Blog

Business ideas worth sharing

Let’s Talk Business

Kill the Manager!

Now before everyone gets up in arms, I’m certainly not advocating violence in any shape or form. But I do want to bring attention to a fundamental issue that, unfortunately, tends to get skated over a bit.

It’s no secret that company culture is a critical element to success in any business. It’s a huge reason for the success of companies such as Google, Zappos, and Southwest Airlines. Quality employees and valuable clients alike are attracted to a place with a vibrant, positive culture.

Great culture starts at the top. Those in executive and managerial positions have the power to set the tone for the workplace environment. It’s an enormous, far-reaching responsibility, because the environment they create will ultimately determine the quality of the employees and the business they attract. Guess that’s why they’re paid the big bucks.

There is a common denominator that all companies with great culture tend to share: they understand that there is a difference between managing and leading.

You 2.0

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Let's Talk Business, Productivity // 5 min read

You turn on your phone, and are greeted by a most familiar message.

An alert flashes across the screen giving you the option to update to the new and improved version of some app or software. Just a tap of the screen and presto! It’s better than ever.

This routine has become so commonplace in our mobile-centric lives. Today’s hyper-paced world has reached dizzying levels of speeds, and software developers are constantly rolling out new updates, security fixes, and improvements to their products in order to keep pace.

While there’s not much to do on our end, in reality there is a lot of work that goes into creating these updates. There is updated code to write, bugs to fix, development, testing, split testing, tweaking, consumer feedback, and more testing. It’s an ongoing, meticulous process.

Much like the phones that (unfortunately) control our lives, we, too, require periodic updates.

Before Putting Your Business on Vacation

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Let's Talk Business, Productivity // 3 min read

At the end of next week, Ptex Group will be closing its doors for a few short days.

Our hardworking team plans to celebrate the wonderful Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover) and will honor this beautiful, timeless tradition… by taking a vacation from the office.

Dozens of studies show it is both healthy and important to periodically take a break from our hectic work schedules. And the reason is quite simple.

Put Your Profit First. Always.

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 5 min read

As humans, we’re all creatures of habit. We have our morning routine. Our work routine. Our pre-meeting routine. We all just like to get into a rhythm and keep it that way.

After all, sticking to a routine is the key to being productive. Successful people are well-known as sticklers for routine. Routine provides structure. It establishes a sense of security.

Which makes having to change routine so hard.

It means tearing down the habits we worked so hard to create. It means demolishing the cocoon of security around us. Forgetting what we always knew.

Yesterday, I learned this lesson firsthand.

What’s Your ONE Thing?

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Let's Talk Business, Productivity // 3 min read

Let’s face it. Today’s business world is more difficult than ever.

Now, I’m sure many of you are probably thinking, “what are you talking about? Modern technology has made staying connected easier than ever!”

Allow me to explain.

The daily bombardment of phone calls, texts, emails, status updates, and other messages flying across our screens has really made us more detached and out of focus. We’re constantly being pulled in a thousand different directions. Spreading ourselves too thin.

As a result, our stress levels have risen and our productivity has suffered.

However, there are those who, despite the available distractions, seem to be productive no matter what.

What’s their secret?

Can You Just Stop For A Minute!?

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Let's Talk Business, Productivity // 5 min read

2016 is just a couple of days away.

Many businesspeople know that the change in the calendar year is a great time to set goals for the next year.

But not too many know that there is a step prior to setting goals – the mindset.

Smart businesspeople know that there is no straight path to success. There are many confusing twists and turns, and it’s easy to get lost. To simply keep moving to try to find your way out is counterproductive.

Just ask Richard Bauer.

Going From “Boss” to “Leader”

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 5 min read

Leadership.

This word is one of the most commonly-used buzzwords in today’s chaotic business climate. Companies like Google, Twitter, Nike and AMEX are lauded not just for their amazing products – but also for their stellar leadership.

So what’s the secret to become a great leader? Why do some rise to the top while others stagger along aimlessly?

The truth is, great leaders don’t just inspire and motivate their charges with pep talks and inspirational speeches. They take a hands-on approach, are meticulous down to the last detail, and pay close attention to the needs of every individual working for them.

Ever heard of of Roald Amundsen? The man was a perfect example of what it takes to be a great leader.

Why Can’t Everyone Just Think Like Me?

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 3 min read

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably found yourself saying or thinking along these lines every so often. After all, life is so much simpler when everybody around you thinks and acts the same way.

Genuine leaders, however, know a little secret: Wanting everybody to agree with you is the worst possible mindset to have.

You’ve got to understand the value of listening to and encouraging opinions besides your own. Take a look at what the legendary Abraham Lincoln did to prove this point.