Can Risk Create New Opportunities?

Can Risk Create New Opportunities?

When we consider risk, much of the discussion revolves around analytics, alternatives, probability, and bias. But, there are other important factors to consider, which are frequently excluded and, when dealt with properly, can create new opportunities. These include higher than normal results, lower than normal results, enablers, parameters for consideration, and excluding key unknowns.

Entrepreneurs generally advocate the untapped potential of their ideas without detailed analysis of parameters, requirements, and profitability. For example, Venture capital firms that take the risk of investing in several new companies only expect a few to perform with extraordinary results. Last year, they extended too far and many are in financial trouble today. However, the initial risk is appealing because, statistically, people do win the lottery, and companies like Zoom hit the jackpot and do well, especially when you consider the way they’ve evolved over the past few years.

The reverse is also occurring with unforeseen disruptions increasing risk. The slow pace of going back to work, success of tools like Zoom, supply shortages, and inflation are examples of factors not considered in much of our risk analysis. Political change, an increase in crime, and higher levels of stress are creating more uncertainty when assessing change and potential. These can all add to excessive losses beyond normal probabilities.

Another inhibitor of success are enablers. While experience and expertise can improve results, one of the worst strategies in our changing environment is tradition or the mindset that “we have always done it this way.” It simply ignores change, alternatives, and processes, and is frequently fueled by proponents who fear those same things. Sexual harassment, equal wages, and COVID vaccines are some examples where progress has been exceptionally slow due to people being unwilling to recognize the need for change and accept and implement new ideas.

Cartoon with boss telling his employee "This really is an innovative approach, but I'm afraid we can't consider it.  It's never been done before."

Currently, everyone seems stressed and frustrated with issues like crime and inflation. However, enablers seem focused on short-term solutions rather than a true commitment to solving the problems. We must also recognize that many of these are worldwide issues. For example, both France and Israel are experiencing political disruption as well.

Additionally, inflation, oil prices, and supply shortages are all causing great disruption, which increases risk, but these unknowns will also create opportunities. Innovation in solutions like electric cars is a key area where there is ample opportunity.

Risk management is also affected by quantitative versus qualitative considerations. On one hand, quantitative measures are objective, comparable, and easier to document. However, we must ensure we are using the right measures and analyzing correctly. Qualitative data, on the other hand, can measure issues we don’t always consider and allows for intuition. But, these processes can be compromised easily or measure wrong factors. In particular, bias occurs much more frequently in qualitative analysis.

Risk analysis should also include the various impacts of diversity. The world is creating a significant amount of new wealth, yet income disparity is increasing, with 1% of U.S. households owning over 50% of the wealth. While there is more integration and assimilation, tensions have also risen in political, economic, and social structures.

"The first step in the risk management process is to acknowledge the reality of risk.  Denial is a common tactic that substitutes deliberate ignorance for thoughtful planning."  - Charles Tremper

When it comes to risk, we also need to consider ignorance and ways to manage it. Ignorance shows up in a number of ways, which require different approaches. Some ignorance is just the unknown—like the economy next year, the long-term pandemic impact, and potential new technologies (such as a longer lasting electric car battery). While we can’t assure certainty, we can research alternatives and their consequences.

Some ignorance comes from a lack of knowledge. Consequently, a focus on bias, parameters, and assumptions should be included in risk analysis. For example, we should understand our target audience and trends like the growing diversity and wealth in our country.

Ignorance can also be a function of pure denial. Assuming excess confidence or unilaterally accepting respected colleagues can affect risk assessments. We can avoid denial by embracing openness and searching for alternatives. Organizations need to welcome measurement and feedback. Observing, understanding, and sharing financials, operations reports, and sales reports are the first step. Simple research tools (which social media can provide) should be used regularly. A management style such as the “walk around” and simply asking, “How are you doing? Is there anything you need?” can be priceless. Look for alternatives and ‘what if’ discussions.

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."  - Milton Berle

Viewing risk as an opportunity rather than an obstacle can help produce positive results. Change is occurring faster and faster and we must resist the urge to crave the comfort of consistency and reliability. We need to shift our mindset to one that expects risk. This might make you feel uneasy, but know that we are all in the same boat. Try to remember that staying flexible will make adapting easier. And implementing sound, proven strategies will not only set you up for success, but put you in a position to effectively and efficiently manage risk.

Dr. Bert Shlensky, president of Startup Connection, prides himself on his ability to define what is unique about each and every business. He works closely with individuals to develop a personalized approach that targets specific areas of concern and offers solutions based on his 40+ years of experience. His team of experts will address your particular needs while working to save you time and money.

You can reach Dr. Shlensky at: 914-632-6977

Or email: bshlensky@startupconnection.net

Get More Reward from Risk

Get More Reward from Risk

Risk is a critical part of every decision. And, frankly, I think we all need more of it. We tend to think of risk as a taboo concept and it’s really not—once you understand it.

Written by

In order to benefit from risk, you need to define what risk is to you. Some people view risk as the “potential for harm or hazard” (think bungee jumping). I view risk as an “uncertain circumstance in which one manages to maximize the gains.” But, how do you maximize the probability of success?

Here are some key parameters that affect risk-based decisions:

  • Consider conditions. For example, you have almost certain probability that, in general, October will be cooler than September. However, forecasting a certain day adds risk and uncertainty.
  • Reduce risk where you can to allow even more risk in other areas. For example, more analytics in sports is creating opportunities to assess strengths/weaknesses and create new winning strategies. It has enabled athletes to take more three-point shots, hit more home runs and longer golf drives, and score more touchdowns. Similarly, surfers used to ride 29-30 waves and now they are comfortable in 50 to 80-foot waves. Jet Ski rescues, inflatable vests, and leashes are among the tools that reduce uncertainty and increase potential.
  • Know the value and probability of the reward. Winning the lottery has an extremely high reward, but also has low probability. Purchasing investment bonds has lower return than buying stocks, but the risk and volatility of buying stocks is higher.

Value is also affected by the law of diminishing returns, which states that: as the input or value increases, the incremental changes become less important. It is easily summarized by the old saying, “Too many cooks spoil the broth.” Other examples include adding superfluous benefits to an offer, endless presentations, annoying excessive service, or just making the reward dramatically above what is needed or desired. Let’s say you love pie, but only have it once in a while as a treat. In this instance, the value is higher. But, if you eat it every day, it becomes less special and the value decreases. The same goes for a visit with your in-laws: Once a month is good, one a week might be less good, and every day might really be pushing it…  

  • Understand the perceived importance of the reward. People generally regret losses more than they appreciate gains—and that is a key factor to consider when making any decision. When choosing a college to attend, decisions depend on area of course study, school size, location, tuition, the school’s reputation, etc. Are some of these factors more important than others? It varies depending on the individual.

The benefits from risk are a result of integrating the above examples to maximize results. Let’s look at the game of craps as an example: When you roll two dice, there is over a 40% probability you will roll a 6, 7, or 8 and about a 6% probability you will roll a 2 or a 12. So, if you’re placing a bet, knowing the odds (i.e. the probability of the reward) will reduce the risk. Betting is based on your willingness to risk in order to earn higher or lower rewards. The most forgotten aspect of craps (and all betting, for that matter) is that, over the long run, the house wins which is why casinos are so profitable. 

Risk needs to managed rather than feared. Understanding the risk, the rewards, and the importance of each can help you improve outcomes. Don’t allow fear, uncertainty, or tradition to lower your potential and prevent you from trying something new. Only those who dare to risk going too far can find out how far one can go.

Key factors to consider to increase the benefits from risk:

  • Understand all the information. Knowing background, probabilities, and parameters can greatly enhance outcomes. For instance, investment decisions are greatly influenced by history and trends. However, because there is so much change due to the pandemic, the risk is now more volatile and opportunistic. Knowing the circumstances around your decisions is key.
  • Psychology. Assessing risk has a number of psychological constraints: a) People tend to take more risks to win back losses and less risks to follow up on winnings. b) Marketers love to push fear. When you are buying a car, appliance etc., they push its safety, reliability, and excellence. After you commit, they try selling a warranty. They induce fear by citing all the things that can go wrong. c) We overestimate our skills and luck. Tons of profits are made at casinos and in sports betting based on countless people believing that they can beat the odds.
  • Think about your decisions and the outcomes. We often perceive decisions as win-lose situations where one-party wins and another loses, but there are different types of decisions. Changing that mentality to “win-win” can have dramatic benefits and we tend to underestimate the opportunities we have to achieve this. For example, who would have believed decades ago that the mergers of Vietnam and Germany would be so successful? So, when making a choice, brainstorm ways to maximize benefits all around.
  • Rethink your strategy: Zero sum game versus non zero-sum game. Which are you employing? The best negotiations result in both parties winning. This takes collaboration, assessing varying (or even opposing) goals, and increasing the metaphorical “pie.” In particular, try to understand what is important and unimportant for each party involved. For example, many traditional retailers viewed online shopping as a liability in terms of disrupting their regular business. Now, they’re viewing it as a savior, recognizing it’s a safe and effective way to meet the needs of their consumers.
  • Risk mitigation. The best, simplest, inexpensive, and most effective way to mitigate risk is to gather more information. The more you know about making a decision, the less risk it will involve. Other tools include: insurance, diversification, and leverage. One of the challenges of mitigation is that people often use it to take even more risk and that defeats the purpose.
  • Listen to your gut. Sometimes you just have to ignore some of the information and go for it. We tend to overthink things or we let fear stop us from taking risks, but there is no gain without trying and no reward without risk. If your intuition is telling you something, it’s usually worth listening.

Risk needs to managed rather than feared. Understanding the risk, the rewards, and the importance of each can help you improve outcomes. Don’t allow fear, uncertainty, or tradition to lower your potential and prevent you from trying something new. Only those who dare to risk going too far can find out how far one can go.

 

Startup Connection

When you want to stand out, reach out to Bert for the tools that will build your “sticky” brand. My focus is on understanding and analyzing your dilemmas and challenges, so your company becomes profitable faster. Call (914) 632-6977 or email me at bshlensky@startupconnection.net. Don’t leave without signing up for our useful free eBook!
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Maneuvering through a Pandemic: Baby Steps or Big Change?

Functioning during a pandemic is the ultimate conundrum. While constant uncertainty, risk, and complexity complicates (and slows) every decision, the pressing need for immediate change, adaptation, and redirection never lets up. It’s a relentless balancing act between immediate survival and long-term success and the only sure thing is inconsistency. Amidst so many necessary adjustments, it’s difficult to know the best way to advance effectively as we are maneuvering through a pandemic. But, alas, advance we must.

Are baby steps the answer or is big change the way to go?

As we find ourselves maneuvering through a pandemic, on one hand, some baby steps are critical because problems continue to develop every moment that require urgent and immediate changes. While we are rushing to develop solutions, the nature and complexity of immediate goals has dramatically shifted. Safety must be at the forefront of every program and decision. Short-term financial constraints have become paramount while uncertainty is limiting most forecasting through 2021 at least.

Crises Response:

  • With forecasting unavailable in a rapidly changing business environment, instant flexibility and response are crucial. For example, work-from-home, online shopping, and crowd avoidance will continue to evolve over the next few months.
  • People management is requiring more quick decisions and administration. When, who, and how do you bring back staff? How do you make decisions and adapt the organization while considering factors like work-from-home, more volatility, and more uncertainty? Should you consider hiring creative types or especially skilled people who can offer new solutions?
  • Pricing strategies during a pandemic are critical both in controlling costs and generating volume. In particular, you need to recognize new costs and new customer preferences; which will require analysis and measurement using multiple small trials. Consider alternative pricing tactics as well as the entire pricing package. Online sales, measurement, and flexibility will make these rapid changes executable.
  • The latest trends in dealing with the crises also bias our decisions. For example, many businesses are executing 25% operating formats that most experts think will fail. Every business owner needs to continue to test a lot of alternatives that integrate expectations, uncertainty, psychology, culture, risk, quality control, consumer confidence, and values.

Planning ahead:

  • Short-term small efforts must be integrated and designed with long-term strategies and operational efforts in mind. Start with a quick assessment of who you are and where you are going with your business. Don’t worry about the details. Just take a half hour or so and write down key goals, challenges, and opportunities. Make it short so you can focus on priorities rather than overwhelming yourself with too much. You can (and should) come back and revise this list frequently.
  • Assess your potential profitability and financial needs. There are simple profit models that can help you easily determine your viability, key issues, and alternatives. In particular, the analysis should focus on the impact of various factors on your profitability and potential. One of the surprising aspects of this analysis is that growth and prioritization are frequently more important than cost cutting in business success.
  • Focus on what you do well and eliminate efforts that will fail.
  • Keep strategies and programs integrated. Issues like rent, supplier relations, marketing, operations distribution, etc. are critical and must remain flexible on a daily basis. And while finances may be tight, marketing could be the best opportunity for success. Additionally, collaboration with suppliers and landlords will be essential for success. Many tenants and landlords seem to avoiding each other, but I suggest negotiating new rent requirements and marketing efforts in order to survive and generate more business. There are also a number of marketing efforts that can be tested and purchased on a reduced or trial fee.
  • A lot of great discussions are taking place regarding working-from-home, office spacing, and communication. However, most of the talk revolves around physical settings to accommodate spacing and other requirements. We need to also examine the impact on structure, communication, social interacting, and decision-making.
  • The new normal must include tools that encourage informal communication in order to help develop relationships, build trust, encourage new ideas, and create safe feedback. Examples: some in-office meetings and social events, including part-time or other department staff, promote health and wellness, and develop community efforts to replace interactions that no longer exist such as “water cooler chats.”
“I just thought we should talk more.”
  • In general, I support developing confidence and taking more risk. In many cases, we overestimate the costs of failures and underestimate the value of success. Midst pandemic, constant uncertainty makes risk more prevalent in all decision-making. Make sure you understand the value, alternatives, and the probability. Similarly, analytics frequently ignores the potential of innovation and out-of-the-box-solutions. Adapt and be flexible. Most efforts won’t succeed on the first try, but practice integrating the positive components from each trial with some different approaches.
  • Traditional organizations will most likely fail in the wake of the “new normal” because they are inflexible, hierarchical, and change too slowly. Walter Isaacson’s book, The Innovators, illustrates how commitment, diversity, collaboration, and friction among diverse participants such as Jobs and Wozniak or Gates and Allen led to success. The structural key to change is the need to be open to measurement and feedback. Looking at, understanding, and sharing financials, operations reports, and sales reports are the first step. Simple research studies and social media can be additional tools.
maneuvering through a pandemic

As we find ourselves maneuvering through a pandemic, the solution seems to be found in a paradoxical combination of immediate change and big baby steps. Inarguably, the slate needs to be wiped clean and new paradigms are a necessity. This will include immediate crises and opportunity management as well as long-term strategic considerations. A focus on cooperation, open collaborative systems, and trying to keep in mind that “smaller can be better” may offer hope for organizations as they restructure. Finding a way to stay afloat and, ideally, thrive during such a transformative time requires nuanced decision-making. You’ll need to find a balance between small steps, immediate action, gradual shifts, and drastic change while determining which approach works where and deciding if it’s a short-term response or a long-term solution. Sure, it sounds complicated, but that’s the nature of business. And you already knew that.

Dr. Bert Shlensky is president of www.startupconnection.net. He and his expert team help businesses develop integrated customer-focused marketing programs that are key to business startup success. He is also the author of the recently released book “Passion & Reality for Business Success.

When is a Camel a Horse Designed by a Committee?

Too many cooks spoil the broth. A child, looked after by seven nannies, is a child with one eye… Phrase it however you want, but when many manage one thing, some things are missed or turn out wrong. The camel analogy specifically criticizes committees and group decision making, implying that incompetence results when too many people are involved on a project. Therefore, the camel’s humps reflect bad planning and inept design when the original concept was a horse. 

These proverbs speak to a number of current issues regarding decision making, innovation, and performance. It’s worth asking: How disciplined, organized, programmed, and/or fact-based should decisions be? Or are we heading in the direction of unstructured, flexible, creative, and innovative planning?

Unfortunately, we tend to rely on preset parameters or stick to old habits rather than pursuing the most effective process. So, let’s explore some topics that can help you decide what the best plan of action might be for any given scenario:

Camel (Committee) Versus (Horse) Individualism

The simple answer is it depends. If you have a thriving company with ample market and internal capabilities, diversifying can be an exciting option. In particular, vertical and horizontal integrations can assist in achieving better use of your resources. Similarly, if you have operations or marketing capabilities, cooperation can be highly productive in better utilizing those resources.

In contrast, the less resources, knowledge, or experience you have with cooperation, the less you should do it. Diversification does not work effectively in business cultures that have no synergy. Similarly, cooperation frequently fails when it is done to solve or cover up weaknesses. The K-Mart and Sears merger is one of the best examples of failed diversification which was executed with poor management and a prayer that two losers would make a winner.

Innovation Versus Discipline

I believe innovation and discipline can coexist.  You simply need to focus on improving autonomy at all levels as you simultaneously increase discipline. For example, Google, among other big corporations, are developing artificial intelligence (AI) programs to write and develop artistic works like music and art. They argue that this technology will greatly enhance an artist’s ability to create. Others disagree, saying that it will just replace artists. My own experience in the knitting industry showed me that automation greatly enhances an artist’s potential and reduces mundane tasks. I believe that similar improvements are evident in areas like digital photography and animation.

George Bernard Shaw said, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Similarly, Steve Jobs quipped that if he asked customers what they wanted; it would be obsolete before he got it on the shelves. So, it remains that innovation is a necessity, but if it’s unmonitored, you may end up with that pesky camel…

Focus Versus Diversification

Some businesses try to randomly pursue diverse options by simply throwing s**t at the wall and seeing what sticks. Others complete so much research and planning that, in the process, aspects like goals, probabilities, and outcomes are overshadowed or forgotten. Business owners need to identify priorities and focus. From there, test and adopt or change as opportunities or issues arise. It’s important to remember that many plans are based on wrong assumptions or are poorly executed and, therefore, do not succeed or are unable to adjust to change.

For example, I was working with a client who was trying to execute over 15 different educational programs and was stressed out, over budget, and not managing effectively. We simply cut out the least effective programs which saved money and, as a result, were able to allot additional attention and resources to the more effective ones. Focusing your strategy can be accomplished with a few simple efforts:          

  • Measure, Estimate, Prioritize, and Adapt.
  • Follow the 80-20 rule.
  • Make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Be open to change and feedback.

Experience and Expertise

In his book “Outliers,” Malcolm Gladwell became famous for stating that, “10,000 hours of practice are required to become a world-class expert.” I am not sure it is 10,000 hours, but my experience indicates that experience and expertise are probably the most important factors in achieving success. That doesn’t mean you need expertise in everything, but it does mean you need at least a hook in the field you are pursuing. And if you know you are lacking expertise in a critical area, I suggest hiring someone to help.

For example, right-brain creatives typically don’t like financial analysis so it’s usually a good idea for them to hire an accountant. In the last couple of weeks, I have had clients with seemingly great ideas and passion who overestimated their gross margins by 10-20%. They simply didn’t do the detailed financial work and didn’t understand that those numbers could make a huge difference between profit and loss.

This argument is in no way intended to ignore the importance of passion, commitment, innovation, testing, and even mistake making. I’m just saying that both individuals and organizations need to realistically assess the risk of failure and the reward of success. Expertise and experience are critical for accurately evaluating opportunities and new innovations.

Risk Evaluation

Are all of the features of a decision understood? Do you know the probability of reward, the amount of the reward, and the value of the reward? For example, what are the goals of your efforts? My clients are usually small businesses who need to make a profit and earn a living. Thus, they frequently pursue less risk. 

In contrast, venture capital firms are frequently pursuing growth and worry whether the enterprise will be large enough to generate large returns. Therefore, they expect a certain amount of loss as well as some lost investments in order to generate large growth and profits in other areas.

Analytics Versus Intuition

The increased use of analytics over intuition has been significant in improving the understanding and results of decision-making. This shift was greatly influenced by the growth and confidence in behavioral economics fostered by authors like Daniel Hahnemann, Richard Thaler, and Michael Lewis. While there are no quick and simple resolutions, there are a few simple rules to improve the decision process using both analytics and intuition. 

Analytics is simply the increased use of research, models, probability, risk, numbers, and analysis to improve decision-making. In some cases, it has proved to be a valuable tool to understand and improve decisions or simply validate prior intuition—particularly where there is plenty of stability and historical data. For example, I have helped several of my clients improve their businesses by focus on the 20 percent of customers or products, which we know, statistically, accounts for 80 percent of their sales.

Here are some simple guidelines to help manage decision making dilemmas:

  • Understand goals, tasks, and complexity. For example, the more uncertainty and unclear information, the more you need to rely on intuition.
  • Integrate the proper role of expertise. If you have complex tasks that require diverse resources, incorporate collaboration. If you have standout experts with extensive experience rely on their abilities. For example, I am always fascinated how surgeons and lawyers delegate tasks to paralegals and surgical nurses.  
  • Test, measure, and adapt. Gather information, confirm ideas, adapt and improve winning ideas.
  • Incorporate risk to evaluate the potential and results of success.
  • Don’t be afraid to follow your passion, commitment, and instincts.
  • Take a break. We are frequently too consumed and stressed with our tasks. We don’t take time to incorporate efforts like training, casual lunches, social events, new ideas, reading, and informal meetings into our routines. 

The goal is really to find a balance between group decision making and individual efforts so you don’t wind up with a camel when you wanted a horse. Recognize when analytics, facts, and research can improve your decisions. And don’t be afraid to follow your intuition when traditional answers don’t seem correct. Taking probabilities, risk, and values into consideration, you should be able to find some harmony between the two ends of the spectrum.

Dr. Bert Shlensky, president of www.startupconnection.net, offers experience, skills, and a team devoted to developing and executing winning strategies.  His books for the business entrepreneur: Marketing Plan for Startups and Small Business and Passion and Reality for Small Business Success, are available at www.startupconnection.net.

Why Wayne Gretzky and Hockey Say a Lot About Running a Small Business

Business risk happens to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. However, if you give all the sheep hockey sticks and a puck like Wayne Gretzky, that wolf will likely hide behind the goal’s net. No one likes getting hit by the puck several dozen times! But we get it, though: we’re afraid of ticking off that wolf, and lo and behold: the wolf might come out from behind that net and start really nasty grunge fights with each sheep, and instead of a hockey game, we have a slaughter on our hands.

Honestly, Business Risk Is a Lot Like That: an Angry WolfWayne Gretzky wolf

But here we have the key to taming that wolf — we mentioned Wayne Gretzky.

It turned out he had quite the quote that makes perfect sense in hockey —

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

When you think about it, that makes perfect sense! And there’s no way around it. Truthfully, if you’re running a business, you have to accept the fact that you’re always going to be facing risk. And if you run away from it, the risk is even greater.

The key to managing risk is to take those chances — and learn from the historical data. Part of the problem is that we think risk is a lot bigger than it actually is. That wolf does look a lot bigger on the ice rink — until you start chucking pucks at him.

Sadly we’re creatures of habit, and before the innovation of technology — the Internet, mobile, Google, Amazon — we didn’t have a lot of “pucks” to chuck at the wolf like Wayne Gretzky would. So we were stuck on the old methods and didn’t want to try something new. And it’s understandable! — after all, we can’t predict much results with new programs or methods, because there’s nothing as far as historical data for us to analyze.

Thankfully, I Have the Goods Here About How to “Take All the Shots” Like Wayne Gretzky and Manage Risk Without Failure:

Here are some tools to keep in mind as you manage risk head-on while moving forward in your small business:

  • Measure, Estimate, Prioritize, and Adapt — Testing and experimenting are the keys to taming that wolf. In fact, we once had a client simply focus on key inventory items, eliminating unproductive factors by just looking at the clicks and monitoring the Google Analytics data. It’s simple. That’s one slap shot you can take like Wayne Gretzky.
  • Follow the 80/20 and 90/30 Rules — Develop your business methodology down to these numbers, and it’ll be a lot easier to forecast results. The 80/20 rule is how you’ll expect 80% of your sales coming from 20% of the offerings you make. So do the math. Likewise, 90% of all perceptions of your product will be realized in your customers’ heads within 30 seconds. So, in other words — make enough shots at the goalie in a short period of time, and you’ll definitely expect a lot of scores.
  • Lastly…. You Will Make Some Mistakes, and That’s OKAY — Why? Because that gives you the opportunity to adapt. After all, the longer you keep making those shots, the more hits you’ll make over time.

In other words: the more business risk you take, the less risk there will be.

It’s Not Easy, and You Need to Exercise Caution, Obviously

Simply be strategic. Don’t go all out. But balance your efforts. After all, Wayne Gretzky didn’t win on sheer will and tenacity alone; he had the skill.

Dr. Bert Shlensky, President of The Startup Connection, directs all small business clients toward maximum sales and profit thanks to his 40 years of high-quality experience. He does this through technological, social, and online integration, supercharging your business success into the next level, so don’t hesitate to sign up for a free consultation RIGHT NOW.