Category Archives: Tools and Tips

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Introducing Thinking Business GPT

Your AI-powered custom GPT strategic advisor is here!

We’re thrilled to launch Thinking Business GPT — the distilled essence of over a decade of insight from the Thinking Business, now at your fingertips 24/7.

This isn’t just another AI. It’s a strategic ally that merges real-world business acumen with breakthrough tools like the 15-Minute Business Blueprint. Whether you’re crafting your company vision, executing strategic plans, or navigating leadership challenges, Thinking Business GPT delivers actionable, concise, and proven advice—fast.

We have written about the importance of AI in a number of posts in the past but now we have our own tool! Built for entrepreneurs, executives, and team leaders, this GPT transforms complexity into clarity and aligns your business with purpose, performance, and profit.

Give it a try now using this link.

Remember, business success isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. And now it’s AI-assisted!

Note that this AI tool was created using the content of the website as it’s data. Essentially, it is a supercharged way to search and compile information on a specific topic that is covered in blog posts or book reviews. So, when you ask your questions, be sure to ask the tool to provide source references so you can dive deeper by reviewing the specific blog posts that the AI tool is using in it’s response. Also note that any decisions made based on the advice provided are the sole responsibility of the user. This tool, the website, its content, and authors are not liable for any outcomes.

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How to Align Your Organization Around Your Top 3 Priorities

Most people in today’s business world would agree that Ram Charan is an icon. He has written a number of best-selling business books, runs a consulting company out of Dallas, and has consulted with many of the largest companies globally.

So, when Charan describes tools that he uses to get organizational alignment, we should all take note and see if these tools can benefit us and our businesses.

In his book, The Attacker’s Advantage, he describes a tool that he uses to get business leaders to align around and focus on the most important strategic activities for their organizations.

I think we can all relate to the scenario where we assume our organizations have alignment around the same core objectives only to find out that people are focusing on very different and sometimes conflicting priorities.

I have seen this misalignment over the years both in organizations and within project teams. In fact, I remember a few painful project incidents where engineering disciplines had differing priorities that caused some significant project delays and cost overruns. These were totally avoidable if we were following Charan’s advice.

And, this is where the “Top 3 Priorities” tool comes in.

What Are Your Top 3 Priorities

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What is EMF and What Does it Have to Do With Business

According to Wikipedia, “An electromagnetic field (also EMF or EM field) is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field. The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space . . . It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature.”

Granted, EMFs are generally not a big topic in business related articles! However, they can have a dramatic impact on our health and, if our health is compromised, our business is compromised!

I first became aware of the health impacts of EMFs when I wrote a term paper at university in the 1980’s. Back then the big concern was EMF from high voltage power lines. Today, man-made EMF is more prolific than ever before and it is increasing. In fact, it is almost impossible to avoid in today’s society regardless of where you are on the planet! Some sources of man-made EMF are:

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An Introduction to the Rockefeller Habits

In 2002, Verne Harnish published his book “Mastering the Rockefeller Habits.” At the time, I was transitioning from “mega-project” management into business management and this book made a huge impact on how I run a business.

I never thought too much about it at the time but now as I reflect on how I have led organizations (businesses and not-for-profits), I constantly leverage all of the ten Rockefeller habits that Harnish outlines in his book.

I find it interesting that the organizations that “bought into” the “Rockefeller system” with me performed well over time even though we may have experienced some tough periods in the market. Conversely, the organizations that just could not get aligned around the system, were not able to experience the same levels of success.

So, what are these intriguing habits?

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Will it Fly

How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don't Waste Your Time and Money

This week’s book review is Will it Fly by Pat Flynn

Flynn takes his readers through the process of business ideation, validation, incubation, and eventual start-up and rollout. His writing style and methodology are simple yet powerful and he provides many anecdotes and useful examples to drive home the concepts that he is teaching.

My takeaway from this book is that I need to spend more time developing targeted user groups and working closely with them prior to creating and rolling out products or services. Remember the words of Joel Barker – “Speed is only useful if you’re running in the right direction!”

Spend time up front to determine the correct direction before you invest your organization’s money and resources!