By Cheryl Powers

In business, bigger often seems better. We applaud companies bursting with staff and swelling their revenues year over year. But if you're steering your business toward the day you can sell it for a healthy profit, you'll need more than just piling on sales. You could be growing, sure, but not in ways that actually up your company's worth. Sometimes, this kind of growth could even hurt your value.

The Real Deal About Growth and Value

Let's get straight to the point:...

By Cheryl Powers

Creating a customer journey map for sales is an essential strategy for understanding your prospects and customers, as well as their needs, experiences, and pain points at various stages of the buying process. Your customer journey map will help you craft a more effective sales process and build a robust sales pipeline.

Here are the top 10 tips for building an effective customer journey map for sales:

1. Define Your Buyer Personas: Start by identifying and...

By Cheryl Powers

Building a high-producing sales team is vital to scaling revenue and your company's value. Getting this right and doing it quickly hinges on your ability as an owner to navigate essential questions that shape an effective sales strategy. Let's explore 25 critical questions that, when addressed thoughtfully, pave the way for assembling a sales force capable of propelling both your business growth and company value to new heights.

But before we dive into the...

By Cheryl Powers

Thriving in your business isn't just about seizing the big opportunities; it's intricately linked to mastering the art of operational efficiency. In addition to helping you grow revenue, I want to help you see how fine-tuning your operations can significantly elevate your company's valuation, driving growth that outpaces the competition.

The Critical Role of Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is the backbone of your thriving company. It's about optimizing...

By Cheryl Powers

For a business owner or founder, the journey from inception to a profitable exit is like a masterful chess game, where strategic moves determine success. Let's begin with a story that resonates with many business owners. Imagine Sarah, who started her durable medical equipment business a decade ago. Last year, she decided to sell her business, expecting a lucrative deal given her impressive annual revenues. However, she was in for a shock when valuations came in far lower...

 By Cheryl Powers

Expanding a team is more than just adding bodies to your company—it's about finding the right kind of people who'll turbocharge your growth. As an owner, you need to be tactical and thoughtful about whom you bring into your fold. It's not just about filling positions; it's about enriching your team's dynamics and enhancing your company’s capabilities. 

The Complex Journey of Team Growth

When you're at the helm of a small or mid-market business,...

By Cheryl Powers

Ever found yourself wishing, “If only I had a team full of [Best Employee's Name]s?” 

I’ve been there, and I totally get you.

Imagine this: A company where everyone is as knowledgeable, skilled, and efficient as your star employee. 

Sounds like a dream?

But what if I told you it's achievable? Even kind of simple?

I'm thrilled to invite you to a masterclass that I believe could revolutionize the way you look at building and managing teams: "How to...

By Cheryl Powers

In a constantly evolving global economy, business owners often find themselves on a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

And let's be real: riding that coaster isn't always fun, is it?

Just as sailors must skillfully navigate stormy seas, business owners need to cross the unpredictable waves of economic turbulence.

But here's the silver lining: economic volatility isn't simply a challenge—it's an opportunity.

I often find myself remembering, the most breathtaking views...

by Cheryl Powers

Is your business in need of a financial lifeline? When your company is faced with a cash crunch, it's crucial to safeguard your equity and ensure your hard-earned ownership stake remains secure. In this article, we will explore effective strategies that can help you navigate the challenging waters of a cash-strapped business while protecting your equity from potential risks and pitfalls.

In a nutshell, the key to protecting your equity when your business is in dire need of...

by Cheryl Powers

How do you know for sure before you hire them that a salesperson or a sales leader can and will do what it takes to succeed? Their resume can't tell you. The headhunter doesn't want you to ask. The candidate will try to convince you in the interview and will likely be a more skillful interviewer than you are.

If you are serious about the success of your sales force and the success of your new hires, you simply can't wing it. You must know the specific sales skills, sales...