Priority Setting in Business

To be successful in Q1 of 2025, as the Chief Executive focus on the following three key areas: 1. Agility and Adaptability: The market landscape is expected to remain unpredictable, with demand volatility continuing from 2024. CEOs must ensure their teams are equipped to adapt quickly to sudden changes. This involves refining demand generation strategies and building resilience to capture revenue growth opportunities. 2. Accurate Revenue Forecasting: Accurately forecasting revenue is crucial. CEOs should reassess revenue drivers, identify new opportunities, and refine their go-to-market strategies. This will help in setting realistic targets and aligning resources effectively to maximize potential. 3. Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Staying ahead of technological shifts, particularly in AI and digital transformation, is essential. CEOs should foster a culture of innovation, encourage experimentation, and integrate new technologies to stream-line operations and enhance customer experiences. Focusing on these areas will help CEOs navigate the challenges of Q1 and set a strong foundation for the rest of the year. How do you see these strategies fitting into your organization's plans? Ready to dive deeper into any particular step? Let’s discuss! For more posts like this, follow me @ https://lnkd.in/gnrwyZtR

CFOs picking ERP systems without a tech strategy are just buying expensive headaches. I’ve seen it too often: • Finance leads the ERP selection • IT is looped in late • Business users are consulted, barely • The goal? "Fix reporting" or "streamline processes." What follows? Years of implementation pain. Skyrocketing costs. User adoption nightmares. And a system that solves yesterday’s problems… not tomorrow’s. Here’s the hard truth: An ERP isn’t a finance tool. It’s a business operating system. If your tech architecture, data governance, and process redesign aren’t part of the conversation upfront, you’re not transforming. You’re just digitizing dysfunction. Strategic CFOs know this. They partner early with CIOs. They co-own a tech roadmap. They define value beyond cost savings. Because picking the wrong ERP doesn’t just waste money. It locks your business into complexity for a decade. So ask yourself: Are you selecting systems strategically? or reacting tactically under pressure? #CFO #ERP #FinanceTransformation #TechStrategy #DigitalLeadership #StrategicFinance

By 2025, sustainability won't just guide projects... It will decide their destiny. 🌍 Imagine a world where every project is measured not only by cost and schedule but also by its carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and community impact. A world where success is defined by the value projects create for the planet and society, not just their immediate stakeholders. Sustainability will no longer be a nice-to-have or a PR tool — it will define project viability and transform how we work: • Embedding sustainability at the core of project management: From ideation to execution, incorporating sustainability metrics will be as critical as traditional KPIs like budget and timelines. Decision-making will pivot on factors like circular resource use, energy efficiency, and biodiversity preservation. • Aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs: Projects will increasingly be evaluated on how they align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Stakeholders will expect clear evidence of contributions to goals like climate action, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption. • Driving accountability and transparency: Measuring and reporting metrics such as carbon emissions, waste reduction, and long-term community impact will be critical for securing funding, gaining stakeholder trust, and enhancing public credibility. 💡 The key to thriving in this environment? Proactive action. Leaders who adopt sustainability as a strategic priority will unlock: • Competitive advantage by differentiating their projects as forward-thinking and responsible. • Resource security by demonstrating alignment with environmental goals, attracting partnerships, and accessing green funding. • Resilience by designing projects that adapt to changing environmental, social, and economic conditions. This shift isn't just about responsibility — it's about innovation, leadership, and building a future-proof strategy. As we head toward 2025, organizations that embrace sustainability will deliver value today and inspire generations to come. 🔥 This is idea 9/10 in my series: 10 Big Ideas for 2025. Tomorrow, I’ll reveal the 10th and final idea — don’t miss it! Let’s build a future where sustainability drives success, ignites creativity, and delivers impact that lasts beyond a single project. 🌟 I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! How is your organization adapting to these shifts? Let’s discuss. 👇 Have an incredible day! Ricardo #BigIdeas2025 #SustainableLeadership #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Leadership2025 #Sustainability #Transparency #Resilience #LinkedInThoughtLeadership

The biggest threat to a startup isn’t what it's not doing, it’s what it refuses to stop doing. Founders are obsessed with action. Every day is a fresh to-do list. Build this. Post that. Call them. Raise this. Pitch there. But rarely do they ask: What should we stop doing? In my consulting experience, I’ve seen this pattern repeat. Startups that scale well aren’t doing more. They’re just doing less, but with ruthless focus. Quite often we see founders wanting to do everything. The ‘hustle culture’ tag has also become a badge and many founders think doing the hustle is what will get them there. But taking a pause, getting team members who manage specific areas is crucial. As founders it's important to focus on the areas you excel in and critical functions which you need to lead. I would suggest that founders keep Product development, Branding & marketing and GTM under their belt. The rest, though important may not be your specialisation and hence best left to people who know it better and do it better. The intention is good, undoubtedly, but where does that leave time for clarity, culture, or vision? Not everything needs your fingerprint. And no, letting go isn’t slacking off, it’s smart prioritisation. Startups don’t need superhuman founders. They need clear-headed ones who know when to go deep, and when to move aside. So if you’re building something right now, maybe it’s time for a different kind of list. Not a to-do list. A stop-doing list. Have you ever made one? #startups #branding #marketing'

Are you considering implementing a new ERP system? Lately, I've engaged in a number of discussions regarding the selection of ERPs, their capabilities, and the intricacies of their implementation process. For any business embarking on this journey, it's a significant decision, but one that holds the potential to transform operations. Drawing from my experience as a CFO, I've witnessed the impact that new ERP implementations can have on businesses. It can present remarkable possibilities to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and stimulate growth. However, it can also come with its own set of challenges and complexities. So, what exactly does it take to ensure a successful ERP implementation? 1️⃣ Process-Oriented Strategy   - Prioritise Processes: Instead of getting lost in features, focus on your business workflows. Identify areas for enhancement, pinpoint bottlenecks, and imagine how the ERP can boost agility.   - Thorough Mapping: Take stock of current processes and spot any gaps. Consider factors like mobile accessibility, real-time alerts, and data analytics as you modernise. 2️⃣ Harnessing Team Potential   - Team Dynamics: The team driving any ERP implementation is of great importance. You will need to gather a diverse group of executives, project managers, end users, and IT specialists. Their collective insights and dedication will be key to a successful implementation.   - Skills and Expertise: Look beyond job titles. Recruit team members with relevant expertise, industry knowledge, and a knowledge of your chosen ERP platform. 3️⃣ Selecting the Right Implementation Partner   - Industry Understanding: Your chosen partner should be able to grasp the fundamentals of your industry. Seek referrals and validate their track record.   - Methodology: What is their implementation approach? It should reflect their own learning and not just be a generic template. 4️⃣ Avoiding Common Pitfalls   - Robust Governance: Establish strong project governance from the outset.   - Clear Scope Definition: Set precise objectives and requirements - avoid scope creep!   - Data Integrity: Ensure your data is clean and reliable.   - Training: Invest in comprehensive user training, during implementation and after.   - Executive Support: Secure backing from leadership. 5️⃣ People-Centric Strategies   - Inclusive Teams: Engage stakeholders at all levels. Everyone should feel accountable for success.   - Promote Collaboration: Foster open dialogue and teamwork.   - Risk Awareness: Acknowledge potential risks and address them early. Oh, and finally, as the CFO ensure the budget is appropriate and costs controlled! Remember, a successful ERP implementation hinges not only on technology but also on people, processes, and collaboration. I would love to hear about your implementation stories and the key to success. 👇 #ERPImplementation #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #CFOInsights 

Throughout my recruitment career, I've observed a consistent disconnect between what candidates emphasize and what actually influences hiring decisions.   Elaborate job titles might look impressive on LinkedIn, but they rarely drive hiring decisions.   What Hiring Managers Overlook:   Complex titles like "Senior Vice President of Strategic Digital Transformation" or "Principal Customer Experience Innovation Lead" sound important but provide little insight into actual capabilities or achievements.   What Drives Hiring Decisions:   1. Quantified Impact: Specific metrics that demonstrate business value - revenue generated, costs reduced, efficiency improved, problems solved. 2. Transferable Skills: Core competencies that apply across industries and organizations rather than company-specific role descriptions. 3. Problem-Solving Evidence: Concrete examples of challenges identified and solutions implemented with measurable outcomes. 4. Results-Oriented Communication: The ability to articulate achievements in terms of business impact rather than job responsibilities.   The Strategic Shift: Instead of: "I'm a Marketing Director" Position as: "I help B2B companies generate 3x more qualified leads through data-driven campaigns"   Instead of: "I'm an Operations Manager" Position as: "I streamline processes that reduce costs by 25% while improving quality"   Why This Matters:   Hiring managers evaluate candidates based on potential contribution to their specific business challenges. Titles describe past roles; results predict future value.   When you lead with measurable achievements rather than hierarchical labels, you immediately differentiate yourself from candidates who rely on impressive-sounding titles.   What strategies have you found most effective for communicating your professional value beyond job titles?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #valueproposition #resultsdriven #careerstrategist

Most companies plan to increase their sustainability budget in 2025 🌎 Sustainability remains high on the corporate agenda, with 62% of business leaders planning to increase their sustainability investments in 2025. This marks a 10-percentage-point rise from last year, signaling continued commitment despite economic headwinds. However, the pace of investment growth is slowing. Among large organizations increasing their budgets, the expected rise has dipped from 12.2% in 2024 to 10.5% in 2025, indicating a more cautious approach to spending. Regulatory pressures continue to be a significant driver of sustainability investment. As governments worldwide tighten environmental and climate-related policies, businesses are adapting by prioritizing compliance and long-term resilience. Many organizations view sustainability not just as a regulatory requirement but as an opportunity to strengthen operational efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks associated with climate change and resource scarcity. Investment priorities are shifting, with climate technologies, sustainable product design, biodiversity, and water emerging as key focus areas. Companies are increasingly looking at these areas as critical components of their sustainability strategies, recognizing the potential for innovation and long-term value creation. These priorities reflect a broader movement toward integrating sustainability into core business functions rather than treating it as a separate initiative. Supply chain resilience remains a major concern, with 63% of business leaders emphasizing the need for urgent improvements. As companies face ongoing disruptions and fluctuating commodity prices, they are focusing on making supply chains more transparent, efficient, and environmentally responsible. Improved energy and material efficiency are also becoming central strategies, aligning cost-saving measures with sustainability goals. Despite economic uncertainty, companies are approaching sustainability with confidence and adaptability. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #investment

𝗘𝗥𝗣 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗳𝘂𝗹 They give the illusion of progress but rarely lead to better decisions. If you’re a CEO or CFO looking for a new ERP, CRM, Payroll, HR, or any enterprise-wide system, your key focus should be on whether the software you are evaluating will truly support your unique business processes. To get there, you need to invest time upfront documenting “𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧” you want the system to do, clearly and precisely. The key is to avoid prescribing exactly “𝗛𝗢𝗪” these requirements are to be met, as this is how the different solutions distinguish themselves from others, particularly in capability and ease of use. At Combined Management Consultants, we use Business Scenarios written in plain English. This approach cuts through the ambiguity that often clouds Vendor conversations, providing clarity on exactly “𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧” functionality you expect from your software and implementation partner. This is a game-changer compared to the usual functional checklists with ticks and crosses, typically in Excel, or spending months slaving over “𝗔𝗦 𝗜𝗦” and “𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘” Visio process diagrams. The reality is that Vendors can’t give you accurate cost estimates based on functional checklists or diagrams. If you want clarity around costs and scope, end-to-end Business Scenarios are the best approach. Beyond helping to control scope, they’re also incredibly useful to support planning end-user training and testing, thereby optimising your investment from start to finish. In short - clear Business Scenarios lead to clear expectations, more accurate pricing, and ultimately a smoother implementation. #erp #sap #epicor #ifs #acumatica #netsuite #microsoft #infor #eci #rootstock #crm

An Open Letter to Small Business Owners “2025: The Year of Purpose – A Challenge to Refine, Focus, and Thrive” Dear Small Business Owners, As we enter 2025, I want to challenge you to rise above the noise, distractions, and temptations of being “everything to everyone.” In 2025, let’s focus on what makes your business uniquely valuable. Let’s commit to narrowing the field, sharpening your vision, and relentlessly pursuing excellence in the areas where you bring unparalleled impact. Here’s the truth: success doesn’t come from casting the widest net but from serving the right clients with the right solutions. To do this, you must ask yourself:  ✅ What are my top five unique value propositions? You can’t be everything to everyone. Your business is most powerful when you focus on solving specific problems for a defined audience. Identify the core five offerings that truly set you apart and commit to refining and delivering them better than anyone else. ✅ Who is my ideal client, and how can I serve them better than they expect? Every client isn’t your client, and chasing every lead can dilute your impact. Understand your audience so deeply that you can anticipate their needs, address their pain points, and position yourself as the solution they didn’t know they needed.   ✅ What is my revenue model, and how do I ensure it aligns with my goals? Revenue is more than a number—it’s a strategy. Not every dollar is a good dollar, and some opportunities may cost you more than they’re worth. Be clear about how you make money, what margins you need, and where you can afford to invest in growth. ✅ How can I serve “Uncle Sam” with precision? The government is the largest client in the world, but Uncle Sam’s needs are unique. Focus on solving problems, addressing issues, or meeting needs that align with your expertise and value proposition. Position yourself as a reliable partner, not just a bidder chasing contracts. ✅ Who are my true partners? Not every potential team member or partner is a good fit. Choose wisely. Align yourself with those who share your values, understand your mission, and bring complementary skills to the table. Remember, focus doesn’t limit you—it liberates you. It frees you to pour your energy into what matters most and allows your clients and partners to see your value with clarity. This year, I challenge you to: 1️⃣ Stop spreading yourself thin and start digging deep. 2️⃣ Refine your purpose. Stay unwavering in your pursuit of excellence. 3️⃣ Serve your unique audience with everything you have, and trust that focus and faith will lead you to the success you’re striving for. Let’s make 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ the year of purpose, alignment, and impact. I wish you God’s richest blessings and prosperity in the New Year and beyond‼️ #SmallBusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessDevelopment #Networking #relationships #MarketResearch #BusinessIntelligence #SmallBusiness #VetBizLady