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Helping business owners grow their companies and transition with confidence, added value and complete control.
Tag Archives: small business advice
Trimming the Customer Tree
Anyone who has shopped for a live Christmas tree knows the drill. They have some on display, but none look exactly like what you want. You start looking through the trees that are still bundled up. If one looks promising, … Continue Reading
When is the Right Time to Sell?
In the last few weeks I’ve had several conversations with owners about selling their companies. In one case a professional firm with whom I’ve worked for the last 4 years completed a merger with a large national company. That was … Continue Reading
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
Being Brave in a Brave New World
In the first three posts in this series I’ve outlined a number of reasons why the American economy is unlikely to grow in the next few years. All of my reasons are factual. The numbers don’t lie, and these numbers can’t be … Continue Reading
Posted in Economic Trends, Managing Employees, Technology
Tagged business ownership, economy, leadership, small business advice
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Changes in the new landscape
Last week we talked about an economy where we can expect things to stay flat, or at least feel like they are flat, for a long time. The ageing Boomers, a long recovery in real estate and construction, shrinking government … Continue Reading
Dealing with “Malaise”
This starts out sounding like doom and gloom. It isn’t. I have come to the realization that the world of small business ownership is changing, and we have to change with it. For the next few weeks this column will … Continue Reading
“Intuitive” Doesn’t Work for Organization
Apple Computer has become the most valuable company on the planet by making products that are “intuitive.” Most Apple fans brag that you don’t even need a user’s manual to get started on their products. Intuitive is a relative term. … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees, Technology
Tagged business planning, employees, management, small business advice
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The Man (or Woman) Who Knew Too Much
Most businesses need salespeople. Most salespeople need to know what they are selling. This leaves many owners on the proverbial horns of a dilemma. Should they hire a great salesperson and teach him the business, or should they take someone who … Continue Reading
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
Profits and Savings aren’t the Same Thing
How much profit will you make this year? If you are like many business owners, the answer is “We’ll see.” They consider profit to be the amount left over after all of the business expenses are paid. That’s an accounting … Continue Reading
When a Good Employee Fails
One of the most difficult challenges facing any entrepreneur is correcting a prior promotion that didn’t work out. Sooner or later it happens to every business owner. You promote employees because they’ve worked hard, were senior in their position, or … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees
Tagged business ownership, entrepreneurship, management, small business advice
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