Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

The Brass Ring

A long, long time ago (I’ve actually ridden only one such in my lifetime) Carousels had a spring-loaded sleeve of brass rings protruding near the innermost (and least popular) track of horses. A bigger kid could lean out and yank … Continue Reading

Posted in Business Perspectives, Entrepreneurship, Exit Planning, Exit Strategies, Life After, Strategy and Planning | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Hunting vs. Farming

At the family gathering, you are being introduced to a distant cousin you haven’t seen since childhood. The introduction usually includes your status as a business owner. “Do you remember little Cousin Bobby? He owns his own company now.” Or … Continue Reading

Posted in Business Perspectives, Entrepreneurship, Life After, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Tax Deductible- So What?

We have done ourselves a disservice as business owners. Too often we have justified an expenditure to non-owner friends as “tax deductible” to show how clever we are. In doing so, we have confused the public. They see the Federal … Continue Reading

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Another Lost Generation?

I had the opportunity to present “Beating the Boomer Bust” twice this week, one of which was recorded for a Texas Public Radio show this weekend. For those who aren’t familiar with the piece, it discusses the massive changes that … Continue Reading

Posted in Business Perspectives, Economic Trends, Exit Options, Exit Planning, John's Opinions, Managing Employees, Selling a business | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Return to the Handshake?

There are five words that strike fear into the heart of every business owner. They are “Let me call my lawyer.” I’m not talking about threats. If I had a nickel for every person who threatens “I’m going to call … Continue Reading

Posted in Business Perspectives, Customer Relations, John's Opinions | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Do Goals Make a Difference?

To start the New Year right, let me tell you a true story about a goal. It was a little goal; or at least it started out that way. It certainly wasn’t a goal that was intended to be life … Continue Reading

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Thanks for Everything

A British friend was commenting to me on how “odd” he found the American celebration of Thanksgiving. “There is no equivalent holiday in Europe, or anywhere else in the world.” he said. “You have an entire day devoted to conspicuous … Continue Reading

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Never, never, never, never give up.

I kind of see everything as connected. Last week we hosted Larry Linne, author of “Make the Noise Go Away,” a book about the roles of first-in-commands and second-in-commands. I will be writing about a couple of things Larry said in his … Continue Reading

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Fighting on Level Ground

Poland has been conquered numerous times in history. Since the 11th century, it has been partially occupied, partitioned, or fully subjugated by the Germans, Russians, Austrians, Mongols, Tartar Muslims, French (under Napoleon), Prussians and Hungarians. The Poles aren’t a timid people, … Continue Reading

Posted in Business Perspectives, Economic Trends, Exit Planning, Leadership, Strategy and Planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Performance Reviews- Best Practices

Performance reviews are a pain. In my nearly 40 years in business they have always generated the same complaints. Managers hate to do them. As a consequence, they are frequently over due. They provide the employee with little information on … Continue Reading

Posted in Entrepreneurship, Incentives, Leadership, Managing Employees, Strategy and Planning | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Who are the Real Business Performers?

A business owner told me a story the other day… “After I was in business a few years, a large corporation made me a terrific offer to come work for them. I left my company in the hands of my … Continue Reading

Posted in John's Opinions, Leadership | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Third Factor- A Third Eye?

For several years my writing and speaking has focused on two factors that are indispensable for entrepreneurs; creativity and tenacity. Creativity is the drive that not only makes entrepreneurs see opportunities, but also makes them consider every problem or challenge … Continue Reading

Posted in Business Perspectives, Entrepreneurship, John's Opinions, Leadership | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments