Remember when running a business was all about gut feeling, a bit of jugaad, and some good old-fashioned luck? Well, in 2025, that approach is about as effective as using a landline to make sales calls. Mid-sized businesses across India and SAARC are facing intense competition, market volatility, and the ever-evolving digital transformation landscape.

Enter Management by Objectives (MBO) – a decades-old framework that many consider outdated. But here’s the truth: MBO is more relevant today than ever, especially for MSMEs looking to scale, innovate, and align their teams for high performance.

Let’s unpack why MBO is still the secret sauce for mid-sized businesses and how you can implement it for maximum impact…

There’s a common misconception in the MSME world: “Employee engagement is for the Infosys and Tatas of the world; we’re too small for that.”

Let’s burst that bubble right away. If you think employee engagement is a luxury, you’re already losing your best people to competitors who know better. In an era where talent is the biggest differentiator, even small businesses need to focus on building a thriving workplace culture to survive and grow.

Still skeptical? Let’s break it down with some hard truths and actionable strategies….

Let’s be real—competing with big brands as an MSME feels like bringing a knife to a gunfight. They have deep pockets, massive marketing teams, and enough ad spend to plaster their name on every billboard, YouTube video, and cricket match.

But here’s the truth: branding is not about how much money you throw at it; it’s about how well you tell your story. The good news? MSMEs have an edge—agility, authenticity, and the ability to build direct relationships with customers.

So, how do you create a powerful brand without burning a hole in your budget? Let’s break it down…