To use incentives or not to use incentives, that is the question often being asked by managers in today’s competitive marketplace. Combating high turnover and looking for ways to increase productivity … [Read more...] about How to Design Incentive Programs that Work
How to Assess Revenue vs Profits for Business Health
Wall Street judges you on it. Shareholders demand it. Management scrambles to make it happen. Revenue growth is the mantra of modern-day business. Quarter by quarter, the pressure is on for sales … [Read more...] about How to Assess Revenue vs Profits for Business Health
Leadership and Succession Planning
Typically, when starting a business, it is very uncommon for the entrepreneurial mind to see itself not being part of that business in the future. As companies endure through time, it becomes … [Read more...] about Leadership and Succession Planning
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
Increasing Profitability In A Organization
A challenge facing owners and managers of all businesses is how to increase the profitability of the company. The focus almost always turns to increase sales revenue. The strategy is to increase sales … [Read more...] about Increasing Profitability In A Organization
Is Pricing Your Problem? Opening the Door to Higher Revenue
In startup and established businesses, the need to maintain a consistent revenue flow is constant pressure on management. In responding to the demands of management, sales efforts for any shortfall … [Read more...] about Is Pricing Your Problem? Opening the Door to Higher Revenue
80% of Failing Businesses Have Poor Job Costing
Job costing is where your revenue comes from. Poorly designed bidding structure and job costing means that profit margins are decreased or even nonexistent. Conversely, a well designed structure will … [Read more...] about 80% of Failing Businesses Have Poor Job Costing
10 Workflow Strategies to Improve Performance
Every business follows a certain workflow but what most businesses tend to overlook is the fact that these workflows can be improved and managed better. A manager surely understands how certain … [Read more...] about 10 Workflow Strategies to Improve Performance
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
How to Increase Profits Without Raising Prices
While it's undoubtedly true that one way to increase profits is to raise your prices, it's rarely the most reliable. It can be difficult to predict the effect price increases will have on your sales … [Read more...] about How to Increase Profits Without Raising Prices
The Secret to Business Success
Small business owners often struggle with how they can attract top talent for positions within their company that will best grow their business. Every business started small and will have at some … [Read more...] about The Secret to Business Success
3 Topics For Transportation and Logistics
The transportation and logistics industry is currently going through some major transformations. These changes are creating opportunities and challenges. Successful shippers are looking for ways to … [Read more...] about 3 Topics For Transportation and Logistics
Using Outlook to Get Organized in a Digital World
Why become organized with Outlook? Because the tools it offers can help you master the myriad and an increasing number of tasks you undertake each day. Disorganized people suffer more stress, become … [Read more...] about Using Outlook to Get Organized in a Digital World
Forming Strategic Partnerships Checklist
Look around and you will see that at every level of business - from Nike and Apple to your local landscaper and painter - companies are joining forces. Strategic partnerships are becoming more common … [Read more...] about Forming Strategic Partnerships Checklist
Time Management in Small Business
Managing your time is relevant to everyone, from kids in school to people at home or work. The issue of time management becomes even more paramount to owners of small businesses. We have all either … [Read more...] about Time Management in Small Business
Time Management | Utilizing Your Time Wisely
Very often, we hear clients, and peers, say “There isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done.” Yup! You are right; often, there is more to do in a day than there is time in a day. However, … [Read more...] about Time Management | Utilizing Your Time Wisely
Revenue Growth Through Product Development
Difficult times often require rethinking a company's products and markets to maintain or grow revenue. These last months have certainly been a time for owners to review their business model and … [Read more...] about Revenue Growth Through Product Development
Designing Organizational Systems
In today’s global market, it is becoming more complex and competitive to efficiently and effectively run an organization. This article will address some key principles which need to be … [Read more...] about Designing Organizational Systems
Recruiting and Hiring Practices
When speaking with clients about Recruiting and Hiring processes, one of the first things I always hear about is their challenges in filling the role with the right candidate. This always gets me … [Read more...] about Recruiting and Hiring Practices
What’s Going to be New in 2021?
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?
Two Uses For a Business Consultant
Founders and owners of privately-held companies are experienced, proud, and capable people who have shown that they possess the drive, fortitude, and business smarts to start a company and then to … [Read more...] about Two Uses For a Business Consultant
Is Digital Transformation Necessary for Your Business?
The short answer to this question is yes. Digital transformation is not only necessary; it’s inevitable. As Henrique Dos Santos (past Senior Project Director for Cogent Analytics) writes, the topmost … [Read more...] about Is Digital Transformation Necessary for Your Business?
Weaving the WHY into the Workplace
Why... three letters which are utterly simplistic and valuable though often not communicated in the business world. When questioning clients or tasking employees, the "why" is often dismissed by those … [Read more...] about Weaving the WHY into the Workplace
Retirement Planning for Business Owners
As a business owner, you are used to thinking ahead concerning your business strategy and taking care of finances. But do you take enough care of your personal strategy and finance? Many business … [Read more...] about Retirement Planning for Business Owners
8 Steps for Small Business Project Management
Small Business Have a Big Role Small businesses play a big role in the overall health of the US economy and in the well-being of a large percent of the population. They employ almost half of people in … [Read more...] about 8 Steps for Small Business Project Management
3 Ways to Stabilize Your Business
The Architectural and Engineering (A& E) Industry's business cycle is one of peaks and valleys. Its history is filled with boom and bust times. Its customers (i.e. manufacturing, steel, auto, … [Read more...] about 3 Ways to Stabilize Your Business
The Profit Platform® of Business
From Behind The Desk offers valuable information during these difficult economic conditions. Rob Braiman, CEO of Cogent Analytics, provides PSAs for business owners around the country to make sure … [Read more...] about The Profit Platform® of Business
The Power of Cash
Rob Braiman, CEO of Cogent Analytics, provides PSAs for business owners around the country to make sure they're ahead of the ball regarding what is happening right now. In this episode, Rob … [Read more...] about The Power of Cash
Cash Flow vs. Cash Management
From Behind The Desk offers valuable information during these difficult economic conditions. Rob Braiman, CEO of Cogent Analytics, provides PSAs for business owners around the country to make sure … [Read more...] about Cash Flow vs. Cash Management
Recession Readiness – PSA
From Behind The Desk offers valuable information during these difficult economic conditions. Rob Braiman, CEO of Cogent Analytics, provides PSAs for business owners around the country to make sure … [Read more...] about Recession Readiness – PSA
5 Signs You Chose The Right Business Mentor
These days, we can look up mostly anything on the internet, and this has led a lot of people to now turn to YouTube videos, DIY blogs, and online courses whenever they need to learn something new. … [Read more...] about 5 Signs You Chose The Right Business Mentor
The Secret to being a Successful Sales Professional
The best sales professional has an extensive set of tools that they can utilize to close a sell. One of the most important tools they have is called empathy. Empathy is best described as the ability … [Read more...] about The Secret to being a Successful Sales Professional
Innovate to Generate Revenue
With economic conditions changing as a result of COVID-19, Rob Braiman, CEO of Cogent Analytics, discusses the importance of innovating different ways to generate and maintain revenue through the … [Read more...] about Innovate to Generate Revenue
Adversity Breeds Innovation
In these unprecedented times, adversity has hit the ceiling. Entrepreneurs are facing struggling times and becoming stagnant. From Behind the Desk with Rob Braiman, a series of PSA's on the issues … [Read more...] about Adversity Breeds Innovation
Paycheck Protection Program, What Does It Mean?
As the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) rolls out for small businesses, Rob Braiman, CEO of Cogent Analytics, discusses the pros and cons of every CARES Act and SBA Relief program, helping business … [Read more...] about Paycheck Protection Program, What Does It Mean?
Have a (Succession) Plan
It may be hard to fathom the reality of selling your business. You had a goal to grow and build your business, and over years of work, your energy, your vision, your customers, based on your value … [Read more...] about Have a (Succession) Plan
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
Take Control! Motivation to Improve Cash Flow
Cash flow is the primary responsibility of the business owner, yet many owners aren’t motivated to improve it. Everyone knows more money must be taken in each month than sent out, but many owners make … [Read more...] about Take Control! Motivation to Improve Cash Flow
7 Ways that Technology Increases Profits
Guest post about using technology to increase productivity and profitability in a business. Technology has greatly evolved in almost all aspects of life, and workplaces have not been left out. … [Read more...] about 7 Ways that Technology Increases Profits
Three Unavoidable Operational Risks
There are three unavoidable operational risks common to all businesses if they survive and grow. These risks are predictable and addressable, so long as the owner knows what they are looking for. … [Read more...] about Three Unavoidable Operational Risks
Effective Coaching To Win Big With Your Team
In 2019, New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick was the highest-paid coach in U.S. sports with a $12 million annual salary. Dabo Swinney negotiated a $93 million, 10-year coaching gig at Clemson … [Read more...] about Effective Coaching To Win Big With Your Team
Business Plans Provide Small Business with Direction
Are you a small business owner who has not taken the time to develop or update a formal plan for the business? Do you understand why business plans are essential? What could it mean for your business? … [Read more...] about Business Plans Provide Small Business with Direction
Consistency: Two Sides to the Same Coin
What are the benefits of consistency to a small business? Most will answer it is a critical element for forecasting revenue, and that is true. It is impossible to plan for profitability without … [Read more...] about Consistency: Two Sides to the Same Coin
More Profit: Earn More Profit Than Last Year In 6 Steps
With the new year just underway, everyone is talking about New Years Resolutions, and every business owner has the same one: Earn More Profit than last year. Business owners often look at a new year … [Read more...] about More Profit: Earn More Profit Than Last Year In 6 Steps
Inventory Management in 3 Steps
Many businesses manage inventory well. Firms that recognize the importance and benefits of excellent inventory management, typically have better customer service, higher margins, and more robust cash … [Read more...] about Inventory Management in 3 Steps
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
Best Practices For Small Businesses
Small and large companies share many of the same challenges on their paths to success. For a company to be successful, management needs to understand that many different moving pieces need to be … [Read more...] about Best Practices For Small Businesses
OSHA and the Small Business Owner
The Occupational Safety Administration (OSHA) was created in 1970 when the Occupational Safety Act (OSH Act) was passed. The OSH act was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed … [Read more...] about OSHA and the Small Business Owner
Metrics to Use to Manage Business by the Numbers
Which metrics should businesses use daily? Choosing the right metrics can often be challenging for small business owners. Many times the choice made is not to look at any metrics at all and still … [Read more...] about Metrics to Use to Manage Business by the Numbers
SOPs to Improve Performance and Profit
Day to day operations of a business are what drive the week to week and year to year profits. The most valuable asset that companies sometimes overlook is time. Proficient allocation of time is a … [Read more...] about SOPs to Improve Performance and Profit
