Business Management
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW IN THIS ECONOMY
The most important thing to know in this economy is two-fold, “Who is my customer?” and “Why do they buy from me?” I know these are fundamental questions in any business, but the key is, things have changed. The pat answers that were true in March 2020 are now likely to have changed. And the…
Read MoreARE YOU READY TO PIVOT?
We’ve all heard “ready, aim, fire,” as the instructions for hitting a target. We often use it as a metaphor in business. The first stage is ready. What does it mean to be ready? In business, ready is preparation. Target is the goal setting. Fire is the execution of the plan. Consider target shooting as…
Read MoreGOOD TO GREAT REDUX
Small business owners are struggling with a lot these days, COVID-19 health fears, correctly applying for and spending stimulus funds, regulatory limits on business, erratic supply chains, and protecting employees (and customers) in the workplace. Stacked upon that is the need to reinvent or pivot their businesses for the future economy. With all the pressure…
Read MoreSOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY
I’ve been stuck in the house for the past couple of weeks. Like most people, my purchases have decreased, but I am trying to buy from local businesses when I have the chance. Most of my experiences have been great. Here are a few examples of experiences that weren’t. “I Don’t Care.” I drove to…
Read MoreWHEN YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN
Covid-19 has hit us in a way that was scarcely imaginable. It also has humbled us to know how little control we have over our businesses and in life. You’ve been knocked down by this situation. You are not alone. Step 1: Get Up. Don’t lay there overanalyzing what hit you. If you don’t get…
Read MoreWORKING WITH FAMILY
On the topic of working with family, I thought I’d publish an excerpt from Elephant Tale – Mostly True Stories About Entrepreneurs, a book I wrote a few years ago. Each chapter in Elephant Tales tells a story about an experience I had in real life, with the people turned into animals to protect the…
Read MoreMY HEAD EXPLODES!
There is a conversation that happens all too often when I speak with business owners that makes my head explode! It goes something like this. I’m usually speaking with an owner who is struggling with getting something done for the betterment of their business. The business owner says, “I tell them what to do. But…
Read MorePATIENCE IS NOT A MUSCLE
I was speaking with a colleague who was lamenting her issues with patience. She felt herself either caught the victim of being too patient or losing opportunities by not being patient enough. She wanted to know how to develop more patience and use it more productively. I told her the key thing to understand is…
Read MoreCREATE RELATIONSHIPS THAT MOVE YOUR BUSINESS
I know someone I only hear from when they want something. They might want a recommendation. Or they want to borrow something. Or they need a special favor. Yet when I reach out to them, I seldom get a response. And when I do get a reply it is much delayed, or someone else contacts…
Read MoreDO YOU GROOM YOUR LEADERS OR JUST PROMOTE THEM?
“It was her turn,” said the CEO. I had asked the CEO how a specific member of their leadership team was promoted to that position. I’ve heard other answers like, “They’ve been with me a long time.” “I trust them. She is very loyal.” “He needed to make more money.” “My [family member] needed a…
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