
Don’t Commoditise Yourself
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.
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!
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.”
Ever feel like your business owns you instead of the other way around? That it’s the mistress coming between you and your family?
One of my clients did. Stuck in the grind, drowning in spreadsheets, and unsure if his business could ever thrive without him.
Fast forward a few months, and his weekends look very different now.
Curious to see how a single happy hour can help make it happen?
Is your business ready for the future? Or are hidden red flags keeping it from becoming the sellable, scalable asset you envisioned?
Our latest infographic breaks down the 5 biggest risks that scare away buyers—like owner dependence, messy financials, and lack of a growth plan.
The good news? These issues can be fixed. And when you address them, you won’t just create a sellable business—you’ll also enjoy more profits, more freedom, and the lifestyle you dreamed of when you started your business.
Reserve a spot through the QR code on the infographic if you are in Dubai on 4 December 2024 and wish to attend our Business Value Happy Hour.
Michelle was running a successful business, but something was keeping her up at night. It wasn’t cash flow or competition—it was something deeper.
When she walked into my office, exhausted and overwhelmed, she told me, “I built this business for freedom, but now I feel trapped.”
What happened next changed everything—for her, her family, and her business.
Read on to find out how she reclaimed her life.
Too many business owners are stuck chasing shiny objects and quick wins, much like the unhealthy habits that keep people from building real relationships.
What if the distractions you’ve surrounded yourself with are keeping you from the exit you deserve?
There’s a reason some owners succeed while others struggle to sell.
And a strategy you can follow to keep away from “gonzo” marketing that distracts and ultimately sets you up to fail when it’s time to exit.
What happens when you’ve built a successful business but potential buyers keep walking away?
It’s a fear no business owner wants to face—but for many, it’s a reality they don’t see coming.
I recently received an email from an entrepreneur in this exact situation, and it’s a wake-up call for anyone thinking about selling their business in the next 3–5 years.
Here’s what you need to know before it’s too late.
When clients come and learn about how to make their business sellable their lives change. I’ve seen it repeatedly and which is why I’m hosting a happy hour focused on helping you gain the insights you need for a successful exit down the road. Pre-Registration is open.
Imagine this: a house hears it’s up for sale—and chaos breaks loose. The roof vanishes, the fridge heads to the pub, and even the walls start negotiating elsewhere. Sounds crazy? Maybe. But what if something eerily similar happens when it’s time to sell your business?
This story might just change how you think about the future of your business.
Looking for quick, powerful insights on what investors really want in a business?
We covered it this week, and these game-changing lessons continue to surprise business owners.
If you’re thinking of selling one day, ask yourself: are you prepared with answers that will make investors sit up and take notice?
Or are you leaving the hard questions unanswered?