For most solo and smallfirm owners earning under $1M, CASH IS KEY. How can you make sure it gets into YOUR bank account as soon as possible? This comes up a lot with my coaching clients in creative services– like graphic designers. People who get really involved in the work (which involves their mental creativity) … Read More
Having cash in hand becomes so much more important when times are challenging. And while I’ve shared a few tips on getting paid in full, solo and small firm owners will also be eager to get paid on time … and not six months from now. In this short video, I discuss three tactics I’ve … Read More
During tough times, it’s a beautiful thing to want to be compassionate. But when it comes to not getting paid and leaving money on the table, that kindness and compassion can be devastating to a small business. Recently, I’ve been talking to clients about having “money conversations” and how to get paid faster. You don’t … Read More
What is it that makes clients feel welcome … and want to go back to you? It involves more than just handing out coffee mugs with your logo on it. It’s about a welcoming experience. (Like the one I had with Gina Le at Gina Le Salon) In this short video, I give #solobiz and … Read More
Who are your A-List clients? When it comes to growing your business beyond yourself, clients are the tip of the spear. Without A-List clients, you don’t have good cash flow. And without cash flow, you don’t have a business. If you’re a solo or small firm, your business systems aren’t set up to handle everybody. … Read More
Do you like your clients? Do they respect the advice they give you? Does it feel like a collaborative relationship when you’re working together? If not, that’s a sign you need to shore up your intake process. (Do you have one?) During challenging times, it’s tempting to take any client that has a pulse and … Read More
When the pandemic decided to mess with our businesses, I heard from a number of my B2B professionals and communications firm clients who had gotten comfortable in their office space and had to pull back to work from home. That was a headache … but the Pause gave them time to reflect in a new … Read More
It’s never a dull moment with the Paycheck Protection Program. It changes all the time! Just before the Independence Day holiday, the SBA released a shorter, simplified “EZ” forgiveness application and instructions for Paycheck Protection Program loans. In this short video, I share three qualifications that will allow certain solo and small firms to use … Read More
In addition to the Payroll Protection Program, the SBA extended its Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to cover businesses affected by the Coronavirus. Millions of small business owners rushed to apply … before they knew all the details. After a long wait – and lots of confusion – the SBA is now reaching out to … Read More
An allegory for entrepreneurs: >> A father said to his daughter: You graduated with honors, here is a car that I acquired many years ago … it is several years old. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it … Read More
The COVID-19 lockdown has forced lots of business owners to think differently about how their business operates. Because this may not be the last time there’s a lockdown, and no one wants to be taken by surprise like that again. A curious theme I’m hearing from some client recently is that while the quarantine was … Read More
I recently shared a couple of tools to stay grounded and balanced when facing events outside of our control. And it’s been a tumultuous few weeks and months, hasn’t it? Thankfully, this past week finally included some good news for solo and small firm owners. I know it’s hard to keep up … but once … Read More
