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What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

The Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X are certainly receiving a whole lot of media attention. It’s two creative titans battling it out, attempting to win more customers. But, these two companies have quite a bit in common. At least, in one aspect. And, it applies to you as an entrepreneur.

What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

What you might think as rivals vying for bigger sales numbers is actually an important business lesson. It’s all about momentum. Keep momentum going and it serves up great rewards. After all, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were hits. And, we all know the iPhone revolutionized the tech, communications, and entertainment worlds. So, it’s great to take away a valuable lesson from this latest product introduction round.

As the momentum starts and objectives are met watch for a change in pace; just like an out-of-shape runner, the tendency for many will be to stop part way up the hill to pat themselves on the back and look at how much distance they’ve covered. Don’t let them stop! You are pushing a rock uphill, as the momentum starts and everyone sees progress you need to double your efforts to keep it moving. —Inc.com

You probably know there are many components to running a successful business. That’s certainly no secret. But, specific actions can work wonders. For instance, giving up bad habits and other hangups are prime examples. Another strategy is to get in front of people personally. However, you need momentum to stay on track.

How to Keep Momentum Going

That’s what the announcement and release of the Google Pixel 2 teaches us. It’s a follow-up, designed to entice consumers. And, it’s generated a whole lot of media buzz. Now, every single thing about it will certainly be poured over by tech lovers. You can apply this lesson to your business. Keep momentum going and reap the rewards by doing the following:

Set new goals and objectives. As you hit milestones, dedicate yourself to setting new goals and objectives. Planning ahead means moving forward and that’s a great way to keep momentum working for you.
Automate where it is possible. Use automation to your advantage to maximize productivity. Don’t get bogged down where and when it isn’t necessary. You can set content marketing and social media marketing on a schedule, as two examples.
Always keep inspiration nearby. Research from Harvard and MIT reveals books are a great source of inspiration. Engaging your brain in something you love breathes inspiration. And, it also increases your knowledge, so it’s two-for-one.
Schedule time off and actually use it. Another way to keep momentum going is to take time off. That sounds strange at first but makes a lot of sense when you consider the benefits of rest and relaxation.

What ways do you keep momentum going? How do you stay motivated? What methods work best for pushing forward you’ve done? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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The Future of Trade Businesses: Building Companies That Last

March 9, 2026 No Comments

The trades are entering a new era. The next decade will bring major changes in workforce demographics, technology and business models. Companies that adapt will thrive. Invest in leadership Future trade businesses will rely on strong leaders who can manage teams, develop talent and maintain culture. Leadership development should be a priority for every growing company. Develop systems Successful businesses rely on systems that allow them to scale operations while maintaining quality. Processes for training, project management and communication help companies grow sustainably. Prepare the next generation Ultimately, the future of the trades depends on the next generation of workers. Companies that invest in recruiting, training and mentoring young professionals will shape the future of the industry. The trades have always been about building things that last. Now it’s time to build businesses that do the same.

5 Words Smart Entrepreneurs Always Avoid

May 16, 2017 No Comments

We all have our quirks when it comes to language and nowhere is it more prominent than email. Because there is no body language, gesticulations, facial expressions, and attitude, we are left to find context, solely from the words we read. When you think about that for a moment, it’s a wonder that any business gets done from day-to-day. Ironically, just two years ago, a study conducted in the United Kingdom, surveying 2,500 office employees, revealed that an astounding 94 percent preferred email over telephones. It’s clear that email is our number one means of communication, and, because it’s become so commonplace, we don’t regard it in the same way as we do face-to-face encounters. Our demeanor, tone, and delivery differs greatly from email to spoken word. Since email is so important to business, you would think that it’s used in the utmost professional manner, but, it’s not. 5 Words Smart Entrepreneurs Always Avoid The fact is, we just don’t pay attention to what we’re writing most of the time. To many business professionals, it’s an informal method of communication, and, it’s closest cousin, texting, is even more relaxed (read: lazy). However, that’s simply not the case. Email is important, so much so, it can make all the difference. The words you type or tap are going to be read by someone else. That person or persons will not only read what’s in the message body, but read into the message itself. If you want to become more successful as an entrepreneur or in your career, you can start by making a habit of talking and thinking more like the people you know or read about who are already successful. —Entrepreneur Let that stir a moment and go back to the introduction. Since there’s no interpersonal communication, every word matters. This is why smart entrepreneurs are conscience about what they write, how it’s phrased, and what message is delivered. If you aren’t practicing the same discipline, you might be sending more than an email, you might be sending a message that you lack confidence, are somewhat lazy, or, unsophisticated. Here are the top five words you ought to avoid: Might. The word “might,” is generally used in different ways, but often, it’s meant to point out a possibility. When you use the word “might,” you are essentially communicating that you’re unsure. That’s okay in casual, social situations, but dangerous in business communication. Likely. When you use the word “likely,” you are making a very unsure prediction. What you’re really doing is opening wide and wild interpretation. Here again, use of this word in social and casual conversation is fine, but, when you’re using it in the business world, you’re telling the recipient that’s it’s unlikely you are in-the-know. Alot. First of all, this is not how the phrase is spelled–it’s two separate words, “a lot.” Because it’s run together so often, it’s become commonplace for people to write it incorrectly. It’s the reason the ampersand was dropped as the last letter of the alphabet. It used to be recited, ending with “x, y, z, and ‘and per se,’” which evolved into “ampersand.” If you write, “alot,” you’re taking a risk that the recipient won’t notice you don’t know this. Won’t. This is one of the best ways to ensure a negative vibe, along with a lot of frustration. While you’re being emphatic, you’re also demonstrating just how stubborn, or, unwilling you are in your ways of doing things. Usually. This is the opposite of the pithy directive delivered so often by the Joe Friday character from Dragnet. It tells the recipient that you don’t have all the facts, nor do you care. Here’s a bonus: “irregardless.” Though there are some who say that it’s fine to use, it’s just unnecessary. Instead, use “regardless.” And remember that communication is made up of words, tone and non-verbal communication. Based on multiple studies, non-verbal carries the largest percentage of influence in communication while words carry the least amount of influence. So, picking up the phone to use your words and tone is more effective than just text or e-mail. When it is possibly or efficient, use Skype or Google Video or an actual face to face conversation to communicate more effectively. Business gets done through trusted relationships, and these are built on solid communication which ultimately requires words, tone and non-verbal. Now go build your business with good communication. Who do you need to improve your communication with this month to grow your relationship, your business or career? Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you? [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

How to Avoid the Prisoner’s Dilemma Business Trap

February 18, 2021 No Comments

The prisoner’s dilemma is a simple principle that explains a very inconvenient paradox. That being, when two or more people are in competition to reach the same goal, instead of working together, they’ll more often make self-serving or sub-optimal choices to their desired end. In other words, they won’t work as a team, attempting to obtain the same result, but rather, as mutual competitors. When this happens, it can easily lead to unhealthy competition, jealousy, infighting, and poor company morale. Fortunately, there are a few effective strategies to cope with such situations. What Causes the Prisoner’s Dilemma in Business Named for a scenario to explain why prisoners do not routinely rise up against the guards of a penitentiary, the prisoner’s dilemma attempts to define why it is that inmates don’t rally together to overtake the facility in order to ultimately escape. (After all, they greatly outnumber the guards and other staff.) …a teaming mindset must be adopted on purpose. Team leaders must paint success in the team as something shared and expansive. Because seeing success this way is rarely spontaneous, leaders have to go out of their way to convey — to sell, really — the upside of collaborative work. The message must be that success can be greater and more exciting when people work together. When this is done well, team members tend to focus more on the work than on themselves. They also focus on what the work means for the company’s value proposition — for their customers. —Harvard Business Review The reason behind it is simple — while everyone might be ostensibly working toward the same goal, that is taking over and breaking out of the prison, each person will act in their own individual best interest — this ultimately leads to chaos and of course, makes the end goal of escaping nearly impossible. Effective Strategies for Dealing with the Prisoner’s Dilemma in Business You might have noticed this dynamic working out among your sales team or any given group of employees. They seem to be in a constant state of competition, even to the point of harming your company’s overall goals. The good news is there are ways to deal with such scenarios, like the following: Encourage healthy discussions. Although some individuals seemingly always do what’s only in their self-interest, very few will continue such behavior if they know that it’s counterproductive to their future. During sales meetings, come up with common strategies that everyone can agree to follow and put everyone on the same path toward your desired goals. Scrutinize potential hires. If someone has a very impressive track record, but hops from one company to another, that’s obviously a red flag. So, listen carefully during the interview process for attitudes that convey job dissatisfaction, unhealthy competition with previous employees/employers, and other negative perspectives and emotions. Such individuals will tell you in not-so-subtle ways that they don’t work well with others. Reward genuine teamwork. Ronald Reagan copied a famous inspirational phrase by repeating this sentiment, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.” This is very difficult for any group, especially those in a competitive environment. But, if you reward everyone involved for working as a team to reach their goals, you reinforce positive behaviors. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a moment to comment and share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common