Everyday Effectiveness Blog

Gwen and Tonya are shown together sitting at Gwen's dining room table. Microphones in front of them, Gwen has her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail and Tonya's chin-length curly slat-and-pepper hair is as tame as it'll ever be. Both women wear glasses, but Tonya's black-and-white frames are much cooler. Tonya has a white denim jacket open over a black T-shirt. Gwen wears a bright teal cardigan over a black tank top. Gwen has bold teal wooden jewelry. Tonya is allergic to jewelry and hopes the cool glasses distract you from her lack of accessories. In front of them is a graphic with the words "Set goals that you actually want to achieve."

Are Your Business Goals Sabotaging Your Success?

Entrepreneurs are constantly bombarded with messages about dreaming big, setting ambitious targets, and striving for that coveted million-dollar business. But what if chasing these goals is actually leading you further away from the business — and life — you truly...

Is Your Business Engine Misfiring?

You've tried everything to grow your business: increasing sales, streamlining processes, even burning the midnight oil. But something still feels off. What if the real problem isn't where you think it is? In the latest episode of The Business You Really Want, Tonya...

The Business You Really Want is a podcast hosted by Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner. Gwen and Tonya are shown together sitting at Gwen's dining room table. Microphones in front of them, Gwen has her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytaial and Tonya's chin-length curly slat-and-pepper hair is as tame as it'll ever be. Both women wear glasses, but Tonya's black-and-white frames are much cooler. Tonya has a white denim jacket open over a black T-shirt. Gwen wears a bright teal cardigan over a black tank top. Gwen has bold teal wooden jewelry.

Is Burning Down Your Business Really the Only Way Out?

You've seen the headlines. Another successful entrepreneur confesses to burning out and starting over. They talk about laying off their entire team, shutting down their thriving business, and rising from the ashes like a phoenix. It's dramatic. It's inspiring. And...

Gwen sits on her couch scrolling what appears to be Facebook on her phone. The camera is looking over her left shoulder, so you can see her french manicured nails and the phone resting on her grey ombre knitted skirt.

What I Really Think About Marketing

While you’re reading this, I’m likely in limbo. I’m checking out of a Denver hotel this morning and catching a flight to Phoenix. “Wait, Gwen…don’t you live in CALIFORNIA?!” Why, yes. Yes, I do. I left home on Friday for NSA Influence, and I won’t see Arlis...

blog feature image shows Gwen on a stage addressing a crowd attending her Open to Buy workshop at h+h americas in 2023. She's wearing her blonde hair back in a ponytail and gesturing wildly. She's wearing a black scoop-neck blouse and hand-knitted skirt (of course she is)

Now Booking Workshops, Speaking Events

Once upon a time, I dreamed of traveling the world as a keynoter. Now I realize I prefer leading workshops. Keynotes are great, but workshops provide a much more interactive experience. By nature, workshops are smaller, action-oriented, and leave attendees with...

Gwen and Tonya sit across from each other at a tall table. Gwen has blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail and wears classes with chunky teal jewelry. Tonya has short curly salt-and-pepper hair. Though she wears glasses, her face is turned away from the camera. They have computers and microphones in front of them.

Introducing: The Business You Really Want

Several months ago, Tonya Kubo — she runs marketing and operations around here — had me write the following on a Post-It and place it on my monitor: "I am a trendsetter...I see things before anyone else sees them." I wouldn't say this is universally true (have you...

A blonde pony-tailed woman chuckles while talking with a younger woman with long highlighted brown hair. The brunette is looking a her computer screen.

Root cause discovery — or how to solve business problems at their source

Right now, I’m having the absolute time of my life. I’m huddled up in Northern California’s Grand Reserve Inn with three of my clients for the inaugural Savvy Syndicate mastermind retreat. The extended time together allows for a much deeper look into each woman’s...

Gwen, with blonde hair pulled back in a functional ponytail, sits at a laptop, speaking to an online group. Gwne is wearing a black top with teal sweater, and matching chunky teal wooden necklace and earrings. You can see her desktop microphone next to her.

The Everyday Effectiveness Media Kit

Ready to wow your audience with game-changing insights on building a sustainable, values-driven business? You're in the right place! Gwen Bortner, a seasoned operational strategist and business advisor, is here to transform your podcast, event, or training program...

Several colorful business books fill a book shelf. The words, Do you love books, is written in teal over a white box partially covering the image.

Do you love books? We do too!

Do you enjoy business books but struggle to apply the lessons they teach to your business or individual circumstances? It’s a common problem, one that every business owner I know struggles with from time to time. After discussing this fact with clients a few months...

A dark-skinned woman thoughtfully journals in a cafe, presumably setting realistic goals

Want to Boost Your Productivity? Start by Setting Realistic Goals

Setting realistic business goals is a surefire way to boost your productivity. And there’s no better time to focus on realistic and achievable goals than during the quarterly planning process. If you’re like most business owners, you’ll focus on quarterly planning...

Portrait of Everyday Effectiveness CEO Gwen Bortner in front of a bright green background.

I'm Gwen Bortner, and I've spent 40 years turning chaotic businesses into well-oiled machines across 47 industries. Now, my team and I work with women entrepreneurs to build sustainable, fulfilling businesses aligned with their values.