As seen in … Tired of running out of money no matter how much you make? As my client Danielle complained, Why does it seem I can generate several million dollars a year … and STILL never have enough money in the bank? So what’s the solution to managing those cash flow ups and … Read More
As seen in… Over 70% of all small businesses in the United States have just one owner. That means over 21 million people carry a lot of weight on their solitary shoulders. And many walk around projecting an image of success that covers over a very different, and darker, reality. Why the gap? It … Read More
Years ago, a business partner and I started our law firm together with the happiest and best of intentions: visions of profits, freedom from the tyranny of others’ corporate cultures, and fun in an often dour profession. We signed a partnership agreement. For a while, it worked. At least the freedom and fun part, which … Read More
A recent Wall Street Journal article reported on seismic changes befalling large law firms. Seems that under the new regime, “data and money rule.” Gone is the tightknit camaraderie. The three-martini lunches. Where “I’ll get around to it,” was the response to turning in time sheets and billing practices were lax. Where splitting profits at … Read More
Where does the day go? The time bandits steal them. No, not the ones from the 1981 Terry Gilliam film (a personal fave), where a young boy joins a band of time-travelling dwarves looking for treasure to steal. Time bandits, like client interruptions. Questions from staff. Tech glitches. Activity that eats away at good, solid … Read More
How often have you rushed ahead in business, instead of taking a breath? A while back, I took on a leadership role with a business group. It had the promise to showcase my systems and operations expertise. A chance to explore: How can the group hum like a well-oiled machine … especially for the next … Read More
If you look up the definition of “control freak” in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of a business owner. Brilliant, fiercely independent people … but that stubborn streak can cap their business growth. Like, when less critical tasks crowd their plate. When they can’t focus on what makes their company profitable. When their Nobody-does-it-better … Read More
I attended a business roundtable just before Thanksgiving. We were asked: “What’s one of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered growing your business?” The answer: Spending years targeting the wrong audience. Trying to generate revenue from people who were familiar to us. In our comfort zone. Who couldn’t — and wouldn’t — make us any money. … Read More
Recently, I worked with a small Jewish spiritual center in Manhattan to facilitate an important focus group session. They had never convened a focus group before. Never really done any in-depth strategic planning before. Although the organization has been around for nearly 100 years, it’s having challenges attracting new members. Especially, new members willing to … Read More
I subscribe to SUCCESS magazine and re-read a little snippet from Shawn Achor—also known as “The Happiness Guy.” He wrote about a business woman who was losing her mind. Spending hours worrying about different aspects of her company. Like, what wage laws will politicians pass next? What trends am I missing the in the global … Read More
What do bandages and oceans have in common? They’re best when you deal with them quickly. Removing a Band-Aid? Rip it off. When you pick at it bit-by-bit, that only prolongs the pain. Jumping into the ocean? Dive in. It takes longer to get used to the water when you go in one toe at … Read More
Do you have an actual plan to grow your business? Or do you scramble to get numbers—any numbers—on paper? You wouldn’t be alone. Many business owners get so caught up in day-to-day activity, they leave themselves no time for thoughtful planning. No time for clarity. No time for evaluating what’s working and deciding to say … Read More
