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Our Daily Blog

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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man on tightrope showing if he sells short will fall
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Pricing and the Art of Not Selling Yourself Short

An informal coffe chat with 3 business owners turned into a discussion about pricing and the wisdom and lessons that can help you increase your sales, cash flow, and attract the right type of clients to your business. We will discuss these in greater detail tomorrow as well as in our 17 January “Do You Charge What You are Worth” Workshop. Mesage me for details.

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Pig selling a pink vintage car
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Rare and Vintage Cars in a Pig Sty

How walking into a shop where exceptional customer service should be expected instead reinforced a key business lesson. You can have the most premium products and have them look the best possible but if you, or your staff, act no better than a bouncer at a bikers bar then your business will end up like the one I walked in… empty except for bored and frustrated staff.

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Uncategorized
George Sotiropoulos

The book Club that Puts Profits in your Pocket

In the mood for 4 power mastermind sessions on key topics in helping you remove the roadblocks and unlock the opportunities in your business?
Ready for sessions with fellow business owners where no one tells you how to run your business (after all you know your business very well) but you share and gain insights that can in 30 minutes transform your business and ultimately your life.

Then read on and sign up for the next Roadlbocks Removal Business Advisory series.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

No More “Waiting Tables” When Running Your Business

Discover the ancient art of delegation, a timeless skill that transformed the early Christian church and can revolutionise your business today. From the historic disputes in Acts to the overwhelmed entrepreneur, learn how effective delegation is not just a task but an art and science.

Join us for the ‘Unlock the Growth Code Delegation Mastermind’ on January 25th. Transform from a ‘table waiter’ in your own business to a visionary leader.

Embrace true entrepreneurial freedom, and find the key to stepping back and accelerating your business growth. Curious? Read on and Message me for details.

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Scaling the Business
George Sotiropoulos

Why Pay Him That?

Taking a full commission job in a place where the infrastructure was not set up was an eye opener in many ways. However the biggest lesson was what happened after I was working so hard “but for free.” The courage to take the risk and do the role was ignored. The working for free was remembered and became a burden that affected what I could charge for my services.
It’s a lesson many business owners will want to take to heart when setting their pricing

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happy customers with thumbs up
Customer Experience
George Sotiropoulos

Your Most Valued and Overlooked Asset

In my previous venture, we turned a startup into a top independent service provider, not just through our offerings but by mastering the art of exceptional customer service.

It was our commitment to personal interactions and understanding our clients’ needs that set us apart in a highly competitive market.

Here’s a Secret: It’s not just about what you provide, but how you make your customers feel.

Which we discuss in our upcoming Customer Experience Workshop on January 16th.

What You’ll Gain:
Discover the ‘secret recipe’ to elevate customer interactions into memorable experiences.
Learn strategies to turn feedback into a powerful tool for business growth.
Create a unique customer service approach that keeps customers coming back, just like their favorite morning espresso.

This workshop isn’t just an event; it’s to transform how you view customer service and its impact on your business.

Want to find out more? Read on…

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Coming in 2024 for Your Business

Ready to transform your 2024 into a year of action? As I pack for a family holiday, I’m excited to share upcoming workshops and masterminds for business owners to stay ahead of the curve.

These include:

Customer Experience, Delegation, Pricing and an Advisory Mastermind Series based on the book ‘Roadblocks You Can’t Ignore’ for growth insights.

These sessions are more than theory; they’re practical tools for immediate implementation. From enhancing customer loyalty to optimizing pricing, we’re covering it all.

Join us to unlock growth opportunities for your business in 2024. Stay tuned for more details.

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Grumpy bearded restauarnt owner
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Profitable and Not Worth It?

What’s killing your chances of selling your business? It’s not what you think…
One business owner thought he was set to retire—until I told him his business might not be worth anything. Profits alone won’t guarantee a sale if you’re making these critical mistakes.
Are you unknowingly sabotaging your exit plan? Discover the hidden factors that could keep you from cashing out when you’re ready…

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pictue of Gaudreay brothers with one holdig a trophy as seen in the 30 Aug 2024 Athletic online
Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

The Gaudreau Brothers Tragedy And A Lesson For All Of Us

This post is tough to write, but the lesson is invaluable. A tragic accident turned a joyful celebration into an unimaginable loss. It made me reflect: how often do we act recklessly, unaware of the consequences? Also for those of us running a business, remember: life is unpredictable. Are you prepared for the unexpected? Reflect on your choices today. Read on for more.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Choosing Who You Do Business With

What would you do if your top client was more trouble than they’re worth? This week, we explored the bold move of firing a #1 customer who drained resources and blocked better opportunities. Would you have the courage to cut ties with a PIA client? Caroline and Susan’s story is fictional, but the lessons are real. Sometimes, letting go is the key to unlocking growth, as Renee discovered in a true story.

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woman kicking a donkey out of her office with the donkey representing a PIA customer
Customer Experience
George Sotiropoulos

The Joy of Firing PIA Customers

Caroline had enough. An 8 a.m. meeting, endless waiting, and then… she did the unthinkable. For the first time, Susan was left speechless.
What did Carline do to her biggest client? And why did she feel freedom instead of fear?

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bull at dentist shop
Customer Experience
George Sotiropoulos

The “Joy” of Servicing PIA Customers

How do you handle your most difficult customers, especially when they start affecting other opportunities for your business? Caroline was at a breaking point, torn between a demanding client and a crucial new deal. How do you discern and what freedom do you have when it comes to who you do business with? It’s a theme we touch on this week and in part 1 of this series.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Selling Ice in the North Pole is a Bad Retirement Plan

For those of you in the US, there is a big demographic Whale that will severely affect you if you are a 55 year old + business owner looking to comfortably retire by selling your business anytime in the next 5-10 years.
Does your business have what it takes to stand out and attract investors? Click to find out more..

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An Accountant who is a Clown
Customer Experience
George Sotiropoulos

Dangerous Shortcut Destroys 20 Years Of Branding

Ever wonder how a 20-year-old brand could disappear in an instant? I recently received an email that shows just how quickly things can unravel with one careless move. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in plain sight. Sometimes, all it takes is a single ill-advised shortcut to undo years of hard work.

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Business Value
George Sotiropoulos

Why Sell Cures to Healthy People?

Ever try selling a cure to someone who isn’t sick? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Too often, entrepreneurs waste time pitching solutions to those who don’t need them. The key is finding the right audience—those who truly need and want what you offer. Last week in Dubai, I witnessed a perfect example of this mistake. Want to avoid it? Discover more in my free 5-part series.

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