Episode # 11 My Secret to Real Weight Loss
I suppose you are surprised to see this topic in a small business blog. But there is a connection, I promise. You see the same strategy I used to lose weight this past year,will help small business owners grow sales next year. There is no magic formula, but setting a goal, creating and sticking to a consistent action plan, measuring your progress will keep you on track in 2010! Listen to Episode # 11 of More than a Few Words to discover my secret!
read moreStart Planning with Analysis
Whenever I want to use my GPS or Google map to find a location, I have to figure our where I am first. The same is true in business, before you can develop a comprehensive marketing plan to take your business forward; you have to have a starting point. When we work with clients to develop their marketing plan, we often use a two part assessment to help them evaluate where they are and where they want to be. This gives them a starting point for the general direction, and emphasis of their marketing plan. Part One: Where are You? What do your clients think of you and why. Who ...
read moreDo You Have a Suggestion Box?
Do you have all the answers? If you think the correct answer to that question is yes, you are either incredibly smart, incredibly naive, or you are a small business owner. The need to know all the answers seems to come with the job. Unfortunately, there is no “rule” book for the job of small business owner. Every day, your employees, customers, and partners look to you for answers, so you have to have all of them, right? .. Wrong! The key to success often lies in learning to ask questions, admit you don’t know, and occasionally following someone else’s advice. It...
read moreMore than a Few Words Episode 7: Do You Have a ROWE?
A ROWE has nothing to do with boats, water or even my former employee Amy. It is an alternative operating system for your company. In a recent conversation with Michael Reynolds, owner of Spin Web I was introduced to the concept of a ROWE environment where employees are not paid by the hour, they are paid by the result. For small business owners this can be a scary, but structure. But if executed correctly a ROWE environment will move your business forward. Want to learn more about ROWE? Listen to today’s podcast, check out Michael’s blog, or even one of his seminars about...
read moreEnd of Year Review
As 2009 winds down, and I look at the P & L for the year, like many business owners I am disappointed. Clearly this has not been my most profitable year. ( I am not alone when I say that.) While some of the blame lies with the economy, much of the blame lies with me. But, instead of wallowing in self pity, I know it is time to look at what we did and develop a new plan for next year. Over the next few weeks, I will be rewriting my business plan, and deciding which strategies need to change. I have already made a few changes and investments. Enrolled in Sandler Training...
read moreContingency Planning – More than Backup
Yesterday, my post talked about the need to back up your data on a regular basis. Having access to your information is a key starting point, but surviving a crisis requires more than just data recovery. Your disaster recovery plan should also include: Where you will operate if your office is damaged or destroyed. How you will finance equipment replacement. Do you have adequate insurance to replace office furniture, equipment, inventory and other assets? How you will cover business expenses. Continuity insurance provides additional insurance to cover expenses such as moving, or damages...
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