Inside the Mind of a Seasoned Business Strategist: Unveiling Key Business Insights from an Interview with Regina Gulbinas

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In this interview, Regina Gulbinas, a seasoned life and business strategist with over two decades of experience, provides valuable insights into her work and the impact she has on businesses. She emphasizes the importance of tapping into one’s abilities and mindset to build a successful business, bridging the knowledge gap, and seeking external perspectives. Regina addresses misconceptions about her role and highlights the obstacles that entrepreneurs face when seeking help. Through a client example, she showcases the transformative outcomes resulting from her guidance and expertise. Regina’s dedication to empowering individuals and her emphasis on the crucial elements of people and money in business make her a trusted and sought-after strategist.

-Begin Interview-

Who do you help, and how do you assist them?

 

I’ve been a life and business strategist for 21 years. My focus as a business strategist is on helping individuals tap into their full potential, develop an unstoppable mindset, and become extraordinary leaders of their organizations to build successful businesses. During the initial 17 years of my career, I collaborated closely with CEOs, offering them comprehensive guidance on managing and scaling their businesses effectively. As a seasoned strategist, my role involved meticulously evaluating the intricate details of their organizations, identifying areas in need of restructuring, and providing actionable solutions. By analyzing their operations, we were able to gain insights into any missteps and strategize ways to rectify them, ultimately leading to restored profitability.

Supporting individuals in overcoming complex business challenges is incredibly rewarding. It allows me to assist them in preserving their employees, maintaining business momentum, and creating long-term sustainability and profitability. In the past four years, I have shifted more toward the online space while still working with offline businesses. I have developed a strong affinity for accessing the global market and leveraging my knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work. I package this expertise to help businesses of all types become more profitable. Currently, I also serve online entrepreneurs, CEOs, coaches, and mentors worldwide.

What are the key benefits and advantages of your services?

 

 The biggest benefit of working with me is the combination of an outside perspective and my extensive knowledge, wisdom, experience, and expertise. Business owners get to access over two decades of experience in a matter of minutes. Talk about saving time to gain needed information and knowledge. As a business owner and CEO, you may have competent individuals around you, but having someone with 21 years of experience offering different perspectives, examples, and insights can be invaluable. We all have blind spots, and I can identify those blind spots and provide suggestions and strategies to save time and improve profitability significantly.

 

An important advantage of working with a qualified and knowledgeable professional like me, particularly in business infrastructure and scaling, is the ability to gain an external perspective. Also, emotional decisions can be very costly. By bringing in an unbiased expert who has the global view of your company, and your best interest at heart, you then get rational assessments and clarity of direction. While I genuinely care about your success, I can remove the emotional aspect and take a comprehensive look at your company, identifying what works, and what doesn’t, and show you why.

 

Why do business operations suffer from an emotional attachment?

 

First, I must say how much respect I have for anyone who takes on the journey of building a business. This takes courage! Often these brave men and women have put everything on the line. I have seen people use all their life savings, deplete home equity, and go deep into debt to chase their dream of being a business owner and hopefully becoming financially free. 

CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs have deep emotional attachments to their companies, understandably so. This often will hinder long-term profitability when mixed with strategy. Having someone with an outside perspective, emotional detachment, ability to identify blind spots, understand revenue-generating activities, strategy, navigate relationships, and comprehend the building blocks of successful businesses will truly be a game-changer for your business. 

 

What challenges do your prospects typically face when seeking your help?

 

 The Knowledge gap, which is always reflected in their numbers. Unfortunately, most people won’t acknowledge their knowledge gap until it shows up on their financial statements. I always emphasize that in life and business, we are constantly investing either time or money. Instead of investing your non-replenishable resource of time, why not invest money, to tap into someone else’s expertise? 

What are some of the main obstacles preventing people from seeking your help?

 

One of the significant obstacles I often encounter is the interference of ego.

Many individuals, driven by ego, find it challenging to ask for direction or assistance. This pattern is quite common. Often, people wait until they are in significant financial trouble before realizing they need help.

Also, in my experience, those who see it as an expense will likely wait until the last minute to ask for help. Those who see mentorship as an investment and a way to get to their desired outcome quicker, will invest more actively.

We tend to believe that we know certain things unless tangible evidence forces us to question our understanding. The main obstacle is the mindset of self-reliance, where individuals believe they can handle everything on their own. When we only rely on our own knowledge our company and its numbers quickly begin to resemble our knowledge gaps.

There’s a popular saying, “I don’t need any assistance. I can do it on my own.” However, when the lack of knowledge starts to impact a business’s financial performance, with red numbers appearing on the financial statements, individuals begin to realize that something is amiss. They may think, “I’m doing everything right, the operations are running smoothly, but I’m still incurring losses.” This is where outside expertise, unburdened by emotional attachment but armed with knowledge, experience, and years of investment, becomes incredibly valuable. It’s essential to be able to reach out to someone and say, “There’s something wrong here. I need guidance.” It’s worth noting that businesses fail every day, and some even close before they have a chance to take off.

One of the significant obstacles is people’s reluctance to ask for help in a timely manner. It’s crucial to recognize one’s limitations, acknowledge what they don’t know, and understand the importance of seeking support. However, many individuals prioritize saving money over obtaining the necessary help. I always emphasize that not knowing what to do leads to no positive outcome. That’s why mentorship and guidance are available—to provide the necessary support. People often hesitate to invest the required money, but I remind them that they are always investing something, whether it’s money (a replenishable resource) or time (a non-replenishable resource). Interestingly, individuals often pay with what they value least, and this pattern is quite common. They undervalue their time and hold onto their money.

What are the most common misconceptions business owners have that can lead to problems?

 

One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that they can fix or scale their business entirely on their own. People often think that if they just keep trying, eventually, it will work. However, if a particular approach hasn’t yielded results in the past decade, it’s unlikely to suddenly become successful in the next year. There’s a misconception that they can recycle an idea and expect it to magically work later.

Another misconception is the idea that they have to say yes to every job or client that comes their way, even if it doesn’t align with their long-term goals or profitability. It’s crucial to understand that not every client is the right fit, and sometimes it’s necessary to let go of current clients who are causing difficulties or not generating enough profit. Similarly, not every employee is the right fit for a company, and that’s an important aspect to consider as well. The same applies to vendors. 

These are just a few of the misconceptions I often encounter. However, one of the primary misconceptions among CEOs and business owners is the belief that they can achieve a successful 7-figure business with just a little bit of information. The reality is that continuous growth requires increasing knowledge, wisdom, and education. Each level of growth necessitates filling a widening knowledge gap.

Another misconception relates to hiring decisions. CEOs sometimes focus solely on the cost of hiring without considering the necessary knowledge and skill level. They may try to save money by hiring a bookkeeper when what they actually need is a qualified accounting manager who can provide deeper financial analysis and help them make informed decisions based on the numbers. It’s important to consider the expertise required rather than solely focusing on cost savings.

There are numerous misconceptions that I come across, making it difficult to pinpoint just one. However, the biggest mistake I see CEOs make is believing that they can succeed in the long term without additional qualified guidance, support, and mentorship. Acquiring a bit of knowledge is not enough to sustain a business indefinitely. Each level of growth will require additional knowledge. 

 

How do you address the knowledge gap?

 

To bridge the knowledge gap, I begin by gently pointing out to individuals that their current approach hasn’t yielded the desired results. It’s important to communicate this truth with kindness and respect, ensuring that they maintain their dignity throughout the process. We discuss why their current efforts yielded current results. However, if they aspire to achieve more significant goals, it becomes evident that adjustments to their existing strategies may be necessary.

During these discussions, I rely on historical evidence, their numbers, and tangible examples to support my points. I don’t simply state, “This isn’t working.” Instead, I highlight specific areas that have not produced the desired outcomes. Many individuals have not yet admitted that their current methods are ineffective because they hold onto the belief that things will eventually work out. This is why people often find themselves stuck in repetitive cycles and facing the same challenges.

The next step is to identify specific aspects that can be tweaked or improved, even if they are small adjustments along the way. It doesn’t always require a massive overhaul. By highlighting these smaller shifts that can be made in their business, production processes, or financial strategies, they can start to see immediate improvements. Even an immediate small win will help them recognize that there is a gap in their knowledge and that there are ways to enhance their operations, growth, and profitability. Moreover, when I can help them achieve a quick win up-front, they will likely gain a deeper understanding that I am the person who can guide them toward further success and beyond.

 

Can you describe your ideal client?

 

I don’t focus on a specific industry, as I have worked with diverse businesses ranging from local dance studios to commercial construction companies. I am also able to assist businesses globally, not limited to the United States. The common factor among all my ideal clients is their emphasis on two crucial aspects of business: people and money. Regardless of the industry, these elements form the foundation of every successful business.

For me, an ideal client is someone who takes full responsibility for their life and business. I am not interested in advocating for someone’s success or engaging in arguments. It boils down to whether they genuinely want it or not. An ideal client is coachable and can engage in intelligent conversations without storming out when they hear something they may not like. This type of client aligns with my strategy-focused approach, where I prioritize bottom-line results and swift implementation.

If I find myself repeating the same information without seeing any implementation, it indicates a lack of commitment, regardless of how much they may be paying for my services. I truly love what I do, and I thrive on witnessing people succeed. 

My ideal client is passionate about their work and cares about their employees, clients, vendors, and the quality of their products or services. They have a long-term vision and are committed to being in business for the long haul.

Can you provide an example of someone you’ve assisted and the outcome of your work together?

 

Certainly! One memorable example is a local dance studio owner I worked with. Her dance studio held a significant place in the community, with children growing up participating in classes and recitals. However, the owner faced challenges related to high expenses, a large rental space, and personal circumstances, including the recent passing of her husband.

Upon starting our work together, we took swift action by relocating the dance studio to a more affordable space. We initiated a comprehensive restructuring process that involved revising pricing, restructuring courses, and ensuring that the recitals could still take place. To address the financial difficulties, she opted for a Chapter 11 reorganization process, which is a common path for many businesses facing challenges.

Throughout the process, it was truly heartwarming to witness the incredible support from the students and parents of the dance studio. They wrote letters to the federal court judge overseeing the case, highlighting the positive impact the studio had on their lives and the community as a whole. This level of community involvement was extraordinary.

The outcome of our work together was incredibly rewarding. The dance studio owner successfully navigated the Chapter 11 process, and the studio continued to thrive. It has been approximately ten years since then, and as far as I know, she is still operating her studio. This case holds a special place in my heart due to the deep connection the local community had with the studio and the positive impact it had on numerous children and families.

What is the most important factor or criteria that entrepreneurs/business owners should consider before hiring a business strategist?

 

You can always tell if someone is knowledgeable in their area of expertise based on how they speak, what questions they ask you, and the type of solutions they offer. This alone will be a huge indicator of their values and morals. You want someone who aligns with yours. You want someone who cares about the people, not just profits. How you make your money should matter to them as much as to you.

Ask about their track record of success and expertise in their field. It’s crucial to thoroughly assess the strategist’s experience, knowledge, and ability to deliver tangible results. Take their time to speak with them.

I recommend examining their track record. Have they worked with businesses similar to yours? Have they successfully helped other entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve their desired outcomes? Testimonials, case studies, and referrals from trusted sources can provide valuable insights. 

Additionally, consider the strategist’s expertise in areas relevant to your specific needs. Do they possess a deep understanding of your industry or niche? Can they provide tailored guidance and strategies that align with your unique business circumstances?

Another vital criterion is the strategist’s approach and compatibility with your working style and values. Do they have a collaborative and supportive approach that resonates with you? Can they effectively communicate their ideas and strategies in a way that you understand and feel comfortable with?

Lastly, trust and rapport are crucial. Building a strong working relationship is key to a successful partnership. Trust your instincts and ensure that you feel at ease working closely with the strategist, as you will be sharing sensitive information and relying on their expertise to drive your business forward.

How can we find out more about you?

 

To learn more about me, you can visit my website at reginagulbinas.com. I also have a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You’re welcome to reach out, ask questions, and connect with me through these channels.