Good morning Vietnam Vollardian!
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Good morning Vietnam Vollardian!

We are excited to announce the opening of Vollardian's new office in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy. This strategic move not only allows us to tap into one of Asia's fastest-growing economies but also aligns with our commitment to fostering a truly distributed workplace and finding the best talent who get the Vollardian way.

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Vollardian's New Journey: Introducing Our Generative AI Practice
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Vollardian's New Journey: Introducing Our Generative AI Practice

At Vollardian, we're genuinely excited and proud to share a significant step in our journey: the launch of our Generative AI Practice. This new chapter is not just about expanding our services; it's about deepening our commitment to learning alongside our clients in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Exploring the 'Bozo Effect'
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Exploring the 'Bozo Effect'

Guy Kawasaki, reflecting on his experiences working with Steve Jobs, shared a crucial insight into hiring practices: "Actually, Steve believed that A players hire A players—that is people who are as good as they are. I refined this slightly—my theory is that A players hire people even better than themselves. It’s clear, though, that B players hire C players so they can feel superior to them, and C players hire D players. If you start hiring B players, expect what Steve called 'the bozo explosion' to happen in your organization."

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Culture vs Cult: When Fun Corporate Culture Crosses the Line into Cult Territory
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Culture vs Cult: When Fun Corporate Culture Crosses the Line into Cult Territory

Companies like Hubspot have become emblematic of this trend, embodying a workplace that's not just about work but also about creating a community and a lifestyle. However, this blur between personal and professional life, as highlighted in Dan Lyons' insightful book, "Disrupted", often treads a fine line between cultivating a positive culture and fostering a cult-like environment.

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Mastering the Art of Customer Onboarding
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Mastering the Art of Customer Onboarding

Client onboarding is a critical process for businesses in any sector, serving as the first step in building a robust and enduring relationship with new clients. Excellence in this phase is not just beneficial but essential for attracting and retaining clients in today's competitive landscape.

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The Rising Tide of Google Ad Costs: A Challenge for Retailers in the Age of Shein and Temu
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

The Rising Tide of Google Ad Costs: A Challenge for Retailers in the Age of Shein and Temu

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, a new challenge is emerging for local retailers: the escalating costs of Google Ads. This trend, driven in part by the aggressive advertising strategies of global e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, is reshaping the landscape of online retail advertising. At Vollardian, as we delve into this phenomenon, it's crucial to understand its implications for businesses striving to stay competitive.

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Adya, the Baby Who Came to Stay
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Adya, the Baby Who Came to Stay

A bit out of the ordinary for a management consulting blog, but in true Vollardian style, I’ve had some reflections on Year One of being a mum to baby Adya. Here are some unsolicited tips and lessons that I’ve learnt!

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A Fresh Take on WFH and the Value of the Office
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

A Fresh Take on WFH and the Value of the Office

The conversation about office spaces persists because they remain pivotal in shaping organizational culture, innovation, and productivity. The post-pandemic office is a strategic asset that requires thoughtful design and management to thrive in a changing landscape. Companies that invest in reimagining their office spaces with a focus on collaboration, employee well-being, and sustainability will be best positioned for success in the evolving world of work.

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COO: The CEO's New Strategic Right Hand
Bo Jones Bo Jones

COO: The CEO's New Strategic Right Hand

Traditionally, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) held this position as the CEO's closest advisor. However, a noticeable shift is underway, with the COO increasingly assuming the role of the CEO's top strategic collaborator and right-hand executive.

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Unraveling the Vollardian Experience: An Internship Like No Other
Chris Cheng Chris Cheng

Unraveling the Vollardian Experience: An Internship Like No Other

Being an intern at Vollardian, like any internship, has its ups and downs. However, amidst the challenges, you'll find laughter, personal growth, and great people. From table tennis tournaments to testing out new AI tools, every day brings something new and exciting.

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Real Housewives of Sales Targets
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Real Housewives of Sales Targets

We asked ChatGPT to write about a sales team that is missing target but in the style of a Real Housewives of Orange County reality tv show….this is what it came up with

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Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Small Biz Without Breaking the Bank
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Small Biz Without Breaking the Bank

Picture this: You're going about your day, checking your email, when suddenly, you get an exciting message from one of your software providers or affiliates. You're about to take the bait when something stops you in your tracks. That's exactly what happened to us here at Vollardian recently, and we're here to share our story and some tips to help you avoid falling for a phishing scam.

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When startups fail
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

When startups fail

Starting a business is never easy, and it's even harder for startups that are trying to disrupt established industries with new and innovative ideas. Unfortunately, many startups fail, and when they do, the impacts can be felt across multiple fronts.

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Scrum for business operations
Arani Satgunaseelan Arani Satgunaseelan

Scrum for business operations

As a business owner, operator, or entrepreneur, you know how important it is to stay productive and adaptable in an ever-changing marketplace. One way to do that is by incorporating aspects of Scrum, a popular methodology used in software development, into your daily operations.

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Lessons from the other side
Mathew Zikpi Mathew Zikpi

Lessons from the other side

I’ve never been a cookie-cutter employee. Being good with people usually saw me being defaulted to a sales function within corporate organisations. I had a seed of an idea for a business and eventually, frustration with complex hierarchies, and rigid confines of the roles I had motivated me to say ‘screw it!’ and start something of my own.

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