We spend so much effort and resources on learning the tools to do our job. However, it’s those often-overlooked soft skills, such as self-awareness and communication, that are crucial for success in business. That’s according to Renata Sguario, founder and CEO of Maxme, a company maximising human potential on a global scale. Embracing strengths and working on self-management, she says, can lead to positive interactions and better relationships in the workplace.

Finding a balance between AI and human skills is crucial in the evolving technological landscape. Automation can only handle simple tasks, while complex problem-solving and creativity are difficult to automate. Human skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial in the face of automation. Renata believes that employers play a vital role in supporting school leavers and bridging the gap between education and the workplace.

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• • Maxme 
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Mandi Ford wanted to have a business that made everyone smile. Mandi’s Director at ES Concierge & Co, Australia leading life and business concierge. She and her team help with finding gifts, booking restaurants, delivering services – any little (and big) thing that needs solving. She espouses ‘unreasonable hospitality’: exceeding expectations and surprising and delighting customers.

When hiring for customer service roles, she’s on the lookout for individuals who have a desire to serve others and treat everyone with respect. It’s important to choose and onboard suppliers carefully, ensuring they align with the company’s values and customer service standards. Creating meaningful experiences for customers, she insists, doesn’t always require a large budget; thoughtfulness and personalisation can make a significant impact.

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Most businesses grow to a certain size then struggle to push through. In fact, according to research by strategy advisor and business mentor Jenny Stilwell, only 7% of businesses break through $2 million in turnover. Jenny is author of The 7% Club, and she highlights the three key areas of challenge for companies looking to grow beyond $2m: complexity, people management, and transitioning from business owner to CEO.

Jenny discusses the importance of strategic growth and understanding the desired direction for the business. Customer service is an advantage that small businesses have in providing a more personal approach. Jenny suggests that large organisations can improve their customer experience by focusing on the human connection.

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The sales landscape has changed significantly observes Ingrid Maynard, host and CEO of The Sales Doctor. She says sales leaders and salespeople need to focus on three key areas to be successful: pipeline, driving the sales process, and activity levels and technique.

Managing the pipeline is crucial, with each person’s pipeline needing to be a multiple of their sales target. Driving the sales process involves being proactive in creating opportunities, embedding belief, and shortening sales cycles. Salespeople, Ingrid insists, need to work on both activity levels and technique to succeed in today’s tough economic conditions.

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The Sales Revolution Book

Have you stopped to consider who your customers are and what they are saying about you? Do you even want to know? It can be hard confronting the truth in case the truth is not what you want to hear. Ingrid Maynard explores the importance of customers and their impact on an organisation’s reputation. The definition of a customer needs to expand beyond traditional buyers. Ingrid introduces the concept of becoming a magnetic organisation, where positive experiences lead to a multiplying effect on the organisation’s reputation.

• • The Sales Doctor