, private companies don’t share their financial statements with the public.

How highly profitable companies set strategy

By ensuring that you have a visionary strategy, a sales strategy and a marketing strategy all working in harmony, you position your organization not only for immediate growth but for sustained success in the future. 

Hire people first, skills second

No matter what your approach to hiring, remember it’s the person you’re hiring, not the skill or degree, so look for one you like.

Upskill team members with Tech Credentials

Technology is constantly transforming jobs, and it’s happening at a faster clip these days because of AI. Businesses and workers embracing programs such as TechCred will benefit themselves and help build a thriving region.

The more important the person, the faster the response

There is little reason to believe that internet communications will be reduced in the future. Therefore, managing your workload, minimizing anxiety, and striving for a pristine and uncluttered inbox reflect a day’s work well done.

Creating an actionable strategic plan

For a strategic plan to be actionable, meaningful, and transformative, you must encompass those famous interrogatives from grade school — What, Why, Who, Where, When, and How — at the onset of planning.

Measure twice, but only cut once

Learn from these near-heart-stopping fumbles and always proofread three times, the last time aloud before pressing the send key.

From doing less harm to making a positive impact

Finally, we need greater precision in sustainable-growth key performance indicators. Business analytics can help sharpen the focus, clarify the metrics and provide evidence-based insights into sustainable growth strategies.

Even in a digital world, culture is critical

There are people that we will need to carry our company forward. If we do not make them and the culture we create for them our focus, then we will not be able to count on them. Now is the time.

Executing an effective M&A management presentation

The management presentations should be structured in a way in which the first visiting buyers are the ones least likely to be the eventual winner. That way the management team will be able to “practice” with the low-priority buyers.

Masterminds of branding brilliance

Challenge your team to think about ways your business can adopt new strategies to engage clients, build brand visibility and write a “Love Story” with your customers, laying the groundwork for a chart-topping, touchdown-worthy success story.

Kick-starting conversations around innovation

If I were to create my own podcast, I could have the opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals, engaging in compelling conversations that offer valuable insights and perspectives to myself and others.

Why your budget should include a line for outside advisers

Those who have been in business for a while should be able to sort out the good consultants from the bad. And if you’d like an outside opinion on that, talk with your peers or professional advisers, who will most likely have a name or two to get you started. 

Giving your customers fewer options is sometimes better

Adding another SKU, introducing new products, or providing consumers with multiple ways to configure something may not help you achieve your goals. There is no easy answer, but as usual, focus on the objective, conduct your research, and if you get the balance right, you will be rewarded.

Running a business is a team game — or is it?

Psychological safety is not about being nice all the time or avoiding disagreement. Create a space where team members feel frees to quote Edmondson: “Candor is hard, but non-candor is harder.” 

Finding growth in a challenging market

We’ll look back on the last year or two as a time when numerous companies and innovations were undervalued. These are difficult times but also exciting ones, and embracing that challenge can make all the difference.

How to enhance your reputation and polish your image

There is nothing egomaniacal or inappropriate about letting others know what you do. This applies to everyone from a newbie manager to an entrenched CEO. I’m not suggesting shameless self-promotion or gratuitous boast-and-brag assertions about yourself that only a mother would care about, and even that’s iffy. Instead, I’m recommending substantive communications, which are the […]

Are you stuck on Leadership Island?

Founding a company, holding a seat in the C-Suite, or leading a team does not need to be — and shouldn’t be — an isolating endeavor.

Be the CEO of yourself to obtain success

Take the lead in your life. You are the CEO. Surround yourself with people who can guide and assist you. Being the CEO does not mean you have to do it all, but you do need to take responsibility and ownership over your life.

Anxiety reduction in public speaking

There are a lot of therapists out there that specialize in helping executives manage stress. Find one and get on the path to more sustainable, more enjoyable career experience.

Successful team building with book club

I have a manufacturing company. It’s easy to think our assets are the multi-million dollar machines that produce our products. 
But in reality, our most important assets walk out the door every day after their shift. 

The fun is in the fight

Embrace the challenge, persevere and enjoy the ride, no matter how rough it gets at times.

Cleveland as Ohio’s career capital

We must have more than “help wanted” signs outside our businesses; we must have a robust system that trains, upskills and matches employees with employers.

The sudden loss of an MVP

Amidst the shock of losing someone you worked beside every day is the reality of losing someone who was so impactful to your organization.

Why strategic planning fails

By crafting innovative and inspirational visions, organizations can set themselves on a path to progress and prosperity.

Programmatic M&A

Despite remaining headwinds and some uncertainty, the demand for acquisitive wins is strong.

Feeling connected

When our people see that what they do makes a difference in the lives of others, they will want to stay.

Are you talent hoarding?

To retain and attract talent, it isn’t enough to just pay attention to employees’ experience at work but the quality of their life outside of it.

Can you be counted on?

When you and those in your organization look back on how you handled difficult times, how do you want to be remembered?

Everyone is guilty of something

Owning up to mistakes and making appropriate amends can reduce your self-inflicted sentence of doubt based on a flawed decision or misstep.

It takes an ecosystem

Together, we can all help the region scale up by doubling down on our collective efforts.

A place in the herd

The skills and techniques learned from the herd have helped make me who I am today.

My life-long guide

Reflecting on your own experiences and relationship with your father will reveal the most significant lessons you’ve learned from him.

Applying the 80-20 rule to your team

With the right people on your team, playing to their strengths, and with an alignment of interests, motivating and inspiring them will lead to more success.

The art, science of executive communication

Let’s try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view and you and your team will be on your way to crafting communications that are for them, not you.

Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals

Having this strategic balance in place allows organizations to navigate uncertainties they encounter, seize opportunities and drive growth while remaining true to their long-term vision.

Some of the ways M&A deals get messed up

Preparation is key when it comes to M&A. Take the time to get your house in order before going to market and the results are likely to be much more favorable.

Transferable skills and how to find them when hiring

Shifting to a skills and interests-based approach makes the recruitment process more effective and equitable, as candidates are evaluated on their capabilities and motivations, rather than just their credentials.

Succession planning is a team sport

Don’t wait until the final buzzer to start preparing for the future — start developing your organization’s succession game plan today.

Advancing women leaders

Despite 30-plus years of attention and effort, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across nations, sectors, industries and organization types.

Empathy, entrepreneurship & AI

AI’s version of empathy alone is not likely to carry the day — human empathy will still have a major role to play.

Forget the survey

Engagement is a simple concept for executives, yet surprisingly difficult to implement

Unlock new workflows by seeing differently

As Augmented Reality becomes more seamless and devices become more common, these added digital layers will help us naturally solve challenges and we’ll start to rethink the definition of realit

Listen to learn who you really are as a leader

One way to get to know yourself better is to listen to what those around you are saying. And by learning more about yourself, you can get more clarity on the organization you’ve built.

The how and why of getting along

Culture is the collective ideas, beliefs and values of a group. Having a great culture is like being in love. It is hard to describe, but you certainly know if you are in it.

Talent is a key element of the region’s supply chain

For all companies and organizations working in the talent development space, awareness of and collaboration with regional efforts will be pivotal to ensuring Northeast Ohio has the talent it needs to foster a diverse and vibrant regional economy.

What is a fractional CMO? And do you need one?

Hiring a fractional CMO can be a great way to quickly get the benefits of having an executive-level marketing expert developing and growing your business quickly, without the high cost of hiring a full-time CMO.

Snake oil sellers remain a threat

Foundational due diligence and basic governance may not sound as fun or sexy as a fast-talking entrepreneur, but fundamentals matter.

Business reflections for the New Year

Just as it is important to be with friends and family through the holiday season, it is important reflect on your business and prepare yourself and your organization for the new year.

5 hot marketing trends

There will always be change, but if you stay up to date on new technologies and marketing strategies, you will continue to gain traction in your industry and attract and retain loyal customers.

The pursuit of happiness

While you are pursuing fulfillment on your journey, it’s important to recognize that others also want to achieve these aspirations in their lives.

Creating a mindset for a successful 2023

Employees who are not satisfied with their jobs will start looking elsewhere in Q1, especially if they haven’t been reassured about what the future holds for the company.

Incremental steps, big wins

In recent years, the concept of micro-credentialing has emerged as a way to upskill candidates with targeted technology and soft skills desired by dynamic workplaces

Good cultures have clear boundaries

Recognize that a high-performing culture supports the human beings who make a great organization, and that means protecting their right to have a great life away from work.

Improving liquidity

Ways to ensure your company’s liquidity remains strong, regardless of what happens in the economy.

Avoid blind spots

While your past wins may give you confidence, your future success depends on a perspective that’s broad enough to avoid blind spots.

The 3 most important factors of investing

Ultimately, there are many factors, both qualitative and quantitative, that one could share on an investment checklist, but if you want to keep it simple, then remember quality, value and growth.

Opportunity in disruption

We can’t go back; we can only go forward. It’s our choice to move forward with optimism and agility

Lucky, or good?

Lucky people think differently. It’s not just hard work that pays off.

Gifting at the holidays and beyond

Expressing your gratitude is not just for holidays — it’s smart business to show how you appreciate your contacts more frequently throughout the year.

I want more sales

When things get crazy or seem overly complicated, go back and focus on the basics.

Invest in your people

Four areas to consider investing in to make a tangible difference in how you support your team.

Prepare for success

As you set out to find your next big success, remember that it probably won’t come from a single action or choice.

Can nice guys finish first?

Good sportsmanship teaches that every CEO, business leader, politician or government bureaucrat must lead through day-to-day actions, not just words.

Investing in banks

While I eventually discovered the reasons banks are good investments, at first it was by coincidence.

Building your brand

Telling our stories and being present on social media have been keys to our growth over the years, and it’s as good as time as any to help make it one of yours, as well.

Stocks, bonds and alternatives

With the volatility of the stock and bond markets, wealth management firms are often asked about other options for a portion of a portfolio. A common one is private equity.

Defining the ‘now’ normal

The COVID-19 pandemic toppled the first domino in a line that is still falling, indelibly changing every facet of our society.

The three pillars of agility

We can look at agility through three pillars: strategy, revenue growth and operational performance. Each pillar plays a role in your ability to succeed.

Grade ‘A’ customers

Before committing to grading your customers, you must have the courage to drop them if they fall below your Mendoza Line.

A successful acquisition

Ultimately, it was our discipline and laser-like focus in the first 100 days post-integration that shaped our results many years later.

Staff retention

Finding unique and interesting ways to develop a sustainable workforce can help to make a company solid as it faces the next challenge.

Commuter benefits

High gas prices and expensive used cars are just a few reasons employees need transportation solutions.

Lessons from the farmers market

If you’re at one of your favorite farmers markets, you know exactly where to go and which booths you like. But, what about when visiting a new market?

The private equity industry faces a number of challenges

Private equity has stayed on top as an asset class because it is transformational, and events like those that the country is experiencing should help the industry and the investments it oversees stand out in a positive way.

Overcoming emotional investing

Each day brings a different set of challenges, which requires constant improvement to the gameplan that governs decision-making when conditions are volatile.

Why private equity

Over the years, as a private equity investor and student of investing, we have identified three major principles — the three Ps — of private equity investing, factors to consider when considering investments.

Balancing the modern mixed office

Finding the right balance to maximize productivity, provide an ideal work/life balance and do what’s fair for all employees remains a huge challenge.

Count the cost

Before speaking, or choosing not to speak, count the cost.

Drawing top talent

People are the key to any strong organization and championing them is how the best leaders succeed.

Winning in the job market

Ask yourself, “What have I done recently to put my employees first?” If you cannot quickly answer, you need to immediately adjust.

Behavioral health

The formation of behavioral health services specifically for the workplace is a wave that’s coming, for businesses of all sizes.

Adjusting the game plan

It is halftime for 2022, the time when successful teams adjust their gameplan to ensure an impressive performance and victory in the second half.

Embracing the hot seat

There’s real value to climbing into the trenches with employees and letting them know we see their effort, hear their concerns and appreciate them.

You’ve been served!

Squandering resources on legal gymnastics can be an exercise in futility because too many times, when you win, you still lose.

Brand engagement

Think about what you say, look at every interaction and question how well you are delivering on your promises — consistently.

The value of networking

Humans are social by nature, and networking and connecting has benefited us for a very long time.

Finding the right partner

Great partners, like great husbands and wives, have the most success when each person puts the interests of their partner ahead of their own.

Try it before you buy it

What do ice cream shops, online entertainment streaming services, and car dealers all have in common?

Hurdles as possibilities

The last two years were the equivalent of a master’s class in flexibility — lessons in staying nimble and the value of thinking outside the box.

Your employees are not OK

One of the most important takeaways of the last two years for business owners is this: You must focus on the mental health of your employees.

Navigating the incentive roadmap

The right consultant can help you stay focused on your most important responsibilities while ensuring that you and your company receive maximum incentives.

The philanthropic landscape

It is rarely a good idea for the first generation to establish philanthropic goals on their own or to choose goals that are important solely to them.

How CEOs can drive sales performance

While it’s not always a CEO’s role to lead the sales function, the most successful business leaders focus on and support their teams when it comes to sales performance.

The importance of options

It takes a lot of effort to retool an organization, and doing so is not without risk, but the payoff could be transformative.

Connect the dots, Part 2

Networking is one of the ways in which we built a highly successful insurance and risk advisory firm.

How to win in a tight labor market

Businesses need to adapt their way of thinking by getting personal — listening, connecting and staying true to a mission. By doing so, they can reach the right candidates.

Connect the dots

Truly valuable networking can be fluid, crossing all the boundaries between life and business.

Managing betrayal in the workplace

Nothing cuts deeper than investing, believing and trusting in individuals who decide that their self-interest is the only factor in their decisions.

3 hard truths about today’s biggest HR challenge

Effective recruiting remains vital as small businesses struggle with the labor shortage. For now, the best approach is to focus on the hard truths to make small businesses more competitive and attractive to job seekers.

Employing a Wide-Moat Growth strategy

Owning a concentrated portfolio of the best companies can still lead to underperforming the S&P 500 in four to five out of 12 years. What matters is long-term returns, not consistency of returns.

How CEOs can drive sales performance

While it’s not always a CEO’s role to lead the sales function, the most successful business leaders focus on and support their teams when it comes to sales performance.