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Is Business Becoming Too "Influencered"?

It seems like every business is hopping on the influencer marketing bandwagon these days. From fashion brands to tech startups, influencers are everywhere—shaping opinions, driving trends, and boosting sales.

 But here's the question: Are we overdoing it?

 While influencers can bring authenticity and engagement, there’s a risk of losing genuineness if every marketing message feels like a paid promotion. Consumers can tell when a message isn't truly aligned with the brand—or when an influencer’s recommendation is just another ad.

 So, what’s the balance?

 It's not about avoiding influencers, but about ensuring partnerships feel real and resonate with the audience. The key? Focus on influencers who share your values, not just those with the biggest following.

 Read more about how businesses can strike that perfect balance: 📖 https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/06/04/16-strategies-for-boosting-company-marketing-with-influencers/

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Is Your Business Losing Resources Without You Realizing It?

Resource misuse doesn’t always mean outright theft. Sometimes it’s hidden in expenses that don’t add up, shadow vendors, or processes designed without proper checks.

In my latest Entrepreneur article, I break down how these subtle leaks can quietly drain your company—and what leaders can do to catch them early.

Small signs matter. Fixing them now saves you from bigger losses later.

Protect your business and stay ahead:

📖https://www.entrepreneur.com/money-finance/5-signs-of-internal-company-theft-and-how-to-catch-it/491051

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Thinking About Expansion? Ask This First

 Before opening a second location, many small business owners focus on internal readiness—capital, staffing, supply chain. But there’s a critical external question that often gets overlooked:

 👉 “What does the competition in the new area look like?”

Market saturation is real. Expanding into a region that’s already crowded with similar offerings can stretch resources thin and dilute your brand's presence.

 Take time to:

Study the local demand

Understand your competitors’ strengths and gaps

Evaluate if your business truly brings something different to the table

Expansion isn’t just about growth—it’s about smart growth.

 📖 Read other questions business owners should ask before expanding: 🔗20 Questions To Ask Before Expanding Your Small Business

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Scaling Isn’t Just About Growth—It’s About Growing Together

 When a business begins to scale, the real challenge isn’t just about expanding systems—it’s about preparing your people.

 Early employees often struggle to keep up with new demands. And while the easy route might be hiring externally, that can come at the cost of losing valuable institutional knowledge.

 A better approach? Build an Internal Growth Accelerator—a space where team members can level up through training, mentorship, and cross-functional projects.

 It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about building loyalty, retaining talent, and ensuring your team evolves alongside the business.

 📖 Read more insights in this Forbes Expert Panel feature: 🔗https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/05/02/19-common-challenges-businesses-face-when-trying-to-scale-operations/

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AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Supply Chain Safety

 Managing supply chains used to be about predicting demand. Today, it’s about protecting the entire operation—from warehouse to delivery.

Here’s a staggering stat: Cargo theft in the U.S. causes between $15–35 billion in losses annually (ICE). That’s not just stolen goods—it’s broken trust, disrupted service, and shaken confidence.

 As someone running logistics-heavy operations at Tyler Petroleum, I’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable supply chains can be. The good news? AI is changing the game.

AI-powered cameras can detect threats before they become losses.

Driver monitoring tools help reduce fatigue-related accidents.

Real-time inventory tracking ensures shipments don’t go missing in the shuffle.

Automated alerts mean faster incident response—and fewer costly delays.

We’re not just using AI to boost efficiency. We’re using it to protect people, shipments, and reputation.

In a world where risk travels faster than cargo, AI is our best defense.

 📖 Recommended Read:https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/04/01/nine-game-changing-ways-ai-is-revolutionizing-supply-chain-management/

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Leadership Transitions: Why They Often Fail and How to Get Them Right

 Ever wondered why leadership transitions don’t always bring the change they promise? It's because culture fights back.

 When a new executive steps in to shake things up, it’s not just about pushing harder. Fear holds people back—fear of losing control, fear of the unknown. This hesitation isn’t just from employees; even senior leaders often feel the same.

 So, what’s the solution? Frame change as evolution, not an attack on the past. Start small, celebrate quick wins, and focus on winning over middle management—they’re the real gatekeepers of change.

 Leadership isn’t just about bringing in a new boss. It’s about creating a company culture that’s ready to adapt and grow.

 Forbes Article Link:https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/04/25/leadership-inertia-vs-executive-disruption-in-c-suite-transitions/

 

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Why Your Brand Needs a Mascot – It’s More Than Just Fun

 Want to make your brand unforgettable? Here’s a secret: create a mascot.

 Take a look at Duo the Owl from Duolingo. Sure, he’s cute, but it's also a genius marketing move. Duo’s not just reminding people to practice; he’s become a friend, a relatable figure that makes the app feel less like a learning tool and more like a fun companion.

 That’s the power of a mascot—it doesn’t just advertise. It embodies your brand, turning it from a logo into something people can connect with, laugh at, and remember.

 For a new business, this is gold. A mascot helps build community, stand out in the crowd, and spark conversations—whether it’s at a local festival, in a store window, or on your social media.

 You don’t need to be a global brand to create that kind of connection. Design a character, give it some personality, and let it live in your business. You might just find that your mascot becomes the face everyone loves—and the heart of your marketing strategy.

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/03/13/20-tried-and-true-ways-new-businesses-can-attract-local-attention/

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Why Tech Curiosity Is Key for Future-Proofing Your Team

 In a world where 60% of employers expect digital access to transform their business by 2030, it’s no longer just about having technical skills—it’s about having the curiosity to learn and adapt.

 The demand for tech-related skills is only growing. From AI and big data (86%) to cybersecurity and technological literacy, the fastest-growing skills are driven by constant innovation. Employees who embrace this change will thrive, while those who don’t will be left behind.

 For me, tech curiosity is just as important as technical expertise. Adaptability is key to staying ahead of the curve—especially with the rise of AI, robotics, and automation.

 When hiring, I look for candidates who aren’t just skilled, but also eager to learn, grow, and align with our company’s values. This tech curiosity ensures they’ll stay ahead of the tech trends and continue to thrive.

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/03/03/20-transferrable-skills-employers-should-prioritize-when-hiring/

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The Odds of Catching Someone Watching Netflix at Work? Higher Than Ever. Here’s Why.

 It’s no surprise anymore—84% of Gen Z workers are streaming movies and TV shows while on the job. Why? Because work isn’t always just about work anymore.

 According to a recent survey, 53% of Gen Z have put work aside just to binge-watch. And 48% of them will lie about it if their boss asks.

 So, business owners, what’s your next move? Is it time to adapt to a new wave of multitasking or set stricter boundaries for workplace productivity?

 Article Link: Gen Z Workers Stream Movies, Shows, While Working: Report | Entrepreneur

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Gas Station Owners, What's Your Plan for 2030?

 As the owner of a gas station, I can’t help but ask myself a crucial question: ❝Will my gas station still be relevant in 10 years?❞

 With EV adoption accelerating and regulations tightening, the future of traditional fuel stations is no longer guaranteed. Shell, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, is already leading the charge, planning to close 1,000 gas stations and redirect those resources into EV charging infrastructure. With 70,000 charging points by 2025 and 200,000 by 2030, Shell is preparing for a future where gasoline is a backup fuel, and electricity is the new norm.

 As gas station owners, we can’t afford to ignore this shift. The question is: Will we adapt in time to stay competitive in an evolving market?

 Share your thoughts!

 Article Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-18/shell-plans-to-divest-1-000-retail-sites-in-shift-to-ev-charging

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FinTech’s Real Battleground: Friction vs. Flow

 Fintech isn’t just competing on features—it’s competing on user experience.

 A slow KYC process. A clunky security step. A “smart” AI that feels more invasive than helpful. That’s where fintechs lose customers. The best UX isn’t just about design—it’s about making complexity disappear. The second it slows users down, they’re gone.

 Check out my latest article on why UX is fintech’s biggest competitive edge:https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/03/13/the-ux-arms-race-in-fintech-experience-as-competitive-edge/

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AI’s Billion-Dollar Land Grab Is Reshaping Real Estate

 AI giants like OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft are driving a modern-day land rush, investing billions in data centers and infrastructure. OpenAI’s Project Stargate ($500B) is just the beginning—tech hubs are shifting, land prices are soaring, and entire industries are being reshaped.

 This isn’t just about AI—it’s a real estate and economic transformation in motion.

 🔗 Read my latest article in Entrepreneur Magazine: https://www.entrepreneur.com/science-technology/ais-billion-dollar-land-grab-5-ways-its-reshaping/486837

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Dealing with Difficult Clients? Document Everything.

In business, not every client will be easy to work with—but that doesn’t mean the relationship has to be a struggle. One of the best ways to navigate challenging client interactions? Keep everything documented.

✅ Clear records of communications, decisions, and progress ensure transparency and accountability. ✅ When conflicts arise, facts speak louder than opinions. ✅ A well-documented process shows professionalism and keeps projects on track.

Even the toughest clients appreciate clarity and accountability. It’s not just about avoiding disputes—it’s about building trust and delivering results.

I shared this insight in Forbes Business Council’s article on 18 Steps for Handling Prickly Clients. Read the full piece here: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/02/18/18-steps-for-dealing-with-prickly-business-clients/

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Is Your Business Ready for the Next Stock Market Downturn?

A recent U.S. Bank article suggests a market downturn could be on the horizon due to factors like tariffs, trade disruptions, and emerging technology shifts, all of which could increase volatility and costs. It’s crucial for businesses to prepare now.

Key Takeaways from U.S. Bank’s Analysis:

Tariffs and trade disruptions could raise commodity prices and impact demand.

Technological shifts in AI and tech may disrupt market dynamics.

Market volatility remains a key risk, capable of changing market conditions rapidly.

How to Prepare:

In my Forbes Business Council contribution, I emphasized the importance of having a crisis management plan. This plan should include:

✔ Enhance accounts receivable – Get paid faster to strengthen cash flow. ✔ Delay non-essential purchases – Preserve cash reserves. ✔ Negotiate smarter – Secure favorable terms with suppliers.

Preparation is key to surviving a downturn. Having a solid crisis management plan will help your business handle volatility and stay resilient.

 Read the full insights in Forbes Business Council: https://forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/01/16/15-steps-for-business-owners-to-prepare-for-a-potential-market-downturn/…

U.S Bank Article: https://usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/is-a-market-correction-coming.html…

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Boardrooms can often feel like a battleground of competing opinions. In my recent Forbes Expert Panel contribution, I shared how external expertise can break the deadlock. When the team’s stuck, bringing in fresh, unbiased insights offers the clarity needed to move forward.

 Sometimes, it’s not about finding the loudest voice but the most valuable perspective.

 Read more about harmonizing boardroom differences here: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/01/14/15-ways-leaders-can-harmonize-board-members-competing-interests/

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With major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target enhancing their Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) and Curbside Pickup (BOPAC) services, it's evident that omnichannel convenience is shaping the future of shopping.

In a recent Forbes Expert Panel discussion, I shared insights on how these models not only offer customers flexibility but also boost in-store traffic and create new upsell opportunities. As consumer expectations shift towards seamless online-offline experiences, businesses that embrace these strategies will stay ahead.

Explore more expert insights here: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/12/30/10-ways-to-bridge-the-online-and-offline-customer-experience/

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Are your B2B payment systems ready for the future? Composable architecture and API marketplaces are transforming how businesses handle payments—offering flexibility, scalability, and efficiency like never before. In my latest Forbes Business Council article "Redefining B2B PayTech With Composable Architecture And API Marketplaces", I explain how these technologies empower businesses to stay ahead in a fast-changing market.

Discover how innovation is reshaping B2B payments: