Category Archives: Strategy and Planning

A different way of thinking

I’ve just returned from a much needed quiet period in Merida, Mexico. Actually, the locals call it by the state’s name, Yucatan, and usually refer to Mexico the way Hawaiians refer to the mainland. The highlight of an otherwise uneventful … Continue Reading

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Attrition Opportunities

A client of mine used a great term in a conversation last week. Someone asked him if he had instituted any reductions in force (layoff, for those on the receiving end) in his company. “No,” he replied “but we’ve had … Continue Reading

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Jerry West on dealing with tough times

Sorry I’ve been away. Actually, I wrote this to post last week and forgot to publish it. Lately I’ve been telling business owners a story from an interview I did with Jerry West during his tenure as GM for the … Continue Reading

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Serendipity and Strategy

This is kind of an unusual posting. It is more philosophical than most, and more personal. This blog tends to practical comment and advice. While I stray a bit with this, it has a business objective. I have a coach. … 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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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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The Buck Stops Here

This isn’t a political blog, but I’m cursed (or blessed) to see everything in terms of business. The current administration in the Oval Office isn’t my favorite from a policy standpoint, but it is the tell-tale clues of a leadership … 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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Cabin Fever

My mom lives in New Jersey. Around February or March of every year she gets cabin fever. Too many cold and miserable days spent indoors, and she starts climbing the walls. It’s August in San Antonio, and we are in … Continue Reading

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You can’t keep a good saying down.

“There are lies, damn lies and statistics.” It’s a great saying, and in the USA is typically attributed to Mark Twain. He, in turn, attributed it to Benjamin Disraeli. That credit is undocumented. What is certain is that it was … Continue Reading

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With My Apologies to Ray Davies

“Sooo tired, tired of waiting. tired of waiting for youuu.” For those of you who weren’t weaned on British Invasion Rock’n’Roll, Ray Davies is the lead singer and songwriter of The Kinks. One of their earliest hits was “Tired of … Continue Reading

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See Spot Run- A simple approach to up and downsizing

In a TAB Board meeting yesterday we were discussing how you know when it’s time to add an employee. I recalled an old method I’ve used, and it occurs to me that it can also work in reverse if you … Continue Reading

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