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.
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.
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."
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.
Securing the Future: Advanced Strategies for Customer Retention
Customer retention is a key driver of success for any business, regardless of industry. It's about creating lasting relationships that transcend initial transactions, contributing to sustainable growth and profitability.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Think Big, Act Fast: Balancing Visionary Strategy and Practical Operations
How do successful business leaders balance long-term strategy and day-to-day operational excellence? It's like walking a tightrope, but with the right approach, it's possible to achieve both without stumbling.
Marketplace madness: What are the risks of adding a marketplace to your online store?
You can expand your range, attract more customers, and make some extra cash on the side. However, before you jump on the bandwagon and start your own marketplace, there are some risks you need to be aware of. Beyond just extending your range, what are the potential pitfalls of adding a marketplace to your online offering?
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.
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.
Tech layoffs in Australia: More like speed bumps than roadblocks
As the tech industry continues to boom, it's not immune to economic fluctuations. Economic conditions have resulted in many companies across the world cutting jobs as priorities evolve from growth, growth, and growth to growth, burn, and margins.
Vollardian recognised in Smart Company’s Smart50 Awards for 2022
We are thrilled to announce that our company has been named one of the winners of the Smart Company Smart50 Awards in 2022.
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.