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!
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.
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.
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..
Is your growth strategy similar to a night after an Ouzo Fest? Find out by reading this post…
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.
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.
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.”
Highlights from the launch of the Profit and Dine Mastermind
Read and find out how our Mastermind is the board of advisors you were looking to find…
read on to find out the lesson as to why inviting competitors to a beach party was not such a bad idea….
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..
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:
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.
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.
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
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…
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.
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.
You gave it everything.
Time. Energy. Sacrifice.
And now, just when you thought you’d step back…
The wind hits harder.
The exit you imagined feels further away.
This one’s for the business owners still sprinting through the storm — not because they want to, but because they have to.
If the finish line feels like it keeps moving…
It might be that you’re just running the wrong way …. against the wind.
What does your business do when you leave the building?
Many owners dream of a real vacation—one without guilt, panic, or inbox chaos.
But too many can’t step away without something breaking.
They’re not weak. They’ve just built the business wrong.
If your holidays feel more like landmines than getaways…
You’re not alone.
But you can fix it.
Here’s a 60-second gut check worth taking
“I want to finally step away from the day-to-day… and still have the business grow.”
It’s the dream.
But most owners build a business that does the exact opposite.
One that can’t grow without them.
One that dies the second they step back.
The business you’re building right now —
Will it run without you?
Or does it trap you?
Take 60 seconds to find out.
An investor asked for 36 months of revenue.
Simple request.
What he got?
Confusion.
Contradictions.
Spreadsheet gymnastics worthy of Cirque du Soleil.
He didn’t have time to play detective.
So he moved on.
And the seller — after years of sweat and sacrifice — walked away with a lowball offer.
Why?
Because confusion kills deals.
And risk? It gets priced in.
It’s every founder’s dream:
More leads.
More sales.
More growth.
Until it becomes a nightmare.
Deadlines slip.
Customers walk.
Your team burns out — or you do.
The truth is, more business doesn’t always mean a better business.
If your systems, structure, and team can’t absorb the wave — it will drown you.
Here’s how to know if your business is built to scale… or barely treading water
“It hit me like a brick. Years of blood, sweat, and sacrifice — and when they presented me the number for my business, I had next to nothing to show for it.”
That’s the gut punch most founders don’t see coming.
Because the market doesn’t buy hustle.
It buys assets.
If your business collapses without you, you don’t have an asset — you have a job with stress.
He’s the boss.
He’s the owner.
He’s “free.”
Except… He’s not.
On vacation, He’s in the hotel business centre.
At dinner, He’s glued to his phone.
His kids know the top of his head better than his face.
Dysfunctional independence isn’t freedom — it’s a trap.
If you can’t fire yourself from your own business, you don’t own it…
It owns you.
Take 60 seconds to find out where you stand.
Many business owners pride themselves on being “their own boss.” It’s a matter of pride to know you went on your own and have been