Earlier this week, I talked about strategy and tactics as the filling of a sandwich, and I want to dive a little deeper into that.

Picture this: 📷
when you buy a sandwich, the most exciting part is usually what’s in the middle—the special sauces, the extra toppings, the flavors that make the sandwich unique.
That’s the strategy and tactics: they’re the fun, exciting part that everyone sells you on.

But here’s the kicker: 🥾

the bread (the foundational elements) is what truly holds everything together. The systems and your overall mission are that bread. Without them, the sandwich doesn’t stand a chance. They’re the consistency your business needs to succeed.

When you’re building a business, focus on the unsexy parts: systems and mission. They’ll always be there, even as the rest of the sandwich evolves.

When building your organizational structure, here’s a game-changing idea:
👉 Think beyond roles—focus on tasks and functions.
Why? Because roles can blur. The same person might handle accounts receivable and accounts payable—or lead marketing while supporting logistics during international expansion.
Here’s a systematic approach I love:
The Spidergram. 🕸️
It’s a flexible, visual way to map out:
All tasks and functions within your organization.
Who’s currently responsible for each.
Where gaps exist (future roles).
Start by listing every task—big or small—and assign it:
✔️ To someone on your team.
✔️ Or to yourself (in the early stages).
✔️ Use placeholders for roles you’ll hire as you grow.
This system lets you stay agile, plan for growth, and ensure nothing gets overlooked—even if you’re a one-person operation right now.
Pro Tip: Your org structure is more than a chart—it’s a roadmap to your future. Start building it today.

We get asked this a lot: *What’s the difference between an organizational structure and an organizational system?*
Here’s the simple answer:
An structure is a system—a framework that defines reporting lines, work assignments, and team dynamics. It’s the backbone that keeps your team aligned, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing 50+ employees.
Think of it like this:
👉 Your structure organizes who does what.
👉 Your systems integrate everything—interdepartmental workflows, overlapping responsibilities, and multi-level operations.
They’re interconnected, and your structure is a vital part of your overall system.
Later this week, I’ll share a new way to think about future planning for your org structure—something flexible, organic, and designed to help you grow *right now* while building for the future.
Stay tuned! 🎯

Let’s talk systems and how they work together in your business.
Think of your business like the human body:
👉 Your circulatory system keeps things moving.
👉 Your digestive system processes and fuels the whole operation.
Now, here’s the key: these systems work independently, *but they also rely on each other.* If your digestive system struggles—breaking down food that’s hard to process—it puts stress on your circulatory system. And if you’re not exercising, your circulatory system might slow down, affecting digestion.
The same thing happens in your business.
Your marketing system might be running full throttle, but if your fulfillments system can’t keep up, it creates strain. Or maybe your sales system is underperforming, creating challenges for your finance system.
The solution?
🛠️ Maintain and optimize each system independently.
🛠️ Ensure they support each other seamlessly.
🛠️ Treat your business as one cohesive, interconnected unit.
When all systems are healthy, your business runs like a well-oiled machine—and that’s how you scale sustainably.

💡 Systems aren't just about technology—they're the framework that makes everything work together seamlessly. 🌐🔧

When we think of systems, most people picture networks or mechanical parts, but at its core, a system is simply a set of things working together. It’s how your people, processes, and tech/tools align to create harmony. 🎯✨

Think of it like a beautiful orchestra: when all the systems in your business (and even your personal life) are in sync, it’s pure flow. But when they’re out of tune? It’s just noise. 🎶

The key to a smooth-running business? Perfecting the triple threat:
1️⃣ People
2️⃣ Processes
3️⃣ Tech & Tools

When these systems work together, that’s where the magic happens. 🎉 Let's keep tuning those systems until they're in perfect harmony!

🎶 Think of your business like a symphony—whether it’s Mozart, rap, or country, there are layers to how things come together.

Each instrument in a song is a part of a system, just like each department in your business. 🎸🎹🥁

At the most basic level, you’ve got your instruments (your systems), then you bring them together to create a harmonious piece of music (your operations). Whether it’s a solo artist or a full orchestra, each part plays a role in the overall performance. 🎤🎵

From one-person teams to large departments, every level of your business requires a tailored system to make it all work. The better your systems work together, the more seamless the performance! 🌟

So, whether it's your team, processes, or tools—make sure all your systems are in tune. 🎶

I recently had a conversation with a business leader that made me realize how often people confuse strategy, systems, and tactics. 🚨

❌ The misconception:
Many believe that when you change your strategy, you need to tweak your systems.

💡 The truth:
Systems should not be adjusted just to fit a new strategy. Instead, your systems should be built around your overarching business aim—your mission.

🔑 Why?
Systems are the foundation of your business—your people, processes, and tech. These core elements should remain solid and adaptable, even if your strategy needs tweaking.

✅ Here’s how it works:

1. Don’t change systems just because a strategy didn’t work.
2. Look within your existing systems for strategic options.
3. Adjust the strategy based on your high-level goal, not the other way around.

The goal is to avoid ripping everything apart because a strategy failed. Systems don’t fail—strategies do. Build your business to evolve, not break when things don’t go according to plan.

🔄 Takeaway:
Focus on strengthening your systems first. Then, let your strategy evolve around them.

If you're anything like me, you probably HATE hearing the phrase, “Something is better than nothing.”

As a bit of a perfectionist, I usually focus on getting things done properly. But when you're neck-deep in the chaos of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas campaigns, this mindset can hold you back.

So, if you’re scrambling to get everything together right now, let’s keep it simple. I’m here to give you a straightforward system to get back on track. Execute this plan, get through this season, and then—mark my words—book a call with me at NoSalesBS.com for January. You’re way too busy to think long-term right now, but next year, let’s make sure you’re not stuck in this same frantic cycle.

1. Make a List and Prioritize Ruthlessly
   Write down every task you think you need to complete. Then, tackle it in order of importance. Be honest with yourself—if something isn’t a deal-breaker, scratch it off. Your list doesn’t need to be exhaustive; it needs to be manageable.
   
2. Use the 80/20 Rule
   Perfectionism has no place here. Focus your energy on the 20% of tasks that will drive 80% of your results. Whether it’s your ad copy, campaign visuals, or email sequences, avoid obsessing over minor details. Get it done, not perfect.
   
3. Proofread with Fresh Eyes
   You’re running on fumes, so it’s easy to overlook mistakes. Have someone else proofread your work. It could be a teammate or even your 12-year-old kid—it doesn’t matter, as long as they’ll catch glaring errors. If no one’s available, proofread it yourself backward, word by word. Trust me, this works.
   

Remember: Done is better than perfect - Your campaigns might not look flawless, but your customers need to hear from you—now. If they’ve forgotten about you since their last purchase, this is your chance to get back on their radar. Even an imperfect campaign is better than silence.

So, take a breath, execute the plan, and remember: Something is always better than nothing.

And don’t forget—when January hits, let’s talk. Together, we’ll make sure next year’s holiday season runs like a well-oiled machine.

Let’s break down something important for business success: the relationship between strategy, tactics, and systems.

Think of it like making a sandwich:

🍞 The Bread (unchanging elements):

• Overall Aim (Mission): Your big picture, the reason you're in business.
• Systems: Your foundation—people, processes, and technology that support everything.

🥪 The Filling (changing elements):

• Strategy: The plan to achieve your aim.
• Tactics: The methods you use to execute that strategy.

Now, here's where it gets critical:
Your bread never changes. Your overall aim and systems are the foundation, the constant base of your business.

But the filling—your strategy and tactics—can and will change.

For example, your aim might be international expansion, and your strategy might involve entering marketplaces. But if that strategy fails? You adjust the filling, not the bread. The systems you’ve built remain solid, and you simply switch up your tactics or adjust your strategy to continue moving forward.

Stay focused on what doesn’t change and adapt what does. Need help identifying what that is, send me a DM, and we can talk.

Are you soaking up the sun in Cabo 🏖️ or scrambling through the Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas chaos?

If you’re deep in campaign weeds right now, let me remind you: This isn’t the freedom you imagined when starting your business.

🔹 Know Your Genius Zone:
If managing ad spend and campaigns isn’t your area of expertise or joy, stop doing it. Hire someone whose genius is maximizing campaign performance. They'll save you money in the long run and free you up for higher-impact tasks.

🔹 Think Beyond Today:
While you’re caught up in this season, are you even thinking about next year’s Black Friday or Valentine’s Day promotions? Successful businesses plan ahead to avoid repeating the same cycle of stress.

🔹 Regain Your Freedom:
Your business should give you the life you envisioned—not leave you drowning in day-to-day challenges. Start building the systems and teams to make that happen.
If you’re ready to reclaim your time and stop being a firefighter, let’s chat in January.

Truth is, most agencies don’t care at the level you do. Sure, they care about ROAS, but often only to make their numbers look good. 📊

If you want real accountability, consider: 1️⃣ Hiring specific freelancers - they’re owners, so your success = their success. 💼 2️⃣ If you must use an agency, work directly with top leadership. They understand the stakes.

Don't settle for being "an account" — work with those who value your growth. 🙌

Imagine ancient villages constantly at war, each known for their unique strengths: one famous for its blacksmiths and swords, another for its master archers, another for its expert charioteers. Their success depended on leaning into what each village did best—and equipping each warrior accordingly.

Fast forward to today: every business has its strengths, weaknesses, and specific challenges. And yet, so many leaders still chase “one-size-fits-all” strategies, looking for a magic bean that’ll miraculously solve everything. Here’s the truth:

💥 Strategy doesn’t work without the right systems and tools. You can have the world’s best talent, but if you don’t equip your team to maximize their strengths, you’re setting them up to fall short.

To make your business strategy really click:

• Start with your people and recognize what they’re great at.
• Equip them with the exact tools and tech that support their strengths.
• Avoid chasing “one-size-fits-all” strategies; build a plan that fits your unique team, their strengths, and your specific market.

Because, if your archers don’t have arrows, or your charioteers don’t have horses, you’re in for a world of inefficiency.

🔑 Bottom line: don’t get distracted by magic beans. Focus on the real magic—your people, their strengths, and the tools they need to thrive.
Do you need help getting your teams up to maximum efficiency, or addressing the systems in an area you are not strong in so you can fortify that part of the business.

🔥 How to Write Job Postings that Attract Top Performers 🔥

If you’re on the hunt for superstars—be it sales, marketing, or operations—you need to stand out. Stop with the usual “5 years’ experience, 3 degrees, and a list of duties” stuff. That doesn’t attract A-players. Instead, here’s a simple framework that’ll get the high performers lining up to apply:

1️⃣ Make it a Marketing Piece
Sell the job! Why should they care? What’s compelling about your company? Show them why this is an opportunity, not just another position.

2️⃣ List Performance Metrics
Top performers want to know what success looks like. Define the expectations and metrics they’ll be evaluated on. This weeds out the mediocre and attracts those ready to excel.

3️⃣ Highlight Growth & Learning Opportunities
Top talent doesn’t stay stagnant. Let them know about opportunities to grow within the company and any learning resources you offer. They want to thrive and level up—show them that’s possible with you.

4️⃣ [BONUS] Share Your Mission and Values
Share your real mission and values—not just what’s on the wall. This attracts people aligned with your core purpose, bringing in team members who’ll stay for the long haul.

🛠 Every Business Has a Weak Spot—Here’s How to Strengthen Yours 🛠

Maybe you’re a pro at operations, but marketing isn’t your forte. Or you’ve built a top-notch product and fulfillment process but hit a wall with visibility. When there’s a gap in your team’s skillset, hiring for an area of genius is key. Here’s the catch: hiring the right talent isn’t just about plugging in an expert. It’s about building systems that turn a single role into a powerful advantage.

👉 Start with Specialized Systems
Identify the missing piece and find a skilled individual, beit a freelancer, fractional or part-time employee who can develop systems tailored for your business. Setting up Google Ads? Paid social?
F*ck the Agency approach, it will be a redundant and never ending loop of failure...
Building in-house is the only way to have the dedication and ownership needed to grow like you desire.

👉 Hire for Genius, Not Coverage
Assemble a team, again, this can be part-time equivilents, freelancers, advisors whatever thee need be, each specialized in their field, who work systematically to build and manage their pieces. That’s how you create a flexible, effective machine without hiring full-time equivalents across the board.

Investing in strategic, genius-level hires builds out the critical areas of your business that drive growth and strengthen your foundation.

We often hear about the wins, the bold strategies, and the “overnight successes.” But behind every success story lies the less glamorous, essential work—the systems, people, processes, tech, and tools that held it all together.

Success isn’t in the flashy strategies alone. It’s in the daily, foundational grind that makes those strategies even possible.

As Earl Nightingale said, “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” It’s the small steps, repeated day after day, that eventually lead to “overnight success.”

Keep building your foundations, focus on your systems, and let the strategies flow from there. That steady progression? That’s success.

🌱 What comes first, the system or the strategy?

Many believe you need a "winning strategy" to fix all business problems. But here’s the truth: strategy alone won’t cut it without solid systems to support it.

✅ Systems come first. Your systems, people, processes, and tech form the backbone of your business. They allow you to pinpoint issues, adapt quickly, and lay the groundwork for effective strategies.

If you try to build a strategy on shaky systems, it’s like building a tower without a foundation. When the winds of change hit, it’ll topple.

Start by investing in the right systems to scale, then build a strategy to grow on top of them. That’s the true “winning strategy.”

🗣️ How do you communicate with different generations like Millennials and Gen Z?

While I’m not a generational expert, I can tell you one thing that transcends age: Authenticity. 🎯

👉 Whether you're communicating with your customers or leading your team, being genuine, honest, and authentic is what resonates across all generations. It’s not about trying to be someone you’re not—it’s about being true to who you are.

But there’s something else happening that's even more important. 🌍

🔄 We’re seeing a shift—people are divided between two main motivations: price and purpose. On one side, you have people flocking to platforms like Temu or Shein for the cheapest products. On the other, you have buyers choosing brands that stand for something, that have a mission.

It’s a polarized market: 1️⃣ People want cheap. 2️⃣ Or they want meaning.

And as a leader or brand, it’s crucial to choose where you stand. 🚀 If you’re selling low-cost, fine. Own it. Be authentic about it. But if you’re driven by purpose, let that mission guide everything you do.

At the end of the day, your authenticity is going to define how people perceive you—whether that’s as a brand or as a leader.

🚨 "I have a marketing problem."

I hear this all the time. But when you pull back the layers, it’s rarely just marketing. Often, the issue touches other key areas—finances, legal, your website, employees, distribution, fulfillment, purchasing, products... the list goes on.

🤔 We’re often pre-programmed to think that if we could just fix our sales or marketing, everything would fall into place. Or that we can’t afford to hire that key team member who could make all the difference.

Here’s the truth:

⚡ You can’t run a business effectively by working 100-hour weeks. It’s not sustainable, nor will it solve the problem that hiring someone in their area of genius can solve. If you’re stretching yourself thin to cover for not hiring, that’s a mistake.

✅ Focus on your strengths. Hire for your weaknesses.

And stop making excuses like, “I can’t afford it right now,” or “When our marketing machine kicks in, everything will work.”

Yes, a marketing machine is key—but relying on that alone sounds an awful lot like a magic bean solution to me. 🌱💼

🏍️ Funny enough, I’m wearing a Triumph Motorcycle t-shirt today, and we’re talking about… ceilings? But I hate the term ceiling.

What does that have to do with Triumph Motorcycles, Branden? 🤔

Well, I prefer to think of them as speed bumps instead of ceilings. These are the challenges we hit while growing our businesses. They slow us down, but they don’t have to stop us from breaking through to the next level of success. 🚧

Too often, we entrepreneurs hit these roadblocks and start looking for some magic strategy to save the day. 🙄 You’ve all seen the ads—“This one trick will skyrocket your business.”

💥 Stop. 💥 That’s not the answer.

The real solution isn’t a strategy—it’s in your people, processes, and tech/tools. The key to solving your biggest challenges is already within your team or the systems you’ve built. 💡

Here’s what I recommend:

🔧 Examine your processes. Where’s the bottleneck?
🛠️ Check your tech and tools. Do you have the right setup to support growth?
👥 Look at your team. Are they empowered and equipped to tackle the issue? If not, what needs to change?

When you start seeing these challenges as speed bumps, you’ll realize you can plow right through them. 
And remember, these issues — whether it’s cash flow, margins, or distribution, or sales channels — are part of the journey, not the end of the road.

Break through. Don’t just wait for a “strategy.” Look within your systems.

👷‍♂️ Should I build it myself or look for a ready-made solution? This is a question I hear a lot when it comes to business tools like widgets, apps, or platforms that help drive efficiencies and boost sales.

The decision to build or buy requires careful consideration. Here’s my take:

✅ First: Ask yourself, Do I have the people and processes in place to manage, maintain, and continuously improve this new software? It’s not just about building something great—it’s about making sure it consistently delivers the results you need.

✅ Second: Apply the 80/20 rule. If a tool already exists, and it delivers 80% of the value you need, it may not be worth building from scratch. Don’t get hung up on a checklist of features—focus on the value it brings to your overall goal.

🌟 Don’t overcomplicate things. Sometimes, the right solution is already out there—you just need to evaluate if it aligns with your objectives.