Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Why You Should Have a Business Coach or Advisor on Your Team

Running a business is an exciting and yet challenging journey. Having a business coach or advisor ‘on your team’ can make a significant difference. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, a coach or advisor offers invaluable support that helps you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and running a business with confidence.

Having a business coach or advisor means gaining a trusted partner who is committed to your success, helping you create a sustainable, thriving business.

Do not underestimate the power of expert support—your future self will thank you!

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Managing Employee Under Performance – Essential but challenging!

Performance issues are a common challenge for business owners but mishandling them can lead to costly grievances and/or legal costs. It’s essential to follow a fair and structured process to address poor performance and avoid the pitfalls that many employers fall into.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

How to Own Your Mistakes and Grow from Them.

Taking ownership of mistakes or errors of judgement in the workplace can be difficult, but it’s crucial for building trust, improving your skills, and becoming a more effective business owner, manager or employee.

Here’s how you can take responsibility for your errors and turn them into growth opportunities:

1. Analyse the Mistake
Before addressing the issue, reflect on what went wrong. Understanding the cause helps you propose a solution and shows initiative and insight. If necessary, seek help from your coach/mentor, Manager or colleague to resolve the problem.

2. Keep Things in Perspective
Mistakes are part of everyone’s journey. While it’s natural to angry or disappointed with yourself or to feel embarrassed, manage your emotions and approach the situation calmly. This will help you resolve the issue professionally.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

How to Become Tougher and Stronger: My Top Ten Tips.

Inside every one of us lies a champion, waiting to be cut loose.

Champions are not only physically strong but, more importantly, they possess emotional resilience, self-belief, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.

By embracing the right mindset and habits, you can unlock your inner champion and become tougher and stronger, both mentally and physically.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

The Do’s and Don’ts of Email Etiquette..

Ah, email. The modern-day way to communicate without actually talking to anyone. A light hearted but honest perspective.

But be warned—every email you send is a snapshot of your professional persona. So, before you hit “send,” take a moment to reflect on what kind of impression you’re leaving. Here are some email etiquette tips to ensure you’re not the next viral office talking point.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Does alignment between your Personal and business values really matter?

Does alignment between your personal and business values really matter?

In our busy day to day lives, the lines between personal and business values often get blurred. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that you can’t truly separate the two. If you’ve found yourself feeling burnt out or disconnected from your business, it might be time to reevaluate your core values.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Leveraging Change for Business Growth.

Leveraging Change for Business Growth

My experience over the years is that ‘change’ is often viewed with apprehension, yet it can be one of the most powerful tools for business growth and success. In a dynamic economic environment, organisations that leverage change effectively are more likely to thrive.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Balancing Rewards and Accountability in the Workplace.

In my own experience this is a key challenge for many business owners and managers.

But in today’s competitive business environment, the dual approach of rewarding high-performing staff while removing those who do not meet standards is vital for organisational success.

This balance not only motivates top talent but also reinforces a culture of accountability.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Building a strong Brand is essential and will create massive value.

Building a strong Brand is essential and will create massive value.

Creating a strong brand identity is vital for any business aiming to thrive in a crowded marketplace. It takes time and a single-minded focus on the outcome sought. It’s not just about logos and slogans, it’s about forging emotional connections with potential customers and establishing a unique place in their minds. . At the core of this identity is brand positioning.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Starting a Business.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Starting a Business.

Starting a business is often glamorised as a path to freedom and success, but it can be a challenging journey filled with obstacles. For aspiring business owners, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of launching a new venture vs, buying an existing one is critical to making an informed decision.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Should We Innovate or Stick to Our Knitting?

Should We Innovate or Stick to Our Knitting?

I have seen many business owners grapple with whether to strengthen their core operations or pursue growth through innovation. The ideal answer I believe is to embrace both strategies.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Understanding the Difference Between Profit and Cash Flow!

Understanding the Difference Between Profit and Cash Flow

Business owners often interchange the terms "profit" and "cash flow", without really understanding them. I have seen this often and at times have lost focus on that in my own businesses over the years.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Surviving in business when times are tough!

Launching a new business or running an existing one is no easy feat, and navigating through challenging times can be particularly daunting.

Statistics indicate that as many as 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, with as much as 80% not making it past the five-year mark. The struggles of becoming and remaining viable are real.

Here are some valuable insights for guiding a small business through adversity.

Read More
Stephen Barry Stephen Barry

Does Planning for Growth and Success Really Work?

Does Planning for Growth and Success Really Work?

In today’s dynamic business landscape, the question of whether planning for growth and success truly pays off is more relevant than ever. At SAS, we firmly believe that strategic planning is essential for any organisation aiming to thrive.

Read More