Welcome back to the Business Strategy podcast, I'm Steve Coughran, your host. Today, we're diving into the core principles that the best founders employ to build remarkable companies. Number one on our list is getting intimately acquainted with your customers. It's astonishing how many leaders fail to engage with their clients regularly. I'm not talking about surface-level chats; I mean meaningful conversations where you ask the tough questions. I once advised a company to survey their custom...

Welcome back to the Business Strategy podcast, I'm your host, Steve Coughran. Today, we're exploring a fundamental aspect of any successful business: creating an ideal customer profile. In this episode, titled "How to Create an Ideal Customer Profile," I'll guide you through a comprehensive framework for understanding your customers on a deeper level. From uncovering their motivations and circumstances to envisioning their dream outcome and identifying the obstacles they face along the way, w...

Welcome back to the Business Strategy podcast with your host, Steve Coughran. Today, we're diving deep into a critical decision for entrepreneurs: choosing between an LLC and an S-Corp. Titled "LLC versus the S-Corp: Don't Make This Mistake When Getting Started," this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this crucial choice. Steve breaks down the pros and cons of each entity, from liability protection and tax implications to administrative requirements and flexibility. Whether...

Welcome to the Business Strategy podcast with your host Steve Coughran. In today's episode, we delve into the art of storytelling with Akeem Shannon, the CEO and Founder of Flipstik. Akeem shares three simple yet powerful stories that have been instrumental in scaling his business from its startup phase to rapid growth. Drawing from his experiences, including his appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank, Akeem emphasizes the importance of storytelling in various aspects of business, from effe...

In this insightful episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran is joined by Alex Prasad from Aegis Law Firm to navigate the crucial topic, "How Attorneys Steer the Course in Business." Together, they delve into the essential process of vetting a business attorney, pinpointing what entrepreneurs should look for to ensure a fruitful collaboration. The conversation also covers strategic exits and how legal expertise can not only streamline but also maximize the success of...

Tune in to the latest episode of the Business Strategy podcast, where your host Steve Coughran shares invaluable insights on "How to Prevent This from Getting in the Way of Your Success." In this thought-provoking discussion, Steve explores the concept of good, better, and best, emphasizing the importance of prioritization when executing your strategy. By focusing on activities with the greatest potential upside, you can prevent yourself from being spread too thin and ensure that your efforts...

Welcome to the Business Strategy podcast with Steve Coughran. Today, we're delving into "Understanding the 4 Phases of Strategy." I believe in a holistic approach to strategy, avoiding narrow thinking to grasp the bigger picture. Through years of experience, I've developed a framework for strategy, comprising diagnose, design, execute, and empower. In the diagnose phase, we leverage data analytics to pinpoint operational and financial issues, starting with benchmarking and performance...

In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran delves into the heart of why many strategies don't live up to their aspirations. As we explore the conventional process followed by most companies, we'll discover how to bolster the odds of your strategy's success. Last fall, numerous businesses were engrossed in refining their budgets and securing approvals for the forthcoming year. Regular listeners will recall my skepticism toward traditional budgets that rigidly set...

In this week's episode of the "Business Strategy" podcast, host Steve Coughran dives deep into the transformative idea that, in the coming decade, nearly every company will essentially become a tech company. This sweeping change isn't limited to sectors traditionally associated with technology; it spans across industries like plumbing, electrical, advertising, food and beverage, healthcare, retail, and beyond. The dichotomy between tech companies and 'everyone else' is blurring, accelerated...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran sits down with Jackie Bebenroth, the visionary founder of Muse, to explore the timely question: "Is It Time to Change Your Brand?" Together, they delve into the essence of what a brand truly represents beyond logos and taglines, unraveling its significance in connecting with audiences on a deeper level. The conversation navigates the crucial moments leaders face when deciding to evolve their brand,...

Connect with us at www.coltivar.com In the latest episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran delves into the essence of strategic initiatives under the compelling title "Do Your Initiatives Include These 4 Things?". Steve begins by emphasizing the critical difference between strategy and strategic planning, building upon insights from the previous episode. He stresses that strategy involves making interconnected choices about a company's vision, competitive arenas,...

Welcome to the Business Strategy podcast with your host Steve Coughran. Today, we're delving into the question: Are Strategy and Strategic Planning the Same Thing? It's a topic that often gets conflated in the business world, leading to costly misunderstandings. Strategy, arguably one of the most misunderstood disciplines in business, is often mistakenly equated with planning. Many companies find themselves locked in fierce competition, scrambling for morsels of profit in crowded markets, a...

In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran dives into the crucial topic of achieving better results in business. He emphasizes the significance of having everyone in the organization on the same page and strategically aligned to drive success. Steve underscores the importance of putting the customer at the center of the strategy, highlighting how customer-centric approaches can lead to sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Furthermore, Steve discusses the...

Welcome to the Business Strategy podcast with your host, Steve Coughran. In today's episode, we tackle the pervasive myths surrounding strategy in the business world. With years of experience navigating the intricacies of strategic planning, Coughran dispels the notion that strategy is about predicting the future. Instead, he advocates for a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability over rigid forecasting. Furthermore, Coughran challenges the misconception that...

Welcome to another episode of the Business Strategy podcast with your host, Steve Coughran. Today, we'll be delving into why Sam's Club's significant investment in technology, particularly its app, is a game-changer and why you should be following suit. Sam's Club has recognized the importance of streamlining the checkout process and elevating the customer experience through innovative technology. Join us as we explore the four key components of customer values and uncover strategies to...

In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, your host Steve Coughran dives into the critical topic of "It's Time to Fire that Toxic Employee." Drawing on his extensive experience working with companies of various sizes and industries, Steve sheds light on the game-changing impact toxic employees can have on an organization. Sharing anecdotes from his days as the CFO of a major construction company, Steve emphasizes the detrimental effects of retaining toxic individuals, even if they are...

Join host Steve Coughran on the Business Strategy Podcast as he tackles "The Dangers of Straddling" in the world of modern business. Dive into the detrimental effects of pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously, a trap many ambitious companies fall into. Explore why a less-is-more approach, focusing on a single, well-executed strategy, leads to sustained success, growth and differentiation in the market. Understand how a singular strategy aligns with a company's overall objectives,...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Business Strategy podcast, hosted by Steve Coughran. In this insightful conversation, Steve sits down with Matt Clark, the visionary Founder of Virtual Edge, to delve into the world of "B2B Leads on LinkedIn with Automation and AI." Together, they explore the critical elements of successful B2B lead generation on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of defining an ideal customer, the power of personalization in outreach, and the art of building meaningful...

Welcome to a compelling episode of the Business Strategy podcast, hosted by the insightful Steve Coughran. In today's episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Katrin Zimmermann, the esteemed CEO of TLGG Consulting, as we unravel the intricacies of "What you should know about AI in Innovation." Steve engages Katrin in a thought-provoking discussion, exploring how AI is not just a technological advancement but a transformative force reshaping businesses, strategies, and operating...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Business Strategy podcast with your host, Steve Coughran. Today, we have two distinguished guests, Roderick Jones, Executive Chairman, and Mike LeFever, CEO, of Concentric, sharing their wealth of experience on "Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis." Steve engages them in a thought-provoking conversation, exploring the key attributes and skills that leaders should possess to successfully navigate a crisis. Roderick and Mike draw from their...

Welcome back to the Business Strategy podcast with your host, Steve Coughran. Today, we delve into the fundamental choices businesses face when crafting their strategic paths: Pursuing Differentiation or Cost Leadership. In this episode, we break down the two dominant approaches, exploring their distinct characteristics and critical considerations. Differentiation involves creating a unique value proposition that sets a company apart, and we'll dissect how industry giants like Apple and Tesla...

In this captivating episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran finds himself in the hot seat as his good friend, Sam Meldrum, takes the opportunity to delve deep into Steve's entrepreneurial journey. Titled "Lessons from an Entrepreneur," this conversation goes beyond the surface-level discussions and explores the critical aspects of getting started in business, crafting effective strategies, mastering finance, and embracing the potential of technology and AI. As Sam...

In a special session called "Ask Your CFO" on the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran is interviewed by Jess Meehan to discuss important financial topics. Explore key aspects of assessing business health and performance by monitoring financial ratios and metrics. Discover potential risks and challenges when scaling a business and learn effective strategies to mitigate them. Gain insights into attracting investment and securing funding for business expansion plans. Navigate tax...

Today's episode focuses on the best approach to track your strategy for long-term success in business. Defining clear objectives and indicators is the first step. By outlining your goals and identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), you establish alignment and create a benchmark for tracking progress. Once you've set your objectives, it's important to establish a baseline and targets for each KPI. This allows you to track your progress over time and make necessary adjustments as you work...