{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://businessinaction.com/category/leadership/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://businessinaction.com/category/leadership/", "feed_url": "https://businessinaction.com/category/leadership/feed/json/", "title": "Business In Action", "items": [ { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-brilliance-of-the-blue-ocean-strategy/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-brilliance-of-the-blue-ocean-strategy/", "title": "The Brilliance of the Blue Ocean Strategy", "content_html": "

Say you have your sights set on a new enterprise\u2014perhaps one in the ever-growing digital communications, health-care, or dining industry. But as you craft your business plan, you encounter some significant warning signs that you\u2019re in for a bruising battle, fighting tooth and nail for market share, running down costs, and pumping funds into marketing just to gain a foothold in this crowded field.

\n

\"\"But what if instead of contending for a small slice of that pie, you bake a completely new one? Chasing such tantalizing alternatives is at the heart of the blue ocean strategy: creating uncontested market space and making the competition largely irrelevant. For business owners, understanding and applying blue ocean thinking (and red, its alternative) can be a critical framework for generating sustainable growth.

\n

The genesis of the tactic

\n

The concept of red and blue ocean strategies burst onto the business scene when strategic thinkers W. Chan Kim and Ren\u00e9e Mauborgne published their groundbreaking book Blue Ocean Strategy in 2005 (and updated it in 2015). This culmination of a decade-long study of business schemes across over thirty industries challenged conventional wisdom that success hinged primarily on beating one\u2019s rivals. Such traditional thinking, they argued, operated from an overly militaristic perspective of seeking competitive advantages within existing industries.

\n

Through their work, Kim and Mauborgne proposed a paradigm shift. Instead of focusing on competition, leaders should turn to value innovation: the simultaneous pursuit of superior value for customers and lower costs for the company. Their research highlighted businesses that had succeeded not by winning battles but by avoiding them altogether\u2014and opening vast new market spaces in the process.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Defining the oceans

\n

To effectively navigate these strategies, it\u2019s crucial to understand the distinct characteristics of each \u201cocean\u201d that entrepreneurs can wade into.

\n

The red ocean: competing in known markets
\nBusinesses that take this approach, named for blood in the water, occupy popular market space and strive to earn their own share of existing demand and outdo competitors. To succeed, they must typically choose between offering a highly differentiated product at a premium or a low-cost product with standard features. The result is price wars, aggressive advertising campaigns that directly compare products, and research into incremental product improvements.

\n

Leaders must also diligently suppress operational costs and hyper-differentiate their organization with unique branding. A prime example is the intensely competitive and saturated telecommunications market, where a few major companies are constantly vying to persuade the same customers.

\n

The blue ocean: exploring new market spaces
\nWhile it\u2019s possible to succeed in a red ocean, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s alternative may be more lucrative: shifting to the clear waters of a blue one. Here, you leverage innovation to effectively make the competition irrelevant. To pursue this path, you offer the market something fundamentally new and more valuable, the likes of which potential consumers haven\u2019t seen.

\n

However, because markets may be unfamiliar with your products or services (or at least your company\u2019s unique approach to them), creating and capturing new demand may require that you initially sell your offerings at low costs. You will be asking prospects to take a leap and try something unfamiliar, so succeeding in blue oceans means successfully convincing them that you not only are worth the risk but also offer a value proposition that no one else does. Additionally, you\u2019ll need to continue innovating should competitors imitate your ideas or otherwise enter your space. Continually pushing new ideas further and introducing new ones can help prevent a blue ocean from becoming a red one.

\n

Many companies have taken such avenues to stellar success, including these examples:

\n

Amazon
\nThis megaretailer is an example of a company that consistently works to turn a red ocean into a blue one. While it already dominates the crowded field of e-commerce through competitive pricing and customer service, it continually forges ahead with creative initiatives like Amazon Web Services and drone deliveries (in a few states), thereby creating entirely new markets.

\n

Cirque du Soleil
\nInstead of competing with traditional circuses that relied on star animal acts and expensive performers, Cirque du Soleil eliminated these high-cost elements in favor of a theatrical storytelling performance that appeals to adults and youth alike, making it a Las Vegas mainstay and international sensation.

\n

Netflix
\nInitially, Netflix disrupted the video rental market by eliminating late fees and physical store visits (major customer pain points), instead creating a subscription-based, mail-order DVD service that offered unparalleled selection and convenience. Later, it executed another seemingly blue ocean move by leapfrogging into streaming media, further enhancing convenience and becoming content creators in their own right.

\n

\"\"

\n

Finding your path

\n

You may find that your route to success begins with market research, either independently (e.g., conducting social media polls) or via a third-party researcher. The results of said research can reveal which type of ocean lies before you should you follow this enterprise.

\n

However, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s lesson is clear: don\u2019t fight harder in red oceans; fight smarter in blue ones. Understand where the competition is fierce, and keep an eye out for unexplored opportunities. Should you sail with confidence and preparation into an innovative space, you can position your business to not only survive but also grow, profit, and lead.

\n

For more info, visit blueoceanstrategy.com

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nLearn more about practicing these methods by enrolling in one of the authors\u2019 strategic programs.

\n

The post The Brilliance of the Blue Ocean Strategy appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "Say you have your sights set on a new enterprise\u2014perhaps one in the ever-growing digital communications, health-care, or dining industry. But as you craft your business plan, you encounter some significant warning signs that you\u2019re in for a bruising battle, fighting tooth and nail for market share, running down costs, and pumping funds into marketing just to gain a foothold in this crowded field.\nBut what if instead of contending for a small slice of that pie, you bake a completely new one? Chasing such tantalizing alternatives is at the heart of the blue ocean strategy: creating uncontested market space and making the competition largely irrelevant. For business owners, understanding and applying blue ocean thinking (and red, its alternative) can be a critical framework for generating sustainable growth.\nThe genesis of the tactic\nThe concept of red and blue ocean strategies burst onto the business scene when strategic thinkers W. Chan Kim and Ren\u00e9e Mauborgne published their groundbreaking book Blue Ocean Strategy in 2005 (and updated it in 2015). This culmination of a decade-long study of business schemes across over thirty industries challenged conventional wisdom that success hinged primarily on beating one\u2019s rivals. Such traditional thinking, they argued, operated from an overly militaristic perspective of seeking competitive advantages within existing industries.\nThrough their work, Kim and Mauborgne proposed a paradigm shift. Instead of focusing on competition, leaders should turn to value innovation: the simultaneous pursuit of superior value for customers and lower costs for the company. Their research highlighted businesses that had succeeded not by winning battles but by avoiding them altogether\u2014and opening vast new market spaces in the process.\n\n\nDefining the oceans\nTo effectively navigate these strategies, it\u2019s crucial to understand the distinct characteristics of each \u201cocean\u201d that entrepreneurs can wade into.\nThe red ocean: competing in known markets\nBusinesses that take this approach, named for blood in the water, occupy popular market space and strive to earn their own share of existing demand and outdo competitors. To succeed, they must typically choose between offering a highly differentiated product at a premium or a low-cost product with standard features. The result is price wars, aggressive advertising campaigns that directly compare products, and research into incremental product improvements.\nLeaders must also diligently suppress operational costs and hyper-differentiate their organization with unique branding. A prime example is the intensely competitive and saturated telecommunications market, where a few major companies are constantly vying to persuade the same customers.\nThe blue ocean: exploring new market spaces\nWhile it\u2019s possible to succeed in a red ocean, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s alternative may be more lucrative: shifting to the clear waters of a blue one. Here, you leverage innovation to effectively make the competition irrelevant. To pursue this path, you offer the market something fundamentally new and more valuable, the likes of which potential consumers haven\u2019t seen.\nHowever, because markets may be unfamiliar with your products or services (or at least your company\u2019s unique approach to them), creating and capturing new demand may require that you initially sell your offerings at low costs. You will be asking prospects to take a leap and try something unfamiliar, so succeeding in blue oceans means successfully convincing them that you not only are worth the risk but also offer a value proposition that no one else does. Additionally, you\u2019ll need to continue innovating should competitors imitate your ideas or otherwise enter your space. Continually pushing new ideas further and introducing new ones can help prevent a blue ocean from becoming a red one.\nMany companies have taken such avenues to stellar success, including these examples:\nAmazon\nThis megaretailer is an example of a company that consistently works to turn a red ocean into a blue one. While it already dominates the crowded field of e-commerce through competitive pricing and customer service, it continually forges ahead with creative initiatives like Amazon Web Services and drone deliveries (in a few states), thereby creating entirely new markets.\nCirque du Soleil\nInstead of competing with traditional circuses that relied on star animal acts and expensive performers, Cirque du Soleil eliminated these high-cost elements in favor of a theatrical storytelling performance that appeals to adults and youth alike, making it a Las Vegas mainstay and international sensation.\nNetflix\nInitially, Netflix disrupted the video rental market by eliminating late fees and physical store visits (major customer pain points), instead creating a subscription-based, mail-order DVD service that offered unparalleled selection and convenience. Later, it executed another seemingly blue ocean move by leapfrogging into streaming media, further enhancing convenience and becoming content creators in their own right.\n\nFinding your path\nYou may find that your route to success begins with market research, either independently (e.g., conducting social media polls) or via a third-party researcher. The results of said research can reveal which type of ocean lies before you should you follow this enterprise.\nHowever, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s lesson is clear: don\u2019t fight harder in red oceans; fight smarter in blue ones. Understand where the competition is fierce, and keep an eye out for unexplored opportunities. Should you sail with confidence and preparation into an innovative space, you can position your business to not only survive but also grow, profit, and lead.\nFor more info, visit blueoceanstrategy.com\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nLearn more about practicing these methods by enrolling in one of the authors\u2019 strategic programs.\nThe post The Brilliance of the Blue Ocean Strategy appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-31T08:00:34+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:47:27+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/oceanstrategy-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Books", "Business Books", "Business Strategy", "Leadership Skills", "Strategy", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Apply this noted tool to your next entrepreneurial venture to boost your chances of becoming profitable." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/why-ceos-need-decision-audits/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/why-ceos-need-decision-audits/", "title": "Why CEOs Need Decision Audits", "content_html": "

It\u2019s an undeniable truth: everybody makes mistakes. Even the greatest CEO could build the perfect strategy, rely on the right data, and surround themselves with top-notch advisors yet still make a decision that negatively impacts their company. When you\u2019re in this situation, the difference between faltering and thriving may lie in how you respond when outcomes don\u2019t match your intent.

\n

Enter the decision audit: a structured process you can use to evaluate your choices, learn from them, and reverse course with integrity. It\u2019s the business equivalent of a postgame review, as it examines how a choice was made, not just whether it was successful. When used effectively, this tool can turn hindsight into fuel for better foresight while helping to uncover potential blind spots or biases and strengthening your decision-making abilities.

\n

 

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Why decision audits matter

\n

When a major decision doesn\u2019t deliver as expected, the instinct is often to move on quickly, either out of discomfort or urgency. But that impulse is often a missed opportunity. A decision audit helps you deconstruct the context so you can uncover the true cause of the outcome\u2014thus avoiding a repeat of the same mistake and creating lasting improvement. The goal is to provide greater clarity and understanding of why the decision failed and what you need to change so the next one fares better. Here\u2019s a closer look at five core steps to follow.

\n

1. Define your purpose
\nStart by naming the decision or set of decisions you want to evaluate. Focus on high-impact choices that shaped strategy, spending, product direction, or culture. Once you know what you want to look at, you can then define your goals for the audit: Are you trying to understand why a product underperformed, why a hiring strategy backfired, or why a partnership faltered? Clarity here ensures that your audit stays actionable and doesn\u2019t veer into broad theorizing.

\n

2. Reconstruct and evaluate the process
\nNext, piece together the decision timeline by answering key questions:

\n\n

The intent is to test the process and evaluate its quality. You already know the outcome, but looking back at what all impacted the decision can help you better pinpoint where you need to improve in the future.

\n

 

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

3. Assess the outcome in context
\nWith that being said, while the audit is process-focused, the outcome does still matter. Consider whether the decision met its intended goal, and account for external variables like market shifts, competitor actions, or regulatory hurdles. Did the result stem from a flawed process, bad luck, or a mixture of both? Distinguishing between the two can show whether there\u2019s something you need to improve in your decision-making process or if you must accept that some risks simply materialized despite sound choices.

\n

4. Translate lessons into action
\nHere\u2019s where audits become truly powerful. Take what you\u2019ve learned and translate it into concrete next steps, such as process changes, new guardrails, or even a reversal of the decision itself. Admitting you were wrong takes courage, but great leaders can own it publicly and still maintain their forward momentum.

\n

Consider Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks. He famously did this when he realized the company\u2019s focus on expansion had diluted the customer experience. By examining his past choices and acknowledging his missteps, he realigned the brand around quality and connection\u2014a move that reignited growth. His example shows that reversals, when done well, signal discipline and humility, not weakness.

\n

 

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

5. Make it a habit
\nA single audit is useful, but consistent, periodic audits can be transformational. Embedding this tool into your leadership rhythm, be it quarterly, after major launches, or during annual reviews, can help make you less reactive and more reflective while sharpening your instincts. As a bonus, you can champion a culture that prizes learning over ego.

\n

Remember, mistakes are inevitable, but learning from them is a choice. Great leaders don\u2019t pretend to be infallible. Instead, they build processes that expose errors, extract truth, and convert lessons into practical improvements.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nIdentify one questionable high-impact decision you\u2019ve made in the past six months. Conduct a decision audit using the five-step framework to glean new insights and potential improvements.

\n

The post Why CEOs Need Decision Audits appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "It\u2019s an undeniable truth: everybody makes mistakes. Even the greatest CEO could build the perfect strategy, rely on the right data, and surround themselves with top-notch advisors yet still make a decision that negatively impacts their company. When you\u2019re in this situation, the difference between faltering and thriving may lie in how you respond when outcomes don\u2019t match your intent.\nEnter the decision audit: a structured process you can use to evaluate your choices, learn from them, and reverse course with integrity. It\u2019s the business equivalent of a postgame review, as it examines how a choice was made, not just whether it was successful. When used effectively, this tool can turn hindsight into fuel for better foresight while helping to uncover potential blind spots or biases and strengthening your decision-making abilities.\n \n\n \nWhy decision audits matter\nWhen a major decision doesn\u2019t deliver as expected, the instinct is often to move on quickly, either out of discomfort or urgency. But that impulse is often a missed opportunity. A decision audit helps you deconstruct the context so you can uncover the true cause of the outcome\u2014thus avoiding a repeat of the same mistake and creating lasting improvement. The goal is to provide greater clarity and understanding of why the decision failed and what you need to change so the next one fares better. Here\u2019s a closer look at five core steps to follow.\n1. Define your purpose\nStart by naming the decision or set of decisions you want to evaluate. Focus on high-impact choices that shaped strategy, spending, product direction, or culture. Once you know what you want to look at, you can then define your goals for the audit: Are you trying to understand why a product underperformed, why a hiring strategy backfired, or why a partnership faltered? Clarity here ensures that your audit stays actionable and doesn\u2019t veer into broad theorizing.\n2. Reconstruct and evaluate the process\nNext, piece together the decision timeline by answering key questions:\n\nWho was involved in discussions, and why?\nWhat evidence, including data, forecasts, and customer insights, was available at the time?\nWere any alternatives seriously considered?\nWhat assumptions (explicit or implicit) drove the choice?\nWhat external pressures, such as deadlines or stakeholders, influenced the process?\n\nThe intent is to test the process and evaluate its quality. You already know the outcome, but looking back at what all impacted the decision can help you better pinpoint where you need to improve in the future.\n \n\n \n3. Assess the outcome in context\nWith that being said, while the audit is process-focused, the outcome does still matter. Consider whether the decision met its intended goal, and account for external variables like market shifts, competitor actions, or regulatory hurdles. Did the result stem from a flawed process, bad luck, or a mixture of both? Distinguishing between the two can show whether there\u2019s something you need to improve in your decision-making process or if you must accept that some risks simply materialized despite sound choices.\n4. Translate lessons into action\nHere\u2019s where audits become truly powerful. Take what you\u2019ve learned and translate it into concrete next steps, such as process changes, new guardrails, or even a reversal of the decision itself. Admitting you were wrong takes courage, but great leaders can own it publicly and still maintain their forward momentum.\nConsider Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks. He famously did this when he realized the company\u2019s focus on expansion had diluted the customer experience. By examining his past choices and acknowledging his missteps, he realigned the brand around quality and connection\u2014a move that reignited growth. His example shows that reversals, when done well, signal discipline and humility, not weakness.\n \n\n \n5. Make it a habit\nA single audit is useful, but consistent, periodic audits can be transformational. Embedding this tool into your leadership rhythm, be it quarterly, after major launches, or during annual reviews, can help make you less reactive and more reflective while sharpening your instincts. As a bonus, you can champion a culture that prizes learning over ego.\nRemember, mistakes are inevitable, but learning from them is a choice. Great leaders don\u2019t pretend to be infallible. Instead, they build processes that expose errors, extract truth, and convert lessons into practical improvements.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nIdentify one questionable high-impact decision you\u2019ve made in the past six months. Conduct a decision audit using the five-step framework to glean new insights and potential improvements.\nThe post Why CEOs Need Decision Audits appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-29T08:00:32+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:47:42+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/decision-audit-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Audit", "CEO", "Decision", "Leadership", "Planning" ], "summary": "Discover why you should regularly audit your decisions to sharpen your strategy and strengthen your judgment." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/smart-business-moves-for-vacation-season/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/smart-business-moves-for-vacation-season/", "title": "Smart Business Moves for Vacation Season", "content_html": "

Daydreams of warm, sandy beaches or mountain escapes are enough to inspire many entrepreneurs to depart the office for a much-needed vacation.

\n

These breaks may seem especially timely if your industry experiences a significant slowdown in summer. But for truly growth-focused small businesses, these quiet weeks offer golden opportunities\u2014with competitors on vacation or running with a skeleton crew of employees, it\u2019s your chance to kick your business into high gear. The following strategic actions can help you build momentum now so you can sprint ahead of them by the time fall arrives.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Analyze the competition

\n

Take advantage of this often slow period to conduct a thorough, unbiased analysis of your rivals\u2019 current market position, reviewing their social media activity from the past few months to spot any gaps. What are their customers complaining about in reviews? Which services do they explicitly fail to offer? Such competitive intelligence is invaluable since you can use it to develop new service offerings or marketing messages that directly address what their customers are missing. You may be able to convince these relevant leads to change their allegiance to your business.

\n

Reinforce your customer relationships

\n

Because many clients are on break themselves, the last thing they may want is to hear a sales pitch. Instead of being blatantly salesy in your messaging, turn transactional relationships with customers into more loyal partnerships. For example, send targeted emails and text messages that offer summer greetings or helpful information like market details and enticing discounts (e.g., a quick, free consultation to plan their needs for the upcoming quarter). Such friendly gestures can strengthen their commitment to your business, remind customers of your consistent presence, and spark valuable conversations that your competitors could miss.

\n

Gather feedback

\n

This is some of the most impactful dialogue you can have with your clients. Every owner believes they understand what their customers want, but a slow period offers you the chance to move beyond assumptions and discover the truth through honest, unfiltered feedback. Set up a request for comments on your social pages, and consider emailing recent customers to get in touch or post reviews for constructive criticism. Ask open-ended questions like \u201cWhat did we do well?\u201d and \u201cWhat is one thing we could do to improve your experience?\u201d Look for trends; the insights you gather should directly influence your upcoming growth plans.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Create engaging content

\n

Your competitors\u2019 marketing may be on autopilot, relying on things like prescheduled posts. Your strategy should be to do the opposite, flooding the digital space with high-value, eye-catching content that makes your brand stand out\u2014think infographics displaying industry trends, summer-themed tours of your office and team, and quick-tip videos that solve common customer pain points. Scheduling such content will capture the attention of scrollers who are tired of your competitors\u2019 automated communications.

\n

Streamline processes

\n

The biggest enemy of a small business is inefficiency, which can manifest in such money drains as wasted manhours and slowed delivery times. Identify some of the most tedious and repetitive tasks in your business, whether it\u2019s client onboarding, invoice follow-up, or something else entirely. Review the steps of each of these workflows, then research and implement affordable automation tools, such as CRM integration, email sequencing, and/or AI solutions, to streamline them. By fall, you\u2019ll have gained hours of valuable time to focus on more revenue-generating activities.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Plan your fall strategies

\n

Autumn\u2019s colors, holidays, and much-anticipated scenery are full of marketing potential. To get ahead of that season and leverage its festivities, plan some appealing initiatives in advance. For example, you could host a pumpkin patch and serve fresh cider at a networking event or theme your social media posts around fall activities like foliage sightings. Additionally, budget now to promote appealing specials you can hold in fall, like a Halloween \u201cSpooktacular\u201d with free first consultations or 10 percent off slow-moving products. Making these efforts early can give you a leg up over competitors who may fail to lay out fall strategies sufficiently early.

\n

Upskill your team

\n

Your people are your greatest asset. While your competitors\u2019 teams are short-staffed during summer, use this quiet time to invest in yours, highlighting growth. Arrange targeted, skill-based training sessions between employees\u2019 vacation days, like seminars on new industry best practices or customer service role-playing based on recent feedback. These initiatives will not only improve their skills but also boost their morale\u2014and maybe even their retention\u2014especially if you listen to their own training requests. Take every opportunity to enrich your team\u2019s talent and engagement, and you can better contend with your rivals.

\n

Keep in mind that even if you are also vacationing this summer, you can still implement these strategies once you return. The key is to strike while the iron (and season) is hot. Use this time wisely, and you\u2019ll have the chance to make foundational changes and strategic moves that will set your business apart in the long term.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nSet aside time for these efforts, starting with the ones that best suit your current priorities.

\n
\n

\n

\n

The post Smart Business Moves for Vacation Season appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "Daydreams of warm, sandy beaches or mountain escapes are enough to inspire many entrepreneurs to depart the office for a much-needed vacation.\nThese breaks may seem especially timely if your industry experiences a significant slowdown in summer. But for truly growth-focused small businesses, these quiet weeks offer golden opportunities\u2014with competitors on vacation or running with a skeleton crew of employees, it\u2019s your chance to kick your business into high gear. The following strategic actions can help you build momentum now so you can sprint ahead of them by the time fall arrives.\n\n\nAnalyze the competition\nTake advantage of this often slow period to conduct a thorough, unbiased analysis of your rivals\u2019 current market position, reviewing their social media activity from the past few months to spot any gaps. What are their customers complaining about in reviews? Which services do they explicitly fail to offer? Such competitive intelligence is invaluable since you can use it to develop new service offerings or marketing messages that directly address what their customers are missing. You may be able to convince these relevant leads to change their allegiance to your business.\nReinforce your customer relationships\nBecause many clients are on break themselves, the last thing they may want is to hear a sales pitch. Instead of being blatantly salesy in your messaging, turn transactional relationships with customers into more loyal partnerships. For example, send targeted emails and text messages that offer summer greetings or helpful information like market details and enticing discounts (e.g., a quick, free consultation to plan their needs for the upcoming quarter). Such friendly gestures can strengthen their commitment to your business, remind customers of your consistent presence, and spark valuable conversations that your competitors could miss.\nGather feedback\nThis is some of the most impactful dialogue you can have with your clients. Every owner believes they understand what their customers want, but a slow period offers you the chance to move beyond assumptions and discover the truth through honest, unfiltered feedback. Set up a request for comments on your social pages, and consider emailing recent customers to get in touch or post reviews for constructive criticism. Ask open-ended questions like \u201cWhat did we do well?\u201d and \u201cWhat is one thing we could do to improve your experience?\u201d Look for trends; the insights you gather should directly influence your upcoming growth plans.\n\n\nCreate engaging content\nYour competitors\u2019 marketing may be on autopilot, relying on things like prescheduled posts. Your strategy should be to do the opposite, flooding the digital space with high-value, eye-catching content that makes your brand stand out\u2014think infographics displaying industry trends, summer-themed tours of your office and team, and quick-tip videos that solve common customer pain points. Scheduling such content will capture the attention of scrollers who are tired of your competitors\u2019 automated communications.\nStreamline processes\nThe biggest enemy of a small business is inefficiency, which can manifest in such money drains as wasted manhours and slowed delivery times. Identify some of the most tedious and repetitive tasks in your business, whether it\u2019s client onboarding, invoice follow-up, or something else entirely. Review the steps of each of these workflows, then research and implement affordable automation tools, such as CRM integration, email sequencing, and/or AI solutions, to streamline them. By fall, you\u2019ll have gained hours of valuable time to focus on more revenue-generating activities.\n\n\nPlan your fall strategies\nAutumn\u2019s colors, holidays, and much-anticipated scenery are full of marketing potential. To get ahead of that season and leverage its festivities, plan some appealing initiatives in advance. For example, you could host a pumpkin patch and serve fresh cider at a networking event or theme your social media posts around fall activities like foliage sightings. Additionally, budget now to promote appealing specials you can hold in fall, like a Halloween \u201cSpooktacular\u201d with free first consultations or 10 percent off slow-moving products. Making these efforts early can give you a leg up over competitors who may fail to lay out fall strategies sufficiently early.\nUpskill your team\nYour people are your greatest asset. While your competitors\u2019 teams are short-staffed during summer, use this quiet time to invest in yours, highlighting growth. Arrange targeted, skill-based training sessions between employees\u2019 vacation days, like seminars on new industry best practices or customer service role-playing based on recent feedback. These initiatives will not only improve their skills but also boost their morale\u2014and maybe even their retention\u2014especially if you listen to their own training requests. Take every opportunity to enrich your team\u2019s talent and engagement, and you can better contend with your rivals.\nKeep in mind that even if you are also vacationing this summer, you can still implement these strategies once you return. The key is to strike while the iron (and season) is hot. Use this time wisely, and you\u2019ll have the chance to make foundational changes and strategic moves that will set your business apart in the long term.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nSet aside time for these efforts, starting with the ones that best suit your current priorities.\n\n\n\nThe post Smart Business Moves for Vacation Season appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-17T08:00:42+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:48:40+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/vacationcomp-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Business Strategy", "Leadership", "Marketing", "Summer", "Team Building" ], "summary": "From marketing moves to improved aptitudes, these steps can make your business more competitive." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/bridging-leadership-and-management/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/bridging-leadership-and-management/", "title": "Bridging Leadership and Management", "content_html": "

As companies grow and evolve, professionals are often expected to wear multiple hats. Among the most vital are the roles of manager and leader; however, even though these mostly rely on distinct skill sets, many people are tasked with doing both, sometimes without realizing it. But when you understand their differences and how they complement each other, you can become more effective, intentional, and impactful in your role.

\n

\"\"

\n

\n

Where they differ

\n

Although they often overlap in practice, management and leadership have fundamentally different priorities and methods. The former is rooted in process, structure, and stability. Managers keep things running\u2014they coordinate teams, monitor performance, and ensure that work is completed on time and according to plan. The best managers excel at execution, building systems that help to reduce inefficiencies and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

\n

Leadership, by contrast, is about direction and innovation. Leaders create the vision and motivate others to pursue it. They ask bigger questions, such as where the company is going and how it may need to evolve. Great ones inspire and challenge others to stretch beyond the status quo. Here\u2019s another way to think about it: managers focus on doing things right, but leaders focus on doing the right things, as the classic paraphrased saying goes. Neither is more important than the other, but each one can have distinct benefits for your organization and keep it moving forward.

\n

Where they overlap

\n

Despite their differences, leadership and management are undeniably connected in many respects\u2014in fact, their most powerful traits often reinforce each other. For instance, leaders without management skills may struggle to bring their organization\u2019s vision to life since ideas can flounder without structure, accountability, and follow-through. Managers without leadership qualities, meanwhile, may keep things running efficiently but leave their teams uninspired, causing them to lose motivation.

\n

That\u2019s why the best professionals can blend both. They connect daily tasks to long-term goals, use strategy to guide operations, and motivate people while managing performance. You don\u2019t have to hold a formal leadership title to lead, and you don\u2019t have to be in operations to manage well. Combining these capabilities can elevate your effectiveness, no matter your current role.

\n

Are you leading or managing?

\n

It\u2019s helpful to recognize how your instincts shape the way you interact with others and where you may want to stretch yourself. You may notice you tend to lean more toward being a manager if you:

\n\n

On the other hand, you may be more of a leader if you:

\n\n

Many people fall somewhere in the middle, and that\u2019s actually a good thing. The idea isn\u2019t to necessarily switch roles; rather, it\u2019s to strengthen your skill set by embracing traits of both.

\n

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

How to blend the two

\n

Strong leadership doesn\u2019t replace good management\u2014it builds on it. So once you\u2019ve established structure and clarity, leadership gives those systems purpose and momentum. Here\u2019s a closer look at how you can begin strengthening both sides of the equation.

\n

Developing management skills
\nWhile leadership drives vision, solid management keeps the engine running. If you\u2019re looking to sharpen your managerial effectiveness, focus on these core areas:

\n\n

Improving leadership skills
\nWith management fundamentals in place, leadership skills can then help your team grow, adapt, and stay engaged. These four behaviors can elevate your impact:

\n\n

It\u2019s also helpful to seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors. Understanding how others perceive your approach to leadership and management can reveal blind spots and opportunities you might not notice on your own. Reading books, attending workshops, or observing respected leaders in action can also deepen your insight and provide practical strategies to try.

\n

Organizations need both effective leaders and strong managers, but the real magic often happens when the two merge. When you lead well, you energize your team. When you manage well, you keep them focused. Together, these skills foster a culture of clarity, trust, and forward momentum. Ultimately, leadership and management aren\u2019t competing forces; they\u2019re complementary capabilities. And the more intentionally you integrate them, the more powerful your impact will be.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nConsider your current strengths and default behaviors to determine if you are leaning too far into managing tasks or leading without follow-through.

\n

The post Bridging Leadership and Management appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "As companies grow and evolve, professionals are often expected to wear multiple hats. Among the most vital are the roles of manager and leader; however, even though these mostly rely on distinct skill sets, many people are tasked with doing both, sometimes without realizing it. But when you understand their differences and how they complement each other, you can become more effective, intentional, and impactful in your role.\n\n\nWhere they differ\nAlthough they often overlap in practice, management and leadership have fundamentally different priorities and methods. The former is rooted in process, structure, and stability. Managers keep things running\u2014they coordinate teams, monitor performance, and ensure that work is completed on time and according to plan. The best managers excel at execution, building systems that help to reduce inefficiencies and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.\nLeadership, by contrast, is about direction and innovation. Leaders create the vision and motivate others to pursue it. They ask bigger questions, such as where the company is going and how it may need to evolve. Great ones inspire and challenge others to stretch beyond the status quo. Here\u2019s another way to think about it: managers focus on doing things right, but leaders focus on doing the right things, as the classic paraphrased saying goes. Neither is more important than the other, but each one can have distinct benefits for your organization and keep it moving forward.\nWhere they overlap\nDespite their differences, leadership and management are undeniably connected in many respects\u2014in fact, their most powerful traits often reinforce each other. For instance, leaders without management skills may struggle to bring their organization\u2019s vision to life since ideas can flounder without structure, accountability, and follow-through. Managers without leadership qualities, meanwhile, may keep things running efficiently but leave their teams uninspired, causing them to lose motivation.\nThat\u2019s why the best professionals can blend both. They connect daily tasks to long-term goals, use strategy to guide operations, and motivate people while managing performance. You don\u2019t have to hold a formal leadership title to lead, and you don\u2019t have to be in operations to manage well. Combining these capabilities can elevate your effectiveness, no matter your current role.\nAre you leading or managing?\nIt\u2019s helpful to recognize how your instincts shape the way you interact with others and where you may want to stretch yourself. You may notice you tend to lean more toward being a manager if you:\n\nPrioritize checklists, reports, and standard procedures\nFocus feedback on tasks and outcomes\nTreat conflict as something to resolve quickly, not explore deeply\nFeel most comfortable with predictability and control\n\nOn the other hand, you may be more of a leader if you:\n\nInvest time in purpose, vision, and values\nCoach others toward growth, not just results\nEmbrace experimentation and tolerate failure (within reason)\nSee uncertainty as an opportunity, not just a threat\n\nMany people fall somewhere in the middle, and that\u2019s actually a good thing. The idea isn\u2019t to necessarily switch roles; rather, it\u2019s to strengthen your skill set by embracing traits of both.\n\n\n\nHow to blend the two\nStrong leadership doesn\u2019t replace good management\u2014it builds on it. So once you\u2019ve established structure and clarity, leadership gives those systems purpose and momentum. Here\u2019s a closer look at how you can begin strengthening both sides of the equation.\nDeveloping management skills\nWhile leadership drives vision, solid management keeps the engine running. If you\u2019re looking to sharpen your managerial effectiveness, focus on these core areas:\n\nSet clear expectations: Define roles, responsibilities, and outcomes so your team knows what success looks like.\nCreate efficient systems: Streamline workflows and build repeatable processes that reduce confusion and save time.\nTrack performance: Use data and regular check-ins to measure progress and spot problems early.\nCommunicate consistently: Keep people informed and aligned through structured updates and feedback.\n\nImproving leadership skills\nWith management fundamentals in place, leadership skills can then help your team grow, adapt, and stay engaged. These four behaviors can elevate your impact:\n\nClarify the vision: Reinforce the \u201cwhy\u201d behind your team\u2019s work to boost motivation and alignment.\nAsk better questions: Encourage critical thinking by prompting reflection and insight.\nDevelop your people: Support growth through coaching, feedback, and meaningful challenges.\nLead through change: Stay adaptable, and guide your team with clarity during transitions.\n\nIt\u2019s also helpful to seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors. Understanding how others perceive your approach to leadership and management can reveal blind spots and opportunities you might not notice on your own. Reading books, attending workshops, or observing respected leaders in action can also deepen your insight and provide practical strategies to try.\nOrganizations need both effective leaders and strong managers, but the real magic often happens when the two merge. When you lead well, you energize your team. When you manage well, you keep them focused. Together, these skills foster a culture of clarity, trust, and forward momentum. Ultimately, leadership and management aren\u2019t competing forces; they\u2019re complementary capabilities. And the more intentionally you integrate them, the more powerful your impact will be.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nConsider your current strengths and default behaviors to determine if you are leaning too far into managing tasks or leading without follow-through.\nThe post Bridging Leadership and Management appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-15T08:00:24+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:51:23+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/managerleader-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Leadership", "Management" ], "summary": "Learn why blending these necessities is the key to long-term success." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-business-founders-evolving-role/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-business-founders-evolving-role/", "title": "The Business Founder\u2019s Evolving Role", "content_html": "

The post The Business Founder\u2019s Evolving Role appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Business Founder\u2019s Evolving Role appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-05-21T08:00:06+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-04-27T21:13:10+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Brainstorm", "Entrepreneur", "Expansion", "Founder", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Discover how (and why) leaders should change responsibilities to suit their organizations\u2019 changing needs." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/entrepreneur/helping-women-prosper/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/entrepreneur/helping-women-prosper/", "title": "Helping Women Prosper", "content_html": "

The post Helping Women Prosper appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Helping Women Prosper appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-03-04T08:00:03+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-11T15:46:50+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Business", "New York City", "Small Business", "Therapy", "Women", "Entrepreneur", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Get tips from a sales professional on how to handle customer conflict." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/success-saboteurs-seven-entrepreneurial-missteps/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/success-saboteurs-seven-entrepreneurial-missteps/", "title": "Success Saboteurs: Seven Entrepreneurial Missteps", "content_html": "

The post Success Saboteurs: Seven Entrepreneurial Missteps appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Success Saboteurs: Seven Entrepreneurial Missteps appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-02-25T08:00:26+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-11T15:44:34+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Book", "Entrepreneur", "Leadership", "Management", "Success" ], "summary": "Get tips from a sales professional on how to handle customer conflict." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/entrepreneur/three-brands-that-defied-the-odds/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/entrepreneur/three-brands-that-defied-the-odds/", "title": "Three Brands That Defied the Odds", "content_html": "

The post Three Brands That Defied the Odds appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Three Brands That Defied the Odds appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-02-18T08:00:30+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-11T15:43:48+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Executives", "Inspirational", "Leadership", "Management", "Entrepreneur" ], "summary": "Get tips from a sales professional on how to handle customer conflict." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/how-to-balance-work-and-identity/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/how-to-balance-work-and-identity/", "title": "How to Balance Work and Identity", "content_html": "

The post How to Balance Work and Identity appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post How to Balance Work and Identity appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-02-11T15:49:05+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-02-11T15:49:05+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Burnout", "Identity", "Leadership", "Self-Care", "Culture" ], "summary": "Get tips from a sales professional on how to handle customer conflict." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-perks-of-professional-development/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-perks-of-professional-development/", "title": "The Perks of Professional Development", "content_html": "

The post The Perks of Professional Development appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Perks of Professional Development appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-02-02T08:00:56+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-12-29T15:46:10+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Business growth", "Professional Development", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Get tips from a sales professional on how to handle customer conflict." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/embracing-the-sisu-mindset/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/embracing-the-sisu-mindset/", "title": "Embracing the Sisu Mindset", "content_html": "

The post Embracing the Sisu Mindset appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Embracing the Sisu Mindset appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-01-21T08:00:57+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-12-29T15:45:15+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Action", "Finland", "Leadership Skills", "Perseverance", "Sisu", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Get tips from a sales professional on how to handle customer conflict." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-secret-strength-of-vulnerability/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-secret-strength-of-vulnerability/", "title": "The Secret Strength of Vulnerability", "content_html": "

The post The Secret Strength of Vulnerability appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Secret Strength of Vulnerability appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2025-12-19T08:00:11+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-07T12:43:30+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Business", "Business Owners", "Business Strategy", "Entrepreneur", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Lead with honesty to foster trust and drive growth in your organization." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/in-touch-with-the-consumer/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/in-touch-with-the-consumer/", "title": "In Touch with the Consumer", "content_html": "

The post In Touch with the Consumer appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post In Touch with the Consumer appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2025-11-18T08:00:24+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-07T13:36:06+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Branding", "Business", "Hand Sanitizers", "Health", "Health Products", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Learn how a health-goods company hooked its customer base to keep them coming back for more." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/unlocking-gen-zs-potential/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/unlocking-gen-zs-potential/", "title": "Unlocking Gen Z\u2019s Potential", "content_html": "

The post Unlocking Gen Z\u2019s Potential appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Unlocking Gen Z\u2019s Potential appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2025-10-27T08:00:43+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-07T12:36:44+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Business", "Business Strategy", "Culture", "Employees", "Leadership", "Productivity" ], "summary": "Boost innovation by adapting your workplace to Gen Z\u2019s unique needs." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/why-company-culture-matters/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/why-company-culture-matters/", "title": "Why Company Culture Matters", "content_html": "

The post Why Company Culture Matters appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Why Company Culture Matters appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2025-10-15T08:00:03+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-08-13T16:57:39+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Culture", "Employee Engagement", "Retention", "Team Building", "Teamwork", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Learn the importance of strong company values and what elements they should feature." } ] }