The Business Builder - Issue 104

Pruning to Grow

Howdy Beach People,

Wow, that year blew by fast - didn’t it?

Are you happy with the progress you made over the past 12 months? I hope so.

Last time, I mentioned that I was working on my plans for 2024. Most of my planning time focused on things NOT to do in the coming year.

I know that sounds odd to some people. But over the years, I’ve found (both for myself and my clients) that predictable growth requires focus. Simplifying. Pruning out distractions.

Personally, I love to try new things. But I have to first make room for those things by eliminating others.

But maybe that’s just me. How about you? Do you focus on eliminating tasks you shouldn’t do anymore? Or do you take a different approach?

Hit reply - I’d love to know.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. - If you’d like a copy of the planning agenda I use, let me know and I’ll send you a copy when I get back.

Should LinkedIn be your main content platform?

I’ve always argued “no” - but Mark Schaefer does a better job articulating why than I do. He also gives a nice strategy for creating and distributing content on LinkedIn. Learn more here.

More players jumping into the AI Game

Google recently announced Gemini, their “largest and most capable AI model.” Gemini is expected to come in 3 sizes, with the smallest size bring AI to smartphones.

Not to be outdone, Amazon announced Q, their ChatGPT-like assistant for work. The Q assistant lets employees ask questions using natural language and can understand and access the user’s company systems, data repositories, and operations. No mention if Q can create cool gadgets for James Bond wannabes.

The Generational Marketing Handbook

The folks at SocialSprout have put out this handbook to help you engage with every age group on social media.

And this…

Still looking for some holiday gifts? Check out The Best Damn Food & Drink Gift Guide on the Internet 2023 from the good folks at SparkToro. Not only does it have some great gift ideas, it’s also fun to read. What more can you ask for?

Featured Picks

📚️ Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Does progress depend more on how hard you work or how well you learn? The answer may surprise you. Learn more here. (Amazon link)

🛠️ FuseBase

FuseBase is an online collaboration tool you can use with your clients and internal team. And it has a wonderfully simple user interface. You can try it out for free here.

📷️ Beach on Film

One of my film photos from Jax Beach. Shooting film was slow and full of mistakes, but it was also a lot of fun.

Like this newsletter?

Let me know. Just hit reply (I read every reply). I’d love to know what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your business.

1) Map Your Growth Engine

The first step towards predictable growth is understanding and documenting “How Clients Happen” in your business. Reply to this email with "Map" if you want to learn more.

2) Get Your Own Newsletter

Newsletters are a great way to win clients, generate referrals, and establish authority in your marketplace. Now, you can have a newsletter without the hassle of writing and publishing it yourself. Learn more here.

3) Get more leads from your website 

If your website isn't delivering enough leads, reply to this email with "website leads," and I'll send you the details about my Website Leads Audit.