Tag Archives: economy

Why is San Antonio Bucking the Trend?

The national economy is recovering, but it has a long way to go. Residential and commercial foreclosures, consumer debt levels, and bloated public pensions will take some time to correct. Yet San Antonio has been named as one of the … Continue Reading

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Entering 2011: a tale of two economies

In January of 2009 I blogged here titled “The Strategic Triple Threat” At that time, Congress had just passed the TARP act, saving the world from financial meltdown. The Federal Reserve was predicting a short recession followed by a resumption of historical … Continue Reading

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Why Don’t We “Buy American?”

America’s trade deficit underlies a host of headlines. We continue to send payment for fossil fuels to countries that use it to finance people who kill our soldiers. We borrow trillions from China, so that we can pay them for more consumer goods. We … Continue Reading

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The Only Thing We Have to Fear?

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” FDR famously broadcast during the Great Depression. His speech didn’t end that economic slump, and the election next week won’t end this one. It will, however, help. The Republicans are … Continue Reading

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The Long Road Ahead

I’m sitting in Denver International Airport after yet another conference. Fortunately, it’s a whole 9 days until I have to come back here for another one. In January of 2009 I wrote a blog on the strategic Triple Threat. The … Continue Reading

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Ready…Set…Wait? Leading Indicators and small business

In the last few weeks I’ve talked to a score of small business owners who say that things are improving for their companies. Several have been involved in trade shows that had record attendance. A few manufacturers are seeing a … Continue Reading

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Is America the next Rome?

James Fallows has written a massive, thought-provoking  article about America’s current social, political and economic issues in The Atlantic. Like so many of us that have spent time overseas, he looked at the US with fresh eyes on his return.In Fallows’ case, … Continue Reading

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No instant replay in small business

There was a great play in the Yankees-Angels game last night. I’m not a huge baseball fan, so relax, this is really about business. Alex Rodriguez rounded third on a base hit and headed for home. The throw beat him … Continue Reading

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Here’s an exercise

Nothing fancy. Just presume, for a second, that my last post was substantially right. We will have a technical recovery from an economic perspective, but it won’t feel anything like prosperity. Ask yourself two questions: 1. What will my business … Continue Reading

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The Triple Threat: Phase II

Okay, I’m stepping away from the sales compensation series for a day, and admitting something to everyone. I’ve been writing the blogs on sales comp in order to duck the one I didn’t want to write. I am by nature … Continue Reading

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Another Swimming Metaphor

“Only when the tide goes out, do you discover who has been swimming naked.” This classic bromide by Warren Buffett has come to mind several times in the last few weeks. As the economy hits dead low tide (coming back … Continue Reading

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Tough Times Call for Tough Tactics

My motto for this recession, quoted previously in this space, is “You don’t have to outrun the bear.” As the recession lingers, and the slow, jobless recovery trickles in with a whimper, my clients are finding it both tiresome and … Continue Reading

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