Media
Carl’s media page. Carl’s methodologies are in practice in over 35 countries. He reaches over 1.5 million people per year through his writings and appearances. He is an award-winning coach and a pioneer in the coaching and mentoring industry. 4-time Entrepreneur of the Year Winner. Top-ranked speaker, best-selling author of 9 books, the latest releasing this year.
A thought leader in business growth at both the individual and organizational level. Carl is a founding member of IAC, an accredited coach with ICF and earned a fellowship at the Institute for Independent Business (IIB) where he partnered to create the world’s farthest-reaching mentoring organization. Gould has trained, accredited and certified over 7,000 coaches since 2002. Carl speaks internationally to tens of thousands of Entrepreneurs and Executives each year about how to grow their companies taking them to the next level; covering topics like Business Growth, Leadership and Peak Performance. Carl’s dynamic, energetic presentation style combined with his practical, impactful content are the reason he is one of the most sought-after speakers globally. Carl engages his audience and keeps them on the edge of their seat. Gould has served as the Learning Chair and MC of Nerve, the country’s premiere leadership conference and as a Mentorship Chair for Entrepreneurs Organization, the world’s leading entrepreneur community. Carl lectured at MIT as part of the Entrepreneurs Master’s Program, and is invited as keynote speaker at many international conferences. Carl regularly appears in the media on the home improvement reality TV show, This House Too. He co-hosted a weekly radio program, Quit and Get Rich, on iHeart Radio for 5 years. Carl regularly appears in print publications, on podcasts, television and radio shows, providing his expertise and analysis to today’s most pressing political and business issues. Carl has his own daily micro podcast #70secondCEO and full length bi-monthly podcast the Carl Gould Collective.
How to Measure Your Most Valuable Intangible Asset: Your Employees
A company’s assets can be sorted into two buckets: tangible and intangible assets. Tangible assets are things the firm can buy or sell, such as inventory, real estate, equipment, machinery, offices, or company vehicles. Most business owners are pretty comfortable inventorying and appraising tangible assets.
But do you know how to measure the value of your intangible assets: your staff. Are you getting the most out of your employees? Are they as valuable as they should be? How do you know who to hire, which positions to create, and whether a job candidate is the best fit with your firm?
Start By Establishing Measurements for Positions, Not People
Instead of starting with employee traits for an evaluation, start by mapping out the parameters of that position. What should anyone in that job accomplish? Why does the role exist? What purpose does it serve? What personality traits should anyone in the post have? Establishing benchmarks for each job allows you to assign performance standards, desired personality attributes, and expected contributions.
Each Position is Assigned a Personality and a Prototype
Some business owners are uncomfortable assigning an ideal personality for a job. But when you take the current employee out of the equation, you can start thinking about traits that suit the position and match the business culture. For example, should a CMO be outgoing, creative, and enthusiastic in your firm? Does your organization need a meticulous, team-oriented, and predictable COO?
Once you put a personality in place for the position, you add a list of essential functions of the role to round out the prototype. For instance, in some companies, a CMO manages communications, creates sales materials, and handles PR. In another firm, the CMO may also oversee sales. Each company is different.
With position benchmarks in place, evaluating an employee’s or prospects’ suitability becomes much more manageable. If they match the job’s benchmarks well, it will be easier for them to meet your company’s expectations. Therefore, they will probably be more effective, experience success, and consequently show more loyalty. Matching people to benchmarks is a win-win.
The Role of Company Culture
The personalities and prototypes for a job can vary significantly among companies. Don’t assume that all positions look the same in all organizations. The change among industries is significant, so the needs of positions will vary quite a bit. Additionally, company culture plays an important role.
For example, suppose your company culture is innovative, creative, and brash. In that case, you may want an extroverted, big-idea CMO comfortable taking big swings and making a splash with the public.
Conversely, another company may be conservative and research-driven. They may need a CMO with focus and a professional, restrained manner.
Looking at these two examples, it becomes easy to see that companies A and B need two different types of CMOs. Can you imagine how unhappy the high-flying creative would be working for company B? And how frustrated company A would be if they hired a restrained introvert?
Benchmarking Needs Change Based on a Company’s Growth Cycle
In the startup phase, companies operate differently. They must be nimble, run lean, and change quickly to meet market needs. But established businesses should be focused on creating order, systems, and processes that allow them to scale up.
That’s why it’s wise to revisit benchmarked job descriptions as a firm grows. For instance, independent workaholics are invaluable initially but can get in the way once systems are in place. Process-driven staffs are excellent for a large organization but can be ineffective in the launch phase.
Benchmarking is the First Step to Increased Productivity
Benchmarking is not an exact science. Assumptions are made based on your circumstances. But it is an effective way to begin inventorying and leveraging your company’s intangible assets. Creating benchmarks for each position makes it much easier to identify and find people who can achieve their full potential within your organization. You start to hire better “fits” with your culture and requirements. You’ll also identify existing employees who may not fit into the company structure.
If you can find the right person to do the right job, you’ll be happier, they’ll be more productive, and your company will grow faster.
Scripts are for Closers
Selling Your Business? Avoid These Mistakes!
Selling a business is not as straightforward as selling a house. After all, a company is a complex organism, and only some (or maybe none) of the value lies in physical assets. I’ve built and sold multiple businesses in my 30+ year career. In those first sales, I learned from my mistakes. And after a few hard knocks and some intensive research, I now know there’s a better way. If you’re considering selling your business now or in ten years, this article can help you avoid common mistakes.
Mistake #1: Doing It Alone
Most of us don’t sell companies very often, so very few entrepreneurs are experts at selling firms. That’s why so many business owners bring in a few professionals. Start before the sale by hiring an experienced business valuation expert. They will assess the firm to determine the fair market value. This valuation gives the owner an idea of how much the enterprise is worth “as is” and should also provide pointers to improvements that will increase the size of future offers. Often, with a few small improvements, you can substantially increase your market value.
Your financials will be held to a very high standard during a sale, so even minor errors or omissions can cause big problems. A reputable accounting firm with experience in business mergers, sales, and acquisitions, can help your internal accounting team compile financial statements and documentation in sale-friendly formats. Accounting consultants will help the team create, modify, or clarify income statements and balance sheets, catch errors, and ensure financial records and documents are above reproach.
Corporate law attorneys specializing in sales and acquisitions can handle legal or regulatory situations that may affect a potential sale. In addition, those same lawyers should be on hand to review contracts and agreements, such as leases and vendor contracts, to ensure they are transferable to a new owner.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Type of Sale
Business sales can be structured in a variety of ways. Each type of sale has its own benefits and drawbacks. So, make sure you’re working with a business consultant and a corporate attorney who understand sales and acquisitions.
We’ve listed the most common sale structures here.
Private Equity Firm
These buyers usually have the financial resources and expertise to grow a business. However, a private equity firm may have a short-term investment horizon, which means they are focused on maximizing their return on investment rather than maintaining the long-term viability of a company.
ESOP
An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) enables employees to purchase shares in the company over time. Employee ownership rewards staff members and ensures that the firm is run by people who are invested in its success.
An employee ownership consultant may be required because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of the Department of Labor and the IRS’s Internal Revenue Code section 404(a)(3) govern ESOPs, so deviations from the prescribed process, intentional or accidental, break federal laws.
Succession
While it may seem simple to pass on the family business, it’s important to formalize the process to address legal considerations and prevent anyone from contesting ownership. The transfer should be formally documented and detail valuation, taxes, and ownership structure.
Individual Sale
If an individual wants to buy the business, the process should start with a letter of intent (LOI) outlining the proposed terms for sale. Owners should also qualify individual buyers before moving forward by conducting background checks.
Selling to a Competitor
Your business may have the most value to your competitors. These types of sales usually require the seller to agree to non-compete clauses, which may limit their ability to run businesses in the future.
Mistake #3: Not Hiring a Consultant
It’s easy to view consultant fees as an expense, but when it comes to selling a business, their role is to minimize risk and maximize the asking price. Good consultants are not cheap, but their recommendations can protect owners from legal and financial threats. A consultant’s recommended improvements to the business can add millions to the asking price. And accountants’ contribution to bookkeeping can prevent costly delays or dropouts. When you look at the bigger picture, you can’t afford to keep them out of the process.
Want to learn more about how to get your business ready for a profitable sale? Contact 7 Stage Advisors today and start talking about your business.
Advisory Boards Are the Secret to Growing a Business
Starting a business is easy enough, but running it can be complicated. One set of skills is needed
to launch a business, and another set is required to expand sales and profits. And let’s face it;
not all businesses get it right. In fact, 20 percent of new companies fail in their first year, and
only half will survive past year five.
Most business owners will face challenges, make mistakes, or miss opportunities. If they don’t know
how to navigate tricky waters, they can quickly find themselves in real trouble.
Beating the Odds
Working with a team of experts is one of the best ways to beat the odds. And forming an advisory
board is an incredibly effective way to routinely access expertise from various fields. An advisory
board is a secret weapon that allows entrepreneurs to make well-informed decisions. It amplifies
the skill and experience of the primary decision-maker and helps them avoid costly mistakes.
The board’s primary function is to provide access to business expertise. It should include a
skilled business attorney, a tax adviser, and an accountant. Sometimes the same person handles two
of these roles, but it’s wise to consider keeping them separate to allow specialized focus on
different aspects of the business.
Who Should Be on Your Advisory Board?
Include a board member who understands key performance indicators and critical paths to success.
They know how to set attainable goals, push growth, and measure success. This individual should be
able to measure the company’s performance against competitors and spot challenges and opportunities
early on.
As a firm grows, the advisory board may also develop. The experience of retired CEOs, business
owners, and industry specialists all bring additional expertise.
Accountants can also add real value. They can act as a reality check for proposed expenses or
expansions.
What do Advisory Boards Do?
To responsibly drive growth, boards must handle various tasks. Here is a typical to-do list for
advisory boards:
• Determine or refine unique selling point
• Continually research competition and provide updates
• Benchmark sales, profits, expenses, and growth
• Evaluate capital investments and payback timelines
• Assess expansion opportunities and weigh risks
• Evaluate price, product, and service offerings
• Review profit and loss statements
• Refine and improve billing, inventory, and shipping strategies
• Ensure tax compliance and identify strategies for tax savings
• Proactively identify legal concerns and ensure compliance
• Optimize salaries, staffing, and hiring
Who Manages the Advisory Board?
At every stage, a strategic advisor will help manage the advisory board. A consultant or coach can
fill this role. They run board meetings and use owner feedback to create agendas. They also
coordinate follow-up and ensure each board member contributes.
Using a strategic facilitator, the business owner can serve as one member of a team instead of the
ruler. The advisor is there to see the whole picture, allow all voices to be heard, and make
educated decisions about the next steps. It’s a specialized set of skills but critical for
continued business success.
Set Up Success
Formally creating an advisory board and using a facilitator to drive progress is one of the most
effective ways for your company to set up for long-term success. Boards can compensate for blind
spots, reduce tunnel vision, or avoid tripping over profit-draining surprises. When the owner
encourages a team of experts to improve the business, they not only improve the
survival rate but also create a path to long-term profits and growth.
Thrifting
Carl-Gould-WPTVWestPalmBeach-Thrifiting
Working Remotely
Compass Media Network – This Morning America’s First News
WCBS TV Interview
Mayor Adams says city employees must return to work in-person, no hybrid schedules allowed!
President Biden meets with Fed Chair
WPHL PHILADELPHIA TV INTERVIEW / Live –
https://phl17.com/phl17-news/president-biden-meets-with-fed-chair/
The Arthur Aidala Show
What about Crypto currency?
https://omny.fm/shows/the-arthur-aidala-power-hour/the-arthur-aidala-power-hour-5-13-22
Why Business Blind Spots Can Cause Your Firm To Crash
Most drivers know how to identify blind spots on the road, but did you know that we also have blind spots in business, and if we ignore them, we can get sideswiped? Read full article by clicking on the link below.
The Power of Sales Scripts
A good script can address concerns and provide robust responses. Moreover, effective scripts train your team on how to close. Read the full article HERE
Becoming a serial entrepreneur with multimillion-dollar businesses with Carl Gould
guest on Entrepreneur Lifestyle podcast with Ben Ivey, listen HERE
The Great Resignation
Carl Gould returns… With ‘The Great Resignation’ continuing and labor shortages in many industries this may be the year you ask for a raise. Employers in businesses big and small are desperate to attract, and more importantly, retain employees. Listen HERE
Burn out is an epidemic among American workers
Why is everyone burnt out? A therapist and consultant both join The Factor to discuss. Watch the full interview HERE
Expert shares advice for small businesses owners amid Omicron surge
Many small businesses have had a tough time since the pandemic began. Business growth strategist Carl Gould joined us on Good Day Rochester with some advice for small businesses owners on how to stay afloat as the omicron variant has the number of new COVID-19 cases at a new high. Watch the interview HERE
The Bill Meyer Show – KMED & KCMD Radio
Carl Gould, business expert, digs into what the GREAT RESIGNATION is all about, and how workers, and businesses can best work through it.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/01-05-22-wednesday-7am/id631607011?i=1000547060591
How To Measure The Tangible And Intangible Factors Necessary For Business Growth
Check out Carl’s latest Forbes article HERE
Bad Bosses keep Workers from Returning to Work
Carl is interviewed by Isiah on Fox 26, watch the video HERE
ABC7 News at 7 Roundtable Discussion
Watch Carl’s discussion HERE
Practical Tips on Growing or Launching a Business
In this podcast serial entrepreneur and best-selling author Carl Gould shares with us how he uses his own entrepreneurial experience to help business owners who want to grow their companies or expand personally as a leader. As a business coach, Carl has been told that he’s a “time machine” that can show you what the future could look like and how to get there. It’s then up to you to decide what you want your life to be about. As you build your legacy, Carl offers practical advice for every step of the way. In fact, the last stage in Carl’s seven stages of business success is the “succession stage” in which a legacy business is born. Listen HERE
Nationwide Christmas Tree Shortage
Carl is interviewed on Fox 26 Isiah, watch HERE
Supply Chain Issues – Advice for Small Businesses
Carl talks to Fox News Rochester about the supply chain issues small businesses face this Christmas. Watch the interview HERE
Thanksgiving Expected To Be Most Expensive Holiday In History
Carl Gould is a business expert with 7 Stage Advisors in Butler.
“The consumer price index is up about 5% right now … You should expect things to be 5-10% more expensive.”
Gould says this could be a year to get creative.
“Coming from an Italian family, as I was growing up, you know, Thanksgiving for me was as much about pasta as it was a turkey.” Watch the full interview – https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/10/27/thanksgiving-2021-costs-expensive
The problems with the Supply Chain and how it affects all of us
“At the end of the day, a business has to fulfill customers,” Mr. Gould said, in defense of companies hiring extra workers in preparation for the number of them that will inevitably leave. If an employee decides not to show up to work one day, then there is no product that day, simple as that. The employee didn’t lose anything in that exchange besides a day worth of pay but the business lost out on crucial customers and revenue. By over-hiring, the company is protecting themselves as “60-80% of somebody’s net worth is tied to their business; it HAS to work for them.” This behavior of hopping between jobs and quitting ones as soon as it becomes more demanding may seem impolite and in poor taste, and it is, but it is not their fault. Check out the full article below:
Thanksgiving dinner could be more expensive this year because of inflation
Economists say consumers will continue to see and feel sticker shock for as long companies struggle to meet consumer demand. Carl Gould appears on New Jersey News 12 – https://newjersey.news12.com/dept-of-agriculture-projects-that-food-at-home-costs-will-be-up-2-5-3-5-this-year
Companies Offering Big Incentives As They Struggle To Fill Seasonal Jobs
While companies are struggling to hire temporary help for the holidays, some major retailers are offering huge benefits to attract seasonal workers. Carl shared on CBS News New York, “Right now, employees have the advantage,” said Carl Gould, an entrepreneur and founder of 7 Stage Advisors. “If I’m an employee, what I would do is, I would negotiate. If they call you up and say ‘Here’s what we’re offering,’ feel free to tell them what you need.” Watch the video here – https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/11/08/employees-have-the-advantage-companies-offering-big-incentives-as-they-struggle-to-fill-seasonal-jobs
NJONAIR
Will business people, just now recovering from the worst of the pandemic, pull the trigger on requiring employees to be vaccinated? Joining us now to talk about this is someone who has mentored the launch of over five thousand businesses — he’s also an entrepreneur — Carl Gould with 7 Stage Advisors. Watch HERE
What businesses can do to attract and keep employees
Carl is a guest once again on the This Morning with Gordon Deal Show! Listen below.
Experts Offer Advise For Those Looking To Use Storage Units
Because of hurricane Ida many people lost their possessions when storage units were flooded. Carl talks about what you should consider before signing over your stuff! https://newyork.cbslocal.com/video/6107523-experts-offer-advise-for-those-looking-to-use-storage-units
Consumers urged to start holiday shopping early amid supply chain issues, labor shortages
“There’s plenty of products, but they are there and we can’t get them here. And we can’t get them here in time,” says consumer expert Carl Gould, president of 7 Stage Advisors.Another reason for the delay is the labor shortage.“We don’t have the people to drive the trucks. Don’t have crane operators, don’t have laborers to fill containers or people at ports to unload them,” Gould says. Watch full interview HERE
Carl Gould on the Jim Bohannon Show
Listen HERE Carl Gould, Founder of 7 Stage Advisors, discusses vaccine mandates and employers.
Carl Gould is the winner of a Gold Award – Entrepreneur of the year 2021
Congratulations are in order! Carl is an Entrepreneur of the Year GOLD GLOBEE® WINNER! For the 3rd year running Carl has received this prestigious award.
CEO World Awards celebrate the achievements of leaders, executives, and their management teams behind the year’s most outstanding initiatives and achievements. Chief Executive Officers, also known as CEOs lead the development of the organization’s short- and long-term strategy. This annual awards program recognizes individuals and teams who set industry benchmarks for excellence. All organizations private or public, corporations, nonprofits, associations, vendors, and government organizations worldwide and from every industry are eligible to participate.
Judges from a broad spectrum of industry voices from around the world participated and their average scores and inputs determined the 2021 award winners.
Read the full press release HERE
You Just Don’t Love Your Business Anymore — Now What?
Carl Gould’s latest Forbes article- Whether it’s part of a long-term plan or a new development, when it comes to selling a business, preparation is everything. Here’s how to make a smooth transition.
Mandatory Vaccine Mandates
On “Connecticut Today” with Paul Pacelli, Paul spoke to Carl Gould, a leading business authority, on whether more businesses might institute mandatory Covid workplace vaccine mandates after the FDA’s full approval for the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. Listen HERE
Vaccine Passport
“It’s one of those deals that we have to just live with. Is it fair to anybody? No, it’s not fair to anybody,” Carl Gould, president of 7 Stage Advisors, told Dias.
Gould, a worldwide leading authority on business, said small business owners, who are still trying to win back customers, will suffer the most.
“You’ve been spending the last 18 months just hanging on for dear life, and now what we’re doing is restricting the flow of potential customers that will come through there,” he said. Watch the interview HERE
School supplies may be in short supply due to pandemic-related issues
“If you have to get a notepad, can you find one? Yes, probably. Can you find the exact one your teacher wants to go in your binder for that special class in a certain color that’s 2 inches thick? Eh, that might be a bit tough,” says Carl Gould of & Stage Advisors.Gould owns a company that advises small business owners on how to grow their companies. He says that the shortage on everything from backpacks and notepads to Chromebooks and clothing is thanks to what he calls a “perfect storm” of pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages.“Whatever your kids need – it has been manufactured. It is somewhere. The problem is we can’t get it here on time,” Gould says.He says that parents and students should start looking for supplies now if they haven’t already. He also advises looking online and in person. He says that if you find an item you need now, grab it and don’t wait for comparison shopping. He also says to consider secondhand or lightly used items.“That’s when you want to hop on local neighborhood social media groups, you’re Nextdoor, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yahoo groups. Here is where social media helps you. And tell people what you are looking for,” Gould says.Gould also suggests looking into marketing and promotional companies for specific items. Many bought products last year and have plenty to sell.He says that the supply chain issues could take another year to level out. Read the full article HERE
Jim Bohannon Show
Carl talks to Jim about businesses having difficulty finding workers. Listen HERE
From Solopreneur To Big Business: How To Make The Leap
Solopreneurs (entrepreneurs that are in business for themselves, with no employees) have a pretty big hill to climb. While, in my experience, they are usually an optimistic bunch, few are able to envision a big end game. In fact, just getting through the first year can be a real challenge. For these folks, growing into a seven- or eight-figure business seems unlikely, maybe even impossible. Read more…
CDC Reverses Course, Recommends People Wear Masks Indoors Where COVID Rates Are High
“You’re now getting into people’s medical history and their privacy,” Carl Gould, president of 7 Stage Advisors, told Dias. “People do have religious and philosophical principles that dictate whether or not they take a vaccine.”
Gould is a worldwide leading authority on business. He says a mask mandate is much easier for private companies to handle than vaccine rules.
“To try to enforce a vaccine mandate for your employees is going to open a Pandora’s box that you’ll be sorting out in the courts for years to come,” he said. Read more HERE
On Business & Masks NJ on Air
The CDC and the White House say you can take off the masks in public places. Retailers have followed — Target, Walmart and many others have announced you don’t need masks to shop in their stores — unless you are in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy is sticking with the mask mandate — he says at least for a little while. All of our neighboring states are following the CDC’s recommendations — and removing mask rules. Many business owners in New Jersey may now be in the position of having to be ‘mask police’. Joining us now is business expert and President of 7 Stage Advisors in Butler, Carl Gould. Watch the interview HERE
The Power Of The Obnoxious Offer
Carl often advises his clients to create an obnoxious offer — a really big offer, one that may even seem too good to be true. The offer solves a pain point, but it also costs your customer a lot more. Read more in this Forbes article by Carl Gould.
Sterling’s Business Success & Coffee Podcast
Carl joins Sterling’s Business Success and Coffee Podcast to share about: A Passion For Dream Building, How 4x Outbound Content Exploded His Business & LinkedIn Insights. Listen HERE
Video Call Faux Pas
Carl shares how you should never stand straight up! You may have only dressed from the waist up, so you would be modeling your best pajama bottoms, flip-flops or comfy socks, which is not professional. Read the full article HERE
Game Changers Experience Podcast
This week’s episode is with Carl Gould who is a worldwide leading authority on business and entrepreneurship. He is an entrepreneur who built three multi-million dollar businesses by age 40. 7 Stage Advisors, has mentored the launch of over five thousand businesses. Some of the companies he’s helped are companies like Allstate, American Idol , USA Olympic Track, IBM, McGraw-Hill and the US Army.Gould created the farthest-reaching business mentoring organization in the world. He has trained, certified or accredited over 7,000 Business Coaches and Mentors since 2002.
Carl has written multiple books on the subject of business strategy, leadership and sustainable growth. He co-authored “Blueprint for Success” with Stephen R. Covey and Ken Blanchard; and his best-selling book…Listen HERE
Why You Should Only Work with Premium Clients with Carl Gould
This week Libby is joined by worldwide authority on business and entrepreneurship, Carl Gould. Carl built three multi-million-dollar businesses by the age of 40 and has created the farthest-reaching business mentoring organization in the world. His methodologies are practiced in 35 countries and he has trained, certified or accredited over 7,000 Business Coaches and Mentors since 2002. Through trial and error Carl learned the key aspects to creating success in business and teaches other entrepreneurs how to reach their objectives. Listen to the full podcast HERE.
Carl Gould Wins Gold Globee, Entrepreneur of the Year!
The coveted annual Golden Bridge Awards program recognizes and honors the world’s best in organizational performance, products and services, innovations, executives and management teams, women in business and the professions, case studies and successful deployments, public relations and marketing campaigns, product management, websites, blogs, white-papers, videos, advertisements, creativity, partner programs, and customer satisfaction programs from every major industry in the world. Rea the full press release HERE.