Let’s talk about giving your business a ‘health check-up.’ We’re talking clean financial records, steady income, and healthy cash flow – the stuff that keeps your business engine running smoothly.
And the best way to do so is to make your business a “premium sellable” business as by definition, it means full optimisation of the financial aspects.
Let’s talk about setting up your business to run like a dream, even when you’re not around. It’s about solid teams, steady cash flow, and what makes your business unique and able to stand out.
You know the benefits of owning a business that can sell at the top one day so how do you start getting there?
Are you building a business that can stand the test of time? In today’s world, creating a lasting legacy requires more than just financial stability. It’s all about establishing a sellable business that offers longevity, sustainability and real value to your customers, employees, and community.
Here we go more into the immediate business and life benefits of making your company “premium sellable”. As you’ll see, you do not have to sell the business to get these benefits. It’s all about making the business “premium sellable” and how that can change your life.
This is the first of 7 emails on the benefits and life changing transformation of owning a “premium” sellable business – a cornerstone of long-term business success and personal freedom.
Even if selling isn’t in your plan, this concept can redefine how you approach your business. I will be hosting a presentation on this top on 31 May. Details to follow.
Ever get unusual or “out of scope” requests from your customers? Do you know when the request is harebrained, or actually an opportunity to expand the business lucratively?
Two examples in this article… only one will help scale and make a business sellable
Are you tired of being on the receiving end as a loyal customers when companies decide to play the “Dating Game” with new prospects at your expense. When you are stuck paying full price while new prospects are showered with benefits and discounts that “are applicable to new customers only..”
Why? How does it make you feel? Do you think it’s smart?
“Segregating customers based on their buying behavior, wants and needs can be a smart move for businesses. By providing tailored experiences to your most profitable customers, you can build a loyal customer base that appreciates your specialised services. D
By not trying to please everyone – you can focus on wowing your target audience and building a successful and growing business.
If you built it they will come. Iconic quote from Field of Dreams but does it happen in reality in today’s business?
Or is it the source of the most common and expensive mistake many business owners make…
Are you worried about AI replacing your business? Do you worry that customers will flock to the cheapest option regardless?
I put my two cents in here including an enlightening experience I had with David Deutsch. Let me know your thoughts.
Our letter writer learned the hard way that good communication and clear agreements are essential elements for any successful partnership. By neglecting these, his friendship and business partnership collapsed.
Even with a history of success, things can quickly fall apart if you aren’t prepared. Create well-written agreements, have clear dispute resolutions, and mutual understanding on different exit situations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Create a solid foundation for your partnership today with transparency and trust.
Exiting a business partnership can be a tough pill to swallow, and sometimes the disagreements can damage not only the business but also the friendship.
Read in this email how this narrator’s friendship and business with his best friend, Alex, came to a bitter end over disagreements about selling their business.
How a flag design that earned a low B made the US flag and highlights what you need to know if you wish to sell your business one day.
Here is the Q&A from previous post about John who blew a life changing opportunity to save a few cents a day.
John was a successful entrepreneur who had built his business from scratch through hard work and determination. When an unexpected offer came in from a large international player, John was ecstatic. The offer was substantial and would provide enough money for him to take care of his family.
Then came due diligence… and a valuable lesson…
Beware the hidden dangers and manipulation you can face from “social influence” in business. From phone scammers, to the experience of US POWs at the hands of the Chinese, to the cover of Forbes…witness the seductive power of social pressure and beware how it is used on you in today’s business world – including FOMO (fear of missing out) appeals and other marketing ploys. Protect your wallet and values
Being transparent helps you build trust with potential customers, and that trust leads to more sales. Be honest and ethical about your pricing and be transparent in your communications. It will build trust and pay off in multiples down the road.
Caption:
Are you tired of being put on a detour by businesses that neglect your needs for their convenience? From roadworks to customer service, it seems like detours are all around us. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here we explore how businesses can avoid putting their customers on a detour and provide a better experience.
As you know it pays to be savvy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing yourself and make sure you understand all the details involved before signing on the dotted line.
Evaluate each potential solution thoroughly and don’t let yourself get taken advantage of by current stresses or “emergencies”. With a little bit of research and common sense, you’ll be able to spot bad solutions from miles away — saving yourself time, money, and frustration in the process.
Caption: Here are five suggestions you will want to follow as you look to scale your business and avoid the common pitfalls many other entrepreneurs make.
• The right team to help you grow
• Developing a clear mission statement and goals
• Investing in the right technology to automate processes
• Making smart investments in advertising
• Creating systems of accountability for your team
A profitable business is usually a good sign that things are going well. But sometimes, even profitable businesses can’t seem to find any investors or buyers…..
This is my observation on the video I posted yesterday.
I talk about how community came through loud and clear and how that will be a competitive differentiator for 2023.
Hey everyone,
I found a digital copy of a home video from 1988 that captures a coming of age summer in Greece. It’s a glimpse of a world that no longer exists, with sun, sand, and carefree conversations.
It reminds me of how much has changed since then, with technology dominating our lives. But it also transports me to a time when we were young and carefree.
Watch the video and let me know your thoughts. I have an insight for business in 2023 that I’ll share later.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
one of the biggest mistakes is falling in the trap of thinking only about today or the week or the month ahead. It makes you reactive instead of proactive and that can mean the difference between growing a business or having one that stays stagnant.
You can’t please everyone and if you try you will have a business that finds it hard to attract anyone. It’s a common mistake and one I see often as well as when a company has no idea how much it costs them to acquire a customer and ends up spening too much or too little on their marketing.
Running a small business is challenging, and making mistakes is inevitable. However, by avoiding common mistakes and implementing the most effective solutions, your business can achieve long-term success
None of my friends growing up in Chicago wanted to end up owning their parent’s restaurant for one main reason – the restaurant was not a sellable business as it was too reliant upon the owners.
So owning a sellable business makes a lot of sense even if you don’t intend to sell anytime soon. It’s more predictable, earns higher profits, it’s more valuable, and ultimately gives you more freedom and enjoyment in running the business.
As you know, owning a business can be “exciting” but it requires hard work, often long hours, perseverance, and the dedication to turn your dream
As I celebrate my 150th daily email, let’s celebrate wins and reflect on where you could improve as you prepare for the next week. Prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and take care of yourself. Reflecting and planning are game-changers for business success.
Working smarter, not harder, is the key to driving growth and saving time. We touch on 7 of these:
1. Streamline processes to cut out waste and save time.
2. Delegate tasks appropriately and have a solid strategy in place.
3. Outsource tasks that aren’t your forte to free up time and deliver a better product.
4. Reassess goals and priorities every 6 months to ensure you’re on the right track.
5. Use data to your advantage to measure progress and plan ahead.
6. Don’t rely on guesswork – measure and track KPIs.
7. Focus on working smarter, not harder.
What do you get when John Carlton, Brian Kurtz, and Bond Halbert drop into a casual book club?
Not a pitch.
Not a product launch.
Just a room built right—by people who lead with value and play the long game.
This wasn’t a flex.
It was a masterclass in how real relationships attract the right people.
And why the best opportunities come when you stop selling… and start serving.
Here’s what happened
When you bring the right people into the right room, something changes.
It’s not about small talk.
It’s not about swapping business cards.
It’s about real conversations that open doors—and the opportunities that follow when hands are grasped with real intent.
Here’s a glimpse inside a gathering where growth wasn’t just talked about. It started.
One leak.
Two missed calls.
Three years of customer loyalty—gone.
That’s all it took.
-Not because of pricing.
-Not because of competition.
But because of a simple failure to show up, follow through, and solve the actual problem.
Bad customer experience isn’t just annoying.
It’s what turns profitable businesses into unsellable liabilities.
Here’s what happened—and why you need to look at your own business through the same lens.
They said a wave of business exits was coming.
Retiring baby boomers. Millions of dollars changing hands.
The so-called “Silver Tsunami.”
But… where is it?
Most owners didn’t sell.
Many didn’t retire.
And a frightening number are still grinding—burnt out, stuck, and quietly hoping for a buyer that never comes.
This post breaks down what’s really happening…
And what it means for every founder still waiting for the perfect time.
Today’s not just another Tuesday.
It’s St. George’s Day—the story of a man who stood his ground, defied the empire, and became a legend.
Most people remember the dragon.
They forget the courage.
And that’s exactly what most founders forget too.
The businesses that lead? They stand for something.
The ones that fold? They tried to please everyone.
Here’s why standing your ground might be the most valuable move you make.
You didn’t miss the exit.
You just kept telling yourself it wasn’t time yet.
Until suddenly… it was too late.
Most business owners don’t crash and burn.
They slowly wear down—working harder, earning less, and watching the business slip away while they keep saying:
“Just a bit longer.”
This post isn’t about planning.
It’s about what happens when you don’t..
You’ve sacrificed.
Pushed through setbacks.
Bled for the business.
But when it’s time to walk away—will it live on without you?
Or will it die the second you step back?
Most business owners don’t have an exit.
They have a slow death.
This week brought a powerful reminder of what real triumph looks like—
And what happens when you don’t build for it.
When I was 12, I snuck a pocket radio into church so I could listen to the Cubs game during Holy Thursday service.
My mom busted me.
I sat through the whole thing—and didn’t understand a word of it.
Now? I don’t miss a second.
And somewhere in that shift…
There’s a powerful lesson most business owners are still missing.
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