Networking is often seen as attending events, swapping business cards, and hoping those connections lead somewhere. But let’s be real—how often does that approach actually work? Today, I want to break down how to take networking beyond the usual “what do you do?” routine and dive into strategies that will help you make meaningful connections, no matter where you are.

And if you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve got you covered! Watch the video for a deeper dive into these strategies.

1. Lead with Value, Not Intent

Let’s start with a game-changing mindset shift: focus on what you can give rather than what you can get. When you meet someone new, consider what you can offer them, whether it’s support, a helpful tip, or even just a listening ear.

Try asking, “What’s something exciting happening in your life or business right now?” It’s a question that goes beyond small talk and helps you connect in a way that feels...

Mindful Decision Making: Small Shifts for Big Impact

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often faced with an overwhelming number of decisions. Whether they’re related to our business, personal lives, or future goals, the pressure to make the “right” choice can be exhausting. However, what if the secret to making better decisions lies not in rushing through them but in taking a step back and approaching them with mindfulness?

In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of Mindful Decision Making—a process that not only helps you make thoughtful choices but also leads to greater clarity and success. Here’s how small, intentional shifts in your decision-making process can lead to big improvements over time.

What is Mindful Decision Making?

Mindful decision making is about being fully present and deliberate when you face a choice. Instead of reacting on autopilot or under pressure, it’s about stepping back, reflecting, and considering...

In today’s world, storytelling isn’t just an art form; it’s a powerful tool that can drive change, inspire action, and connect people on a deeper level. Whether you’re a business owner, a leader, or simply trying to make an impact in your personal or professional life, mastering the art of storytelling can set you apart and take you further than you ever imagined.

But why is storytelling so effective? Let’s dive in.

Why Storytelling Works

We live in a world full of facts and figures, but let’s face it: a spreadsheet rarely moves us emotionally. Humans are wired for stories—they engage our emotions, spark our imaginations, and create connections that go beyond surface-level information. From ancient times, storytelling was how people made sense of the world, passed down knowledge, and related to one another. Stories resonate because they’re not just informational; they’re emotional.

The Structure of a Great Story

Every...

In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, it feels like there’s never a moment to breathe. From the constant notifications on our phones to the endless flow of emails and social media updates, the pressure to stay “plugged in” can be overwhelming.

But here’s the truth—unplugging is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

When you take time to step away from the digital noise, you give your mind and body the space they need to recharge. By consciously unplugging from technology, you’re not only protecting your mental and emotional well-being but also improving your productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Why Unplugging Matters

When we’re constantly “on,” our brains never get the chance to rest. Think of it like running a marathon without any water breaks—it’s exhausting and unsustainable. The benefits of unplugging go beyond just avoiding burnout. Regular breaks from technology allow for...

Vision-Driven Success: Aligning Your Personal Goals with Your Business Strategies

Hi, I’m Leigh Wilson with Focus Forward Business Design, and today I want to explore a topic that’s at the heart of building both a fulfilling life and a successful business: vision-driven success.

Many people achieve great things in their careers, only to realize they’re unfulfilled or out of alignment with their personal goals. That’s why it’s crucial to not only define a clear vision for your life but also ensure your business strategies are in harmony with that vision. Let’s break down how to do just that.

Why Your Vision Is Your North Star

Your vision is your guiding light. It directs your decisions and actions, helping you move toward a life that aligns with your core values and passions. Without a clear vision, it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day hustle, chasing short-term wins that don’t contribute to your long-term happiness or success. When you...

As we embrace the fall season, it’s an ideal time to address a topic that affects many of us yet remains rarely discussed—burnout. In our quest for success, whether in business or personal life, we often push ourselves to the brink, believing that more effort and longer hours are the only paths to achievement. However, there’s a more effective way to achieve our goals without sacrificing our well-being. This blog post explores how to break free from burnout and embrace sustainable success.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout goes beyond just feeling tired or stressed; it’s a state of profound emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. This condition can lead to diminished motivation, reduced performance, and a pervasive sense of helplessness. Moreover, if left unaddressed, burnout can have severe consequences for your health,...

The Power of Gratitude in Leadership

Hi there! Leigh Wilson here with Focus Forward Business Design. Today, let’s explore a leadership tool that's both simple and transformative—gratitude. Often underestimated, expressing gratitude can significantly enhance your leadership style and uplift your team's performance. Let's delve into how integrating gratitude can lead to a more positive and productive workplace.

The Impact of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than just a feel-good habit—it's grounded in science. Research has shown that when leaders express gratitude, it leads to:

• Higher Workplace Satisfaction: Employees who feel appreciated tend to be more content in their roles.
• Increased Employee Engagement: Gratitude boosts motivation, leading team members to go the extra mile.
• Reduced Turnover Rates: A culture of appreciation can lower the likelihood of employees leaving.

A Personal Story: The Power of a Thank-You

Early in my leadership journey, I faced a period where...

Hi everyone! Leigh Wilson here with Focus Forward Business Design, and today we're diving into a topic that we all grapple with: embracing imperfection. It might sound daunting, but it can be incredibly liberating and powerful.

Embracing Imperfection: Why It Matters

• Perfection is an Illusion: Research from Harvard Business School indicates that striving for perfection increases stress and reduces productivity. While society often celebrates perfection, it's our imperfections that truly make us unique and innovative.

• Historical Insight: Consider Thomas Edison, who famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Edison's acceptance of failure and imperfection led to the invention of the lightbulb.

Personal Journey

• My Experience: When I first launched Focus Forward Business Design, I was obsessed with perfection in every detail, from presentations to meetings. This obsession led to burnout and missed opportunities. Real growth and innovation...

Welcome to the Focus Forward

Business Design Blog.

We are diving into a topic that resonates with so many of us...overcoming overwhelm. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel buried under the weight of our responsibilities. But what if I told you that learning to manage this overwhelm could lead to a more productive, happier, and more controlled life? 

Overwhelm can stem from various sources 

*Work pressures

*Personal obligations

*The relentless pursuit of perfection.

Psychologically, this state triggers our fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones that cloud our judgment and impede our productivity. Understanding this is the first step toward taking control.

The first step to overcoming overwhelm is acknowledging its presence. By recognizing and naming your feelings, you can begin to take control. Understand that it’s okay to feel this way – it’s a natural human response. Once you’ve acknowledged it, you can start to address...

You're Not Good Enough... The Power of Self Talk

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I'm not good enough"? Those words, echoing in your mind, can be more powerful than any external criticism. But what if I told you that self-talk—the conversation you have with yourself—holds the key to unlocking your true potential?

Today at Focus Forward Business Design, we're delving into the transformative power of self-talk and how it can propel you to new heights in both your personal and professional life.

At Focus Forward, we believe that business and personal development are interconnected. To truly excel in one, you must nurture the other. Central to this synergy is how you speak to yourself.

Self-talk can either be your greatest ally or your worst enemy. Negative self-talk—thoughts like "I'm not capable," "I always mess up," or "I'll never succeed"—can sabotage efforts and diminish self-esteem. On the other hand, positive self-talk can build confidence, enhance...