Volker Jaeckel

Key Account Consultant for Germany | B2B | D2C

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & MARKETING LEADER | 24 YEARS U.S. MARKET EXPERTISE

I've spent over two decades transforming how luxury automotive brands connect with customers in the world's most competitive market. One of my greatest achievement? Leading Mercedes-Benz of Temecula to 30% market share growth during the 2020/2021 pandemic, recognized by MBUSA as the ONLY dealership worldwide that grew while others stagnated.

PANDEMIC SUCCESS STORY
- Generated $2.16M additional revenue during COVID-19
- Achieved 300% marketing ROI through AI-driven strategies  
- Increased service revenue by 297% and parts revenue by 174%
- Grew internet leads 39%, inbound calls 89%

HOLISTIC BUSINESS APPROACH & EXECUTIVE COACHING
I don't see dealerships as separate profit centers – I see them as symphonic business systems. As a Certified DISC Business Executive & Marketing Coach, I help C-level executives understand the correlation between R&D, Marketing, Sales, Service, and Customer Experience, using data analytics to optimize total organizational health.

BUSINESS COACHING & ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
- Affiliate Business Coach: Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, CA 
- Executive in Residence Coach: California State University, San Marcos
- Founder & President: FocalPoint Business Coaching & Training Temecula Valley
- Featured Speaker: "Communication Breakthrough" & "DNA of an Entrepreneur" programs
- International coaching for automotive companies in Germany, Italy, and the U.S.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & SPEAKING
- Author: "The Digital Dealership" (2014) 
- Co-Author: "How to Survive and Thrive" (2024) with Reebok founder Joe Foster
- International Keynote Speaker: Autohaus eMarketing Days & DEKRA Gebrauchtwagentage (Germany), Internet Motors Milano, Digital Dealer Conferences
- Monthly workshops: Entrepreneurial Resource Center, Chamber of Commerce events

MULTI-BRAND EXPERTISE
Latest: Successfully managed 8+ luxury brands simultaneously - Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Sprinter, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover with $9.8M budget responsibility.

CERTIFICATIONS
- Professional Certified Marketer® (American Marketing Association)
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (Digital Marketing Institute, Dublin, IRL)  
- International Business Executive Coach (Brian Tracy International)
- Certified DISC Behavioral Analyst (FocalPoint International)

Currently seeking strategic leadership and digital marketing opportunities with progressive European automotive groups ready for digital transformation and executive development.

German Citizen | EU Work Authorized | Fluent German & English

Member of the Digital Sales & Marketing Advisory Board | B2B

➤ Serving an advisory role thru strategic reviews, suggestions, and program support to continuously enhance the quality of Volvo's national online exposure and programs.
➤ Consult Volvo's national manager suite through monthly meetings to enhance dealer network offerings.

The 10 Second Rule. Your most essential leadership tool in 2026.

Before you respond to a triggering email or react to a sharp comment in a meeting, count to ten.

This small window of time is the bridge between reacting out of ego and responding with intention. In today high pressure environments, emotional intelligence is not about being nice. Focus on emotional mastery.

Your team feels your stress through your digital tone and your presence. By mastering the pause, you are protecting your reputation. You are safeguarding the culture and productivity of your organization.

How often do you master the pause before making a critical decision? Share your thoughts below.

Call (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 for direct support.

P.S. Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

Digital Marketing & Sales Exec | B2B & B2C Marketeer | Business Coach, Speaker & Author | Automotive, SaaS, Chemical | With just $1k in my pocket in 2001, I showed the American Dream is alive. Nothing is Impossible.

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Your executives think they're winning. Your employees know they're drowning.
Someone's lying. Probably both.

Here's what's actually broken and how to fix it before Monday.

#leadership #corporateculture #transparency #focalpoint

View newsletter: In the Pursuit of Leadership

You’re Failing Your executives think they’re transforming the company. Your employees think they’re drowning. Both are right. You’re burning people ou

Open article: THE DISCONNECT: Stop Lying to Yourself by Volker Jaeckel • 3 min read

The truth sometimes hurt. We all know that. And even though truth can be cleansing our mind, the trajectory of the path we are on, hopefully lifts the burden from our shoulders, we avoid it way too often. Read my latest take on what is missing in Corporate America and how Managers lie to themselves.
👇  👇  👇  👇 
https://lnkd.in/grJ_QV8i

Focal Point Coaching by Volker Jaeckel - Leadership & Sales Team Development | DISC Behavioral Assements | Your 5-start Google reviewed Business Coach and Mentor

High performance often leads to burnout. You see your team reaching their limits. You want results without sacrificing well being. One shift changes this dynamic. Move your leadership from human centered to human capable.

Building capacity does not mean adding more hours. Capacity means expanding what your team can handle within their current schedule. Human capable leadership focuses on three areas.

Focus on these priorities:
1. Prioritize mental and emotional stamina over attendance.
2. Optimize workflows to minimize cognitive load.
3. Develop adaptive skills for unpredictable challenges.

Resilience comes from capability. A capable team handles pressure without breaking. You create a sustainable culture of excellence. Your results improve when your people feel equipped.

How do you currently build capacity in your team?

Real estate agents often think success depends on constant sales calls. Brokerage owners hire clones of top producers. This approach creates teams full of closers but empty of stability. 

But how do you motivate your non-sales staff? 

DISC profiles reveal why your team feels chaotic.

- Top closers often carry high "D" or "I" profiles.
- These agents thrive on results and social recognition.
- Support staff often show high "S" or "C" traits.
- These individuals value precision and systems.

Leading these groups requires empathy. 

Empathy acts as a strategic tool for retention. 

Quick Tips: 
- Do not motivate a detail-oriented "C" agent with a loud pep talk. 
- Do not slow down a high "D" agent with a manual of procedures. 

Effective leadership means speaking behavioral languages. Great real estate teams balance these forces.

I help agents and brokerage owners master these dynamics. 

As a Business Executive Coach, I provide behavioral data needed to scale. Stop guessing what motivates your staff. 

Book a discovery call or a DISC session today. Build a team based on data, not on personality clashes. 

My #DISC coaching focuses on helping you move past communication friction.

Mr. Williams, having a German guy with a German accent sell German cars makes sense.

I told a dealership owner this years ago. While others tried to hide their accents, I chose to lean into mine.

Uniqueness is your greatest asset. In a world of carbon-copy executives, sounding like everyone else makes you a commodity. 

Your "flaws" or quirks are often your most powerful competitive advantages. Identity creates authority.

- Identify your distinct trait.
- Link that trait to your client’s specific needs.
- Present your difference as a strength, not a hurdle.

Own your identity. Stop trying to blend in. Lead from where you stand.

Call (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6.

Schedule a call: https://lnkd.in/g6MB5XgA

What part of your background are you trying to "polish away" in meetings?

P.S. Coach VJ is Volker Jaeckel. The only 5-star reviewed Business and DISC Coach in Riverside County. Certified Business Coach. Certified Marketer. DISC Analyst. University-affiliated at CSUSB and CSUSM, brings over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience from Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. to help you build your team.  He works with owners, executives, managers, and teams across the California Inland Empire seeking clarity, not more noise.

Team Spirit - Humbleness - Relentlessness
A recipe for success. All the time.

Are you busy or are you productive?

Many leaders confuse activity with progress. The 80/20 rule shows 20 percent of actions produce 80 percent of results. Identify high value tasks now. Stop wasting energy on minor details. Focus on actions driving growth.

- Audit your daily schedule.
- List your top three goals.
- Delegate tasks outside your core strengths.
- Say no to distractions.

Volker brings over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience from Germany and the U.S. to help you find focus. Which task will you prioritize today to reach your goals?

Knowing your DISC letters is a waste of time if you don't have a shovel to dig for the gold. Stop treating behavioral profiles like a personality quiz and start using them as a high-stakes leadership tool to drive actual ROI.

My latest newsletter articles shows you why it's time to live it.

#DISC #Leadership #ManagementStrategy #The4DimensionalManager #PlatinumRule #CorporateCulture #BehavioralIntelligence

I’ve been in the DISC trenches for over 25 years, starting all the way back in Germany. If I had a nickel for every time a manager told me over the la

Open article: Stop "Knowing" DISC and Start Living It by Volker Jaeckel • 3 min read

AI manages your data and spreadsheets. 
Stop paying for administration and start coaching your team. 
Apply these 7 moves to scale your organization.

#Leadership #AI #BusinessCoaching #Management #BusinessGrowth #FocalPoint

7 Leadership Coaching Moves That Matter in the World of AI You are losing your edge. Your managers are stuck in spreadsheets. They spend hours trackin

Open article: AI Just Changed Your Manager's Job by Volker Jaeckel • 5 min read

Scaling retail feels like an uphill battle. You manage every detail. Growth stops. Your daily workload increases. Profit margins shrink. Staff turnover and operational chaos stop expansion. You need a strategic roadmap. Coaching helps build a self-sustaining retail machine.

1. Streamline daily operations.
2. Develop high-performing team leaders.
3. Implement scalable sales systems.

What is your biggest hurdle to opening your next location?

Reach out at (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 to begin.

P.S. Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

#RetailScaling #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #FocalPoint

Why do leaders KNOW what to do and still fail to act?

Knowledge alone fails to drive growth.
Many executives possess information but lack execution.
True progress requires moving into conscious competence.
Fear of failure or old habits block progress.
Action creates results business needs.

Focus on tangible outcomes for your organization.
Professional guidance connects theory and practice.
Change happens through deliberate steps.

How do you push past hesitation in your leadership team?

Contact at (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 to start.

P.S. Coach VJ is Volker Jaeckel. Certified Business Coach. Certified Marketer. DISC Analyst. University-affiliated at CSUSB and CSUSM. The only 5-star reviewed Business and DISC Coach in Riverside County. He works with owners and executives in Temecula, Murrieta, and across the Inland Empire who want clarity, not more noise. One free call. No pitch. vj.focalpointcoaching.com. (951) 518-9490.

High performers aren't invincible. Often, they are just better at hiding the cracks until it's too late.

One of the biggest drivers of burnout isn't just 'too much work': it's a misalignment between a person's natural behavioral style and their daily environment.

Through over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis across Germany and the U.S., I've seen how identifying these gaps early can save a career.

For example:
- A high 'I' (Influencer) forced into isolated data entry will drain their battery twice as fast.
- A high 'C' (Compliant) working in a chaotic, rule-breaking environment will eventually hit a wall of stress.

Retention isn't just about perks; it's about behavioral fit.

Are you looking at the data behind your team's stress levels? Let's use DISC to build a sustainable high-performance culture.

#Leadership #EmployeeRetention #DISC #BusinessCoaching #BurnoutPrevention

Executive coaching requires time and capital. Many leaders expect immediate shifts. Human behavior is complex. Most executives miss their return on investment because of the wrong mindset.

Are you ready to stop making these mistakes and lead with strategy?

This carousel highlights seven frequent errors. Learn the solutions to ensure your coaching delivers value.

Key insights:
. Commit to long term growth
. Define data driven KPIs
. Prioritize chemistry and experience
. Focus on top talent
. Align with company vision
. Keep consistent appointments
. Implement action plans

Call (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 for your free consultation.

P.S. Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

7 Executive Coaching Mistakes (and How to Fix Them) Carousel

Finding reliable staff in hospitality feels like a losing battle. Good servers quit. Kitchens stay understaffed. Owners work double shifts to cover gaps.

This cycle kills growth. Leaders spend hours putting out fires. Service quality drops. Customers notice. Personal life disappears.

Break this cycle. Build a team culture. Identify the right behavioral fits for every role. Regain time. The business runs alone.

Ready to reclaim freedom?

Call (951) 518-9490.
Visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 for a strategy session.

P.S. Building the right team starts with understanding human behavior.
Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

The market shifted and your leads dried up. You are chasing the same few deals and feeling the pressure. Pivot your approach with high-performance coaching.

How are you adapting your sales strategy this month?

Call (951) 518-9490 or go to https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 to start.

P.S. Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

You are the ultimate Strategic Architects. Happy International Women’s Day.

Leading a business requires precision. Many women build structures for teams and families simultaneously. Success comes from intentional integration rather than searching for balance.

Strategic architects focus on:
. Sustainable business models
. Functional leadership systems
. Personal values in professional goals
. Team dynamics

Align leadership styles with personal visions. Growth happens when performance meets purpose.

How do you align your leadership style with your personal vision?

Take the next step. Schedule a 20-minute discovery call https://lnkd.in/g6MB5XgA

Call (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 to connect.

P.S. Coach VJ - Certified Business Coach. Certified Marketer. DISC Analyst - the only 5-star reviewed Business and DISC Coach in the California Inland Empire. He works with all businesses that need a 2nd opinion on what is really happening in their organizations.

Before DISC: Intake Clients didn't convert into billable hours.
After DISC Training: 60% increase for billable Lawyer hours in <4 weeks.
Read more here...

#InlandEmpire #Temecula #Murrieta #Menifee #Lawyers #Coaching

Open article: How Inland Empire Lawyers Boost Billable Hours with DISC Communication Training by vj.focalpointcoaching.com

How Inland Empire Lawyers Boost Billable Hours with DISC Communication Training

Does your team speak the same language? (No, I don't mean English).

Miscommunication stalls growth. One team member focuses on results while another prioritizes accuracy. These different behavioral styles can create friction.

Clear communication leads to better outcomes:

- Reduce workplace conflict
- Improve project timelines
- Build stronger leadership trust

Stop guessing what your employees need. Learn the science of how they work best.

P.S. Ready to see how a DISC map can transform your team's dynamic? Let’s talk.

Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Call (951) 518-9490
Visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6

Christopher found value in our DISC Behavioral Analysis workshop. Realtors rely on communication. Understanding how people process information allows you to adapt your style to meet client needs.

Christopher shared how this training changed his approach to interactions. He identifies behavioral cues faster now. This leads to stronger relationships and more closed deals.

What would change in your business if you understood every prospect better?

Our workshops provide:
- Improved team communication
- Faster trust building with clients
- Reduced friction in sales cycles
- Actionable insights for daily interactions

Call (951) 518-9490 or visit https://lnkd.in/gPwyD5d6 to schedule your team training.

P.S. Volker Jaeckel has over 25 years of DISC Behavioral Analysis experience in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the U.S. He identifies how your team members process information and interact with one another.

I have built and sold companies in Silicon Valley and abroad, driving $70M in sales and achieving an 8-figure exit.

I have served as a mentor, providing guidance backed by extensive experience in business strategy, sales & marketing, operations, and M&A.

My mission now is to help other entrepreneurs make good, informed decisions at every stage.

Thinking: I can help you decide if entrepreneurship is the right path for you

Early-stage: I help you avoid the pitfalls that derail many new businesses

Started and struggling: I work with you to push through the barriers that are holding your business back

Seasoned entrepreneurs: I provide tried-and-true but individualized guidance to help you reach your destination, whether that's your next level of growth, or an exit

Don't do it on your own. Wherever you are in your entrepreneurial  journey, I can help you take the next right steps.

I'm equally committed to supporting nonprofits, bridging the income inequality gap, and mentoring youth and young professionals. 

My dedication and training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido continues to strengthen my conviction in finding harmonious resolutions to conflict.

Motto: Work hard. Play hard. Give Back.

Feras Alhlou

8-Figure Exit | $65 Million Combined Revenue | Helping Founders Build 7 & 8-Figure Businesses | Author | Speaker

One of my goals this year, with some nudging from my better half 🙂, is to read more fiction.

I usually read about business, personal development, and societal issues, so I set a simple rule: one novel a month alongside everything else.

For January, it was Steinbeck’s 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵. What I didn't realize was how much this novel would parallel some of those societal issues I already read about.

It’s a deeply saddening story, especially given my US roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma. What struck me wasn’t just the narrative, but what people endured during hard times that weren’t centuries ago. This was the 1930s.

For me, the story highlighted a spectrum of human behaviors:
- 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬. When the man of the house could no longer provide, leadership didn’t disappear; it moved. The mother became the stabilizing force. Calm mattered more than joy. If the mother held, the family held.

- 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞. You didn’t burden others with your fears or failures. Telling might bring relief, but it spread the weight. Decency meant carrying your own load.

- 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞. Some people look out only for themselves. Others don’t. Hard times reveal the difference quickly.

It’s hard not to reflect on how much modern comfort makes us forget how fragile stability really is, and how important it is to live with integrity and deliberateness in all circumstances of life and business.

(Migrant mother photographed by Dorothea Lange in 1936)

8-Figure Exit | $70 Million Combined Revenue | Helping Founders Build 7 & 8-Figure Businesses | Author | Speaker

Migrant mother photographed by Dorothea Lange in 1936

Right after the hostilities in the Gulf region began, I got on a call with my co-founders in Dubai.

Their safety — and that of our team and friends — was top of mind, of course. Business agenda came second.

But the conversion quickly shifted to talk about the short-term and long-term effects of the conflict on the business. 

As founders, we have obligations — to our team, to our partners, and to our customers.

It reminded me of other difficult moments in the past — economic downturns, other instances of regional unrest, even the pandemic.

When there’s instability, we have very little control over external events.

But we can control our foundation.

Here are practical principles every founder should have in place before the storm hits:

1- Build a real cash reserve. In times like this, cash is oxygen.
2- Tighten collections discipline
3- Negotiate favorable payment terms
4- Reduce fixed costs
5- Scenario-plan for downside cases
6- If you need to dip into your personal finances, don’t do it without getting your loved ones, and anyone impacted by the decision, fully on board

And just as important — lead with restraint.

Show empathy. Give your team space if they need it, but don’t inflame politics or spread panic. Your steadiness becomes their stability.

If instability becomes prolonged, revisit your scenarios. Diversify markets and revenue streams and stay flexible.

Storms will come.

Your preparation determines whether you bend… or break.

Above all, wishing safety and peace to everyone affected.

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at NDNU on a topic close to my heart:
“Dishwasher to CEO: Key Forces for Your New Business in 2026.”

Too often, entrepreneurship is packaged as glamour, ease, and quick money.

That narrative sets people up to fail.

In this session, we focused on what actually matters:
• Understanding risk — and taking it deliberately
• Accepting sacrifice before expecting rewards
• Turning passion into disciplined execution
• Planning with realism, not fantasy
• Choosing partners wisely

I also shared parts of my own journey — working as a dishwasher, navigating a painful layoff in 2003, and eventually building 7 businesses.

The message was simple:

Entrepreneurship is not magic.
- It’s method.
- It’s mindset.
- It’s endurance.

Thank you Jordan Holtzman and the entire team at Notre Dame de Namur University and the NDNU community for the warm welcome and thoughtful engagement.

Looking forward to continuing the conversation.

#Entrepreneurship #Startups #Leadership

Layoffs are hard.

I know — because I’ve been there. In 2003, I was laid off from a VP role. It hit my confidence. It shook my identity. And for a while, I replayed everything in my head.

What did I miss?
What could I have done differently?
Was it me?

That reflection is important. Constructive self-reflection helps us grow.

But there’s a line.

When reflection turns into rumination — replaying the same story without extracting lessons — it starts to hurt you. I recently read Rewire Your Anxious Brain, and neuroscience research shows that repetitive rumination strengthens fear circuits in the brain, while deliberate, solution-focused thinking strengthens the brain’s ability to regulate fear.

Here’s what I recommend:
1- Assess objectively.
What happened? What was within your control? What wasn’t?

2- Identify skill gaps.
Where did you coast? What would make you stronger next time?

3- Extract the lessons.
Then put it in a box. And move on.

Don’t dwell. It’s not healthy. Growth requires motion.

Because layoffs are rarely something you can fully control — but what you do next is.

What you can control:
- How you respond
- What you learn
- What you do next

For some, the next move is finding another role.
For others, this becomes the window to build something of their own — often through consulting, which has a relatively low barrier to entry and real upside.

If you — or someone you know — are navigating layoffs or worried about what’s coming, I’ve put together resources I wish I had back then:
Available resources:

- Video: How to Turn a Layoff into a massive Opportunity: https://lnkd.in/gQMgjM-J
- Article: Two Hard Truths About Layoffs: https://lnkd.in/gpzUbYqk
- Video: The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Consulting Business: https://lnkd.in/earWgm-6
- Video: How to Start Your Own Business After a Layoff: https://lnkd.in/g2KBzvzq

If this is relevant to you, feel free to reach out. I keep a few pro bono slots open each week for people in transition.

#Layoffs #Reflections #Entrepreneurs

A common mistake I see among mid-career professionals right now — and it’s quietly limiting their options — is this:

The job market is tight.
And if you’re starting a business, finding clients isn’t easy either.

In both cases, I keep seeing the same issue:

Vanilla positioning.

“Strategy consultant.”
 “Marketing expert.”
 “AI consultant.”

If you pitch to everyone, you’re pitching to no one.

Niching isn’t about shrinking your opportunity — it’s a force multiplier.

In hiring, recruiters search by skills and context.
In business, buyers look for relevance and risk reduction.

The more generic you are, the harder it is for someone to say, “This is exactly who we need.”

LinkedIn’s newly released 2026 fastest-growing skills in the US report makes this clear: skills-based, applied, domain-specific expertise is winning — especially where AI intersects with real-world vertical knowledge.

Over time, you may niche up or niche down depending on your goals and market shifts.

Here’s a starting framework:
1️⃣ Focus on skills that are rising (see LinkedIn’s latest report).
2️⃣ Layer in vertical-specific knowledge (healthcare? fintech? manufacturing?).
3️⃣ Define your target market clearly (who specifically within the vertical: segment, geography, stage).
4️⃣ Pick your arena: startup, SMB, or enterprise — they require different playbooks.
5️⃣ Build working knowledge — ideally mastery — of applied AI in your space.
6️⃣ Strengthen distinctly human capabilities (communication, empathy, judgment).
7️⃣ If you’re a new consultant or founder, optimize for speed to first dollar.

Specialization doesn’t limit you — it clarifies you.

More in my upcoming video on 26 business ideas for 2026.

Linkedin Skills on the Rise 2026: The fastest-growing skills in the U.S: https://lnkd.in/gSnjhiRu

#entrepreneurship #BusinessIdeas #career #niching

Everyone says, “niche down.”

But most new founders do it the wrong way.

They pick an industry… but stay generic inside that industry.

They narrow their audience… but don’t sharpen their positioning.

They say:
“I help small businesses.”
“I work with startups.”
“I do AI consulting.”

And then they wonder why:
- Clients don’t respond
- Conversations stall
- Revenue doesn’t move

Niching isn’t about shrinking your market, it’s about increasing precision.

In this livestream, I’ll break down the 7 most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when niching — and how to fix them.

I’ll cover:
- Why “just pick a niche” is incomplete advice
- How to layer vertical expertise
- How to define a specific target segment
- Why startup vs enterprise is a different game
- How applied AI strengthens positioning
- The human capabilities that still win
- And how to optimize for speed to first dollar

If you’re building a consulting or service-based business, this will help you stop guessing and start aiming.

Join live. Bring your idea. We’ll sharpen it together.

Tuesday, March 3 — 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern

#Entrepreneurship #Consulting #Niche

Most People Niche Wrong: 7 Fixes for 2026

Just released: 26 ideas to start a consulting business in 2026.

Thinking about quitting your day job, or recently laid off and considering starting a consulting business?

In this video, I don’t just list random business ideas. I show you how to evaluate them based on:
• your skills/past experience
• new skills you need to develop
• difficulty level
• speed to first revenue

These aren’t “get rich quick” ideas.

They’re grounded in real shifts happening right now across AI, consulting, creator economy, compliance, global markets, and specialized expertise.

If you’re thinking about leaving corporate or building a serious side business, this will help you stop overthinking and start strategically.

You don’t need a brand-new identity, you need to leverage what you already know.

🎥 Watch here: youtu.be/404dG7YweWo

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessIdeas #StartABusiness #Consulting

I was on a podcast, and the host asked:
“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨?”

There’s no silver bullet. But the question reminded me of something I read in David  Brooks’ The Road to Character: character isn’t automatic. It’s built under pressure, through effort, over time.

And sustained success is rarely a talent problem — it’s a character problem.

That’s why I keep coming back to discipline.

Because character is what you are when no one’s watching.
Discipline is how you build it when no one’s clapping.

Not discipline in just one area — discipline across our lives:

• Discipline of thought (our mindset)
• Discipline of behavior (what we choose to do)
• Discipline of relationships (who we surround ourselves with)
• Discipline of alignment (keeping our actions aligned with our north star)
• Discipline of intention (checking our motives before we act)

Now the real challenge: you can be disciplined in one area and undisciplined in another.

- You can crush it in the gym and still procrastinate on hard conversations.
- You can wake up at 5am and still avoid the one strategic move your career needs.

But two forces can help you build more capacity for discipline:

#𝟏 Research on habit formation and neuroplasticity suggests that repeated self-regulation helps strengthen the mental “circuits” behind executive control. Translation: practice it in one domain, and it becomes more accessible in others — if you choose to apply it.

#𝟐 Sometimes life hands you a season that forces that choice.
This week, nearly 2 billion people are observing Ramadan — fasting from dawn to sunset. That requires discipline, focus, and intention.

Around the same time, billions are celebrating the Lunar New Year, and 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse — a symbol of energy and momentum, which without discipline can quickly become impulsiveness and burnout.

Different traditions. Same muscle.

No matter your tradition — in life and in entrepreneurship — look for a place to practice:

- Discipline of mind over impulse
- Discipline of giving instead of hoarding
- Discipline of kindness over being right

#discipline #life #entrepreneurship

If your pitches or proposals aren’t landing, this is your chance to get them fixed.

I’m hosting a livestream where we’ll break down best practices for pitching — and I’ll (gently) roast real beginner pitches and proposals to show you what’s working, what’s hurting you, and how to fix it before you send it to a real client.

I know pitching your first clients can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just getting started.

👉 DM me or leave a comment with your pitch or proposal if you’d like me to review it live (you and your client will stay fully anonymous). 

If you’re new to consulting and afraid of saying the wrong thing, this session is for you.
📅 Join me live on Tuesday, February 10 — 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dyev54mN

Let’s make your next pitch or proposal the one that actually gets signed.

#Entrepreneurship #Consulting #Sales

You can be confident at your job.

Confident executing.
Confident delivering.
Confident inside a stable system.

But still lack the confidence to build something of your own.

That’s the Comfort Trap.

Comfort doesn’t kill all confidence.
It kills the confidence to do something different.

I’ve been hearing this more and more:
“I don’t feel like I’ve built something meaningful.”
“My confidence is declining.”
“I have time… and I waste it.”

Here’s the hard truth:

Confidence doesn’t decline because you lack talent.
It declines because you stop exposing yourself to resistance.

Comfort feels safe, but it slowly erodes your entrepreneurial drive.

In this livestream, I’ll break down:
• Why comfort sustains routine — but weakens initiative
• The discipline gap that keeps smart professionals stuck
• The difference between execution confidence and builder confidence
• The practical shifts that rebuild entrepreneurial momentum

If you’ve been “almost ready” to start your business for too long… this is your wake-up call.

📅 Tuesday, February 24 — 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern

Let’s get uncomfortable — on purpose.

#Entrepreneurship #Discipline #Consulting

Comfort Is Killing Your Entrepreneurial Drive

In uncertain times, your team doesn’t expect you to predict the future.
They expect you to lead.

Whether it’s regional conflict, economic contraction, or technological disruption, instability is no longer the exception — it’s the operating environment.

I just published a piece on what your team actually needs from you when the ground shifts — from clarity and composure to standing in the trenches and shielding them from co-founder/executive crossfire.

If you're a founder or you lead people, this one is for you.

Right after hostilities began in the Gulf region, I got on a call with my co-founders in Dubai. Their safety — and that of our team and friends — was 

Open article: Leading Through Instability: What Your Team Actually Needs From You by Feras Alhlou • 3 min read

Leading Through Instability: What Your Team Actually Needs From You

If you’ve got the “Super Bowl flu” today, you might want to read this.

Roughly 26 million U.S. workers are expected to call out sick today, with millions more showing up late—costing businesses an estimated $5B+ in lost productivity.

To be clear: calling in sick doesn’t cause layoffs.

But in a market where layoffs are already accelerating, visibility and perception matter more than managers like to admit.

So far in 2026 (just in tech):
- 77 companies laying off
- 29,925 people impacted

I’ve lived this firsthand. In 2003, I was laid off from a VP role. It stung. It shook me.

In hindsight, it gave me the time—and the jolt—to step back, look honestly at what I could have done better in my previous role, and figure out how to improve.

Layoff data source: Linkedin, TrueUp

We’ve been fed this idea:

“If you don’t love it, don’t do it.”

That mindset is quietly sabotaging a lot of smart professionals.

In this live session, I’ll break down:

• Why “follow your passion” creates unrealistic expectations
• How real businesses are built on needs, not feelings
• How to identify profitable “boring” opportunities
• Where passion should exist in your work
• How this shift reduces fear when leaving corporate

If you’re a competent professional considering independence — this conversation matters.

Join me live. Bring your questions.

Passion Is Overrated: Why Boring Businesses Win

The Cult of Failing Forward

Boasting about mistakes has become fashionable in US culture, most notably in the realm of business and entrepreneurship.

High-profile business personalities publicly humble-brag about their vulnerabilities and their countless mess-ups. In reality, they had to get many more things right than wrong, or their ventures would not have survived. Legions of other founders have made too many mistakes to recover from. Their stories are rarely told.

Starting a business is a risky proposition. Depending on the study, more than half of new businesses fail within the first few years. 

If you're embarking down the entrepreneurship path, be mindful of this inherent risk, and do the due diligence to keep yourself from reinventing wheels and sprinting in the wrong direction. Research, reflection, and down-to-earth support from people who have been where you want to go can help keep you on the right side of the success statistics.

I don't say any of this because I think that every misstep in business spells disaster. I know that overplanning, hesitation, and perfectionism kill as many ventures as underplanning and rashness. 

I say this because it's disingenuous and irresponsible to encourage someone with a family to support and two months of mortgage in the bank to "move fast and break things." Enough "failing forward" can lead to disappointment and destitution. Sometimes there's a better way.

Where’s the line between #resilience and #recklessness?

Most people don’t fail because their business idea is bad.

They fail because the idea doesn’t match their experience, the market, or their ability to execute it.

Last week I shared 26 consulting business ideas for 2026.

But the real challenge isn’t ideas.
It’s choosing the right one.

In this livestream, I’ll break down the five filters I use to evaluate a consulting idea:

- Founder–idea fit
- Difficulty level
- Speed to first dollar
- Market demand
- Access to buyers

If you are wondering which business idea you should actually pursue, I’m here to help!

Join me live Tuesday at 12pm Pacific/3pm Eastern.

#Entrepreneurship #Consulting #BusinessIdeas

How to Choose the Right Consulting Idea (From the 26 That I Shared)

If you want to be a founder, you shouldn't just take from the system, you contribute to it too. :)

For me, one way I do that is donating blood, ~every couple of months.

I've been fortunate to donate regularly and just completed my 118th donation as we head into March, National American Red Cross Month. 

The blood donation entire process takes about 45 minutes. Why do I do it? 

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
And 1 donation can help save up to 3 lives.

If you’re eligible and not too afraid of needles :), schedule your appointment today.

Leadership is service — in business and beyond.

Thank you American Red Cross and American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region staff and volunteers and supporters for everything you do to prevent and alleviate human suffering. 

#RedCrossMonth #BeAHero #HelpCantWait

Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin?

Or wondering whether your experience could realistically turn into a consulting business?

I just published a LinkedIn article outlining 26 consulting ideas for 2026, grouped in six categories.

But instead of just listing ideas, I added two practical filters to help evaluate them:
• Difficulty level
• Time to first dollar

Because the real challenge isn’t finding ideas, it’s choosing the right one.

The article also includes snapshots for each of the six categories so you can quickly spot opportunities that match your experience.

If you're exploring entrepreneurship or leaving corporate, this may help you think more strategically.

#Entrepreneurship #Consulting #BusinessIdeas

Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? Or wondering whether your existing experience could realistically turn into a consulti

Open article: 26 Consulting Ideas for 2026 by Feras Alhlou • 3 min read

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Volker Jaeckel's LinkedIn Performance

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