Not so long ago, we were sold the dream that if you build a great product and obsess over user experience, success would naturally follow. It was the epitome of "build it, and they will come." Just craft an exceptional product, let the users flock in, and voilà, you've got yourself a thriving business.

For a while, this mantra worked, particularly for some of the big names in tech. Atlassian, Canva, and similar companies showed that with a strong product, users did come in droves. Their focus on building solutions that were intuitive, useful, and, most importantly, loved by their users earned them a loyal following.

But here’s the kicker—they didn’t necessarily pay. At least, not at first.

Achieving sustainable growth often requires more than just a solid product and a dedicated team. While many companies focus on driving direct sales, there's another powerful lever that can accelerate growth and open new markets: strategic partnerships. These alliances can provide access to new customer bases, enhance your product offering, and build credibility in the market.

In fast-scaling tech companies, there's a recurring pattern that seems almost unavoidable. After reaching a certain milestone through founder-led sales, the next logical step appears to be bringing in a seasoned sales executive to catapult the company to the next level. Often, these hires come from big-name companies like Adobe or Salesforce, with impressive resumes and track records that suggest they can turn any sales pipeline into gold. But here's the kicker: this strategy rarely works out as planned.

We are very excited to announce some major milestones for Vollardian. Not only have we opened our third office in the vibrant city of Perth, Western Australia, but our co-founder, Bo Jones, along with his family, has relocated there to steer this exciting new venture.

We are excited to announce the opening of Vollardian's new office in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy. This strategic move not only allows us to tap into one of Asia's fastest-growing economies but also aligns with our commitment to fostering a truly distributed workplace and finding the best talent who get the Vollardian way.

At Vollardian, we're genuinely excited and proud to share a significant step in our journey: the launch of our Generative AI Practice. This new chapter is not just about expanding our services; it's about deepening our commitment to learning alongside our clients in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Guy Kawasaki, reflecting on his experiences working with Steve Jobs, shared a crucial insight into hiring practices: "Actually, Steve believed that A players hire A players—that is people who are as good as they are. I refined this slightly—my theory is that A players hire people even better than themselves. It’s clear, though, that B players hire C players so they can feel superior to them, and C players hire D players. If you start hiring B players, expect what Steve called 'the bozo explosion' to happen in your organization."

Companies like Hubspot have become emblematic of this trend, embodying a workplace that's not just about work but also about creating a community and a lifestyle. However, this blur between personal and professional life, as highlighted in Dan Lyons' insightful book, "Disrupted", often treads a fine line between cultivating a positive culture and fostering a cult-like environment.

Customer retention is a key driver of success for any business, regardless of industry. It's about creating lasting relationships that transcend initial transactions, contributing to sustainable growth and profitability.

Client onboarding is a critical process for businesses in any sector, serving as the first step in building a robust and enduring relationship with new clients. Excellence in this phase is not just beneficial but essential for attracting and retaining clients in today's competitive landscape.

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, a new challenge is emerging for local retailers: the escalating costs of Google Ads. This trend, driven in part by the aggressive advertising strategies of global e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, is reshaping the landscape of online retail advertising. At Vollardian, as we delve into this phenomenon, it's crucial to understand its implications for businesses striving to stay competitive.

A bit out of the ordinary for a management consulting blog, but in true Vollardian style, I’ve had some reflections on Year One of being a mum to baby Adya. Here are some unsolicited tips and lessons that I’ve learnt!

The conversation about office spaces persists because they remain pivotal in shaping organizational culture, innovation, and productivity. The post-pandemic office is a strategic asset that requires thoughtful design and management to thrive in a changing landscape. Companies that invest in reimagining their office spaces with a focus on collaboration, employee well-being, and sustainability will be best positioned for success in the evolving world of work.

We asked ChatGPT to write about a sales team that is missing target but in the style of a Real Housewives of Orange County reality tv show….this is what it came up with

Picture this: You're going about your day, checking your email, when suddenly, you get an exciting message from one of your software providers or affiliates. You're about to take the bait when something stops you in your tracks. That's exactly what happened to us here at Vollardian recently, and we're here to share our story and some tips to help you avoid falling for a phishing scam.

How do successful business leaders balance long-term strategy and day-to-day operational excellence? It's like walking a tightrope, but with the right approach, it's possible to achieve both without stumbling.

You can expand your range, attract more customers, and make some extra cash on the side. However, before you jump on the bandwagon and start your own marketplace, there are some risks you need to be aware of. Beyond just extending your range, what are the potential pitfalls of adding a marketplace to your online offering?

Starting a business is never easy, and it's even harder for startups that are trying to disrupt established industries with new and innovative ideas. Unfortunately, many startups fail, and when they do, the impacts can be felt across multiple fronts.