Our Daily Blog

Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

You’re Too Expensive

Ever faced a client demanding you justify a price increase?

Sally did, and instead of listing her qualifications or how hard she worked, she highlighted the tangible impact of her services:

“In our last 3 years together, you’ve doubled your revenues, thanks to my solutions. If we are to continue, this is the fee you’ll invest.”

This shift in approach, inspired by Susan Triver’s Impact Based Pricing, emphasises value over credentials. It’s a game-changer, enabling business owners to convert 80-85% of proposals.

Learn this principle at our Online Pricing Mastery and Business Acceleration Mastermind. Don’t miss out, especially if you’re in knowledge-based services.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Frustrated Hearing Only Crickets after Sending a Proposal

Ever faced the frustration of crafting detailed business proposals only to be met with silence or unreasonable discount requests?

Samantha’s experience, likening it to preparing a gourmet meal only to be asked to price it as a bag of Doritoes, resonates with many of us.

It’s a common challenge that often leads to questioning our pricing strategies.

This struggle inspired a quest for a solution, leading to the creation of an innovative mastermind session focused on Impact Based Pricing with Susan Trivers.

With clients converting up to 85% of proposals into engagements, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their pricing strategy and ensure their services are rightly valued. Ready to transform your approach and minimize those frustrating encounters? Discover how.

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man in expensive suit begging for money
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Punch in the Gut Discount

Ever get sick and tired of being told “how expensive you are?”

Do you stress about the latest offer your competitors are doing..

I was too until I designed my business so blackmail and discount threats would have no more effect.

Come check out our pricing mastermind on 6 February and free yourself from the Discount Zombies and Price Pythons out there..

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Split Panel of Mountain Man climbing hard path or easy paved road
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Fastest Path to Higher Profitability

How do you look to grow your profits? If you are like most business owners, the first answer that comes to mind is find new customers.

But that is like deciding to scale a mountain by coming up the back side over sharp rocks and deadly drops instead of walking up a paved path.

The paved path? Pricing Optimisation.

Our 6 February workshop will delve into a powerful strategy: Impact Based Pricing. Susan Trivers, a renowned Pricing Strategist, has guided clients to win over $72 billion in 20 years. Learn how aligning pricing with the impact you deliver can transform your business.

Join us to discover how effective pricing can be your direct line to success.

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successful business meeting people shaking hands in suits showing positive result of pricing strategy
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Stop Leaving Money on the Table: Master Your Pricing Now

Putting together an effective pricing strategy is a common struggle for many entrepreneurs. But the stakes are enormous as pricing determines how fast and far you can grow – or if you will at all.

That’s why I’m excited to share something that could transform how you approach your pricing.

Next Tuesday is our Pricing Mastery and Business Acceleration Workshop which talks about effective pricing and introduces Impact Based Pricing for Business Service Professionals. I’ve crafted an in-depth letter to discuss the workshop – including ‘3 Growth Killing Profit Destroying Pricing Sins’ and as well as strategies that have helped businesses secure over $72 billion in revenue in the last 20 years.

Read more to unlock the secrets of effective pricing.

Say goodbye to under-charging and hello to financial freedom.

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woman and girl reading..show how an avid reader stays a reader and still gets the bag.
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

When Your Prospect Values Their Child’s Education like Shopping for a Bag

As a Business owner, have you ever faced the baffling scenario where customers undervalue your premium services?

I share in this post how my wife, an expert in transforming young struggling readers into confident ones, faced a surprising challenge. Her vast experience was being compared to budget services – much like valuing a child’s future education on par with shopping for a handbag!

This story isn’t just about education; it’s a powerful lesson for all businesses. How do we ensure our clients recognize the true value of our services and don’t just see us as another commodity?

Read the post and reflect on your current pricing strategies.

Discover why it’s crucial to communicate the true worth of your offerings and escape the “commodity swamp.”

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Throw a Party and Invite the Competition

One of my favourite experiences in my previous career in FX brokerage was during the financial and Dubai debt crisis when we were starting out and had to get ourselves noticed. We threw a massive beach bash, even inviting competitors. Our boss thought we were insane. Maybe – but what unfolded next was even more surprising. Read on to find out..

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people waiting to jump on a plane
Dependency on Owner
George Sotiropoulos

Leap of Faith – Good for Delegation?

Discover the power and pitfalls of delegation through Jake’s cautionary journey from thrill-seeking skydiver to responsible business owner to tragic delegation. Jake learned the hard way that delegating tasks requires more than just handing over responsibilities. Read his story here:

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business men in suits rushing the Quarterback in NFL field
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Who’s Covering Your Business Blindside

In the Film Any Given Sunday there is a scene where the Offensive Linemen refuse to block for the Quarterback and he gets slammed and beaten pretty bad on the field. This lack of protection is often felt by business owners who have to go it alone. Well there is a solution to that problem which we discuss in the article.

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man in expensive suit begging for money
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Shine Like a Diamond Get Paid Like Coal..

Read inside Mark’s amazing journey from unappreciated corporate consultant to a trailblazer who learned to know his worth and make a difference. His story emphasises the importance of demanding fair compensation for one’s contributions.

Check out Mark’s transformation and find out how to improve your professional value in our latest article and workshop.

It’s a great read for anyone looking to get paid what they really deserve.

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Pig selling a pink vintage car
Customer Experience
George Sotiropoulos

Perfect Timing for a BS Parking Ticket

How can receiving a parking ticket be perfect timing? When you just gave a workshop on differentiation and it comes in as a concrete example of what not to do. Read on to find out more

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guy sitting alone at a bar
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

I Think She Likes Me

Dating is in many ways like business. To attract who you want to attract you have to have the unique aspects they are attracted to. Trying to fake it to attract them will set you up for failure. Developing and communicating what makes you unique will attract those who value you and eventually you will find what you have been looking for…

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People meeting with thought bubbles over their heads
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

A Powerful Week Behind And Even Better One Ahead

Quick recap of an action packed week with lessons and experiences in robust networking. Read on to find the exciting opportunities to grow your business by learning and interacting with other like minded business owners through Sophiall.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

The True Cost of Undercharging: Lessons from an Electric Car Holiday

Imagine you’re on holiday, cruising in a rented electric car. The thrill of the drive is slightly dampened by the need to stop every other day for an hour or more at a charging station.

This constant detour, necessary to ensure enough battery for your trips, becomes a significant time eater. This scenario mirrors a common issue in business: undercharging.

Much like the frequent stops to recharge the car, businesses that don’t price their services correctly often find themselves having to ‘recharge’ through seeking additional funding or implementing cost-cutting measures, leading to wasted time and resources.

Read on to see how proper pricing is as crucial to your business as a full battery is to an electric car journey.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

How Masterminds Can Help You Mastermind Your Business

Being an entrepreneur can feel like you’re exploring unknown territory.

Imagine having a group of fellow business owners, sort of a board of advisors who can help you navigate the journey, avoid pitfalls and accelerate your growth with lessons from their experience.

These are called Masterminds and Sophiall is launching its own. Read to find out more.

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People meeting with thought bubbles over their heads
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

How Networking Can Grow Your Business

Networking isn’t just a skill; it’s the lifeline of business growth. Our latest article dives into why building and nurturing connections is crucial for success. 🚀

Visibility: Stay at the forefront of your industry through regular networking. Being seen and remembered opens doors to new opportunities.

Knowledge Exchange: Tap into a wealth of insights and innovative ideas from your network.

Collaboration: Forge partnerships that expand your reach and enhance your offerings.

Community: Build a supportive ecosystem that shares in your journey.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Unlock your True Business Potential for 2024

A last minute business meeting highlights the lesson of needing to know how much your business is worth today and the clarity to make your decisions on how you want to proceed in 2024 much more powerful and effective.

My client in this case went from obsessing about scraps from a table to building her own banquet and driving any decision for her business on her timing and her terms.

Now she can truly unlock her potential for 2024.

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man in 3 piece suit with skis but no snow
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Where Has the Snow Gone?

It’s funny to hear Midwesterners complain about a winter that is too mild and yet it shows some people can never be satisfied. Just like some customers are never satisfied and so it’s better to repel them and attract the ones that are not only satisfied, but excited to do business with you. Sounds simple and yet many of us fall into the trap of dancing to some whiner’s tune. For 2024 let your competitors dance with them and keep yourself busy with growing and making your business more valuable.

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Governor of Rome showing martyr to crowd
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Martyrs To Help You Grow Your Business

An overlooked key to building and growing a successful business is learning from what others witnessed or experienced as they grew theirs – and sharing the insights. Our new Sophiall Monthly Mastermind is all about helping you build a “Board of Advisors” or Witnesses around you to help you grow faster and avoid expensive and time wasting mistakes.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Setting Your Worth: A Post-Holiday Reflection

Many people are making serious new years resolutions which often end up in the dream or one day column. We are launcing our What are your Wroth Pricing workship on 17 January so you can walk away and implement changes right away to drive up your profits, the value of your business and the freedom and control over your own life.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Wow.. I didn’t know I wasn’t keen on Growth

How do you know if you are keen on growth… well it’s not responding to the clown I mention in this short article. One way is by investing in your business and yourself through a group led mastermind like the Roadblock Advisory Session we are starting 15 January. Details are inside the post.

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Terried chicken at a Presidential Lectern
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Are You Running Your Business Like a Scared Chicken?

The 2024 US election season is upon us. It’s a rollercoaster in the Republican camp, with candidates vying to be Trump’s runner-up. But here’s the twist: it’s not just political drama; it’s a lesson in business authenticity and differentiation.

Read how political mistakes that sink a candidate can also be business mistakes that hamper or sink a business. In this article we are talking authentic messages which offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and political buffs alike. Read on and lets see how authenticity and business strategy resonate with each other

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

My Christmas Post…

The most beautiful Christmas Experiences are the most authentic. The same holds true for how you value and communicate your business. Authenticity resonates…. trying to be liked by everyone can put you in a ditch..

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

A Payphone Business Parable

Reflecting on a unique experience during my study abroad in Freiburg, Germany in 1990, I was reminded of a powerful lesson in pricing. As students, we discovered a payphone glitch that allowed endless free calls worldwide. This led to a frenzy of calls among us until the system was fixed. That incident taught me an invaluable business lesson: the importance of appropriate pricing.
Today, I’m excited to announce two upcoming masterminds focused on this critical topic. Join me and experts Mark Griffiths (17 January) and Susan Trivers (6 February) for workshops on pricing strategy. These sessions are designed to help you assess your value accurately, avoid undercharging, and set prices that reflect the worth of your services.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your business by mastering the art of pricing. Say goodbye to the uncertainty and pressure of setting prices. Let’s build a solid foundation for your business growth together..

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owner in 45 rpm record
Customer Experience
George Sotiropoulos

Pricing and the Art of Not Selling Yourself Short – B Side

3 lessons from an informal chat. Don’t be the cheapest, do things right and one time, and think like an owner and not an employee. Implement these three and you can dramatically increase your margins and the quality of your business. We will discuss these and other key pricing strategies and insights in greater detail in our 17 January “Do You Charge What You are Worth” Workshop. DM me for details.

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caveman using a computer
Uncategorized
George Sotiropoulos

Owners who Sabotage Themselves

Jay was leading an M&A team set to close a major acquisition the next day.
That night, they took the seller out for a celebratory dinner. Drinks were flowing, and the owner had too much.
As they were leaving, things turned awkward. The seller got aggressive with the staff, grabbed his car keys, and drove off.
The next morning?
The deal was dead

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woman on a chess board making relationships with business people
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

An Old Bed and a Business Lesson

Last night, I had a simple goal: clear out an old room and get rid of a bed in excellent condition that had been sitting in storage for three years.
What should’ve been an easy giveaway turned into something much more interesting.
It made me rethink the difference between transactions and relationships… short-term cash and long-term value.
And how these same principles shape the businesses that truly thrive.

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stressed business man sitting at a table while a woman representing his business "mistress" is about to boil a live white bunny rabbit.
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Freedom and Business Ownership

Is your business less independent than my 3 and 5-year-olds?

Next week, I’m flying to Greece for my father’s funeral. It’ll be the first time in five years that I won’t be sleeping under the same roof as my daughters.

They’re 5 and 3 now—not old enough to take the keys, but they’ll manage just fine. My wife has it all under control.

It made me think, though… How many business owners can say the same about their companies?

If you step away for a week, does everything fall apart?

Sure, your business might pay the bills, but that’s not freedom. That’s a trap.

There’s a playbook for building a business that works without you—one that frees your time, reduces stress, and builds real value.

Have you started working on yours?

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

The Thief You Never Saw Stealing Your Freedom and Running Your Business – Part 2

Customers in. Customers out. Your business is running like a hamster wheel you can’t escape.
You’ve cut prices, offered discounts, and even slashed costs. But you’re still sprinting just to survive.
Why? Because there’s a Thief you haven’t seen yet. And he’s silently killing everything yo have been sacrificing and building…
This story might hit closer to home than you’d like

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Woman on a chessboard surrounded by white pieces looking out through circular windows to an unclear sky.
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Are You Growing Wealth or Consuming Income?

What if the way you’re running your business is setting you up for failure?
Most business owners focus on one thing—more income. More sales, more cash flow, more profit. Sounds smart, right?
But there’s a silent killer lurking in that mindset… one that’s destroyed once-thriving businesses overnight.
I’ve seen it happen. You probably have, too.
The worst part? Most people don’t even realize they’re making this mistake.
Here’s what you need to know before it’s too late.

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