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?
Sales Performance and Improvement
Nearly all companies in business today prepare some forward-looking type estimate of what they believe their sales and gross revenue will be over the next revenue cycle at a minimum and most go out … [Read more...] about Sales Performance and Improvement
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
How to Deliver More Net Profit for your Business
Despite what you hear on the news, small business owners are thriving in very real ways. This article details three client case studies on how these small business owners have successfully delivered … [Read more...] about How to Deliver More Net Profit for your Business
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
Break-Even Point: The Secret To Success
Business owners who do not know their break-even point will eventually find themselves asking, "I’m making money, so how come I don’t have any?” The answer for most owners is simple - because … [Read more...] about Break-Even Point: The Secret To Success
A Managing Partner is Key to Success
In most architectural and engineering firms the person who is “in charge” ends up that way by default, and is not a trained managing partner. They are usually the person who founded the company, or … [Read more...] about A Managing Partner is Key to Success
Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
Do you remember the time management Quadrants given to us by Dwight Eisenhower and Dr. Stephen Covey? Sometimes known as the Eisenhower Matrix or Urgent-Important Matrix. So which Quadrant are … [Read more...] about Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
Which Fiscal Year Methodology is Right For You?
When you start a company, one of the first things you must do is to determine how to define your fiscal year for financial reporting. There are several ways in which a company can define a fiscal … [Read more...] about Which Fiscal Year Methodology is Right For You?
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
Effective Employee Training = Fewer Meetings
Employee training is an effective way for a business owner to ensure his company’s stability, growth, and long-term success. When done correctly - initially upon hire and consistently afterward - it … [Read more...] about Effective Employee Training = Fewer Meetings
Standard Operating Procedures Enable Success
There is not much in business that is as unexciting or demotivating as figuring out, writing and enforcing a standard operating procedure (SOP). But, standard operating procedures lead directly to … [Read more...] about Standard Operating Procedures Enable Success
Cash Flow 101: Introduction for Business Owners
Cash flow planning is one of management’s most important, ongoing duties. In a simple comparison, Cash Flow is like checking your bank statement for money going in and money going out every … [Read more...] about Cash Flow 101: Introduction for Business Owners
Making Business Decisions: The Tenuous Triangle
One of the most common, yet critical, mistakes that small business owners make is to blur the boundaries between three related but dramatically different decision-making forums. One key to … [Read more...] about Making Business Decisions: The Tenuous Triangle
Organizational Resistance and Accountability – Part 2
If you recall we left off with our business owner being told by the sales rep, all the other customers pay their employees based on the time they log against the tickets, in fact, most bill their … [Read more...] about Organizational Resistance and Accountability – Part 2
Organizational Resistance and Accountability – Part 1
Are you thinking about changing out your time tracking, quoting, or sales system? Are your computer systems one of the top complaints of your staff? Maybe you are using spreadsheets for estimates … [Read more...] about Organizational Resistance and Accountability – Part 1
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
Does Your Brand Message Speak to Your Audience?
It's difficult to imagine the number of devices and content verticals your clients/customers interact with. In a day or even a few hours of any given day, they may interact with ads on TV, radio, … [Read more...] about Does Your Brand Message Speak to Your Audience?
Want More Sales? Improve your Brand
The idea to improve your brand isn't new, but it can be a confusing concept for business owners. They think of branding as an “it.” They believe a thing (i.e., website, logo, catchphrase, … [Read more...] about Want More Sales? Improve your Brand
How to Be a Great Manager
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my career to work for some truly great managers. And most of the managers that I have worked for would probably say the same about the managers that they've worked … [Read more...] about How to Be a Great Manager
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?
Marketing Terms for Business Planning
Not all small business owners/managers are familiar with marketing terms and how understanding their meanings will benefit them as they continue to grow in the global electronic community. We would … [Read more...] about Marketing Terms for Business Planning
What Do Your Employees Want from You Anyway?
There seems to be a shift happening in the consciousness of the employment world. Humankind has decided that they deserve to live their lives as opposed to life driving them; living a life where they … [Read more...] about What Do Your Employees Want from You Anyway?
Defining Teamwork in Small Business Environments
Teamwork is a much-mentioned practice in many organizations. Businesses post phrases such as “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision,” “There is no I in Team,” and other … [Read more...] about Defining Teamwork in Small Business Environments
Small Trucking Companies Raising Rates
According to Road Scholar Transport, "Nearly 70 percent of the freight shipped throughout the United States travels by truck at some point in its journey." It's the middle of 2018, and it's time to … [Read more...] about Small Trucking Companies Raising Rates
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
How to Calculate Cash Flow for Small Businesses
Understanding how to calculate cash flow is of high value to an SMB/E. Operating cash flow Formula for an SMB/E provides a measure of the amount of cash generated by a company's normal business … [Read more...] about How to Calculate Cash Flow for Small Businesses
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
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
Are You Getting the Right Message Across?
According to a 2017 Business Insider Report - "Most small businesses focus on increasing revenue (72%), but they also see great values in establishing new customer relationships (60%), and marketing … [Read more...] about Are You Getting the Right Message Across?
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
Enhance Your Small Business Public Relations Efforts
As we continue our journey through 2018, we're keeping an eye on the host of trending public relations (PR) possibilities that will help small businesses continue to thrive. If we take the time to … [Read more...] about Enhance Your Small Business Public Relations Efforts
Quality Content: Editorials and Your Company Image
Recently, a study made by the Association of Management Firms (AMCF) found that approximately 93% participants believed that companies providing high quality thought leadership are in fact, better … [Read more...] about Quality Content: Editorials and Your Company Image
Tax Minimization : a Comprehensive (Updated) List of Tax Deductions and Credits for 2019 Filing of 2018 Taxes
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 Tax Minimization : a Comprehensive (Updated) List of Tax Deductions and Credits for 2019 Filing of 2018 Taxes
10 Tips for Finding the Right People for Your Business
Businesses are finding it increasingly more difficult to locate, recruit and onboard talented new employees, particularly for high skill positions. Here are 10 recommendations we developed for … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Finding the Right People for Your Business
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?
Sales Don’t Always Equal Profit
"I just need to sell more, and I'll get out of this hole." "I just need to sell more, and I can retire in five years." "I just need to sell more, and I'll be able to grow." "I just need to … [Read more...] about Sales Don’t Always Equal Profit
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 Automatic Filing, Payment Extension and Penalty Relief for Small Businesses in Disaster Zones – No Request Form Required
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 Automatic Filing, Payment Extension and Penalty Relief for Small Businesses in Disaster Zones – No Request Form Required
Ideas to Help Grow Your Small Architecture Firm
Service-based businesses often find that they simply don't make enough profit no matter how many clients they have or how amazing their staff members are. Let's take small architecture firms as an … [Read more...] about Ideas to Help Grow Your Small Architecture Firm
