Next Level Strategy · 15. March 2023

Do you have a strategy that is truly protecting and nurturing the best interests and opportunities for your company?

Momentum Building · 02. January 2023

The key to good decision-making is being in the right mindset. Too often decisions are made from uninformed or misguided thinking, resulting in a "wish I would have known then what I know now."

Image Building · 01. October 2016

Branding is something every company should be doing. Unfortunately, most are doing it poorly because they approach branding from a marketing perspective only — rather than an enterprise-building perspective — or fail to take the different levels of branding into account. The basic levels of branding are visual impression, verbal impression, physical impression and personal experience. The visual image is what you see, such as graphics, logo, colors, etc. The verbal impression is achieved...

Momentum Building · 01. June 2016

Customer Attraction/Retention: Part II of II - In Part I, I covered the key aspects that are important to gaining interest and the ultimate purchase from a prospective customer. These included: Convenience factors of location, accessibility and time; soundness of offerings and capabilities; track record in business; accuracy and reliability; and value for time and money spent. Getting a customer to purchase from you initially may seem like the most critical hurdle to leap over. However, what...

Value Building · 01. January 2016

I often refer to a strategy as an umbrella over a business. As you launch into 2016, do you have a strategy that is truly protecting and nurturing the best interests of your company? I am so adamant about the need for business owners to truly understand the powerful impact a strategy can have on a business, that strategy and business planning have been the subject of my last three columns. Your strategy should be the foundation from which you ensure sustainability and continued growth, as well...

Confidence Building · 01. July 2015

Part II of II - Last month, I shared insights on how Wishful Thinking can stagnate business progress. While Wishful Thinking is often openly expressed in a somewhat exasperated state of mind, Fearful Thinking is often not shared or spoken, but lies within one's subconscious, impeding decision making or effective action through an undermining whisper. Are any of these Fearful Thinking mindsets impacting your business? 1. Fear of Losing Control: If you or someone within your company have been...

01. June 2015

Part I of II - In working with and observing entrepreneurs over 30 years, I have identified limiting mindsets that can have a direct impact on business owners' ability to grow their businesses. These mindsets either fall into the category of Wishful Thinking or Fearful Thinking. When it comes to Wishful Thinking, the best way to describe it is that you find yourself saying something along the lines of "If only I had more …" Are any of these Wishful Thinking detractors ones you have said...

Momentum Building · 01. July 2014

How you approach your operations from a marketing standpoint is key to its success. Marketing for many small businesses is viewed as a necessary evil or a mysterious phenomenon that seems to be all too elusive when it comes to getting results for the business. You try this tactic or that tactic. You implement this program or that program.You ramp up your sales efforts or develop exciting new promotions. And yet, nothing seems to have any sticking power. If you are doing any of these five...

Team Building · 01. February 2014

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and top executives, for the most part, are workaholics. But is this necessary to succeed? Part of the reason for this is the passion they have for their enterprise. The other reason, too often, is because they believe the enterprise would not or could not keep running without their involvement. When employees are in the mix, the work ethic of owners or managers can either inspire productivity in others by their example or cause unintentional side effects that...

Team Building · 01. December 2013

Are you frustrated by employees or associates whose work or efforts are not to your standards, level of passion or competency? Is this causing you to feel as though you are the only one that can get things done right? Nothing is more disheartening for a high achiever, and especially a business owner, than feeling as though no one can do it exactly like you. The dilemma is that as you take on more and more in order to accomplish more and more, you are actually crippling your ability to achieve...