Rachel's Newest Project: The Canopy NYC

Hey lovely people!

As many of you know, It’s been a CRAZY year for me, which is why I’m taking a short break from consulting.

On January 1, I moved locations of my massage business (we were in the same location for FIFTEEN years!!) We moved a few blocks away after the landlords listed our building for sale. Fortunately we signed another 15 year lease, phew! The new location is stunning and we just got a nice mention in the Curbed section of NY Mag, which was very cool!

On January 30th I gave birth to my second child, Henry. 8lbs 12 oz, and 3 weeks early! He is the sweetest boy, and by far my biggest and most exciting news. His older brother is absolutely thrilled and loves Henry. Our dog, Elroy, is also obsessed. Labor was much easier this time around and my recovery way faster, and thank goodness because:

On April 1 I did a soft launch of an ENTIRELY NEW BUSINESS (I know, I know). But I couldn’t help myself. While my wheelhouse is definitely in the wellness sphere, I had SO much fun planning The Canopy NYC: a play and movement space for babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups. Our official opening is May 1! It’s been a dream of mine to have a safe, clean, beautiful space for my kids to play in (that had good music, decent coffee, and wasn’t too overstimulating) so I made it!

The classroom at The Canopy NYC

Plenty of natural light and quiet space to stretch out and enjoy at The Canopy NYC

Rachel's Latest in Forbes: 10 Steps Entrepreneurs Wish They'd Taken Before Starting Their Businesses

Entrepreneurship can be unpredictable by its very nature, making it difficult to fully prepare for this challenging and exciting journey. In the process of starting and growing a business, entrepreneurs learn valuable lessons along the way, later applying them as they move forward in their careers.

Absent of this real-world experience, new and aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from the insights of seasoned pros, leveraging their winning strategies and avoiding common missteps. Below, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council reflect on the actions they wish they'd taken before launching their businesses. From developing a strong network to investing in market research, here is their best advice on how to set your new venture up for success.

1. Reading Books On My Mission, Vision And Goals

I ended up learning early on that it is vital to have a company vision, mission, core values and goals for a business to function at its best. So, I would say that I wish I had read books on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), such as Traction and Get a Grip, which ended up becoming formative for how my businesses operate. From having clear goals and an action plan to Level 10 meetings, EOS has been key. - David Henzel, Love not Fear

2. Testing Paid Ads

Before starting my business, I wish I had taken the step of testing paid acquisition strategies to validate my product-market fit and gauge the demand for my product. This would have helped me get a better understanding of my target audience, their needs and their willingness to pay for my product. By testing paid ads, I would know if my lifetime value would be greater than my cost of acquisition. - Eddie Lou, CodaPet

3. Finding Supportive Mentors

Nothing can truly prepare you for entrepreneurship! However, if I could choose one action I wish I would have taken to help me, it would be to develop a roster of mentors and champions of fellow entrepreneurs in my space before making the leap. Being on your own can be isolating, and having that extra support would likely have made that transition easier and helped me avoid costly mistakes. - Emily Nelson, Ace Media Strategies

4. Starting Early And Challenging Myself

I only wish I'd started sooner, and I probably should have challenged myself more. When you are very young, you can take more risks and try more things. The weight of commitments and responsibilities that come with age is not pulling you down. I also think I should have spent more time networking and building relationships with people. Connections play a massive role in growing a business. - Samuel Thimothy, OneIMS

5. Connecting With Seasoned Professionals

Creating genuine connections with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs and professionals would have been my secret sauce to starting off stronger. Imagine having a community of seasoned business professionals to bounce ideas off, share war stories with and offer sage advice to. Don't underestimate the power of forging meaningful connections. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

6. Exploring Collaborative Opportunities

I wish I had explored potential partnerships or collaborative opportunities before getting started. This would have saved me a lot of time and made it possible for me to turn on the execution mode right away. When you reach out to brands for collaborations, they may take forever to respond, especially when you're new. So, looking for potential opportunities beforehand may give you a head start.- Chris Klosowski, Easy Digital Downloads

7. Investing In Market Research

I would have definitely invested sufficient time in market research. Doing this is crucial for identifying potential challenges and opportunities. Market research can also be super helpful in evaluating your competitors, finding areas of differentiation, determining the size and growth potential of your target market and so on. Knowing all of this can help you create a more effective marketing strategy. - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster

8. Cutting Back On Personal Expenses

I wish I had cut my personal expenses to a bare minimum before I started my business. Once I downsized my life and moved out of NYC, it took a lot of the pressure off the success of my business. It was once common knowledge that you had to be in a major metro area to become successful, but now connecting online is much more efficient. Embrace minimalism and the digital nomad lifestyle if you can. - Matt Wilson, Under30Experiences

9. Hiring Industry Experts

I wish I had invested more in hiring people as opposed to doing everything on my own. I believed that I should manage legal matters, accounting and more on my own because my business was small. However, that just wasted my time on areas that were not my strength. Instead, hiring professionals in their fields would have helped me grow much faster and saved my mental energy for more important matters. - Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner

10. Celebrating The Small Wins

One mistake I made in the early days of running my business was that I refused to celebrate my small wins. I think this "nose to the grindstone" mentality helped me get where I am today, but I also believe I was way too hard on myself. There were times when I should have sat back and celebrated. I think this motivation and positivity would have made the whole experience more enjoyable than it was. - John Turner, SeedProd LLC

NEWS: Taking a Break While on Maternity Leave

Hey Beloved Clients!!

As many of you know, I’m due in the next few weeks with a baby boy, and I’m going to be taking some time off from consulting to rest and recover. Thank you so much for your kind notes, compassion, and especially your patience!! I will come back to my consulting practice just as soon as I’m rested and ready, and look forward to working with you all again soon. In the meantime, check out my “Tools” page for lots of free resources, snag my book on Amazon or Kindle and remember: YOU’VE GOT THIS!!

Warmly,

Rachel Beider

PS: Keep an eye on your inboxes for an announcement when I’m back in action. I will keep you posted!!

Struggling To Hire? 10 Ways To Impress Candidates During Interviews: Rachel Beider in Forbes

Years after the “Great Resignation” turned the job economy upside down, businesses are still feeling the ripple effects today. With many industries struggling to attract employees—and others struggling even more with trying to retain them—some business leaders are desperately looking for solutions to this ongoing problem.

One such solution is an overhaul of the interview process. One of the first opportunities businesses have to make a good impression on potential hires, interviews are perfect for highlighting what makes your business so attractive. According to the members of Young Entrepreneur Council, the following 10 strategies can help you create a quality interview experience that will be sure to impress.

1. Share What Makes Your Culture Unique

Talking about your company's unique culture is a good way to distinguish your business from all the others. Too often, interviews focus solely on the job, compensation and benefits when a huge part of job satisfaction stems from company culture. Share examples of what makes your organization different and gives added value above and beyond the basics. - Evan Nierman, Red Banyan

2. Integrate Storytelling

One key approach is to integrate storytelling into the interview process. This means showcasing your company's culture, values and journey through engaging narratives and perhaps even using multimedia presentations. This approach not only informs candidates about the company but also creates an emotional connection, making the experience memorable and distinct from standard interviews. - Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz

3. Keep Candidates Updated At Every Stage

To create a great interview experience to impress the candidates, it's best to communicate the hiring timeline clearly. This means keeping candidates up to date at each stage until they reach the final phase. Companies often reach out to candidates who have passed the interview. There should be protocols in place for rejected candidates as well, sharing information about why they didn't make it. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

4. Be Honest About Compensation

Today, people are looking for transparency and honesty in interviews and when working for a company. A simple but impressive thing you can do is to discuss pay, rewards and time off honestly and to encourage an open discussion on compensation. Many businesses refuse to do this, and you can make a positive impression by being honest about pay expectations. - Blair Williams, MemberPress

5. Remove Intimidation From The Process

For candidates, appearing in an interview is often viewed as a stressful experience. Keeping things formal is one thing, but you shouldn't make the process uncomfortable or frightening for potential recruits. So, try making the process a bit casual, and focus on creating a friendly atmosphere. Make it more like a conversation than an assessment. - Jared Atchison, WPForms

6. Explain How Your Company Can Help Them Grow

Recruiters can create a memorable interview experience for candidates by explaining how accepting their job offer will help them grow and evolve. The key is to have incentives to point to, like access to premium online classes, an option for mentoring and access to a catalog of paid audiobooks. If you don't have these kinds of resources, now is a great time to invest. - Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights

7. Create A Warm And Welcoming Atmosphere

It's important to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for job candidates during interviews. Make them feel comfortable by inviting them to ask questions. Showcase your company culture, mission and vision, and emphasize what sets you apart as an employer. Remember, getting to know them and their unique skills and experience is just as important as them getting to know you. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

8. Respect Their Time

One way to impress your candidates in job interviews is by respecting their time. You should consider scheduling interviews in advance to give them the time they need to prepare. You should also try to minimize delays in announcing the results. If multiple rounds of interviews are necessary, try to consolidate them into a single visit, if possible. - Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Suite

9. Take The Time To Get To Know Them

Some of the guidelines for candidates also apply to interviewers. Just as a candidate should learn about the company and position before the interview, so should you know something about the person you're interviewing. Spend a few minutes reviewing their résumé, cover letter and other info you can find. This helps build rapport and shows you have a real interest in them. - Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting

10. Highlight The Impact They'll Have

The best way to attract top employees is to show how your business and their work have an impact on something bigger. For example, inform the developer you're hiring that their work has a direct impact on local businesses by helping them set up online stores more easily. The best candidates want their work to have meaning, so show this to them by talking about the social and other impacts they create. - Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner

Article seen in Forbes HERE

Rachel's latest in Forbes: 10 Steps Every Business Leader Should Take To Jump-Start Their January

Kicking off the new year as an entrepreneur means taking a step back to lay down a strategic foundation for success. Taking certain pivotal steps can set the stage for a year full of growth, resiliency and accomplishment. But what are the steps that every business leader should take this January to start the new year strong?

1. Reflect On The Ups And Downs

A valuable piece of advice for entrepreneurs is to kick off each new year with some self-reflection on the ups and downs of the previous year. No matter how driven and optimistic you are, success won't magically appear without taking a hard look at your habits and identifying any stumbling blocks that held you back from reaching your lofty goals. Imagine it like someone eager to start their weight loss journey in the new year but only committing to rigorous gym workouts five days a week, all while ignoring their struggles with binge eating. The result? They'll either fall short of their target or never quite get there. Entrepreneurs can make the same mistake by failing to analyze what obstacles hindered their progress in the past. - Travis Schreiber, Erase Technologies, LLC

2. Target Your Blind Spots

I recommend reflection as one of the most important things you can do every January to set yourself up for success. First, examine how your expectations for the last year lined up with what you experienced. When you notice gaps, you can use them as a way to find out where your blind spots are. Target these blind spots with education! Maybe you can catch up with just a few videos from a different perspective. Maybe it's worth investing in a new book or course. Just do what it takes to close the blind spot and you'll be in a better position to plan your new year. - Matt Doyle, Excel Builders

3. Make A List Of Books To Read

If you want to start the new year off right, I highly recommend making a list of books you want to read throughout the year. In my experience, people who find success and hold onto it are avid readers. They are interested in learning and evolving based on new information. By putting yourself in a position where you're reading on a daily basis, you'll begin to notice a change in how you think about things and approach problems. I believe you should read a healthy mix of business and technology books as well as fiction to keep your imagination active and engaged. - John Turner, SeedProd LLC

4. Set Goals For The Year

One thing I recommend every founder do in January to set their new year up for success is to conduct a comprehensive review of the previous year’s performance and set clear, achievable goals for the upcoming year. This includes analyzing financial statements, assessing the effectiveness of marketing strategies, evaluating customer feedback and identifying areas for improvement. By taking the time to reflect on past successes and challenges, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and develop a strategic plan for the year ahead. Additionally, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and mental well-being, as maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term success. As a founder myself, this is an annual routine that I undertake in advance of a new year. - Eddie Lou, CodaPet

5. Conduct Audits Of Processes And Software

Process and software auditing is a great way to kick off the new year. Shed old processes and outdated modes of operating, and the software that accompanies them, and build new processes that better suit your current and envisioned year ahead. How many times have you signed up for a software or license that renews and you didn’t take advantage of it? Running audits on processes helps dial in where you are spending and how you are performing. Often, there are updates in software and capability during the year that you are not taking full advantage of either. Enlist your whole team in this effort and figure out what processes should be changed and what new software might be available to facilitate greater productivity. Cooperation helps the transition! - Matthew Capala, Alphametic

6. Schedule Time For Networking

Create a networking calendar. Review your goals and find conferences and trade shows that will support them. Find networking groups and set up a calendar to reach out to important contacts to check in. Use the time to build your plan to strengthen your network. - Zane Stevens, Protea Financial

7. Organize A Team Meeting

Organize a team kickoff meeting that brings everyone together, either physically or virtually, to celebrate the start of the new year. In our kickoff meeting, we share our goals for the year and how each team will contribute to achieving the goals. It helps get everyone in the right mindset and aligned. We also transparently review what we accomplished the prior year and how it stacked up to the goals we set for ourselves. This tradition strengthens our culture by ensuring each person understands how their work impacts the overall organization and encourages accountability. As the founder, it helps me reset properly for the new year. - Nanxi Liu, Blaze.tech

8. Create A Compliance Calendar

I often advise entrepreneurs to prioritize setting up a compliance calendar. This means reviewing upcoming tax and reporting deadlines, understanding changes in regulations and ensuring all financial documentation from the previous year is accurate and organized. This proactive approach not only prepares you for obligatory filings but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growing your business. - Jack Perkins, CFO Hub

9. Make Time For Self-Care

Start the year off right by prioritizing self-care. Most people jump to strategies and goals without noticing what emotional, psychological and mental state they are in. When we are in a bad headspace with low energy, the goals we set and the strategies we consider are limited. Get yourself into a really great mindset by making space for real breaks, workouts, sleep, eating well and doing activities that invigorate your body, mind and spirit. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

10. Set Your Financial Projections

Every entrepreneur should prepare financial projections for the new year to set themselves up for success. Planning and strategizing on cash flow projections helps set clear financial objectives for the new year and ensure you have the money you need to manage expenses, growth plans and goals. By analyzing planned investments, in-flow and out-flows of money, one can avoid emergencies and have the required capital ready to strategize and profit from opportunities as they come up. A detailed budget also helps you save every month and avoid unnecessary expenses that can eat into your balance sheet. It also helps a business strategize a sustainable return on investments and improve its growth potential while minimizing unexpected losses. - Brian David Crane, Spread Great Ideas

Article Posted in Forbes HERE

Seven Ways To Achieve Uninterrupted Focus When You Most Need It: Rachel Beider in Forbes

Slack pings, calendar reminders, text messages or phone calls and those pesky notifications—the work world can often be incredibly distracting. And for the work-from-home crowd, there can sometimes be additional layers of distraction, like a ringing doorbell, family and friends, a load of laundry or the constant urge to clean up the space around you. But whether in the office or at home, work sometimes takes the back burner to these distractions, leaving you unproductive and stressed out about how you’re going to get it all done.

1. Create A Designated, Distraction-Free Workspace

When I need uninterrupted focus, one method that works well is creating a designated workspace with minimal distractions. Clearing clutter, having a comfortable seat and using noise-canceling headphones helps me get in the zone. It sets a productive atmosphere that enhances my concentration and allows me to dive deep into my tasks. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

2. Block Out Time In Your Calendar

I’m a big proponent of time-blocking, so when I need uninterrupted focus, I set aside time in my calendar (preferably during the morning). I turn off all my notifications to limit any incoming distractions and let my team know when I’ll be back online. I also keep a running list of all those small tasks that take up space in my brain, so when I need to focus, I have the headspace to do it. - Diana Goodwin, MarketBox

3. Focus On One Task At A Time

It's best to avoid multitasking. The nature of the various tasks you do simultaneously may be different. So, when you switch from one thing to another, you may take some time to regain the same level of focus as before. Therefore, the key to ensuring uninterrupted focus is doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may seem productive, but it leaves you with dwindling focus for some time as you switch tasks. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

4. Recreate An Environment Where You're Most Productive

I have severe ADHD, so uninterrupted focus can be challenging. I'm most productive on airplanes, so I try to recreate that environment. I put my laptop and phone in airplane mode and (when possible) disconnect from the internet. I put in my AirPods for soft white noise, and I tell myself I can't get up until I've accomplished my task. It's surprisingly effective—and no TSA checkpoints required. - Brittany Hodak, Creating Superfans

5. Use A Timer As A Visual Aid

I set a timer for the length of time that I need to have uninterrupted focus. I find that this visual aid is a helpful reminder that I need to stay focused whenever I'm about to be distracted. The timer is also a measurable goal—when the timer reaches the end of a session, I know I had a concentrated hour or so of work completed. - Nanxi Liu, Blaze.tech

6. Start With Self-Care

For so long, I wanted to be a morning person—especially after hearing successful entrepreneurs comment on the importance of rising early to do your best work. For me, I love slow mornings, and my brain does not start working until after a good cup of coffee, meditation, journaling and exercise. Once I take care of myself, I then start uninterrupted-focus work and turn all my notifications on Do Not Disturb. - Givelle Lamano, Oakland DUI Attorneys

7. Leverage The 'Two-Minute Rule'

I like to use the "Two-Minute Rule" to help me focus. I start with tasks that take two minutes or less. This creates a sort of snowball effect, building momentum and a feeling of achievement, which helps cut down on procrastination. Once things are rolling, it's simpler to move on to bigger tasks without losing focus, increasing my overall productivity. - Jennifer A Barnes, Optima Office, Inc.

Originally seen in FORBES

15 Ways Service-Based Businesses Can Stand Out and Thrive in the New Year

As the year draws to a close, small service-based businesses face the challenge of not only reflecting on their past performance but also positioning themselves for success in the upcoming year. But how can these businesses stand out in the crowd to truly distinguish themselves and set a solid foundation for the year ahead?

“What’s one thing a small service-based business can do to really stand out from the competition as the year comes to a close? How will this help set them up well for the new year ahead?”

1. Offer Personalized Gifts

“Consider offering personalized year-end gratitude gifts to your most loyal clients. This gesture goes beyond a simple holiday card and demonstrates your genuine appreciation for their business. You can customize the gift to each client’s preferences or add a heartfelt, handwritten note expressing your thanks. It’s a meaningful way to strengthen client relationships and foster goodwill.” ~ Andrew Saladino, Kitchen Cabinet Kings

2. Get Creative in Marketing Campaigns

“Service-based businesses can stand out by injecting some creativity into their marketing campaigns and offering special holiday promotions or packages. This will attract attention, engage customers and create a memorable experience. It will also foster customer loyalty and set the business up for a strong start in the new year.” ~ Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

3. Offer Additional Perks Free of Charge or at a Discounted Rate

“One thing small service-based businesses can do to really stand out from the competition as the year comes to a close is to go the extra mile and exceed customer expectations either through additional perks or by offering additional services for a discount or at no extra charge. This ultimately will help lead the conversation when following up with the customer after the new year.” ~ Jordan Edelson, Appetizer Mobile LLC

4. Operate With a Customer-Centric Approach

“Being customer-centric is the key to standing out as a small business. When you prioritize the needs of your customers, you create an experience beyond transactions. You build relationships, foster loyalty and establish a reputation that distinguishes you from the competition. By putting your customers first, you gain their trust and create a strong foundation for sustainable growth.” ~ Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

5. Create a Loyalty Program

“One thing a small service-based business can do to stand out from the competition is to come up with a well-thought-out loyalty program. As the year comes to a close, rewarding your customers for staying by your side and preferring you over alternatives in the industry may go a long way and set you up for a great start for the year ahead.” ~ Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

6. Give Back to the Community

“Small service-based businesses can stand out at the end of the year by taking part in community donations. Many nonprofit organizations are holding silent auctions to raise money for holiday shows. Service-based businesses can donate gift certificates or their services. This not only gives them exposure but also shows that they care about their communities.” ~ Shu Saito, All Filters

7. Host an Event or Workshop

“If you’re a service-based business looking for ways to stand out, try hosting some themed events or workshops for your users. By doing that, you can ensure that your audience continues to remain engaged, informed and entertained. It’ll also help you showcase your talent and position your business as an expert in the industry.” ~ Andrew Munro, AffiliateWP

8. Start a Referral Program

“To stand out from the competition, a small service-based business may consider implementing a referral program. A referral program allows you to fuel positive word-of-mouth and generate more traction as your customers become advocates of your brand. Plus, since you incentivize your loyal customers to promote your solutions, you get to build lasting relationships with them and improve retention.” ~ Jared Atchison, WPForms

9. Send Appreciation Cards

“One easy way you can stand out from the competition as the year comes to a close is by sending out personalized appreciation cards to your clients. This can be thank-you notes or holiday cards expressing gratitude for their support throughout the year. This can leave a lasting impression and strengthen client relationships, which is very important for your long-term success.” ~ Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster

10. Let Your Loyal Customers in on What’s in Store for Next Year

“Give your loyal customers a little sneak peek and early access to what’s in store in the new year. Let them know what you’ve been working on all year and how you incorporated their valuable feedback. Provide an opportunity for them to see how important they are to your brand and how they’ve influenced its vision going forward. Give them a glimpse at your team, processes and what’s to come.” ~ Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker

11. Build a Customer Success Team

“One way small businesses can rise above everyone else in their industry is to establish a success team. These employees are tasked with reaching out to new customers to see if they have any questions or need help with their new purchase. A customer success team will help you win over new customers and ensure people see your service as valuable well into the new year.” ~ Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights

12. Publish an ‘Annual Review’ for Transparency

“End the year with radical transparency. Publish an ‘Annual Review’ detailing not just successes, but failures, lessons learned and the exact way client feedback was incorporated. Few businesses bear it all, and it shows vulnerability and respect for client voices. As the new year rolls in, clients will gravitate toward a brand they can trust, not one that hides behind curated success stories.” ~ Shaun Conrad, Number2 CPA Exam Resources

13. Incorporate Live Assistance in Addition to Automated Tools

“Customers value personalized service more than ever as automation takes over. You can still use automated tools, such as chatbots, automated replies and more, but make sure you also make it easy for customers to talk to a live person. Smaller businesses can also make an extra effort to get familiar with the individual needs of customers so they feel valued.” ~ Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting

14. Ask for Feedback and Act on It

“In my experience, one of the best ways to stand out from your competitors is to ask for feedback often and then act on it! People are far more likely to engage with your business if you ask for their advice and make changes based on their suggestions. This is a great way to boost engagement during the holidays and help you figure out how to create a better user experience in the new year ahead.” ~ Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit

15. Provide Top-Notch Customer Service

“To stand out as the year ends, focus on exceptional customer service. This builds loyalty, generates referrals, boosts your reputation, ensures sustainability and provides a competitive edge for a strong start in the new year.” ~ Nic DeAngelo, Saint Investment – Real Estate Funds

Article in SMALL BIZ TRENDS

Rachel Beider in Forbes: Seven Key Leadership Lessons For Business Success In 2024

As 2023 draws to a close, it offers a moment of reflection for business leaders to glean valuable insights from the year's experiences. By doing so, they can distill the most important learnings to set themselves and their organizations up for success in 2024.

1. Nimble Leadership Is Needed To Navigate Challenges

Amid the dynamic business landscape, a salient lesson is the paramount importance of adaptive leadership. Navigating challenges requires nimble leaders to recalibrate strategies, leverage opportunities and nurture resilience. This guarantees survival and positions the business for sustainable growth in 2024—an invaluable asset in an ever-evolving ecosystem. - Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day

2. Communication Skills Are Crucial

People will forget what you did, but they won't forget how you made them feel. I've worked with so many contractors as we pivot post-Covid in a 100% work-from-home environment and a four-day workweek. I've learned it doesn't matter how great your skillset is—if you don’t have good communication skills, bedside manner and can manage expectations, I'd rather work with someone else. - Givelle Lamano, Oakland DUI Attorneys

3. Leaders Should Put Others First

One key lesson I've learned about leadership is the power of putting others first. Servant leadership is all about prioritizing the needs of your team and supporting their growth and success. By genuinely caring about the well-being and development of your employees, you create a positive work culture that is built on trust, collaboration and empowerment. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

4. Adaptability Is Key

This year threw us some curveballs, but it taught us to pivot quickly and seize opportunities. In 2024, with this lesson, I plan to stay flexible, encourage creativity and lead with an open mind. It's not just about surviving the ups and downs; it's about thriving through them. This mindset is vital for sustained growth and success. - Meeky Hwang, Ndevr, Inc.

5. Resilience Is A Key Determinant Of Success

As I reflect on the past year, a crucial lesson learned is the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of change and uncertainty. The rapidly evolving business landscape, driven by technological advancements like AI, has highlighted that the ability to quickly adapt to new situations is a key determinant of success. - Julia Rodgers, HelloPrenup

6. An Innovative Mindset Helps Businesses Thrive

One lesson I've learned is the importance of adaptability in leadership and business operations. The ability to pivot and embrace change is crucial in today's fast-paced environment. Heading into 2024, I plan to continue fostering a culture that values flexibility and innovation, as this mindset can be the difference between thriving and surviving, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges. - Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

7. A People-Centric Philosophy Builds Trust

Reflecting on the past year, I learned the valuable lesson that a leader should always have a people-centric philosophy. Whether it's the team or the customers, a leader should always prioritize their needs over her own. This will help build trust and foster respect among the followers. Plus, it helps build lasting relationships and paves the way for the leader to achieve the set goals. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

Original post seen HERE in Forbes

Why Most Services-Based Businesses Fail: A Comprehensive List

I've seen this happen again and again. 

Let’s Talk About Why MOST Great Service-Based Businesses Fail (even if they are totally awesome at practicing their craft):

Here's what I've noticed:

*Their website doesn’t convert, doesn’t exist, or hasn’t been updated in over a year.

*They don’t understand their audience’s needs.

*They think just referrals are enough to keep a business growing.

*They are resting on their laurels instead of actively seeking growth.

*They are working IN their business but not ON their business.

*They haven’t priced themselves appropriately.

*They are relying on deal sites like Groupon that take more than they give.

*They aren’t offering what clients want, when they want it, where they want it.

*They aren’t on social media or leveraging it well.

*They are unaware of how to create an internet presence.

*They aren’t leveraging their reviews and sites.

*They don’t understand SEO.

*They overpay for space and underuse it.

*They haven't learn to delegate to Virtual Assistants.

*They haven't automated their systems yet.

*They don’t understand finances and where money is missing.

*They are scared of bookkeeping software, or don't use it.

*They tolerate poor behavior from some clients (no shows).

*They lack firm boundaries.

*They haven’t connected with other local businesses

*They haven’t diversified their sales channels and depend on only one or two referral sources.

*They are afraid to have uncomfortable but necessary conversations.

*They are terrified of making a costly mistake.

*They want everything to be perfect, which leads to procrastination.

*They don’t take enough risks.

*They are overwhelmed, don’t have enough support, and don’t know how or where to ask for it.

*They haven’t learned to overcome fears around "selling", and the thought of selling seems gross or scary.

*They’ve been socialized not to “brag” and can’t promote themselves well.

*Their business practices are unsustainable (trying to see too many clients, not enough breaks in between).

*They avoid doing the things they need to do to get done.

*They are spread too thin, feel like they are failing all the time, and burning out.

So much of the success, or failure, of a business has to do with the owner's psychology, and willingness to make it work (or learn how, or delegate what's not working).

What are things you are tolerating in your business? Or avoiding doing?

Written by: Rachel Beider

Rachel in Forbes: 12 Steps To Turn Customer Complaints Into Positive Experiences

No matter how focused your business is on customer satisfaction, the occasional complaint is inevitable. Whether they occur in person at a physical store or through online channels, these complaints present unique opportunities to turn the situations around and deliver a positive experience.

1. Start With An Apology

Whether you're dealing with an online or in-store complaint, start off with an apology for the inconvenience caused followed by reassurance that you'll make things right. Customers complain because they've had a poor experience with the solutions you offer, which may cause them to be frustrated. The first thing you should focus on is calming them down to ensure effective communication. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

2. Try To Understand The 'Why'

When a customer brings up a complaint, one important action to take to help make their experience better is to empathize with their issue. Understand why they are experiencing the current issue and establish trust with them to ensure you can provide a resolution that will leave them satisfied. - Jordan Edelson, Appetizer Mobile LLC

3. Look At The Situation As A Gift

As strange as this may sound, when a customer has a complaint, look at this situation as a gift, as most people who have poor experiences don't even bother to leave feedback. Connect with the user and find out exactly what you can do to fix the problem. In many cases, turning a negative one-star review into a glowing five-star review doesn't require much time or effort. - Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit

4. Follow An Effective Script

You absolutely need scripts and training for your teams on empathy and how to handle complaints. The No. 1 thing consumers need to feel is heard and believed, and then you need to communicate that you would like to make the situation better. Build a relationship with your audience, especially your complaining audience, through active listening and problem-solving. - Matthew Capala, Alphametic

5. Try The Imago Technique

We practice the Imago technique to de-escalate any complaints. This involves three steps: mirroring, or reflecting back on what the client said, which shows that you are "getting it" and are hearing them; validation, which sounds like, "Anyone would feel that way," or "It's totally understandable that you feel that way,"; and empathy, which makes people feel listened to and cared for. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

6. Respond In A Timely Manner

A fast response time is the key to turning a customer complaint into a win. Users are far less likely to work with you if you take several hours or days to respond to their feedback. One way to reduce the risk of this happening is to have a live chat team on your website and social media that can connect with users minutes after they share their thoughts. - John Turner, SeedProd LLC

7. Ask The Customer To Explain In Detail

One action you should take when a customer brings up a concern or complaint is to ask them to explain the situation in detail. Often, the root cause of the problem is easier to figure out if you know what they were doing before things soured. Once you understand where things went wrong, you can find a solution and dramatically improve their experience. - Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights

8. Take Ownership Of The Issue

Taking ownership of the complaint and demonstrating a proactive approach to finding a solution is the best advice I can give for making a customer's experience better. Deflecting blame or making excuses can make customers feel unheard and undervalued. Actively working to resolve complaints demonstrates integrity and enhances your reputation as a customer-centric business. - Ismael Wrixen, FE International

9. Acknowledge And Follow Up With Action

Acknowledge the customer and follow up with appropriate actions to address their concerns. Acknowledging their concerns and taking action when necessary shows that you value their feedback and take their issue seriously. One thing to keep in mind is to never take complaints personally, but rather as an opportunity that can highlight areas for improvement in your business process or products. - Julian Hamood, Trusted Tech Team

10. Treat The Customer Like A VIP

When a customer brings up a complaint, treat them like a VIP guest, promptly addressing it with urgency. By prioritizing their concerns and taking immediate action, you show that their experience truly matters. This not only resolves their issue but also cultivates a sense of value and trust, ensuring a better overall experience for them and paving the way for a lasting customer relationship. - Adam Preiser, WPCrafter

11. Remain Calm And Composed

Customers complain when they are disappointed and frustrated with your products and services, so it's important that you maintain your calm and stay composed at such times. Apologize to them sincerely and make sure to take prompt action on the matter. Don't forget to follow up to find out if their problem was resolved and if they need any further assistance. - Andrew Munro, AffiliateWP

12. Express Appreciation For The Feedback

Although it's disappointing to listen to customer complaints and deal with negative feedback, these are blessings that you need to accept willingly. Show your appreciation to the customer for bringing it to your notice and listen to their concerns patiently. Let them do the speaking first, and then assure them that you'll address their concerns immediately, but make sure to stick to your words. - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster

Original post seen in Forbes HERE