A foundation in a building needs to be solid, reliable, and well-structured. The same applies to your business.
A client of ours was on the brink of securing an investment deal that exceeded her expectations by $1.75 million. The catch? Find out and what it cost her..
Ever considered the transferability of your business? Find out how a well known company almost lost billions in value in just a few hours because of one key aspect that was not in place.
Find out why the true value of your business lies not just in what it does, but in its ability to continue doing it, regardless of who is at the helm.
Ever thought about how a fling can turn into a long-term commitment, even a legacy? Same goes for your business. If you want to create a lasting impact or plan an exit, your venture needs to be more than just a flash in the pan. It’s about having growth potential that makes investors eager for a long-term partnership.
So, here’s the question: Is your business “long-term relationship” material with promising avenues for growth? Can you start viewing your business through the lens of potential investors, and make it irresistible for life-changing opportunities?
If you’re nodding along and want to learn how to make your business more attractive and profitable, so you don’t have to watch opportunities pass you by, then check out this article.
As business owners, we often chase growth and new opportunities, but do we pay enough attention to the lurking threats that could undo years of effort in an instant? Find our the tragic story of one global information newsletter who overlooked one risk to their detriment and paid the ultimate price.
Let’s cut the clowning around and get down to business. Yesterday, I shared a story about a friend who pitches ‘investment opportunities’ in a $6 TRILLION industry like he’s selling hot dogs at a baseball game. My response? Might as well try selling ice cream at the North Pole 24/7.
The moral of the story: Dream big, but keep your feet firmly on the ground. Start by dominating a niche, then think about expansion. Now, let’s tackle some questions that have come up:
Yesterday, we discussed a Profit and Dine participant who kick-started his growth by zeroing in on specific niches. Today, let’s turn our attention to clowns.
Ever had someone who only reaches out when they need something? I’ve got a friend like that. He popped up around Christmas after a long silence since before Covid. “Hey George… how are you?” he began. But I could sense it coming. Sure enough, after some small talk, he unveiled his ‘secret app’ for a $6 TRILLION industry.
An app that could hypothetically erase the entire US debt? My MALE COW Richter Scale hit a record 10.0. Then came the punchline: “We’re launching soon… fancy being one of our first investors?” Why not open a 24-hour ice cream franchise in the North Pole while I’m at it?
Here is another insight from our latest Profit and Dine Event last Friday.
One of the participants undervalued what he was providing and was caught up in the messaging to prospects and customers.
What was tripping him up was that he was trying to keep a very general market focus so he wouldn’t leave anyone out.
But that was attracting to him lots of time wasters who kept asking him for free information or for proposal after proposal
Stop Underestimating Your Value. Yesterday, I shared the story of a Profit and Dine participant who unearthed his 20x profit accelerator in just five minutes. Today, let’s explore another revelation from the session.
Ever wonder how a single insight can pivot your entire business model? Last Friday’s Profit and Dine Mastermind proved just that. One participant, skeptical at first, discovered a high-ticket item in just 5 minutes, revealing a 20x more profitable avenue than ever realized. This wasn’t just a win; it was a game-changer. We’re taking this transformative experience online on March 19th, making it accessible worldwide. Don’t miss out on uncovering your business’s hidden gems. Sign up now and join a community ready to scale to new heights.
In my latest training session yesterday which I did this at Dubai Media City, one slide really stood out for the participants. It was on optimising the power of the customer experience cycle to make your business attractive to investors – from acquisition to retention, service, and finally, customers becoming promoters.
Investors LOVE this, and most likely I will do a follow up session just on this point.
Great day doing a training on 4 key questions investors want answered before investing in your company.
Ever wondered how to stand out in a world where information is everywhere, but true experience is rare? This article dives deep into the essence of creating unique, irreplaceable experiences in the age of AI.
While AI might commoditize information, it cannot replicate the discernment and personal touch that transform information into memorable, valuable experiences.
Experience this in person at our upcoming Profit and Dine event at the Deck Restaurant, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, on 8 March 2024. Join us for an evening that promises not just insight, but an experience that could ignite your business to faster and higher growth.
Don’t miss out on this blend of fine dining and finer insights. Read more about the event and how you can be a part of this unique journey.
Excited to share insights on how strategic investments can supercharge your sales model and prime your business for unprecedented growth.
Dive into the story of Gregg Romanzo, who transformed a traditional freight brokerage into a sales powerhouse, proving that with the right approach and minimal capital, scalability is within reach.
Whether you’re seeking investors or looking to sell, understanding the potential of your sales strategy is key. Discover how to make your business irresistible to investors, eager for companies ready to scale.
Case Study Alert & An Exclusive Invitation!
Ever heard the saying, “Sometimes you have to go back to move forward”? Well, I’ve got a story that turns that saying into a breathtaking reality.
The Challenge: In the throes of a pandemic-hit world, a B2B business found themselves grappling with a staggering 70% loss in corporate clients. Their pivot to B2C seemed like a lifeline, but instead, they encountered a fierce battlefield: towering competitors, a market saturated with superior offerings, and the daunting task of redefining their identity.
The Turning Point: Enter our Business Growth and Scaling Exercise. Within 20 minutes, we didn’t just light a spark; we reignited their enthusiasm to return to their B2B roots.
The Outcome: Fast forward 18 months, and the results are nothing short of spectacular:
Profits skyrocketed by 8x
Company value soared by 5x
A lucrative 7-figure offer turned down because… why settle when you’re growing at a 30% clip?
Not only did they win back their pre-COVID clients, but they also expanded their B2B segment and introduced higher-margin products, all thanks to listening to their customers.
And now, it’s your turn!
In Dubai? Join us this Friday, 8 March, from 6-9 PM at Voco Hotel’s The Deck Restaurant on the Palm for our Profit and Dine Mastermind. We’ll dive into this Business Scale and Growth Exercise, among other actionable insights. All without breaking the bank. Sign up here [https://mastermind.sophiall.com/profitdinemasterhome] to transform your business narrative!
Outside the UAE? We’re bringing this exercise eventually online.
SO mark your calendars for 12 March 2024, 11 AM EST / 3 PM GMT / 7 PM GST for the launch of our Online Mastermind that promises actionable insights at an accessible price. The Business Scale and Growth Exercise will be scheduled for one of the subsequent sessions shortly thereafter.
Looking for a quick reference as to how to diversify your customer base? Check out the 11 steps in the article and get started today.
Today I’m diving into something we sometimes overlook but is crucial for our success: Cash Flow Management. Yes, it’s more than just glancing at your bank account now and then. It’s about strategically ensuring your business doesn’t just survive but thrives.
From planning and forecasting to managing expenses and optimising payments.
From keeping expenses in check to encouraging customers to pay early or upfront.
And of course tips on smoothing out income fluctuations and optimising labor utilisation and costs.
Curious? Click the link to check out the article.
P.S. Let’s get the conversation started: What’s been your biggest cash flow challenge?
Ever heard the saying How to get more milk from a cow while spending less on food? – By feeding it less and milking it more often?
It’s not just a quirky saying; it encapsulates a profound lesson on business efficiency vs. wisdom.
Picture this: a seasoned business owner in Russia, $50 million on the line, and a consultancy’s advice that seemed like the golden ticket. Fast forward 18 months, and it’s a tale of huge losses, learning, and a triumphant return to basics that saved the business from the brink.
This isn’t just a story about cows or even about a business far away in Russia. It’s about how you chase higher profits. It’s about focusing on the right balance between cutting costs and nurturing growth, between modern methods and timeless wisdom.
Read on to discover what cows (yes, cows!) can teach us about profit margins.
In 2014, Monique Bernstein and Eli Zauner were on the brink of giving up. Their dream of an online snack shop was crumbling under a mountain of bills. But then, inspiration struck. Why not connect the world through the universal love of snacks? From this simple question, Universal Yums was born—a subscription service delivering global flavors to doorsteps every month.
This wasn’t an overnight success. It took relentless testing, failing, refining, and retesting. Yet, their dedication turned financial despair into a booming business, proving that the path to success isn’t always straight but it’s always worth pursuing.
Their story isn’t just about building a profitable business; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. It’s about looking beyond the conventional, daring to dream big, and relentlessly pursuing that vision against all odds.
Feel like losing your business over a hack only happens to others?
ARe you willing to give strangers full access to all your personal and business data and secrets for less than $3 a day?
In many cases you already are..
I witnessed and suffered first hand the results of a hack when my information as a subscriber was stolen and put on the dark web. The company who I was a loyal subscriber for years went out of business – having lost key personnel due to their information going on Wikileaks.
This serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber-attacks. Many of us, unknowingly, already have our emails lurking in the dark web. Yet, we hesitate to invest in basic protection, despite the potential risk of financial loss, customer attrition, and hefty fines.
In UAE, even minor data breaches can lead to six or seven-figure fines. While we can’t control hackers, we can control our investment in cybersecurity.
Join Michael Duffy and his Don’t Get Hacked’ presentation on Monday 26 February at Voco Hotel’s Deck Restaurant. Learn practical steps to protect yourself, your customers, your business, and ultimately secure your success and sanity.
Sign up or find more information. Let’s invest wisely and stay safe!
Learn the critical importance of investing in professional expertise, especially for complex and crucial tasks such as VAT reporting and accounting. Attempting to save money by hiring less qualified individuals or taking shortcuts can lead to far greater costs down the line, not just in financial terms but also in time and stress.
I’m thrilled to share that our recent mastermind session was a groundbreaking success! While I wish I could dive into the specifics, the insights shared were deeply confidential, designed to foster trust and encourage open, transformative dialogue among attendees.
From the “Hot Seat” breakthroughs offering ten actionable strategies (including five industry-shaking revelations) to the accidental yet powerful creation of a thriving referral network by one of our participants, the session was rich with strategic takeaways and best practices. It was a testament to the strength and potential of our community.
Missed out? Worry not! I’m excited to invite you to our next event on March 8th. Prepare to walk away with unparalleled insights that could redefine your business strategy.
many owners are reactive and fear losing team members to competitors. Turn that on its head. Make a strong team and have the competition fear you.
In a strange city would you rather have a trusted local guide you or Trip Advisor?
When it comes to your business gain access to fellow business owners who can become trusted advisors to help you navigate those tough challenges and problems.
That is what Hot Seats are all about.
And we are hosting our next one tomorrow evening at the Deck in the Palm (6-9 PM. Doors open at 4). 4 Course Dinner included.
How serious is the dilemma of training employees only to possibly lose them to competitors?
What is the balance between fostering employee growth and protecting your business?
Yesterday we talked about creating a loyal workforce, leveraging legal safeguards, and turning potential competitors into collaborators.
Today I draw from my own experiences in the competitive institutional FX broking world.
I share insights on non-compete agreements, gardening leave, and the unexpected benefits of empowering your team.
Ideas that challenge typical fears and open up new opportunities for business success and growth.
“What if I spend the money and time training up my staff only to have them leave?” It’s a common question and hurdle when you want to step back from the business but have a fear of your competitors taking advantage.
See today how the GPT I created handles this question and tomorrow I’ll add my own thoughts.
But best of all is tackling these questions with fellow business owners. This Friday is a Mastermind with Hot Seats.
How shoudl you think about your business.. is it a job or an investment.. on 27th February John Warrillow will speak on that topic and how you can look at your own business through a fresh pair of eyes. At Sophiall we license John’s Value Builder System that makes it possible for you to take a 15 minute assesment and see where you stand on how valuable your business really is.
Real world example of cutting off your nose to spite your face. How a business saved pennies but drove away valuable and regular customers.
why cold email and promise how good you are technically and then have a No Reply email? I’ll mention why some do that in this very brief post.
Yesterday’s workshop was a game-changer for those looking to master pricing strategies and accelerate business growth. Missed it? Let me share three key takeaways that are revolutionising the way we think about pricing:
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴: It’s not about the cost of delivery or hours worked but charging for the transformative value your service provides. This approach significantly boosts sales and positions your business as a pivotal part of your customer’s success.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀: Presenting clients with options, especially using Susan’s “magic number”, not only empowers them but also increases the appeal and satisfaction of your service.
𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: What your prices say about your business matters. Proper pricing strategies can dramatically influence client perception and make your offers irresistible.
Implementing these strategies, Susan’s clients see remarkable results, converting proposals at an 80-85% rate and enjoying peace of mind in their business operations.
Don’t miss out on our next workshop for more transformative insights!
What’s the most dangerous number in business?
It’s not your revenue. Not your profit margin. Not your customer count.
But almost every business owner relies on it—without realizing the massive risk it creates.
It’s the number that can sink your company overnight, turn a thriving business into a desperate one, and leave you scrambling for survival.
Most people don’t see the danger… until it’s too late.
What can death teach us about a superior customer experience.. alot.. if handled with the professionalism I witnessed when I buried my own father..
What will your family remember about you?
The sacrifices? The long hours? The endless emails on vacation?
Or simply the fact that you were never really there?
Too many business owners spend their lives building a future, only to become a ghost in their own story—reduced to a 2D label of “always working” while their real life passes by.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
What if someone handed you $50 million to step away from your business… only for you to buy it back for $5 million just 18 months later?
Sounds crazy, right?
Yet, that’s exactly what happened to one business owner—thanks to a team of Blue Chip consultants who thought profit was more important than common sense.
What went wrong? And how do you avoid the same fate?
What’s the biggest fear that silently kills businesses?
It’s not losing customers. It’s not bad marketing. It’s something far more subtle—yet it leads to the biggest mistakes and leaves the most money on the table.
Most business owners don’t even realize they’re trapped by it. I saw it firsthand when people thought I was insane for one simple decision I made.
Turns out, they were wrong.
Nothing more annoying than being tailgated by a speed camera. If you speed up because of the guy riding your tail you face the possibility of a speeding fine. Stay where you are and you might be rear-ended.
What if you are the annoying driver when it comes to your business.. do you think you might be? Read on to find out if that is the case.
Some businesses scale effortlessly. Others struggle, stall, or collapse under their own weight.
The difference? It’s not intelligence, luck, or even resources. It comes down to one simple rule—a rule that championship sports teams, billion-dollar companies, and elite entrepreneurs all understand.
Most people ignore it. And it costs them millions.
I break it down in my latest article.
Would you let $235 a month cost you millions?
Sounds ridiculous, right? But I’ve seen business owners sabotage multi-million dollar deals just to save a few bucks on proper bookkeeping and financial reporting.
One refused to upgrade her accountant—her deal fell apart in due diligence. Another wasted hours in Excel hell instead of growing his business.
The #1 deal killer? Poorly done financial records.
Don’t be the Black Knight hacking away with no arms