ECONOMY – PROFIT

18Jun By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

Hiring Slow, Thinking Fast: Fractional Strategy for Businesses Watching the 2025 Economic Landscape

How Fractional Leadership Helps You Act with Speed and Precision—Without Rushing the Wrong HireAs 2025 unfolds, one truth is setting in for business leaders: we can’t afford to make bad hires, but we also can’t afford to wait on decisions that shape our future.This paradox—hiring slow, but thinking fast—is redefining how forward-looking businesses are approaching leadership, especially in finance, operations, and technology.The solution? Fractional executives.They’re not stopgaps. They’re strategic catalysts, helping companies stay agile, focused, and competitive without overcommitting in an uncertain market.The 2025 Economic Landscape: Volatile, Costly, and Still Full of OpportunityThe U.S. economy in 2025 presents a unique blend of headwinds and hidden upside:Interest rates remain elevat...

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: How Mid-Sized Businesses Can Thrive Amid Tariff Changes

23May By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: How Mid-Sized Businesses Can Thrive Amid Tariff Changes

In the ever-shifting global trade landscape, tariff announcements can cause sudden ripples—or tidal waves—across entire industries. The recent news surrounding sweeping tariffs proposed by the U.S. administration, including a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and more aggressive measures against strategic nations, has stirred both concern and confusion. For mid-sized business leaders, the question is no longer if uncertainty will affect operations, but how to respond with clarity and confidence.Here’s the good news: uncertainty doesn't have to mean instability. With the right mindset and a few strategic moves, your business can not only weather these changes—but emerge stronger and more agile than ever.1. Stay Informed, Not OverwhelmedPolicy shifts like tariffs are often politicized and r...

Positive Economic Trends: Consumer Sentiment and Productivity Growth in 2025

13Feb By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, PE/VC

Positive Economic Trends: Consumer Sentiment and Productivity Growth in 2025

As we move through the first quarter of 2025, there are encouraging signs in the U.S. economy, particularly in consumer sentiment and productivity growth. Despite some fluctuations, these indicators suggest a resilient and potentially expanding economy.Consumer sentiment has shown some volatility in recent months, but there are positive undercurrents worth noting:Personal finances have improved for five consecutive months, indicating growing financial stability for many AmericansBuying conditions for durable goods remain about 30% stronger than six months ago, suggesting consumer confidence in making larger purchasesExpectations for personal finances reached a new series high, according to The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence IndexOver half of consumers (52.9%) expect stock prices to...

Trump’s Economic Vision: A Deep Dive into Proposed Policies for 2025 and Beyond

3Feb By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

ECONOMY, FEATURED, PE/VC

Trump’s Economic Vision: A Deep Dive into Proposed Policies for 2025 and Beyond

As the political landscape heats up, former President Donald Trump's economic policies are once again in the spotlight. With promises of tax cuts, trade overhauls, and fiscal reforms, Trump's economic vision is both ambitious and controversial. Let's break down the key components and potential impacts of these proposed policies.Tax Cuts 2.0: Extending and Expanding ReliefThe Core of Trump's Tax PlanTrump's tax strategy centers on extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This extension would:Keep individual tax rates lowMaintain increased standard deductionsPreserve enhanced child care creditsContinue the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductionsNew Tax ProposalsBut Trump isn't stopping there. New tax measures include:Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefitsEnding taxation on ti...

TRUMP in OFFICE 2025: Impacts and analysis

21Jan By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, MARKETING, OPERATIONS, PATRONAGE, PE/VC, POLITICS, REAL ESTATE, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, STRATEGY, SUCCESSION

TRUMP in OFFICE 2025: Impacts and analysis

As we settle into the new year, business leaders and owners face a dynamic economic environment shaped by political changes, technological advancements, and market fluctuations. Here's a concise overview of the most impactful trends from the past two weeks: Trump's Second Term: Economic Implications President Trump's return to office has already influenced market dynamics. Stocks rallied on his first full day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.39%, the S&P 500 gaining 0.49%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbing 0.52% Business leaders should monitor: Potential tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, effective February 1 Ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods Possible TikTok ban and its implications for tech companies Market Performance and Economic Indicators The S&P 500 recent...

21Jan By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, MARKETING, OPERATIONS, PE/VC, POLITICS, REAL ESTATE, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, STRATEGY, SUCCESSION

Navigating the New Administration

As President Trump begins his second term, business leaders and owners must prepare for significant policy shifts that will impact their operations, investments, and personal finances. Here's how to position yourself and your family for the changes ahead:Reassess Your Trade StrategyWith new tariffs on the horizon, it's crucial to reevaluate your supply chain:Expect increased tariffs on Chinese imports, potentially starting in Q1 Prepare for possible tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and EU countriesConsider diversifying suppliers or reshoring operations to mitigate risks.Adapt to Tax Policy ChangesThe tax landscape is set to shift:The Trump administration plans to extend tax cutsBe prepared for potential changes to international tax agreementsConsult with tax professionals to optimize ...

Strategic Renewal: Preparing Your Business to Thrive in 2025

30Nov By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, STRATEGY

Strategic Renewal: Preparing Your Business to Thrive in 2025

Strategic renewal is more than a reaction to change; it’s a proactive approach to shaping a business’s future and seizing opportunities. As we approach 2025, the evolving political and economic landscape presents both challenges and possibilities. By focusing on strategic renewal, businesses can adapt to external forces, align more closely with customer needs, and secure a stronger market position.The Benefits of Strategic RenewalIncreased ResilienceStrategic renewal equips businesses to better handle economic shocks and disruptions, such as those stemming from political changes in 2025. Regularly reassessing business models and adopting flexible strategies enable organizations to adapt to both internal challenges and external pressures.Improved Customer AlignmentEvolving customer expectat...

Year-End Financial Resilience: Strategies for SUCCESS

30Nov By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, MARKETING, OPERATIONS, PATRONAGE, PE/VC, POLITICS, REAL ESTATE, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, STRATEGY, SUCCESSION

Year-End Financial Resilience: Strategies for SUCCESS

As 2025 approaches, the combination of economic uncertainty, shifting political climates, and evolving market dynamics makes strategic financial planning more critical than ever for business leaders. Traditional budgeting models and static forecasts no longer suffice. Businesses must adopt a proactive, agile approach to ensure financial resilience. Here's a comprehensive guide to end-of-year preparations that will help your business thrive in the face of uncertainty.1. Embrace Scenario Planning for BudgetingScenario planning involves creating financial forecasts based on multiple potential economic outcomes. By considering best-case, moderate, and worst-case scenarios, businesses can better prepare for the unexpected.Best-Case Scenario: Plan for expansion during favorable conditions, focus...

Reflecting on 2024: Lessons Learned and How to Apply Them

17Nov By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, MARKETING, OPERATIONS, PATRONAGE, PE/VC, POLITICS, REAL ESTATE, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, STRATEGY, SUCCESSION

Reflecting on 2024: Lessons Learned and How to Apply Them

The ability to look back on the successes, challenges, and unexpected twists of the past year is critical for informed decision-making in the future. Reflection isn't just about identifying what went wrong; it’s also about celebrating wins, recognizing patterns, and leveraging lessons to refine strategies for 2025.Here’s how to reflect on 2024 effectively and turn those insights into actionable plans for the future.1. Celebrating Wins: Acknowledge and Build on SuccessBefore diving into what could have been better, start by celebrating what went well. Recognizing achievements helps maintain morale, reinforces effective strategies, and provides a strong foundation for future planning.How to celebrate wins:Analyze key successes: Identify projects, initiatives, or strategies that exceeded expe...

Innovating Your Business Model – Adapting to New Opportunities and Market Trends

10Nov By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, ECONOMY, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, MARKETING, OPERATIONS, PATRONAGE, PE/VC, POLITICS, REAL ESTATE, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, STRATEGY, SUCCESSION

Innovating Your Business Model – Adapting to New Opportunities and Market Trends

As the business landscape rapidly evolves, a static approach to operations and strategy is no longer viable. Success in 2025 and beyond will require innovation within business models that address shifts in technology, market demands, and customer expectations. Companies that recognize and capitalize on new trends—and pivot their business models accordingly—are better positioned to maintain relevance and achieve sustainable growth.In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of business model innovation, outline the current market and technological trends reshaping industries, and offer actionable steps for adapting to new opportunities.Why Business Model Innovation is Essential for Today’s LeadersBusiness model innovation allows organizations to adapt to change and differentiate from competi...