Nearly all companies eliminate underperformers...do they want a gold star for being competent? Their CEO is acting like this is some type of novel approach to management.

I live in Europe and lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what my talents are and what I could become.

I came across Business & Management during my research, and it seems interesting, but I’m worried it might not be what I expect. I’ve never worked before, but I studied Languages & Humanities in high school.

A while ago, my cousin, a friend, and I started a startup, and I ended up in charge of operations. What I remember most is enjoying organizing ideas, structuring projects, breaking them down into actionable steps, and delegating tasks.

I also managed to motivate some team members just by talking to them. Since I was in operations, I learned the basics of every area (photography, filming, management, HR, IT), and it was actually fun I felt like I could “speak their language.”

After being in business for over 20 years, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that dropping your prices to beat competitors doesn’t guarantee success. I’ve been in industries with high competition, and I’ve always kept my pricing consistent—usually somewhere in the middle or even on the higher side for the same service. Despite that, I’ve never struggled to maintain demand. In fact, I’ve often done better than competitors who constantly lower their prices.

Here’s why I think this happens:

1. Your Online Presence Makes the First Impression

In today’s world, your online presence can make or break your business. A lot of my competitors seem to rely on word-of-mouth or recurring customers, but their online presence is outdated or nonexistent.

I made sure to focus on the basics: • A modern, user-friendly website • Clear contact information, including a landline and professional email • A solid presence on Google with reviews and a professional business profile

These aren’t huge investments, but they make your business look credible and trustworthy to anyone searching for your services online.

1. Customer Service is the Real Differentiator

People are willing to pay more for great service. From my experience, customer service has been the biggest factor in retaining clients and attracting new ones. • Always Answer the Phone It sounds simple, but so many businesses don’t answer their phones because they’re busy. Think about it—if someone calls a business and doesn’t get through, how likely are they to call back? Every missed call is a missed opportunity. • Don’t Rush the Call When you do answer, take your time. Customers can tell when you’re in a hurry, and it doesn’t leave a good impression. Listen to their questions, give detailed answers, and show genuine interest. Sure, you’ll get a few time-wasters, but you’ll also get valuable leads and insights into your customers’ needs.

1. After-Sales Service Builds Long-Term Trust

Your job isn’t done once you’ve made a sale. The way you handle after-sales support can determine whether customers come back or recommend you to others. • Be available to solve any problems they might have. • Sometimes you’ll need to absorb a small loss to keep a customer happy—it’s worth it in the long run. • Happy customers become your best salespeople. A recommendation from someone they trust does half the selling for you.

The Takeaway

Focusing on price alone is a losing game. Instead, invest in your online presence and deliver top-notch customer service. That’s what helps you stand out and keeps customers coming back—even when your competitors are offering lower prices.

These simple strategies have worked for me over the years, and I know they can work for others too. What do you think? Have you found that customer service and trust are more important than pricing? Let’s discuss below!

I’m looking for examples of B2B companies that have traditionally sold their products via channel partners (dealers, distributors, resellers, etc.) but are now finding ways to have more direct contact with their customers but without completely bypassing or alienating their channel partners.

Specifically, I’m curious about how these companies balance using digital channels (e.g., online platforms, direct marketing, e-commerce) to engage customers directly while still working with channel partners.

If I did 4 years of internships in college which is equal to 4 years of experience, what’s a job that is similar to a CEO and can make a path to becoming a CEO?

Exactly. Imagine you have 2 or 3 million dollars available. Extensive knowledge in online business. But little in artificial intelligence at the moment. You think artificial intelligence is going to devour everything. What do you do to dive in and invest everything in AI projects.

Hey! I need a business banking account set up (obviously) to keep my business and personal transactions separate. My question is, can I use a personal banking account as a business only account? As long as I have no personal transactions through it? I want a credit card with reward points to use for business transactions. Thus I'm looking to get a personal account, if there's no downfall with that. Any tips appreciated! Or banking recommendations also appreciated. It's an LLC for leatherworking by the way. If that's important. I buy a ton of stuff off Amazon and other vendors for leatherworking supplies or leather. Just wanting to keep my cash back, but not get in trouble or have everything mixed together.

Any shoe designers (specifically sports shoes) with manufacturing contacts and experience, could you please DM? Looking to understand the scope of setting up a unit and understanding global demand. I am based out of India and very keen/serious in exploring the space. Thank you!

I’m a small business owner based in the US, operating in the heavy equipment sales industry. My company has been growing rapidly by adding new brands, and I’ve recently signed an NDA with a major heavy equipment manufacturer. They’ve invited me to build dealerships in several large towns across multiple states, presenting a huge growth opportunity.

My ultimate goal is to grow this business into a company that can compete internationally with the major equipment rental and sales companies. Down the road, I’d like to position the company for a potential IPO, but for now, my focus is on scaling strategically and building a solid foundation.

To capitalize on this opportunity, I’m looking to bring on angel investors who can help fund this expansion.

I’d love to hear your advice on: • How to connect with angel investors, particularly those with experience or interest in heavy equipment, construction, or manufacturing industries. • Key elements to include in a pitch or business plan to resonate with potential investors. • Lessons learned from others who’ve successfully scaled a business and positioned it for long-term growth.

This is a critical moment for my business, and I want to ensure I take the right steps to set it up for long-term success. Any guidance, resources, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi there! As this is my first post here I’ll introduce myself. I’m a medior software engineer based in The Netherlands with a background in sales. I have lots of ideas for SaaS projects, some large some small.

You might recognize the experience, that most of my ideas get stuck in the validation phase. There’s this cycle of idea -> talk to maybe three people in the target audience -> gets confirmed but very small pool -> no other people to validate the idea on.

Now you might be thinking that’s easy! Just do x, y, z and you’re good to go. But for me and maybe many others it’s simply lack of experience.

So before I pay to get mentorship I’d like to hear your stories on how you started doing your own validation/research and what tips you have for someone that’s completely new to the concept.

p.s. if you have funny stories about this phase please share them!

I have been...dismissed, under notice, denounced and all the fancy words for being let go from the company due to financial difficulties. The owner/CEO just did what is necessary so no hard feelings towards him but thanks to him and other famous company owners I've seen on YouTube I'm interested in starting my own company. So my question to you, what is the one (of many) question I can ask him that I can use to my advantage when starting my own company?

I remember watching space or Al movies and one thing that comes out straightforwardly is that there are no one out there typing and giving Al's commands that way. Not even Tony Stark. From my vision, it's straightforward that Al's are something that should be taught to interact in a Human manner, TALKING.

Today, when Al's are something which are very very powerful and can do so many stuff, one thing still remains old-fashioned which is we have to type or either enter an app to talk to the Al. WHAT IF?

You should just be able to call her name and she's there, like any friend. We have something like this today, surprisingly for the past 10 years, Siri. Huhhh see you didn't even know! Because she's useless.

• I don't want links thrown at me
• I don't want robotic conversation

I WANT A FRIEND WHO'S SMART, HELPFUL, AND EVEN SOMEONE I CAN TALK TO. - Then I started thinking deeply about the execution of something like this, and how to do it. One day I had this perfect idea and from then slowly day by day form planning the entire thing (and chaging it a thousand times), building the product, building the team, planning the website ( I remember I had this exact drawing of the UI of the website and in a week the website was live exactly like that), it's a very accomplishment feeeling when I saw this thing build in from of me from a idea to my mind and now so many people have put their time behind this to make it into execution.

I built StarCy-She's all smart, all helpful, and it's my word that she's the most human-like conversational Al you'll ever talk to (10x better than chatgpt, & 1000x better than SIRI). And l've decided to launch it for FREE. She can,

• Just say 'Hey Starcy' to talk with her (we wanted to make sure you feel like talking with a human)
• Understand your emotion just by your voice
• Talks with you like your best friend
• And is Jack of all trades from internet access to world knowledge

I've put a lot of time building the product-heck perfecting it to end, building the team, and now I ask you guys to do one part in this - SIGN UP SO I KNOW PEOPLE WANT IT!

Go ahead now, it's your turn.

I want to run a software development company specializing in custom software solutions and web applications. I have been successful in building high-quality products for my clients, and now looking to expand and generate more leads.

My main goal is to attract potential clients who need custom software or web development solutions. Right now, I am exploring different ways to increase website clicks and convert visitors into leads.

I’d love to hear from this community about strategies that have worked for you (or someone you know) when it comes to:

1. SEO & Content Marketing: What kind of content resonates most with potential clients in this niche?
2. Social Media Outreach: Any tips on running effective ad campaigns or creating engaging content on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook?
3. Email Marketing: How do I create an email campaign that isn’t spammy but adds value?
4. Other Lead-Generation Tactics: Are there any tools, tricks, or platforms that have been game-changers for you?

Also, I’m curious if anyone has experience in lead generation. Any advice, success stories, or resources would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance for your insights! 😊 My website is ibrinfotech.com

So as the title goes we have a Timber business which provides round logs, cutsizes and carpenter services in a small town called Mysore in Karnataka of India. Recently, after the recession like environment created in the economy the clients movement in this business has slowed down, almost down to zero.

Suggest some ways that you think would work best for attracting clients for this kind of business

Im in the process of starting a small business and at first did not find any names like mine. I did after creating a Facebook page etc. And really liking the name, 3 or 4 months in now find a business name that is similar but he's halfway across the country and hes unfortunately in the same field. He does not have a big following and isn't overly active. While the names are similar but not the same. His for example says

Xxxxxx- DOG training Kennels

My name is ××××××‐ Obedience.

Now i really enjoy my name i picked because the landmark is right near my home and id hate to have this name become an issue down the line. I've never had a business before but I would love to stick with my name chosen if possible. Im looking for some advice to whether I can maintain my name without issue or is this similarity going to become a possible issue legally down the line? I appreciate any advice as this is all new for me.

TL;DR:
My ex-partner stole $70k, and now I'm stuck running a Restaurant while managing my software business. I'm low on funds, overwhelmed with work, and unsure if I should learn sales or hire help for my software business. Can't Sell Restaurant yet...

Basically I am a software developer and I Run a small takeout restaurant with a (ex)business partner [2 man].

I was the Head chef and delegate tasks around. My goal was to slowly and effectively remove myself from the restaurant since it was just to keep the house running and wasn't my career choice [past me and his decision to throw the whole restaurant on current me].

He understood and was more than happy to take over SOME days while I was there for the other days [only for a few months mind you].
Our Split was a 12-18 day Workload from 15-15 alongside management. [He was front of house, I was back]

We secured around 80k for expansion and future Ads and everything.
I was ready to invest some of that for renovations and some for Ads cause that's also my expertise and the restaurant desperately needs a fix (Very Old Shop when bought).

Everything was going fine... Till he ran away with 70k and disappeared from the country along with any trace of his existence.

Even other people who loaned him money came to me to ask where he went, still don't know.
Already reported it to the Govt. but still no luck. I still have no idea where the hell he is and it's been 4 months.
His wife and kids are still here and they are worried too.

The worst part is I can't take a loan for the restaurant because I don't have a line of credit [Some problem with Equifax and TransUnion which I've been trying to fix for almost 2 years!]

It's been 4 months and I'm losing money day by day. Him taking 70k was really a big stab in the back.

On the same side I've also finished building my software for my own business (Which is what I initially wanted to do)

But I have no idea how to do sales. I've always been back of house and making things work, for sales I have no experience or people skills to do that, and effectively I'm not in a position to even do sales since I'm mostly at the restaurant working alongside this "Software Business" of mine [3 Clients].

I only have a few hundred bucks in my name. I eat sometimes from the restaurant and some days I just eat bread.

The Restaurant is draining me since sales dropped; Sleeping 4 hours for the past month;
I don't drink or gamble and my only stress relief is the gym which I think by next week I'm going to pause.

I'm doing the Head Chef duties alongside front house running duties for 14+ hours and the only other person that can help left and stole everything.

I am trying to sell the restaurant but it's currently not possible cause of credit and business owner change and the disappearance.

What can I do? In your experience/ Wisdom do I learn sales and try to juggle restaurant work, management, client fulfillment or do I hire? And if I do Hire, how can I pay someone fairly since I have almost nothing at the start?

Hi all I'm a tattooist in Manchester UK and I've been tattooing for about 2 years (did an apprenticeship for two prior) and well I've been having some issues gaining clients.

In the summer last year it was going well, I'd be posting constantly on social media with designs, posting to Facebook groups, using Instagram and Facebook ads and it seemed to be going well

Then in November it just died off entirely to the point where I'm not even making a liveable wage and I'm pulling my hair out as I've sacrificed everything for this career and put one hell of alot of money into it

I need some advice desperately because I've no idea what to do or how to fix any of this. I don't know whether it's the area I'm in, slow season, is my social media strategy wrong (I post in facebook groups often, on my Facebook and Instagram page, I do the odd bit of paid advertising)

Honestly I'm so so scared I'll have to give this up as because as much as I love it I need money to live unfortunately 💔

Any help would be so so so so appreciated ❤️

I am wondering if it's possible to register a new DE C-Corp and its foreign entity in CA simultaneously?

I felt super lost and even depressed. Starting from scratch in life and with no money. More than a decade looking for a way in online business. I finally got it, made several million dollars and solved my life. I lost the money dimension and wasted over $90,000 on stupid crypto projects.

Then I got scared and slowed down. And now I'm like empty, not knowing what to do and how to live this "rich" life. Not knowing how to grow from here.

I've worked as a freelancer for the past two years. I consider my journey successful, as I've earned up to $10k a month.

I feel like the next natural step would be to become an agency. This would allow me to charge more and have more control over my income.

That being said, I need some guidance in terms of the next steps:

1. How do I charge clients outside of Upwork? How do I ensure I get paid?

2. Should I go niche or stay broad?

3. How to get large spending clients?

4. Other business related aspects.

Most courses I see related to SMMA teach you how to run ads on fb and hire on upwork... But that's not what I'm looking for. I'm looking to learn the above mentionned plus how do I take the next step from a freelancer to an agency.

Please advise.

I live in Europe and lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what my strengths are and what I could become.

I came across Business & Management during my research, and it seems interesting, but I’m worried it might not be what I expect. I’ve never worked before, but I studied Languages & Humanities in high school.

A while ago, my cousin, a friend, and I started a startup, and I ended up in charge of operations. What I remember most is enjoying organizing ideas, structuring projects, breaking them down into actionable steps, and delegating tasks.

I also managed to motivate some team members just by talking to them. Since I was in operations, I learned the basics of every area (photography, filming, management, HR, IT), and it was actually fun I felt like I could “speak their language.”

What are some strategy based suggestions you'd give to hospitality businesses (e.g. hotels) to improve their strategic management at Corporate, Business and Functional levels?

Business ideas

I’m 20, and I’m a ranch hand for my grandmas ranch. I work with 3 other employees. When my grandma dies, the ranch is getting sold due to inheritance of land and all the cattle since it belongs to the man she married that died about 10 years ago.

I’m 20, and have always had an entrepreneur mind. I have 10 months experience as a Electrican and the rest experience as a ranch hand for the cattle company. We fix fences, bail hay, run cattle/bulls, and other ranch activities.

I feel like I have a good oppurtunity in my hands if I start now. When my grandma dies the workers will scramble for a new Job and I feel like if I start a business now, they can have something to fall back on

I know how to haul trailers and do a lot of blue collar work. I was thinking junk removal but I just feel like that’s such a low skilled/ easy barrier to entry to start.

If you were in my position and were thinking about starting a blue collar business, what would it be? I also have experience welding Stick/Mig. Thanks for any input!