Business Education

Apple, Amazon Hit $1 Trillion while Brick-and-Mortars Lose — Here’s the Lesson

News recently hit that Apple and Amazon have reached $1 trillion in market value. Wow. That’s really something but not unexpected. After all, it was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar retailers continue to struggle — especially legacy stores. So, why such a disparity? We all know the quick answer — failure to adapt to a changing marketplace. (It’s why there’s just one, lone Blockbuster in the entire United States.) The underlying lesson is the ones getting left behind might have well enjoyed a lot of past success. But now, they’re stuck. And, that’s the most important takeaway.

How to Know if You’re Stuck

So, what does it mean to be stuck? More importantly, what does it feel like? Unfortunately, this is a phenomenon which isn’t always readily apparent. It might slowly creep up and surprise you in an unexpected moment. The good news is, you can usually tell. For instance, if you just don’t experience the thrill or feel the passion. That’s the most obvious.

It’s not uncommon for a business to begin to spin its wheels. For you company owners, it will feel like you’re treading water, and while you may not wake up to it right away, eventually it will start to weigh on your mind. Most of the time, these periods will pass, as they may simply be down to such things as seasonal trends or other outside market forces. But when they drag on too long, it could indeed be time to make some significant changes.
—Entrepreneur.com

A more subtle telltale sign is when you rationalize a rut as a normal routine. Or, when you see the competition moving ahead, yet you can’t seem to make any real headway. Those too, are signs you’re stuck in-place.

Tops Ways to Get Unstuck

Now, if you feel stuck, you probably are and fortunately, there are ways out. The good news is, you don’t have to make huge changes. Here are a few helpful suggestions for how to get unstuck:

Try something new. Change up your routine. Or, go in a different direction. The point is to try something new out and do so with flexibility. In other words, don’t go all-in. Instead, slowly dip your toes in the water and test it out. You’ll probably feel excitement and even experience some inspiration.
Take an impromptu hiatus. You probably have a trip planned. But, in the meantime, there you are, feeling stuck; feeling uninspired. So, change it up and take an impromptu hiatus to relax, refresh, and unwind. You’ll come back with a whole new outlook.
Reach out to an experienced business coach. One of the reasons you feel stuck is because you’re stuck inside of you. Put another way, you’re not looking at things with a fresh set of eyes. Get a different perspective and advice from an experienced business coach. Take advantage of seeing what someone on the outside sees. Then, embrace what you learn.

What other suggestions would you offer to get unstuck? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting!

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

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The ‘Ghost Money’ Formula: How Small Businesses Can Hand Out Meaningful Annual Bonuses Without Draining the Bank

November 26, 2025 No Comments

Small businesses and bonuses aren’t synonymous. Such “lavish” gifts are associated with big companies and organizations with tons of employees, bringing in oversized profits. But there’s no denying the benefits of bonuses: increased motivation and productivity, improved morale and retention, and better alignment with company goals. However, small businesses often operate on small margins or moderate profits, making every expense count. So, how can a small company reap the benefits of giving employees bonuses when money is tight?

Want to Make Your Business More Successful? Start by Helping Others

September 21, 2017 No Comments

There are a number of things you can stop doing to benefit your business. But, there are also plenty of things you should do to be more successful. Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma clearly show there’s always a need to help your fellow citizens. Although Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma are now gone, their impact remains. And, that presents a great opportunity for you personally, as well as your company. The Numbers Prove Helping Others is Good for Business It doesn’t have to be a natural disaster, either. You can help others in several different ways. For instance, taking a new entrepreneur under your wing is just one. Volunteering your time to speak to others who are starting up or creating a new venture is another. Even donating your time to a local charitable organization is a way to grow personally and help your business in the process. Plus, statistics show this is the case. Mentored businesses increase their revenue by 83 percent, compared to 16 percent for non-mentored counterparts. Moreover, 83 percent of mentored businesses survived, compared to 74 percent of non-mentored companies. When you decided to become an entrepreneur, what reasons motivated that decision? For some people it is the opportunity to make a lot of money, the freedom to live by their own convictions, or to live a certain lifestyle. While these are great personal goals, too much focus on these things can lead you down the wrong path. —Inc.com The thing is, you need real face time with real people. Put technology aside and showcase your own strengths. If you have a skill set that’s not particularly useful for your company, put it to work elsewhere. And, do so with an open heart. Because if you approach it purely as a business opportunity, people will take notice. Why Helping Others is Good for Business When you go into business for yourself, it’s not all about you. While you might start a company to be more independent, you’re still serving the needs of others. And, that’s a good thing because it does offer some real advantages. Here are a few great reasons why helping others is good for business: You make more meaningful connections. When you help others out, you immediately tell people it’s not all about you. That means you are more genuine and therefore, someone who is interested in others. Such unselfish behavior inherently means you’ll make more meaningful connections. You have greater appeal to quality clients. It’s true that when you help other people, you’ll gain better personal qualities. Those are apparent to others and that’s a wonderful stepping stone to find quality customers. You provide real benefit to the community. Not only do you feel personally rewarded for helping others, you also provide benefit to the community around you. So, people within the community will definitely take notice and that’s another advantage. You inspire others to get involved and improve. Giving your time sets an example others will follow. Which makes you a leader and that’s a great attribute. You’ll be regarded as a leader and someone who gives back to the community at-large. How do you help others? What have you done to serve other people that’s benefited your business? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

How Does a Successful Entrepreneur Recover from a Bad and Costly Business Decision?

March 7, 2024 No Comments

How Does a Successful Entrepreneur Recover from a Bad and Costly Business Decision? When it comes to being an entrepreneur, navigating the unpredictable landscape of business is quite common. After all, even the most seasoned entrepreneurs can find themselves facing the aftermath of a bad and costly business decision. In these challenging times, it is essential to embrace resilience and proactively seek strategies for recovery. So, how exactly does an otherwise successful business owner not only cope but overcome a bad and costly decision? Fortunately, there are some concrete steps you can take to get past such a trying set of circumstances. Here are the most effective ways to recover from a bad and costly business decision. Acknowledge the Mistake Without Self-Blame Acknowledging a misstep is the first step towards recovery. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to recognize that making mistakes is a part of the journey towards success. By reframing the perspective from self-blame to a learning opportunity, entrepreneurs can begin the process of moving forward with clarity and determination. Assess the Damage and Deploy Damage Control Quantify the impact of the decision as accurately as possible. Evaluate financial losses, lost opportunities, and damage to your reputation. A clear understanding of the extent of the damage is essential for creating a recovery plan. Take immediate steps to mitigate further losses. Be decisive, communicate transparently with stakeholders, and seek professional advice if necessary. Quick actions help control the situation and prevent things from getting worse. Formulate a Recovery Plan Realign your strategy in light of the setback. Reassess goals, revise budgets, and identify areas for improvement. This plan should be realistic, adaptable, and focused on creating a sustainable path forward. Put your recovery plan into action and closely track the progress. Remain flexible and ready to adjust the plan as needed. It’s essential to stay agile and react to new information as you move forward with execution. Also, don’t waste mental energy on things outside your control. Channel your energy and resources into actionable steps that will make a real difference in rebuilding stability. Embrace a Growth Mindset for Future Success In the face of adversity, cultivating a growth mindset is key to overcoming setbacks. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and development can fuel the entrepreneurial spirit and pave the way for future success. By focusing on continuous learning and adaptation, entrepreneurs can position themselves for long-term prosperity. Seek Guidance and Mentorship for Strategic Insights Navigating the aftermath of a costly business decision can be a daunting task. Seeking guidance from mentors or experienced professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights and perspectives. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of others, entrepreneurs can gain a fresh outlook on their situation and identify strategic pathways towards recovery. Pivot Towards Innovation and Creativity In times of crisis, innovation and creativity can serve as powerful tools for reimagining the future. Entrepreneurs who have faced setbacks can harness their creativity to explore new opportunities, pivot their business model, or diversify their offerings. By thinking outside the box, entrepreneurs can unlock new possibilities for growth and success. Take Calculated Risks with Strategic Planning Recovering from a costly business decision requires a balanced approach to risk-taking. By engaging in strategic planning and carefully evaluating potential risks and rewards, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. Taking calculated risks can lead to new opportunities and propel entrepreneurs towards renewed success. As always, the journey of an entrepreneur is filled with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. When faced with the aftermath of a bad business decision, it is essential to approach the situation with resilience, innovation, and a growth mindset. By embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, entrepreneurs can navigate the road to recovery and reignite their path towards success. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Apple, Amazon Hit $1 Trillion while Brick-and-Mortars Lose — Here’s the Lesson

How to Know if You’re Stuck

Tops Ways to Get Unstuck

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The ‘Ghost Money’ Formula: How Small Businesses Can Hand Out Meaningful Annual Bonuses Without Draining the Bank

Want to Make Your Business More Successful? Start by Helping Others

How Does a Successful Entrepreneur Recover from a Bad and Costly Business Decision?

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