And, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 analysis of 1 billion global users (Feb), the hottest skill right now is adaptability. That’s the power of an improv mindset and skillset. And most of us sadly never learn this invaluable skill in a classroom.

You can learn it, though.(And see my notes below for my LinkedIn Learning course on Adaptive Leadership Through Improv).

It’s so much more than being funny. Adaptability means that bravery, laughter and humor
flourish because we lean into change with less fear and more confidence. These are precursors to big, bold innovation.

Want to change your life, your output, and how you show up?

Listen up, accept and ‘yes and’ this article! Read on!

Here are 6 improv mindset lessons (more in my book, Stop Boring Me!) to change your life.

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

1. Play the Scene (Hand) You Are In

You don’t choose the scene or what happens to you; yet you can choose your response. This requires deep listening. Play the hand you are dealt the best way possible

2. Take Risks and Celebrate Mistakes
Innovation is experimentation. Risk is a muscle; when you exercise, it grows. View mistakes as learning vs. failure. We don’t have to be perfect! Plus, perfect is not funny. Want to be funnier? Be human, get out of your head, embrace imperfection and your truth.

3. “Yes, and” to Co-Create Powerfully (this is everything when it comes to innovation and
storytelling)

“Yes, and…” is how we build scenes and move forward. 1) Listen for an offer; 2) accept and say yes; 3) add on to what someone says (The AND) to move forward.. That’s how we stay in collaboration with others vs. a ‘yes but’ mentality which kills ideas. We don’t have to DO those ideas. We are SIMPLY exploring. For example, if your on-stage partner calls you “Mom,” you are a mom, and you build onto the reality your partner creates. Don’t drop your stuff; Integrate. In one scene, I was a werewolf and I was called ‘mom,’ so I combined it into a super idea: a werewolf mom. Integrating ideas expands creativity! In cultures filled with people who “yes, but” ( a “no”), little creativity happens. “Yes, but” someone and watch the reaction.

4. Make Your Partner Look AMAZING

When in life and improv, you get offers, asks, invites, etc. When we make people look amazing without judgment, we build relationships, trust and better ideas because we make it safer to try things.

5. Listen to Respond Honestly

Clearing your head rather than thinking about what you’ll say next is hard. Yet, being present in the moment allows you to react spontaneously to what is in front of you.
When we choose to respond honestly, people feel heard. Ex: “I don’t know what to say. That’s a first for me. That must have been hard for you.” Choosing honest emotions allows us to show up as we are. And it brings us closer to what’s naturally funny because we are being human vs. trying too hard.

6. Prepare and Let Go

When the scene ( at work or life) naturally coalesces around someone else’s idea, rally around it instead of ‘driving’ the scene your way. Every day unforeseen stuff – both good and bad – happens. Preparing and letting go as needed grows our resilience and adaptability.

• People with an improv (growth) mindset…
• Listen to each other and be present in the moment (where natural humor often lives)
• Accept the reality of the moment, add on to each other’s ideas: ‘Yes and’ vs. ‘Yes but’
  which kills creativity (you don’t have to do the idea; just explore)
• Make each other look good (no judging; have each other’s backs)
• Celebrate mistakes as learning and make it safe to take risks
• Prepare and let go as needed
• Accept and celebrate your imperfection – when you do, you are more connected to audiences and yourself because you are approachable, relatable and funnier. You’ll also
  make it safer for others to do the same.
• Unlock more creativity, storytelling and speaking that gets results

That’s how you grow and have others’ backs. Plus, this way, people can’t cough on you.

Check out my course from Madecraft on LinkedIn Learning: leading in the moment. Want a speaker that wraps big business and innovation lessons in laughter and interactivity? Reach out.

In today’s episode of The Small Business Show, we will be discussing how to create a solid business plan with Melinda Emerson, America’s number one small business expert, CEO of Quintessence Group, and Best-selling Author.

Key takeaways

1. Planning 12 months before launching your business is highly recommended. During this time, you should research, talk to the right people, save money, and, most importantly, understand who your paying customer will be.

2. The first thing you need to include in your business plan is the reason behind why you want to start this business. This is where your purpose, values, and mission should come from.

3. Secondly, you need to figure out how you are going to finance your business. It’s important to remember that banks generally do not lend money to startups; therefore, most startups are funded using personal savings.

4. The third aspect to consider is how your business is going to operate. You need to determine your current skills versus the skills you need to run your business successfully. Emerson also suggests that some people may need to work for another business similar to the one they want to start before launching their own to gain a clear understanding of their plan.

5. Finally, it’s important to understand your marketing plan and your target audience. You need to understand where your potential customers go and what they like, and then build your marketing strategy accordingly. Emerson advises, “If you can’t differentiate your business from your competitors, then your potential customer will likely go towards a bigger, well-known brand.”

6. Entrepreneurs should also prioritize how realistic their sales projections are. A 20 to 25% increase is still an aggressive goal and can help develop your budget on an annual, quarterly, and monthly basis. On the other hand, Emerson advises entrepreneurs to avoid including their “super secret sauce” in their business plans, such as their actual IP or anything they have a patent pending.

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

Adapting to consumer preferences is a strategy to ensure ongoing financial success in your business. Kate Ancketill, international keynote speaker, business futurist, CEO, and Founder of GDR Creative Intelligence, joins anchor Jim Fitzpatrick on the latest episode of The Small Business Show. Ancketill sits in this exclusive interview to guide entrepreneurs on adapting their customer satisfaction strategy. 

As a former “trend forecaster,” Ancketill is based in London and has a wide range of focus on commerce, which includes an international scope of retail brands and experiences. 

Key Takeaways

1. Business futurism is a practice that focuses on predicting the near-term future, typically the next five years. According to Ancketill, any predictions beyond this timeline are just speculation. 

2. To make these predictions, futurists like Ancketill analyze current trends, new technologies, and the major global forces that are shaping our world. They also examine the resulting reactions and trends that emerge from these forces.

3. For entrepreneurs looking to change consumer preferences, there is a wealth of high-quality information available for free. One clear trend is the move towards more sustainable and regenerative products and product lifecycles. Ancketill notes that this trend is not only good for the planet, but it also makes good business sense since everyone wants to save money.

4. Ancketill suggests that entrepreneurs should keep their technology up-to-date and ensure its proper distribution to avoid making common customer preference mistakes. Meanwhile, if the goal is to target a younger audience, it’s still important to cater to the older ones because the existing customers are typically the most lucrative ones. 

5. Ancketill proposes entrepreneurs should not hesitate to explore beyond their market and discover inspiring ideas. Once they find the key things that can potentially improve their business, they should implement them to succeed.

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

This guide looks at various time management techniques and systems that can transform how you manage your time, leading to increased engagement and productivity within your team.

Rethinking traditional time management

The conventional clock-based time management system places emphasis on hours worked rather than the results achieved. This approach misses the point of effective time management, as it doesn’t account for the quality of work produced. It also increases stress and fatigue by pressuring employees to work longer hours.

Exploring alternative time management systems is crucial if you want to maximize efficiency and productivity. Put simply, this approach helps you work smarter, not harder.

Result-oriented time tracking

Shifting the focus from monitoring time to measuring outcomes is crucial for enhancing productivity. Result-oriented time tracking boosts motivation and makes individuals accountable for their actions.

Using software tools and technologies for result-oriented time tracking can provide valuable insights and efficiency improvements. By focusing more on results, you can gain a better understanding of where time is being invested and make informed choices to optimize work processes.

For example, in a marketing agency, instead of simply tracking the hours spent on various tasks, result-oriented time tracking would involve measuring the outcomes achieved. This could include tracking the number of successful campaigns, client conversions, or the impact on revenue. By focusing on the results, the agency can identify which strategies are most effective.

1. The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a time management strategy that helps prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. The four quadrants of the matrix are: 

1. Important and urgent: tasks that require immediate attention and have significant consequences. 
2. Important but not urgent: tasks with unclear deadlines that can be scheduled.  
3. Not important but urgent: tasks that must be completed but can be delegated. 
4. Not important and not urgent: tasks that are unnecessary or a distraction.  

Dividing tasks into these subcategories helps you allocate your time more efficiently. The most important tasks get your attention first, while the more trivial tasks can be put off until later. This means that you can optimize your time and make the most of available resources.  

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, involves breaking work into focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks. It enhances concentration, prevents procrastination, and reduces burnout. In a work setting, this involves establishing specific time intervals for tasks using a timer and carefully planning breaks.

Studies show that prolonged work on one project reduces focus, but regular breaks recharge the mind, ensuring engagement and productivity. Physical movement during breaks also stimulates the brain, which enhances concentration.

Breaking your work into manageable chunks with breaks in between also creates a sense of progress and achievement. This approach takes advantage of the psychology of rewards. The idea is that experiencing frequent breaks and achieving small milestones helps to strengthen your motivation to complete tasks. 

The Timeboxing Technique

The Timeboxing Technique is closely related to the Pomodoro Technique, with a slight variation. It involves setting specific time limits, known as timeboxes, for tasks and working on them until the allocated time is up. This prevents work from expanding to fill the available time and helps you stay on track, avoid distractions, and improve productivity.

The strategy aligns with Parkinson’s Law of Triviality, which says that work expands to fit the time given for it. Setting realistic deadlines and working within defined time constraints motivates you to finish tasks within certain timeframes and helps you complete tasks more efficiently. If it’s a task that may need longer to complete, break the task into smaller subtasks, and regularly evaluate progress.

Managing energy for enhanced productivity

Effective time management goes beyond task scheduling; it involves optimizing energy levels throughout the day. Regular breaks, physical activity, and proper nutrition are key.

Exercise has numerous benefits, including improved attention span, accuracy, memory, and mental processing. These factors lead to quicker decision-making and increased productivity. Studies have shown that workplace exercise programs can improve time management and workload completion by 72%. 

Healthy diets also have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. By sticking to healthy eating habits and enjoying a variety of foods, you can improve your mental abilities.

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

The power of delegation and outsourcing 

Recognizing that you can’t handle everything alone is crucial for boosting productivity. By leveraging the expertise of your team members or specialized professionals, you can achieve more. Delegating tasks strengthens collaboration within your team, boosts employee morale, and also allows you to focus on the tasks that matter most. According to a Gallup study, businesses led by effective delegators experienced growth 112% greater than those led by managers who struggled with delegation.

Embracing technology for automation and efficiency

Using technology for automation and efficiency has revolutionized time management. Automation tools and project management software can streamline workflows, eliminating repetitive tasks and improving the overall efficiency of any business. These time management systems can significantly boost productivity. 

For example, using an automated customer relationship management (CRM) system can help you consolidate customer data, streamline data entry, automate communication, track customer interactions, and optimize sales.

Unlocking your potential using these time management systems

In today’s competitive landscape, effective time management is crucial if you want to optimize productivity. By experimenting with unique time management systems, such as task-oriented time management, the Pomodoro Technique, the Eisenhower Matrix, the Timeboxing Technique, result-oriented time tracking, and more, you can enhance operational efficiency and make the most of your time. These methods go beyond the limitations of traditional clock-based approaches, empowering you and your team to work smarter, and unlocking your business’s potential.

For entrepreneurs, passion is the driving force behind their success. Joining in the latest episode of The Small Business Show is Geroge Deeb, Author, Forbes Contributor, and Managing Partner at Red Rocket Ventures. Deeb offers his insight and shares his perspective on the matter. 

Webster’s dictionary defines passion as an intense, driving, or overmastering feeling of conviction. But according to Deeb, in English, that translates to, “As an entrepreneur, you better absolutely love what you’re doing because if you don’t, your business will fail.” 

Key Takeaways:

1. Passion is a crucial element for any entrepreneur, and it usually comes from a firsthand love or knowledge of a particular product. For instance, Deeb launched his adventure travel business, iExplore, out of his love for adventure travel, which he developed as he struggled to plan his own trips. As he solved the problem for himself, it solved the same issues for others.

2. When hiring staff for your business, finding individuals who share the same passion is essential. However, as the founder, you are responsible for living and breathing enthusiasm for your business, just as you’d expect your employees to do.

3. Entrepreneurs can effectively create a passion for their business by living the lifestyle, and that’s what Deeb did with iExplore. He required his staff to live the adventure travel lifestyle to share their stories, be excited about the industry, and share that enthusiasm with their customers.

4. Passion can be seen within an organization by engaging your team, reminding them of the ‘why,’ and consistently supporting their growth. Deeb measures passion in two ways – job satisfaction ratings and productivity levels.

5. It’s important to note that passion needs to be balanced. One should not be so passionate that they lose their common sense. Therefore, one should employ checks and balances and ensure they put proper business judgments before their passion.

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

Unexpected twists and turns are part of having a business. So, joining us in the latest episode of The Small Business Show is Corinne Hancock Scott, serial entrepreneur and Keynote speaker. Scott will discuss how entrepreneurs can thrive in chaos. 

As a cultural anthropologist, she primarily focuses on conflict resolution in crisis management. She spent the majority of her career as an international aid and development worker. She mentions how she has worked in some of the most chaotic areas around the globe. But now, she helps leaders and teams thrive in chaos. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Chaos can mean different things to different people depending on how they relate to the term. However, by definition, chaos refers to a state of confusion or disorder marked by a lack of organization or order. Scott believes that many people confuse their busy lives with chaos. She argues that it is more about how we react to unexpected events that determine our experience of chaos. If entrepreneurs can develop a positive relationship with chaos, they can begin to navigate through it more effectively. 

2. Scott distinguishes between a crisis and chaos. While a crisis often leads to quick action, chaos is the confusion and disorder that arises when unexpected events continue to occur, as they inevitably do in new and existing businesses.

3. When challenges arise, Scott helps small companies respond more effectively by following a few simple steps.

• • • If you notice, the bigger the crisis, the less we get stuck in the chaos. “We tend to move very quickly to a solution,” notes Scott. 
    • But when we look at the smaller mishaps like someone showing up late, missing an order, or something that has a devastating effect on that moment, it allows us a moment to feel those emotions of the moment. Scott encourages entrepreneurs to “embrace the suck of it.” Then that’s when you can decide the goals you aim to accomplish. 
    • Pull everything into the right here, right now. Break the disarray down to the more microsized missions you can achieve now based on the available resources. 

4. Consider chaos as an opportunity for growth, as it teaches valuable lessons and creates new possibilities. History shows that many great achievements have been accomplished by persevering through difficult times. Therefore, entrepreneurs should view chaos as a way to test and improve their resilience.

5. As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to develop the habit of acknowledging situations that are beyond their control, analyzing their emotional state, and taking note of their default responses. Scott refers to this process as the “ABCs,” where individuals either try to avoid the issue, blame others, or complain about it. However, these reactions don’t hold much value when faced with chaos or uncertainty.

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

30 Small Business Ideas That Take Less than $10K to Start

It’s more challenging to have a smaller amount, like $10k, while starting. Therefore, we will discuss 30 small business ideas that take less than $10k to start. Let’s have a look at them below. 

1. Dropshipping 

Dropshipping is easily one of the easiest businesses to start as a small business. Its starting cost is around $1000 with a 10% to 40% profit margin depending on how you run it. You can earn up to $1M annually with this business model. With the increasing popularity of dropshipping, the industry has expanded quickly. 

2. Tutoring Services 

Students require help with their subjects all year long; it’s one of the most stable businesses and hardly requires an investment. Yes, you do have to gain experience and expertise in the subjects of your choice for them. Freelancing platforms like Upwork can also help you get started faster. 

3. Real Estate Agent 

Becoming a real estate agent is relatively costly, as its starting cost lies between $5,000 and $10,000 on average, with a median income of $49,000. It would help if you also had licensing and certifications and fulfilled the requirements needed. 

4. Hauling Business 

The startup cost of trucks and trailers ranges between $5,000 and $10,000, and you can increase your fleet with time. Professionals in this business earn around $15-50 per hour, along with other expenses. You can also help eliminate unwanted junk and clean the area. 

5. Digital Marketing Consultant 

A laptop and an internet connection are all you need to get started with this profession. You will easily make $24k to $60k per client with a 10% to 40% profit margin. It depends on the quality of services, as well as the affordability with which you can maintain the business operations. 

6. Tour Guide 

If you become a walking tour guide, it will cost you as little as $2,000. If you want to make it more special, you can always use a vehicle that costs around $10,000. The best part is, you can charge up to $360 per person during the tours. Recovering your initial investment will not be a problem in this case. 

7. Green Business Consultant 

The startup cost for this business varies for regions but is under $10,000, with a commission potential of $1M/year. However, you have to gather knowledge about the following: 

• The available technology 
• Green-minded contractors for installations 
• Conservation methods 
• Calculating return on investment

8. Personal Trainer 

If you are a fitness enthusiast, becoming a personal trainer can be your most viable option. You may need to spend $5,000 monthly for most businesses and earn up to $96,000/year. You’ll help people achieve their fitness goals while earning a substantial amount for yourself. 

9. Window Cleaning Services 

Most of the essentials for window cleaning services are available in your home, and are also readily available and affordable. You can make anywhere between $50,000 and $75,000 per month, going up to $1M/year. It’s a great spin on classic housekeeping services and can help you get more payments. 

10. Online Business Manager 

As an online business manager or consultant, you need the following things to start: 

• Management experience 
• Internet 

• A laptop 

There are some certifications to prove your skills, but you can constantly update them over time. You can help CEOs achieve tremendous industry success too! 

11. Fashion Designer 

The median income for fashion designers is around $65,000, but you can always get more if you have the skills and reputation. You will need sewing machines, fabrics, and measuring tape. Later, you can work your way up and grow as a business. 

12. Local Delivery Service 

As a local delivery service, the primary costs of businesses include the licensing and vehicle expenses/ This business has an estimated 32.6% CAGR 2021-2027. This allows small business owners to earn up to $1,200/week with services like UberEats. 

There’s a profit margin of $1-8 on every delivery after paying your drivers. This kind of business may take slightly longer to take off, but it will be worth the effort in the end. 

13. YouTube Content Creator 

Starting a YouTube channel as a content creator is free. You may have to handle some startup equipment costs, but you can start with what you have. There’s a $.10 to $.30 margin on every video view. You can also make $3 to $5 per 1,000 views on your channel, depending on your location or region. 

14. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

You can start working in SEO with free tools and gradually work your way up. The top-rated industry professionals earn up to $150,000/year, making it a great small business idea. You can use different tools for the task, including: 

• Keyword research 
• Improving site speed 
• Google My Business 
• Content marketing 

15. Freelance Writer 

As a writer, you can start for less than $100 and earn up to $150/hr if you have the skills and experience required. You can also sign up as a copywriter and provide various services to industries. Tools like Surfer SEO can help you optimize your content and start your writing business. 

16. Rental Service for Equipment 

 The startup cost for the equipment rental service is around $15,000 (without heavy machinery). In this business, you can enjoy an average gross profit margin of 30% to 40%. The rental equipment business is popular in various industries, such as  

• Home medical equipment rentals 
• Construction tool rentals 
• Cars, boats, and other rentals

17. Brick and Mortar Restaurant 

A brick-and-mortar restaurant is one of the few businesses you can start for $10,000. These businesses may have various requirements, including health district inspections, insurance requirements, etc. Nonetheless, it’s a profitable SMB to get started with.  

18. Starting a Food Truck 

To start a food truck, you need around $10,000 and make your setup $1M per food truck. There’s also a $20,000 to $50,000 profit margin from these food trucks. It’s ideal if you like feeding people and want money. 

19. Become an Ice Cream Man 

Everyone recognizes the ice cream man on the corner of the street. You can start this business for $10,000. However, it would help if you remember your target audience is kids, there’s a seasonal fluctuation at times, and all you need is a freezer on wheels. 

20. Meal Prep Company 

The starting cost of license and inspection is the most significant consideration for small business owners. There’s a $20 to $50/hour profit margin you can consider. You can create a menu and market it to your potential audience. 

21. Mobile Food Carts 

There’s a $1,000 basic business setup that you can begin with while running mobile food trucks. There’s a potential to make up to six figures in a high-traffic area. So, explore the SMB option and start minting money today! 

22. Catering  

The catering industry is high in demand and may reach $378.39 billion by 2026. It also has a $20 and $90/per person revenue, depending on the food type and size. You can add creative elements to the business to ensure you thrive. 

23. Lock Smith Services 

A locksmith business can start at around $2,500 and pay you $10 and $25/hour. It’s the best option for phone and online businesses from home-based business owners. Insurance companies like AAA can also help you, or you can connect with clients independently. 

24. Telephone Answering Services 

As a business answering service, you can start for as little as $2,500 and get paid $10 to $25 an hour. You can apply for jobs via Indeed or find individual gigs via Upwork. It may take some time to grasp the business entirely, but it’s profitable in the long run. 

25. Candle Maker 

Candle making is one of the most affordable starting businesses with a $100 initial investment. It’s easy with 10x the upfront cost in the first month. You will need wax, pouring pitchers, and some essential equipment. The wick and the scented fragrances also contribute to this process. 

26. Security Company 

Startin a security company requires around $10,000 to start, and can get you $150/hour for bodyguard services. You can charge up to $1,600 for four-camera systems too. 

27. Mobile Car Wash 

A mobile car wash business requires a starting cost of $10,000 and earns up to $1M/year in profits. There’s a whopping 30% profit margin, making it a highly lucrative option. 

28. Research Services 

A primary computer and internet connection are all you need to get started with research services. You can make up to $150/hour, even as a freelancer. With some experience, you can use the research services for your long-term gains. 

29. Decoration Services 

Business licensing and variable costs are needed for building a portfolio. The decorating service depends on seasonal factors with a 15% to 50% profit margin. The decorating services can help bring more prospects, significant ROI, and improved results. 

30. Dent Removal Services 

Dent removal services provide business owners with a great opportunity. The services can earn you $50-$500/removal. The best part is that you can start with basic equipment, and then improve your services with experience and time. 

Bottom Line

Small businesses require planning and industry assessments. These small businesses can be profitable if done correctly.  

Therefore, we recommend following some of the best industry recommendations we have added in this article and finding more viable options for yourself in the future. If you still have more questions, consult with an SMB professional, and they will help you with the best industry recommendations.

On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, we’re discussing the power behind having a positive mindset. Joining us is Merril Hoge, international speaker, best-selling author, and former NFL running back, to explain further. 

The last time we spoke with Hoge, we discussed how entrepreneurs can maintain motivation and a positive outlook while enduring demanding times. Since then, he has republished his book, “Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life, ” to include his journey with ESPN and his unfortunate heart surgery. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Hoge leads the Way to Play program in the National Football League (NFL), has also worked with the Steelers, and has done scouting. However, he has prioritized speaking, which he deems to be his true passion.

2. Entrepreneurs face various challenges, deadlines, and goals. However, Hoge believes that the most important thing for business owners is acknowledging that everything starts and ends in their minds. Hoge believes, “We are more alike than we are not.”

3. Visuals are one tool that entrepreneurs can use to help them control their thoughts. In the league, for example, Hoge used the phrase “find a way” as the first image he would view every single day. 

5. Another way to maintain positivity as an entrepreneur is through self-evaluation. While visuals are important, entrepreneurs should also check in on themselves, challenge their limits, widen their scope, and keep moving forward to grow, evolve, and elevate. “If people understood that their mind is their greatest tool, they could practice empowering it, strengthening it, and exercising it to work for them rather than against them,” Hoge says.

6. According to Hoge, you can’t change people’s minds, but great leaders can motivate and influence them by modeling the behavior they wish to see. He asserts, “100% of what individuals say is important, but their actions are even more impactful.” He continues, “From a leader’s perspective, the best investment they can make is in themselves while also modeling the behavior they would like to see if the roles were reversed.”

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

One in five Americans has reported to have left a job in the past five years due to hostile company culture. On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, we’re joined by Matt Mayberry, CEO, keynote speaker, and author. Matt’s newest book, “Culture is the Way: How Leaders at Every Level Build an Organization for Speed, Impact, and Excellence,” explores how leaders at every level can unleash the full potential of their employees.

In the book, Culture Is the Way: How Leaders at Every Level Build an Organization for Speed, Impact, and Excellence, management consultant, keynote speaker, and former NFL player Matt Mayberry provides an insightful and practical guide to maximizing productivity and employee engagement. You will learn how leaders at all levels can generate an environment that fosters organizational success and allows each worker to reach their greatest potential. 

Key Takeaways;

1. MayBerry’s book addresses the misconceptions behind what others believe culture stands for. For example, Mayberry believes, “Culture is viewed as fluff or something soft, and the book’s first half focuses on those negative misconceptions.” 

2. The second half provides an actionable handbook and highlights how leaders can inspire team members and help them become the best version of themselves while accelerating their growth strategies. 

3. Being a former athlete gave Mayberry the perspective that culture is everything. 

4. In the business world, the one thing that the competition cannot copy is your internal culture, which Mayberry defines as “the behavior at scale.”

5. Mayberry believes that culture can be taught, but it starts at the leadership level. Within his book, he outlines a five-step process on how to achieve world-class culture. 

6. Culture isn’t just about satisfying your team, but it’s the driving mechanism to execute your strategy in the marketplace.   

Courtesy of Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA

Are you interested in exploring more? Keep reading. 

The Digital Dilemma-Confronting the Challenges of Excessive Digital Engagement

As entrepreneurs embrace the digital landscape for networking, innovation, and growth, they often unwittingly succumb to the pitfalls of excessive connectivity. Forbes highlights how constant notifications and information overload can hinder productivity, erode creativity, and compromise overall well-being.

While staying connected is crucial, setting boundaries on digital interactions is equally important. That is why you must implement a designated “email-free” or “notification-free” time slot during the day, allowing you to focus intensely on tasks without constant interruptions. 

Also, you can employ the Pomodoro technique, where work is divided into focused intervals followed by short breaks, enabling efficient work while minimizing digital distractions.

Furthermore, creating a daily digital curfew, where screens are off an hour before sleep, promotes better sleep quality by reducing the stimulating effects of blue light.

The Power of Unplugging for Digital Detox and Empowerment

Remember that unplugging in the digital age isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for personal empowerment. It is crucial to reclaim your control over your digital lives. Experts also underscore the importance of setting boundaries and embracing mindfulness to counter the allure of constant connectivity. 

They encourage entrepreneurs to schedule intentional breaks, redefine their relationship with technology, and strengthen healthier work-life equilibrium. Fortunately, you can achieve it by taking a few small steps. 

To foster a mindful relationship with tech, try using the following strategies:

• Practice “tech-free zones” within your living spaces. Designated areas where devices are off-limits encourage more present interactions with family and friends. 
• Incorporate a “digital Sabbath” day each week, during which all screens are turned off. It provides a chance to engage in offline activities and rejuvenate fully. 
• Learning to say “no” to non-essential digital engagements and setting clear communication expectations empower entrepreneurs to unplug without guilt.

Master the Art of Mindful Disconnection and Reconnection

Recharge Mental Faculties and Foster Creativity

By integrating regular moments of solitude, you can forge deeper connections with your entrepreneurial ventures and yourself. These breaks from constant connectivity are more than pauses; they’re opportunities to cultivate mental sharpness and creativity. The quiet and contemplation moments allow ideas to gestate and insights to flourish.

Mindfulness Exercises for Digital Reprieve

Practice mindfulness exercises to get a pathway to recenter attention away from screens and into the present moment. Techniques like deep breathing or meditation provide a mental reprieve from the constant stream of digital stimuli. You can experience heightened clarity and reduced stress.

Embrace Analog Pursuits for Nourishing Creativity

Incorporate hobbies and activities that don’t involve technology to nurture your creativity. Activities like painting, hiking, cooking, or playing a musical instrument engage different cognitive pathways and give you a much-needed break from the digital routine. These analog pursuits offer you respite and stimulate fresh perspectives and novel ideas.

A Glimpse into a Real World- Stories of Digital Harmony

Real-world success stories act as beacons of inspiration. For instance, Elon Musk, known for his groundbreaking work in technology and space exploration, understands the importance of creating a balanced relationship. 

While deeply engaged in the digital world, Musk emphasizes periods of mindful disconnection. He’s known to dedicate weekends to spending time with his family, pursuing outdoor activities, and engaging in creative hobbies that don’t involve screens. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing quality time offline, Musk rejuvenates his mind and remains innovative.

Similarly, Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, values the adventure of business and life. While his work often requires digital engagement, he believes in creating a balance that enables him to explore the world.

Remember that the intentional approach to achieving digital harmony fuels your productivity and enhances your creativity and overall satisfaction.

Forging a Conscious Relationship with Tech

Empowerment begins with action, and entrepreneurs can wield a Digital Wellness Toolkit to craft a conscious relationship with technology. By incorporating expert-recommended tools and apps, such as those highlighted by Inc., entrepreneurs can curate a customized approach to digital wellness. Mindfulness apps, screen time trackers, and notification management tools become essential allies in the journey towards balance.

In addition to technology tools, you can practice “email batching” by allocating specific times to check and respond to emails. It prevents constant interruptions and enhances productivity. Employing the “30-Day Digital Detox Challenge,” you gradually reduce screen time over a month, building sustainable habits. Using “light-blocking” apps or blue-light-filtering glasses in the evening can also aid in better sleep by reducing the impact of screens on your circadian rhythms.

Key Takeaway 

Armed with practical strategies and a deeper understanding, entrepreneurs are poised to recalibrate their connection with technology. That means by fostering a more mindful, balanced, and empowered digital presence; you can thrive in your entrepreneurial pursuits and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the ever-evolving digital landscape.