As a recent graduate of business school, it was inevitable that I was going to force you to read some kind of case study. It's what we "business school people" do. And as you all know, I am a big believer in the value that analytics can bring to any organization no...
(And other characteristics that entrepreneurs possess.) What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? If you own or manage your own business, take a big step back and look at the big picture… why do you do it? Why don't you just have a "regular job" like most of your...
And are you treating it that way? Overheard at a coffee machine somewhere in Indiana: MANAGER 1: We need to spend some money to train our employees. MANAGER 2: Yeah, but what if we train them, and they just leave? MANAGER 1: Yeah, but what if we DON'T train them, and...
Be careful that's not what you sound like when touting your customer service. Just about every small business on the planet claims to have the "best customer service." And most of them think that, just by claiming it, they set themselves apart from their competition....
There. You just took the first step of succession planning. It's a tough topic for most business owners. But it comes up a lot in the meetings I have with clients and prospective clients. So many business owners I speak with have put off the succession planning...
Success in business requires execution. We've talked a lot about business strategy - from business plans to strategic plans - and how they can help grow your business. But the fact is, simply having a plan isn't enough. Working with business owners, I've seen and a...
(Or rather, how to make it one.) I know, we haven’t even made it to Thanksgiving yet, but I’m wishing you a Happy New Year? Hey, at least I’m not the “Christmas decorations in September” guy. But now is a really good time to think about what you can do to make 2018 a...
And does it matter? Do you call them “customers” or “clients”? Is there even a difference? Your answer probably depends on the relationship you have with them. And it should. First, let’s look at the definition of the two terms. Webster’s Dictionary defines a client...
Your fall reading assignment “Attention class!” As the weather turns cold and gray, it’s the perfect time to give all you small business owners and managers a fall reading assignment. I have listed five books below that I think provide some great perspectives and...
As a business owner, when you obtain a loan should you take a fixed or a floating interest rate? This question has come up a lot lately when speaking with business owners. So I’ll tell you the same thing I tell them when they ask that question - “It depends.” (Don’t...
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