2020, The Year of Innovation. 2020 has been an incredible year for innovation opportunities and possibly a wakeup-call or reset of complacency or standard thinking. Yes, it was a strain on our … [Read more...] about What’s Going to be New in 2021?
Cash Management Plan: Know Where Your Money Is
A cash management plan is important in any business whether you are a contractor, wholesaler, or even a business management consulting firm, because it allows you to be better prepared for future … [Read more...] about Cash Management Plan: Know Where Your Money Is
Business Plans Provide Small Business with Direction
Cogent Analytics Project Director, Rod Shuck, discusses the importance of business plans for small business. Are you a small business owner who has not taken the time to develop or update a formal … [Read more...] about Business Plans Provide Small Business with Direction
Safety and Marketing: How it Affects Profitability
Many business owners do not realize that their Experience Modification Rate (EMR) safety rating can be a powerful marketing tool. In industries where the competition is stiff, business owners are … [Read more...] about Safety and Marketing: How it Affects Profitability
Manage Time Wisely for Effective Business
It would be easy to think that 19th-century writer, Leo Tolstoy, was thinking of the challenges a small business faces, when he wrote, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” How many … [Read more...] about Manage Time Wisely for Effective Business
6 Steps to Implement and Develop Annual Goals
Organizations often struggle to successfully implement annual goals that are both useful and meaningful to everyone. Frequently, a company might attempt to create a banner that says something like "2 … [Read more...] about 6 Steps to Implement and Develop Annual Goals
Creating a Business Plan 101
A business plan is a document that spells out the direction the business will take and the actions that will execute the plan. Creating a business plan is not an arduous effort, the challenge for an … [Read more...] about Creating a Business Plan 101
For Lead Generation, Look for the 3 A’s
A company’s sales plan is only as good as the people who execute it. Sales talent acquisition is an on-going problem for business owners. Too many companies have order takers who wait for the customer … [Read more...] about For Lead Generation, Look for the 3 A’s
Strategic Planning Process
Strategic planning sounds like a difficult task though it mainly is common sense. Though as a serious business owner putting structure to common sense is also common sense. This blog will review the … [Read more...] about Strategic Planning Process
3 Steps to Effective Time Management
“Time Management” is one of those phrases that a lot of people throw around, but very few know what it means, and even less practice effective time management. The concept of time management is not … [Read more...] about 3 Steps to Effective Time Management
What Banks Want You To Know About Money
When it comes to working and growth capital, business owners get frustrated with banks and banks get frustrated with business owners. Banks get frustrated with owners who expect to get a loan or line … [Read more...] about What Banks Want You To Know About Money
Train Your Mind for Business Success (Part 2)
You know the old saying, “If all you have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail.” It reminds us that we need several tools in our “successful business toolbox” to get the job done right. We … [Read more...] about Train Your Mind for Business Success (Part 2)
Train Your Mind for Business Success (Part 1)
Are you looking for the secrets to long term business success? If so, you are not alone, many business owners are. You know that success can be hard to find, and is even harder to … [Read more...] about Train Your Mind for Business Success (Part 1)
Understanding the Concept of Business Development
Business development is one of those strange business concepts. When you ask someone to define it, depending on their occupation, you will get different answers. People usually describe it based on … [Read more...] about Understanding the Concept of Business Development
Plan for a Successful Capital Investment
There are many “things” a business owner needs to grow a company successfully. Some of them include equipment/machinery, warehouse/office/shop floor space, trucks, a new product line, land, etc. In a … [Read more...] about Plan for a Successful Capital Investment
Talent Acquisition – Why is it Hard to Find Good People?
Talent acquisition is an on-going problem for most business owners. One of their biggest complaints is - I can’t find good people to work for me. What if they could change that? They can do so by … [Read more...] about Talent Acquisition – Why is it Hard to Find Good People?
Why Your “Laid-back” Management Style Isn’t Working
One of the first decisions - consciously or unconsciously - people make when they become the boss is what their management style is going to be. Some decide theirs is going to be “laid-back.” … [Read more...] about Why Your “Laid-back” Management Style Isn’t Working
Four Strategies for Managing Cash Flow
Did you know that profitable, growing businesses regularly go bankrupt? One main reason is cash flow mismanagement. The typical business owner is not trained for, nor understands cash flow management. … [Read more...] about Four Strategies for Managing Cash Flow
Diversification – Stack the Deck in Your Favor
Too many businesses stagnate, decline or fail because they are not adequately diversified. Diversification is one of the most challenging decisions a company can make, which is why most business … [Read more...] about Diversification – Stack the Deck in Your Favor
“Are You Ready to Sell Your Business?” Checklist
Are you an owner who is thinking of selling your business? If so, do you know how to sell your business? If you are like a lot of owners the answer to the first question is, “Yes, I’m ready to go … [Read more...] about “Are You Ready to Sell Your Business?” Checklist
The Road to Bankruptcy Is Paved with Bad Budgets
Business owners who do not like to talk about, put together or follow a budget are more common than one may think. If left too long, the situation degrades into a position where owners are on the … [Read more...] about The Road to Bankruptcy Is Paved with Bad Budgets
What is a Business Plan Outline?
A business plan outline is an initial overview of what goes into the business plan. An outline is created as the first draft and is likely a result of a “napkin” discussion or some other non-formal … [Read more...] about What is a Business Plan Outline?
WHAT IS A BUSINESS PLAN FORMAT?
A business plan format is a structured description of what goes into the business plan. The business plan should present what the business will focus on, who will be on the business team, business … [Read more...] about WHAT IS A BUSINESS PLAN FORMAT?
Regaining Business Vision
When first meeting my clients, I always work with them on visualizing the future they want to achieve. I’ve had some interesting responses ranging from being able to spend more time pursuing personal … [Read more...] about Regaining Business Vision
Two Ways to Make Your Business More Successful
You know what is odd? Nobody expects successful experts - doctors, electricians, sports figures, lawyers, plumbers - to just wing it. We know they put a lot of time into learning about and training … [Read more...] about Two Ways to Make Your Business More Successful
Are You and Your Employees Sick of Each Other?
"Yup, you better believe it! How'd you know?" A business goes through phases, just like personal relationships. When a business, or a couple, get through the "will we or won't we make it" startup … [Read more...] about Are You and Your Employees Sick of Each Other?
3 Steps to Small Business Strategic Planning
Having a definitive strategy in place is critical for small businesses. This will define the plans you, as a small business owner, have in mind for moving from where you are currently to where you … [Read more...] about 3 Steps to Small Business Strategic Planning
Energy Leaks Are the Most Prominent Financial Leaks
In our attempt to uncover financial leaks in small businesses that will help save them money, our research has found that U.S. small businesses spend, collectively, approximately 60 Billion dollars … [Read more...] about Energy Leaks Are the Most Prominent Financial Leaks
List of Tax Deductions and Credits
Previously we had provided an extensive list of tax deductions that you should be aware of as you prepare receipts and records for filing 2018 deductions in 2019. Tax minimization is always going to … [Read more...] about List of Tax Deductions and Credits
Make Risk Less Risky
It is imperative that business owners take risks. That is how owners reach their goals, grow companies and make money. But, not all risks are good risks. They are more likely to succeed if planned and … [Read more...] about Make Risk Less Risky
The Importance of Your Business in Your Community
The SBA defines a small business as one that employs 500 persons or less and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; small businesses are representative of 99.7 percent of all employing firms and … [Read more...] about The Importance of Your Business in Your Community
Positioning Your Business to Sell
Do you have a business to sell in the next few years? If so, then you are joining the ranks of a significant number of owners who also wish to sell. Baby boomer business owners (born from 1946 to … [Read more...] about Positioning Your Business to Sell
Millennials — What are They Doing Right?
Traditional small business owners often tend to give millennials far less credit than they deserve. Although old school thought leaders have a lot to bring to the table, to increase profit, it's time … [Read more...] about Millennials — What are They Doing Right?
3 Ways to Maintain Long-Term Business Success
Human nature is inescapable, and we all experience its challenges from time to time. We do not mind doing a task that has to be done when it is easy, when we are interested in it, or when it does not … [Read more...] about 3 Ways to Maintain Long-Term Business Success
How Much “Hidden Talent” is in your Company? Almost None
Talk to any business owner about their business, and it won't be long before the conversation turns to the problem of finding talent and keeping it. It's a key issue in the marketplace. Those who do … [Read more...] about How Much “Hidden Talent” is in your Company? Almost None
The IRS is Granting Help For Small Business
Although many small businesses have already either filed their tax returns or have filed their Form 4868 for the purpose of requesting an extension, there are many small businesses and individuals who … [Read more...] about The IRS is Granting Help For Small Business
Small Business Associations, a Comprehensive List
With absolute certainty, when it comes to running your small business, you know best. However, every small business owner is eventually faced with issues whereas connections to other like-minded … [Read more...] about Small Business Associations, a Comprehensive List
Education for Community Youth, A Growth Strategy
Education and preparation will become critical to continued growth in the U.S. manufacturing industry during the remainder of 2018 and beyond. In order to produce continued growth, there will be a … [Read more...] about Education for Community Youth, A Growth Strategy
Why Hire a Management Consultant?
As we previously discussed the various types of owners involved in a business, we concluded that eventually most would lose interest or lack the skills to run their company. Whether, it is the … [Read more...] about Why Hire a Management Consultant?
Procedural Systems: Get the freedom You’ve Always Wanted
Is there anything that gets a bigger yawn than talking about procedural systems? Maybe not, and it is too bad because a lot of business owners have the wrong idea about them. These are some of the … [Read more...] about Procedural Systems: Get the freedom You’ve Always Wanted
SMBs: Begin Tech Prep Now for 2020 Competitive Edge
Alright, so perhaps we're pushing it a bit by looking at how we can help small businesses prepare now for 2020. However, we're of the opinion that with the speed in which technology and business … [Read more...] about SMBs: Begin Tech Prep Now for 2020 Competitive Edge
Predictive Analytics 101
Businesses of all sizes, for decades, have been seeking answers as to how they would have the ability to improve negative business functions vastly before disaster strikes. With this knowledge, … [Read more...] about Predictive Analytics 101
Consider a SMART Goal to Grow Your Business
Small business owners often fail to consider themselves large enough to set specific plans of action regarding the growth of their businesses. You, as a small business owner are larger than life in … [Read more...] about Consider a SMART Goal to Grow Your Business
Your Business is Successful – CIRCLE THE WAGONS!
Congratulations on your accomplishment. You have built a successful business through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. You have invested time, money and sweat, and it has finally paid off. It is … [Read more...] about Your Business is Successful – CIRCLE THE WAGONS!
Rewards: Unnecessary Pay, or Positive Reinforcement?
Most every small business owner desires dedicated, hardworking and loyal employees. The problem is how to do you cultivate and reinforce those values? We pay people what we believe to be a fair and … [Read more...] about Rewards: Unnecessary Pay, or Positive Reinforcement?
Effective Management
Business colleges may take a semester or two to cover this topic. There are in-depth charts and analyses to sharpen one's skills. However, for those of us that no longer have the time to devote to a … [Read more...] about Effective Management
Fundamental Sales Planning
PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS One of the first considerations is the determination of the sales revenue required by the company to meet its payroll, expenses and desired profit. Are we expecting sales … [Read more...] about Fundamental Sales Planning
Time to Start Taking 3-D Printing Seriously
There is no doubt - 3D printers have a wow factor. Whether they are creating a plastic knee joint, one-of-a-kind metal turbine blades or a chocolate pyramid, they are a marvel. But, are they … [Read more...] about Time to Start Taking 3-D Printing Seriously
Tired of Babysitting? Try Organizational Engineering
Most business owners start their companies so they can be their own boss - they want to get away from others telling them what to do. However, they forget, ignore or do not understand there is another … [Read more...] about Tired of Babysitting? Try Organizational Engineering
A Brief Update For Tax Deadlines for 2018
We cannot possibly stress the importance of investing time each month to calculate your small business taxes and making proper payments required by the IRS. Many small business owners are simply … [Read more...] about A Brief Update For Tax Deadlines for 2018
