Uncategorized / 10 posts found
The best business decision is the one you’ll actually follow up on
Making business decisions can often be really hard. And volumes have been written about the best way to make a business (or life) decision. Those of us looking at what the best exercise to do have likely all heard the truism that the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. My own experience is that business decisions are often similar. Trapped between two routes which are hard to compare, or which seem to get to similar outcomes but through very different mechanisms, or which genuinely…
Good data isn’t a substitute for thinking
I love that we now have more data to use to assist decision-making. We can make decisions now with a stronger basis in evidence than whim, and that can only be positive. But I’ve also seen companies and leaders absolve themselves of thinking by hiding behind the data. Congratulating each other on meeting KPIs, while the goals behind them remain unmet. Making decisions because of a spreadsheet when every shred of their humanity said it was the wrong decision. Deciding to use a (very abstract)…
All it takes to turn an idea into a business
At the BCS talk that I recently did on growing a business with profit and purpose, I asked the audience what it takes to turn an idea into a business. “Grit”. “Determination”. “Hard work”. “Action”. I suspect that came from the entrepreneurs in the room. “Passion”. “A why” (eugh). “Purpose”. “Courage”. I suspect that was the coaches. “Structure”. “Long-term vision”. I guess that was the consultants chiming in.…
Newer isn’t always better – 2 of 4
We crave the new. Last week I wrote about how this can hurt client revenue. But it also shows its addictive face when it comes to our teams. If your business needs a new hire, pause. Does this create an opportunity for someone in your existing team? Can someone fill the role and allow you to backfill with the new hire? Could this be a cross-skilling or promotion opportunity for someone already on your team, while someone new gets their current role? It’s a great way to reward your team while deepening…
Newer isn’t always better – 1 of 4
We make running business a lot harder than it needs to be. One way is our addiction to the new when the answer is already under our noses. Here’s the first of 4 ways I REGULARLY see people, especially business owners, biting themselves in the arse. The thrill of the kill makes us obsess over winning new clients way more than new business with existing ones. If you’re in B2B, tell me honestly, does your team get as much of a fist bump / high five / British (non-tactile!) pat on the back from…
UNDP to facilitate youth innovation for social good in Vietnam
The UN Development Program is working with startup incubator HATCH! VENTURES to accelerate sustainable startups by young people in Vietnam. CLICK HERE TO SEE ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Singapore Helps Startups Focussing on Serving the Old and Mentally Ill
In Singapore, startups will be taken through a series of workshops including work with the aged and mentally ill, as well as user design and business planning, to come up with sustainable businesses to serve the sector. Those that make it to the last round will also get funding to get started. Great stimulus to socially focuses businesses. See original article …
Moving the UAE’s Philanthropy from Handouts to Enterprise
The UAE adopts a catalytic approach to philanthropy – moving from cheque-writing to enterprise. Hopefully this is more than gesture politics: the money is there, it would be great to see it have impact at scale. See more here.
Seoul mayor awarded for sustainable development
Here’s a great role model for city mayors. Seoul’s mayor provides funding for no less than 72 startups focused on sustainability for the city. See more here.
“I was meant to do this”: The man behind the Uber-for-women startup talks female empowerment
Entrepreneur sets up Uber-style cab company with female cab drivers for female passengers. See more here.