Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

Understanding the complexities of selling a business can be daunting for entrepreneurs, but this episode dives deep into M&A processes, from initial evaluations to closing the deal. With actionable insights and real-world success stories, this discussion illuminates the journey of preparing your business for sale.

• Importance of understanding motivations behind selling 
• Basics of initial evaluations and financial assessments 
• The role of branding and culture in business value 
• Identifying and managing potential risk factors 
• Key components of business valuation and EBITDA overview 
• Steps to prepare for an effective sales process 
• Crafting targeted marketing materials for prospective buyers 
• Insights on Letters of Intent and due diligence 
• Strategies for improving business readiness for sale 
• Success stories that demonstrate transformative outcomes

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

This week's episode emphasizes the critical need for future-focused leadership in evolving business landscapes. Dev Patnaik discusses the pitfalls of present-centric thinking and offers practical strategies for balancing immediate tasks with future opportunities, underscoring that successful leaders look beyond the now to innovate and adapt.

• Importance of future-focused leadership 
• Risks of being present-centric during rapid change 
• Implementing a time diet to prioritize future tasks 
• Neuroplasticity's role in shifting leadership mindsets 
• Divergence and convergence in innovation processes 
• Learning from failures of companies like Kodak and Blockbuster 
• Strategies successful leaders use to anticipate change 

Thank you for listening to this episode of TGO Podcast. You can find all episodes on our podcast page at www.reALIGNforResults.com. You can find me, Benno, host of TGO Podcast, there as well. Just email [email protected]. Let's keep growing.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

Explore how AI is reshaping revenue growth strategies in this insightful conversation with Cliff Farrah, Accenture's Chief Strategy Officer for Corporate Strategy and Growth. Here’s what’s in store:

• AI and Human Expertise: Cliff shares his journey from initial skepticism about AI's impact on careers to recognizing its role as a complement to human strategists. Much like doctors interpreting scans, experienced professionals will remain essential in leveraging AI for strategic decision-making.
• Game-Changing Investments: Learn about Accenture’s collaboration with NVIDIA and how their AI initiatives are driving unprecedented efficiency gains, cost savings, and creativity in marketing strategies.
• Support for Midsize Businesses: Discover how AI is becoming accessible to smaller companies, offering tools to enhance operations and compete effectively—without requiring massive budgets.
• Preparing for the Future: From educational institutions to corporate training, we discuss the critical role of upskilling professionals to thrive in an AI-driven landscape.

This episode dives into the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into business, offering practical insights for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving world of strategy and growth.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

In this episode, I sit down with design strategist Jonah Burlingame to tackle the art (and challenges) of executing successful strategies in digital product development. Here are the key takeaways:

• Strategy Execution is Tough: With only 56% of corporate strategies being successfully implemented, Jonah shares actionable advice on overcoming common pitfalls that derail big ideas, using insights from his experience with Fortune 100 companies and research from Harvard Business Review.
• The 369 Approach: Developed with a multinational bank, this structured framework evaluates projects through three lenses—desirability, viability, and feasibility—ensuring alignment with user needs and market realities from start to finish.
• Blending Disciplines: Jonah explains how combining design thinking, lean innovation, and business strategy leads to user-centric products with a forward-looking edge.
• AI in Action: A case study featuring a fitness company shows the transformative power of AI chatbots and computer vision in creating engaging, tech-driven user experiences.

Whether you’re navigating strategy execution or exploring the future of AI in digital products, this conversation is packed with insights to help you drive innovation and deliver real impact.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

In this episode, sales and marketing expert Lisa DiCostanzo breaks down the transformation of the retail landscape, especially in the gift and home decor sectors, into a complex, multi-channel experience. Key insights include:

- Omni-Channel Strategy: Retailers are merging online platforms with in-person events like trade shows to create seamless shopping experiences. Vendors can support this by turning their websites into powerful resources that help sales teams become trusted partners for retailers.
 
- Digital Shift in Customer Service: With traditional customer service evolving digitally, Lisa shares how this change impacts buyer-seller relationships and how companies can successfully blend online and personal interactions.

- Leadership Through Change: Guiding teams through nearly two decades of industry shifts, Lisa emphasizes the importance of leadership in adapting to meet new customer expectations.

- Pandemic-Driven Innovation: COVID-19 spurred independent retailers to adopt new sales approaches, ultimately creating benefits for both retailers and consumers.

Tune in to learn how to stay adaptable and competitive in today’s ever-evolving retail environment.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

Greg Shugar’s story is one of bold moves, big lessons, and strategic pivots. From lawyer to entrepreneur, Greg turned his knack for neckties into Tie Bar, an e-commerce success story that topped its market before he sold it. In this episode, Greg shares the real highs and lows of balancing risk and security, diving into his journey from law to launching brands like Bowties of Vermont and even a bedding business, all while helping shape young entrepreneurs through an incubator program at Florida Atlantic University.

We also get into the evolving playbook of business growth and the reality of adapting traditional strategies for the fast-paced world of social media. Greg breaks down key takeaways from his ventures in home bedding and beyond, showing how industry-specific challenges demand a fresh approach. His passion for fostering innovation in students is just as inspiring as his journey in the business world, full of insights on learning from every turn.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

How do retailers juggle the complex world of multi-channel sales? In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving gift and home industry with Kim Leister, president of Simblist. We explore how old-school methods like trade shows and store visits have morphed into a blend of digital platforms like FAIR and Amazon. Kim shares her insights on the challenges retailers and vendors face, especially when it comes to keeping customers informed in an increasingly complex market.

We also touch on the heart of the industry: relationships and transparency. Over the last 20 years, collaboration and trust have become essential to success, especially as the roles of sales reps evolve. Kim talks about how businesses can balance personalized service with digital strategies, while personal stories highlight the importance of customer loyalty and trust. This episode unpacks how embracing vulnerability and focusing on fairness can foster an environment where both vendors and retailers can thrive in a competitive landscape.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

What does it take to build a soulful brand that resonates deeply with its community? In this episode of the Third Growth Officer podcast, we sit down with Nora  Napientek, the creative force behind the celebrated company, and Janice Christensen, the first employee and president, to uncover the secrets behind their incredible journey. From Nora’s memorable marketing stunts, like balancing a platter on her head, to the support she received from her brother during challenging times, we explore the resilience and innovation that have become the hallmarks of their brand. Learn how their commitment to an authentic community within market booths and beyond has been integral to their success.

Discover the importance of deliberate and intentional growth as Nora and Janice share their philosophy of prioritizing long-term goals over immediate financial gains. They reveal how being selective about partnerships and maintaining a steady pace has allowed them to nurture genuine relationships with partners and customers. This thoughtful approach has not only fostered mutual growth and sustainability but also helped build a brand that truly connects with retailers. The significance of saying no to misaligned opportunities underscores their strategic vision and dedication to maintaining brand integrity.

We also discuss the dynamics of successful business partnerships and how diversity within a team can drive success. Nora and Janice emphasize the value of hiring for character and training for skill, showcasing how different personalities and skill sets can enhance a business unit. Their insights into unique sales strategies and thoughtful philanthropy offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. By extending their willingness to assist anyone in the industry, Nora and Janice highlight the importance of community support and collaboration. Tune in for a masterclass in sustainable growth and learn how to foster a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

Are corporations doing enough to combat greenwashing? 

We talk about the secrets of building sustainable, ethical supply chains in Bangladesh with textile designer Jackie Corlett. As a seasoned expert in the fair trade sector, she shares invaluable insights into sourcing artisanal fabrics and the importance of relationship-building between suppliers and designers. Learn about the complexities of labor, price negotiations, and living wages, and how to navigate these challenges to form successful, ethical partnerships. Jackie also introduces her innovative initiatives, such as workshops aimed at educating designers in the US and Europe on sustainable fabric sourcing and design, with the goal of increasing the prevalence of fair trade products in the market.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?

Get the inside scoop on mastering consumer research with Shehnaz Safiuddin, a pro in brand strategy and consumer insights. In this episode, we dig into how combining qualitative and quantitative methods can give you a sharper view of consumer behavior, helping you make smarter, more strategic business decisions.

Shehnaz breaks down the nuts and bolts of primary versus secondary research, offering practical tips on using focus groups, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic studies. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just dipping your toes into market research, these insights will help you cut through the noise and avoid analysis paralysis.

We also chat about how to gather valuable insights when direct customer data isn’t easy to come by. Learn from the playbooks of legends like Steve Jobs and Henry Ford, who knew how to tap into consumer needs and turn them into game-changing products. Plus, we cover flexible research strategies that fit any budget—whether you’re going all-in with outsourced studies or taking the DIY route with tools like SurveyMonkey and Google Forms. 

Stay curious, stay adaptable, and make sure your brand story hits home with your audience.

Always growing.

Benno Duenkelsbuehler

CEO & Chief Sherpa of (re)ALIGN

[email protected]