Carolyn Lighty’s Post

A staggering 91% of resolutions fail! This pattern doesn't just apply to personal goals; it echoes in the business world too. In my latest blog post, I explore why traditional resolutions often fall short and how businesses can avoid these pitfalls by adopting Data-Driven Growth Imperatives. 📊 🔍 Key Takeaways: •Understand the common reasons for resolution failures, such as unrealistic goals and lack of progress tracking. •Discover actionable strategies to set achievable, data-driven objectives that foster innovation and growth. •Learn how embracing challenges can turn barriers into opportunities for your organization. Don’t let your 2025 goals become another statistic! Click the link to read the full blog and start your journey toward achieving results: https://lnkd.in/erVH--9k #BusinessGrowth #DataDriven #GrowthStrategy #NewYear #CXOLeadership #NewOpportunities

Goals set the direction, but systems drive progress. Many organizations set ambitious targets yet struggle with inefficiency. The issue isn’t the goals themselves—it’s the lack of systems to support them. KPIs can guide decision-making, but only if there are effective processes in place to measure and act on them. Without this foundation, even the best goals can fall flat. The future belongs to businesses that align their goals with strong, scalable systems. When strategy and execution work hand in hand, growth isn’t just a possibility—it’s a certainty. Let’s create the systems that turn your vision into results. #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence #fractionalcoo #missiondriven

Numbers are the language of business, and right now, they’re telling us an important story. Over the past few months, I’ve had conversations with fellow service business owners across the country, and a common theme has emerged: significant declines in leads, shrinking average job sizes, and tightening margins. The truth is, in good times, it’s easy to overlook inefficiencies—those extra costs and processes that creep in and, over time, make us sluggish. We enjoy the perks, but they can come at the expense of our agility and profitability. Now is the time for a reality check. If your business has gotten a bit “chubby” in these good times, it’s time to put it on a diet. It’s about getting back to basics, trimming the excess, and focusing on what truly drives growth. For me, this means re-evaluating every aspect of our operations, tightening up processes, and doubling down on efficiency. I’m committed to helping our business get lean and mean, ready to not just survive but thrive in any economic environment. Remember, the numbers don’t lie—they show us where we’ve been and where we’re headed. It’s up to us to listen, adapt, and come out stronger. Are you ready to get lean? 💪 #BusinessLeadership #Efficiency #LeanAndMean #ServiceIndustry

🌟 In a world where uncertainty is a constant, it’s crucial to empower our small businesses to thrive, no matter what challenges may arise.🌟    Here are some essential strategies to foster financial resilience and drive success:   Strengthen Financial Health: Assess your financial status and build cash reserves to create a safety net.   Diversify Revenue Streams: Explore new markets and expand your product or service offerings to mitigate risks.   Focus on Customer Retention: Enhance customer engagement and offer flexible payment options to keep loyal customers.   Invest Wisely in Marketing: Adjust your marketing strategies to emphasize value and reliability.   Foster a Positive Work Culture: Communicate transparently with employees and invest in their development.   Stay Informed and Adapt: Monitor economic indicators and remain flexible to changing conditions.   By implementing these strategies, we can not only navigate uncertainties but also lay the foundation for a powerful, sustainable future where our small businesses can flourish against all odds.   #BusinessResilience #EconomicUncertainty #Leadership #Strategy  

Your business’s tech might be working well today, but is it ready for tomorrow? A new study has found more than 60% of business leaders aren’t confident about theirs. What about yours? #BusinessIT #FutureReady #BusinessGrowth #RoanokeITSupport #BanksTechTIps

Your business’s tech might be working well today, but is it ready for tomorrow? A new study has found more than 60% of business leaders aren’t confident about theirs. What about yours? #BusinessIT #FutureReady #BusinessGrowth #RoanokeITSupport #BanksTechTIps

There is a fine line between understanding the importance of profitability and becoming overly obsessed with it. Often, this obsession can lead to poor decisions. Many businesses fail because of misplaced priorities and a fundamental misunderstanding of what profitability truly means. Effective, timely decision-making requires a deep understanding of all the stakeholders involved. Right things cannot be built on a foundation of poor understanding.

Yes, reducing costs remains a top priority. But beware—over-focusing on cost cutting can actually hinder growth. 📊 Boston Consulting Group's insights reveal that 83% of executives meet initial savings goals, yet many struggle to sustain them without impacting business growth. The solution? Shift from a once-and-done approach to an ongoing, strategic one. Make cost management part of your company culture, empowering employees to own the process and contribute ideas. This shift can foster resilience, agility, and long-term competitive advantage. How does your team ensure cost management drives growth, not just short-term savings? #CostManagement #LongTermGrowth #LeadershipStrategy #BuildingMaterials

A big part of my job is identifying enterprises operating on thin margins that need transformative change. Over the last 12-18 months, the common themes in CEO letters and annual reports I’ve read are clear: -Improve productivity -Simplify operating models -Embrace disciplined restructuring -Reduce overheads -Redesign org for the future Economic headwinds are real. If you are not regularly monitoring your organization's health, stagnation in business growth is inevitable.

The quote "Every setback is a setup for a comeback" highlights the importance of resilience in business. Setbacks, such as financial losses or operational challenges, should be viewed as opportunities for growth and improvement. They offer valuable lessons that can help identify weaknesses and refine strategies, driving organizations to adapt and evolve. Setbacks can spark innovation by pushing teams to think creatively about solutions and explore new approaches to products or services. This not only enhances offerings but also keeps businesses competitive in a rapidly changing market. Embracing setbacks as an integral part of the business journey encourages a long-term perspective. Rather than fearing failure, businesses can cultivate a mindset focused on continuous growth and development. This adaptability not only prepares organizations for future challenges but can also uncover new opportunities for success. Ultimately, viewing setbacks as setups for comebacks can transform challenges into catalysts for lasting achievement. #ResilienceInBusiness #SetbacksToComebacks #BusinessGrowth #InnovationThroughChallenge #LearnFromFailure