DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO THRIVE? CONSIDER READING ‘GOOD TO GREAT’ BY JIM COLLINS!
“Good is the enemy of great.” This is how Jim Collins begins his book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don’t,” which discusses how a handful of companies perfected their business strategies to create great businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses only last a season while others last 15–20 years, then “Good to Great” is a must-read. Over the past three decades, Collins has analyzed 28 businesses by studying their leadership skills, practices, and business strategies to understand how these companies skyrocketed past their competitors. After conducting dozens of case studies and analyses, Collins outlines several results that make excellent companies stand out. Here are three takeaways from “Good to Great.” The first key takeaway is determining your “hedgehog concept” — a strategy you can use for many years. This approach is based on Greek philosophy: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” To find your hedgehog concept, ask yourself these questions: What can your company be the best at? What can you and your colleagues be passionate about? What economic indicator should you focus on?
When creating habits and using technology, you don’t need to use everything on the market. There are millions of platforms, software, tools, and technologies to use within your business, but which one will strengthen your hedgehog concept? Collins suggests only implementing technology that complements your business. He recommends waiting before jumping onto a new trend, platform, media platform, and technology. Be sure it aligns with your values, goals, and hedgehog concept. What do you do when your business is faced with uncomfortable situations, facts, or data? Great companies and business leaders don’t sweep hard facts under the rug and deny them. However, leaders don’t wave the white flag or give up. Instead, great companies and business owners acknowledge hard facts, identify pain points, and implement strategies to help overcome struggles and strengthen abilities. Along with learning tips and strategies from these three lessons, you will also have a chance to learn more about Collins’ case studies, what companies he studied, and the techniques used to create business powerhouses. You can find “Good to Great” online and anywhere books are sold. Happy reading!
Attention Buyers and Sellers! Avoid These Common Mistakes
Spring has sprung, and alongside the blooming flowers, the real estate market is sprouting with new houses for sale and potential buyers looking for new homes. While this is an exciting time for both sellers and buyers, there are common mistakes that you should avoid. What mistakes should buyers avoid? The first error is focusing solely on interest rates when searching for a loan and lender. Although the interest rate is a factor you want to consider when requesting a loan, it shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. While any lender can give you a pre-approval, you want to ensure they can actually close the deal. Additionally, if you do not receive a W-2 from your job, are self- employed, or have a non-traditional career, be sure your lender can still write you a
loan. Furthermore, your lender will evaluate your credit report and debt-to-income ratio, so it’s vital you have all your documents ready. Before meeting with your lender, you will need your tax returns, pay stubs, and financial account statements. Not working with a buyer’s real estate broker is another mistake for many people. Having an experienced agent working solely for you is almost always a good idea, and since the commission is paid by the seller it costs nothing for this representation. What mistakes should sellers avoid? Most buyers who don’t want a fixer-upper would like all the required repairs completed before closing. Therefore, it’s best not to let your repairs and renovations pile up. Be sure to review your property and complete any major and minor repairs needed.
Another mistake to avoid is hiring the wrong agent. Did you know that, according to the National Association of Realtors, 67% of sellers choose their agent without looking at other options? You want an agent to help enhance your home’s value, ensure you work with the right renovators and maintenance people, and assist you with your sale. We are lucky to have relationships with some of the best real estate agents in the business. We will be happy to connect you with them, and assist you with any questions you have.
4 2
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator