This month's look at: A Plain-English Guide To Generative AI For Family Businesses, Systems Thinking Is Your Competitive Advantage, and more.

Newport Insights

Vol. 1 Issue 32

More marketing won’t fix a growth constraint that lives elsewhere in the business.

A demand problem may actually be unclear brand positioning. A lead problem may be a broken sales handoff. A growth plateau may reflect an operational constraint—not insufficient marketing spend.

In his latest article, Newport Partner Ed Farley explains how systems thinking helps CEOs identify the real barriers to profitable growth, use AI signals more effectively and build transferable enterprise value.

AI provides the signals. Systems thinking gives them meaning. Brand strategy gives them direction.

Where is the real constraint in your growth system?

Read the full blog to learn more.

Read the full insight

What does it look like to build a business with the future in mind?

In the latest episode of the Growth + Exit Podcast, Heather Bennett sits down with Kimberly (Kim) Wasney, Co-founder of Ripples Edge Advisors, to discuss intentional growth, co-founder relationships, and preparing for what comes next.

Kim shares why planning for transition early can give business owners more flexibility, whether they’re considering a sale, bringing on a partner, raising capital, or pursuing another path.

Listen to the latest episode.

Listen Now

New Insight

Small Fixes, Big Wins (Part 2): A Plain-English Guide To Generative AI For Family Businesses

You don't need to know how AI models are built.

You need to know what they can do for your business.

That's the difference between owners who are experimenting with AI right now, and owners who are still waiting for someone to explain it to them.

In his second post in this series, Newport partner A.J. Wilson breaks down generative AI for family-owned businesses in the $10–50M range.

Which function would AI help most in your business - sales, marketing, finance, or ops?

Read the full blog to learn more.

Read the full insight

New Insight

Your Business May Be Your Biggest Asset. Who Is Helping You Govern It?

For many middle-market business owners, their company is their biggest asset—but how much thought goes into governing it?

As a business grows, the decisions get bigger, the stakes get higher, and relying on the same approach that worked early on may no longer be enough.

In her latest insight, Newport Partner Susan Kearney explores three approaches to governance for privately held companies. The right answer isn’t determined by revenue or company size. It depends on where the business is going, what the owner is trying to accomplish, and what perspectives are missing from the room.

As Susan puts it, good governance is ultimately about taking care of your most important asset.

Read Susan’s full article to explore which approach may be right for your business.

Read the full insight

When is it time to pivot?

For business owners, that question can show up around growth, ownership, talent or all three.

This October, Newport LLC’s Texas team, Erika Peterman, Peter Pintar, and Tom Lytle are tackling each one through When Is It Time to Pivot?, a three-part virtual Lunch & Learn series featuring candid conversations with experienced business leaders.

  • October 13, 20 & 27

  • 11:45 AM–1:00 PM CT

  • Virtual

Join us for one session or all three.

Register Now

Complimentary Insight Session

Would you invest 30 minutes to gain insights into your business guided by a Newport Partner?

 

Sign up here for a complimentary business conditions review based on your objectives, challenges, current state of your business, and annual revenue range.

 

We’ll get right back to you to schedule a free session that will explore how you can move forward with confidence.

Newport LLC

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San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

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