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In our office, we love a good, robust debate. Lately, we've been scratching our heads over something that feels like it's quietly vanished from the business world—"product-led" sales. Remember when that concept was all the rage? It feels like the playbook went like this:

Achieving sustainable growth often requires more than just a solid product and a dedicated team. While many companies focus on driving direct sales, there's another powerful lever that can accelerate growth and open new markets: strategic partnerships. These alliances can provide access to new customer bases, enhance your product offering, and build credibility in the market. At Vollardian, we’ve seen firsthand how effective partnerships can be for tech companies looking to scale quickly and sustainably. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of strategic partnerships and why adding a dedicated Partnerships or Channel Manager to your team can be a game-changer.

This article explores the power of email marketing as a tool for personalized communication and offers strategies for unlocking its full potential.

In fast-scaling tech companies, there's a recurring pattern that seems almost unavoidable. After reaching a certain milestone through founder-led sales, the next logical step appears to be bringing in a seasoned sales executive to catapult the company to the next level. Often, these hires come from big-name companies like Adobe or Salesforce, with impressive resumes and track records that suggest they can turn any sales pipeline into gold. But here's the kicker: this strategy rarely works out as planned.

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.

At Vollardian, we're genuinely excited and proud to share a significant step in our journey: the launch of our Generative AI Practice - Vollardian AI Labs. 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. In unveiling AI Labs, we at Vollardian want to emphasize that this initiative is far from a mere display or following a trend. It's a reflection of our deep-seated belief in the power of AI to fundamentally enhance how businesses operate. Our passion for this technology is rooted in its potential to act as 'extra arms and legs,' providing tangible, practical benefits that go beyond the surface.

The "Bozo Effect" is an organizational phenomenon where the presence and influence of mediocre employees lead to a decline in a company's overall quality and innovation. This term, popularized by Guy Kawasaki, reflects on his experiences at Apple. It highlights the dangers of hiring subpar talent, which can result in a cycle where more mediocre individuals are hired, further diluting the talent pool and negatively impacting the company's performance and culture. Kawasaki emphasizes the importance of maintaining high hiring standards to prevent this effect.

The concept of "fun" corporate culture has been heralded as a revolutionary approach to workplace environment - especially in the startup space. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional office landscape has undergone a profound transformation, and the discussions surrounding the reconfiguration of office spaces remain relevant, even three years later. This article offers insights into the strategic considerations and evolving trends in office design and management.

We were bored so 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

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. So, let's dive right into it!

If you're a retailer in Australia, you've probably heard of the trend of starting a marketplace. Recently, retailers such as Bunnings, BBQs Galore, and Rivers have been starting marketplaces. It sounds like a great idea, right especially with the emergence of software platforms like Marketplacer, Omnify, or MIRAKL. You can expand your range, attract more customers, and open up a new reveneu stream. However, 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?

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.

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. In this article, we'll explore how Scrum principles can be applied to general business operations, including the use of daily goals and sprints, regular stand-ups, rapid iteration, flexibility, and story points.

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. With the constant news of layoffs in the tech industry, it's understandable that some Australian tech workers may be concerned about their job security. However, the situation in Australia is not as dire as it may seem.

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.  

Your business started as a very small enterprise. It perhaps began with you and maybe a handful of other people. You did extremely well, money started coming through and you made the choice to expand your team. As your business continues to grow, you keep adding more and more people to your roster of talented individuals. 

There are times in your life when your business has to undergo fundraising. It’s one of the many ways to raise capital for your company, helping you grow and uncover new opportunities. 

Salesforce is the biggest and most complete CRM platform on the market right now. It’s used by millions of businesses across the world, but some struggle to implement it. If this is your first time using Salesforce, you may run into some common traps. So, we’ve created this short guide to help you avoid them and implement the software as best as possible!

The term "startup" may be familiar to most people, even those who don't have a firm grasp on what it means. However, other words to describe innovative, disruptive business models have emerged that may be less familiar to people both within and outside of the business or tech world. In addition to startups, scale-ups and unicorns are also important. Early-stage companies could fall under the umbrella of any one of these options, but what's the difference between them? As a startup grows, it could become a scale-up or unicorn if it's successful.

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social networks in the world. In 2021, it landed its billionth user just four years after launching. Comparatively, it took Facebook and Instagram twice as long to reach this feat. 

Creating a spreadsheet is easier than it’s ever been before. Need to create a budget spreadsheet? Input some data? Create a rota? Spreadsheets are capable of helping us get organised, and so much more. The reason why these things are possible is due to spreadsheet software. And two of the main products you’ll be familiar with are Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Both capable of producing excellent spreadsheets, with many useful built-in features. But how are they different and which is better? 

Around the world, some of the biggest experts on the economy are focused on men’s underwear sales.  Yes, this sounds absurd, and no it is not an indication of a common hobby amongst economists.

Google can see the writing on the wall. The nature of consumer-brand relations on the web is changing. Users are no longer accessing websites from desktop devices in independent sessions, each with their own cookies. Instead, they are arriving from multiple touchpoints, demanding simultaneous sessions, and using a plethora of devices.  As such, Google is making a move away from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), its new platform specially adapted for the demands of modern internet users. Here’s everything you need to know:

Improving productivity in the workplace is a key concern of bosses everywhere. How can you cut down on procrastinating, distractions, and barriers so that everyone can work smarter (if not necessarily harder)? If you take a look at all of the trending productivity hacks, you can find everything from having healthy snacks to bringing dogs to the office. All of these things are supposed to improve productivity, but do they really? Or do they just range from cheap lip service to further distractions? Dogs are cute but are they lowering stress or lowering productivity?

Communication is key in business and we aren't only talking about the break room conversations your team has about which type of coffee should go in the tin. When your employees talk to one another, ideas are shared, information is given, and work (after all the chatting) gets done. For remote workers, Slack was the go-to communication tool of choice for most workplaces but during COVID (when everybody was stuck at home), Microsoft Teams began to gain traction.  But which is better? Whether your employees are at home or in the office, your team needs something to help them communicate efficiently. Does Slack still rule the roost? Or is Teams now the go-to communication tool? Let's take a closer look.

Great news everyone! Team offsites are not what they used to be, and that’s a good thing! That’s right no longer will your precious employees' time be wasted with abstract activities, or forcing them to hold hands and sing kumbaya around the campfire! Instead, team offsites are now all about adding real value to your business by forging robust bonds between team members and identifying the strategies that will propel your particular business to success. Read on to find out more! 

The ability to close a sale is an art which requires patience, skill, communication and knowledge.  It’s no secret that covid-19 has changed the game of marketing as we know it and has given it a completely different twist. A business transaction is no longer closed with wining and dining; rather it’s the lap

The product development process is intense, and certain myths about product development make it all the most frustrating for those involved. There is always a mad rush to bring in new products on time and budget. Unfortunately, there are several assumptions about the product development process that can be inflammatory in the workplace. Common strategies in product development like reducing waste and creating more detailed plans can actually hurt the product and the business in the long run. Whilst meeting deadlines and reducing costs and waste is important, there are ways to meet these demands without impacting your business negatively.

If you’re starting a new small business or looking to improve your sales process and boost your sales in 2021, you’ve come to the right place. As professional boutique business consultants, we at Vollardian can empower you with industry insights that will put you ahead of your competitors. In this article, we’ll show you how to build a basic sales process to boost your sales and your bottom line.

Hey, do you want to know how to increase sales and lead generation for your small business? This year has been full of surprises, so let’s learn how to navigate the changing environment together. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to help you increase sales, engage your followers, and increase lead generation. With these simple strategies, you are bound to improve your turnover and have more valuable experiences with your customers. Let’s take a look at the tips:

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a wild ride for everyone. Some states have suffered more loss than others, but no one has made it to the end of the year feeling quite the same as they did at the start.

People are at the core of every sales business. There are people driving sales, there are people making sales, and people making the purchases. The key to a high-performing sales business is to leverage sales analytics and align people, sales, and profit sustainably. Startups and growing businesses rely heavily on continuous engagement with their customers. Interacting and building relationships with your customers is critical to gaining insight into their needs.

Building a strong rapport with your client is key to increasing your sales and maintaining a strong business relationship. The importance of listening when selling cannot be understated; active listening is a vital communication technique that improves understanding and minimises conflict in any type of relationship. Too often, we are guilty of listening to respond, rather than listening to understand. Here’s how listening when selling can improve your relationship and your bottom line.

If you’re looking to revolutionise your leadership skills, then you’ve come to the right place. This blog looks at Extreme Ownership, a book containing a set of principles created by Navy SEAL veterans Jocko Willink and Leif Babin upon their return from Iraq. The pair realised that many of the principles that make a great Navy SEAL officer can be applied to business, revolutionising the way people lead and behave in the workplace. Ready to turn your business around?

If successful business is a game of chess, you surely want to win, right? But what moves will you make to bring the victory home? A successful sales business must be aligned at all levels, from the top of the pops to the shop floor. Strategy and tactics in a sales business help us to attract customers and blow our sales KPI out of the water, month after month. Let’s break down the difference between strategy vs tactics and look at how each can be applied to a sales environment.

Isn’t it just data? Why is it big? During the 1990s, creation of data was spurred by the first super-computer being built and more devices being connected to the internet. However it’s only in recent years that extracting and storing data has become so accessible that almost anyone is able to find free solutions to keep data related to their business and draw insight. According to IBM Research, 90% of the data in the world today was created in the last two years alone. There literally is so much more data now that we have leapt into the buzzword world of ‘big data’.

Sometimes simplicity is key. This Excel model, mimics your operations for Year 1, then based on a growth project forecasts cash flow for 5 years. The forecast is important for the DCF valuation. This model was built for a business selling "widgets". Key inputs required from user:

Amazon has been able to leverage their own data to move quickly and muscle out key competitors across a variety of categories and dominate. Fashion on the other hand requires a bit more imagination and ‘pizzazz’ and a look at Amazon’s 12 year journey since entering the fashion game indicates there’s still plenty of opportunity for the behemoth.

Department store retailing in Australia is a struggling market. Competition from online retailers offering a wider selection and competitive pricing has meant that some of the largest players, Target, Big W and Myer have been going backwards – in the case of Big W and Target, the downward spiral shows no improvement. Kmart, on the other hand has gone from strength to strength and over the last 8 years has averaged a staggering compound growth rate (CAGR) of 120%. So how did they do it?