67: My 3 Biggest Mistakes in Business and How You Can Avoid Them

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to business growth and financial success. Discover how to avoid market wars by innovating with new products and services, and learn the crucial drivers of value: growth and return on invested capital. Dive into practical strategies for improving your business’s profitability and efficiency. Don’t miss out on these insights for building a more profitable, iconic company! Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textHow can you tell if your business truly has a competitive advantage? It's not just about having great people or believing in your product—it's about tangible results. Learn how to identify and measure real competitive advantages by examining your return on invested capital (ROIC) and comparing it to your weighted average cost of capital (WACC). If your ROIC is significantly higher than your WACC, you might be on the path to success. Tune in for insights on building and leveraging advantages that your customers actually care about, ensuring long-term profitability and business growth.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, Steve breaks down the five essential elements every business needs to excel. Discover why a well-crafted strategy blueprint is crucial, how to effectively implement initiatives with the IAR framework, and the importance of clear success measures and timely financial statements. Steve also reveals the value of the Financial Strategy Review (FSR) meeting and how it can drive performance and growth. Tune in for actionable insights to transform your business and achieve remarkable results.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, Steve breaks down the five key responsibilities every effective CEO should master. From building a unified, high-performing team to setting a clear strategic direction, consistent communication, and holding people accountable, he shares real-world insights from his experience turning around multi-million and billion-dollar companies. Plus, he dives into the importance of having tough conversations that drive better outcomes and build respect. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or aspiring leader, these strategies will help you lead with purpose and achieve stronger results. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, Steve takes a deep dive into the three biggest mistakes he made while building Coltivar and turning around multi-million and billion-dollar companies. These are not just minor errors but significant missteps that can drain your resources, strain relationships, and stall your business growth. Through candid stories and actionable insights, Steve explains how these common pitfalls can be avoided, focusing on key areas such as the importance of quality revenue, the necessity of mastering financial literacy, and the critical role of prioritizing relationships within your business.By understanding these lessons, you’ll learn how to build a more resilient and profitable business, equipped to withstand challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Steve’s experiences offer valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to avoid costly errors and create a sustainable, thriving enterprise. Tune in to this episode to gain practical strategies that will help you steer clear of these mistakes and set your business on a path to long-term success.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this insightful lesson, we delve into the crucial aspects of assessing your business's financial health, focusing on understanding the true profitability and economic performance of your company. If you're relying solely on income statements to gauge your financial success, you might be overlooking key insights. This lesson breaks down why it’s essential to go beyond just profit margins and look at other critical metrics to fully grasp your business's economic reality. This lesson is perfect for entrepreneurs, financial analysts, and business owners who want to enhance their financial acumen and avoid costly mistakes. By mastering these financial metrics and concepts, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate your business’s performance, make strategic decisions, and drive sustainable growth. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of "Business Strategy," I dive deep into the fundamentals of crafting winning strategies that transform companies into iconic and highly profitable entities. We'll start by clarifying a common misconception: strategy and strategic planning are not the same. Strategic planning is the execution phase, but you need a solid strategy first.I break down the essentials, starting with defining your business's purpose and principles. Understanding your strategic problem is crucial—this is the obstacle that must be overcome to achieve success. We'll explore how to evaluate your strategic options and ensure your decisions keep the customer at the center.You'll learn about crafting initiatives that drive value by addressing strategic problems, enhancing customer experience, fostering innovation, and building competitive advantages. And remember, initiatives are long-term endeavors that differ from day-to-day actions.Finally, I discuss the importance of aligning strategy with finance to drive value. By focusing on return on invested capital and growth, and integrating these with your strategic initiatives, you'll create a powerful framework for success.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, I share a key strategy lesson I learned while building my various businesses and turning around companies. Understanding and optimizing the LTV (Lifetime Value) to CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) ratio is essential for scaling your business profitably.I'll explain the importance of these metrics, how to calculate them, and why a healthy LTV to CAC ratio (aiming for at least 3:1) can attract investors and fuel growth. You'll also learn practical tips for improving these metrics, such as increasing customer retention and enhancing the customer experience.Tracking these metrics over time is crucial for identifying trends and making informed decisions. If you need help refining your sales and marketing strategies or implementing these concepts, I'm here to guide you. Tune in to learn how to transform your business into a more resilient and profitable venture.Remember, if you need assistance or want to discuss further, you know where to find me. Share and enjoy!Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, I share my personal journey of overcoming setbacks and transforming my mindset from victim to growth-oriented. Discover the strategies I used to overcome adversity, shift my business strategy, and propel my company to multimillion-dollar success. Join me as I reveal actionable insights and motivational tips to help you conquer challenges and achieve your own business breakthroughs. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of Business Strategy with your host, Steve Coughran, as we delve into the critical aspects of vision and valuation for business owners featuring our distinguished guest, Patrick Donohue. Join us as we explore how having a clear vision and understanding the true value of your company can drive strategic decisions, enhance growth potential, and prepare you for future challenges.Key Discussion Points:Crafting a Vision: Discover how a compelling vision can guide your business towards long-term success. Learn practical steps for defining and aligning your company's vision with your business goals, market opportunities, and customer needs.Business Valuation: Uncover the essentials of valuing your business accurately. Our guest provides insights on the various methods of business valuation, their implications for mergers, acquisitions, and investments, and how understanding your company's worth can influence strategic planning.Strategic Decision-Making: Understand the interplay between vision and valuation in making informed, strategic decisions that enhance operational efficiency, drive market competitiveness, and foster innovation.Future-Proofing Your Business: Learn strategies to future-proof your business by integrating vision and valuation into your overall strategic framework, ensuring resilience against market shifts and economic uncertainties.Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a business leader, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to refine your business vision and leverage valuation for sustainable growth and success.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Support the show