Gwen Bortner is a business advisor who provides outside perspective and unwavering accountability. She’s also the one to ask the hard questions others won't. After four decades of working across 47+ industries, Gwen has learned that marketing and sales have built-in feedback loops — you know quickly if they're working. But the behind-the-scenes engine that runs your business? That's where the blind spots live. That's where successful businesses secretly start breaking down, even when everything looks fine from the outside. Gwen's monthly newsletter provides tips to help you identify bottlenecks others miss so you can build a business that performs well without consuming your life.
[Weekly Question] What do you need to stop?
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Reader — Knowing what things are no longer serving us, and therefore we need to stop, can be as or more important than figuring out what new things we need to be doing. What is one thing that, if stopped, would actually be an overall benefit? (Hint: if you find yourself immediately thinking of something and then your stomach slightly clenches, chances are, that’s the answer.) I’d love to hear what comes up for you, so let me know! I read and respond to every email. Speak soon, Gwen |
Gwen Bortner | Everyday Effectiveness
Gwen Bortner is a business advisor who provides outside perspective and unwavering accountability. She’s also the one to ask the hard questions others won't. After four decades of working across 47+ industries, Gwen has learned that marketing and sales have built-in feedback loops — you know quickly if they're working. But the behind-the-scenes engine that runs your business? That's where the blind spots live. That's where successful businesses secretly start breaking down, even when everything looks fine from the outside. Gwen's monthly newsletter provides tips to help you identify bottlenecks others miss so you can build a business that performs well without consuming your life.
Reader — There’s a stage of business where expanding your world is exactly the right move. You say yes to introductions. You take the coffee chats. You show up in rooms just to see who’s there. That phase is useful — even necessary. But if you’ve been in business for more than a few years, you’ve likely crossed an invisible line. The point where more connections no longer equal more opportunity. What I’m seeing now — in my own business and in my clients’ — is often mistaken for overwhelm or...
Reader — With just two days left in 2025, I’m making this email relatively short and sweet. No matter how you feel about this year, it’s about to be over. The calendar page turns whether we want it to or not. If you haven’t yet, I recommend spending a little time reflecting on the year and deciding what you want to carry forth into 2026 and what you want to leave behind. Deep Thoughts on Finish Lines Tonya and I had some fun crossing episodes with our friends over at Listening for the...
Reader — Running your own business can take so much from you – but it can give so much back, too. What are you grateful for in your business? What does running your own business allow you to do, that you might not otherwise be able to? I’d love to hear what comes up for you, so let me know! I read and respond to every email personally. Speak soon, Gwen