“We’re like lobsters,” said Nancy. “If we don’t grow, we die.” Nancy and I are at a speaking workshop in Orlando, led by world-renowned speaker Les Brown. We’ve been through 8 straight hours of drills, one-on-one coaching, and partner feedback in a cramped conference room. I’m worn out. It’s taking all of my energy just … Read More
The word “motivate” means “to stimulate towards action.” I emphasize towards because too often, we hear of stories where it’s only the threat of the lash (and termination) that keeps employees in their seats … for fear of losing their income. But that’s not motivation—as in moving forward. That approach doesn’t bring your team happily … Read More
“Pole dancing? Pole dancing would be considered fun! Where’s the risk in pole dancing?” Nelly cries. Nelly’s the CTO of Webgrrls International and the TechSpeak Bootcamp. We’re sipping hot mint tea in a cozy Upper West Side café. Two women business leaders, finally meeting face-to-face after months of email exchange. “W-w-w-ell, it would totally challenge … Read More
I was having lunch the other day with Sam. His business is bursting at the seams—a problem you think he’d be thrilled to have—yet, he’s losing his mind. “So much of my day is spent maintaining what I’ve already built—it’s like I can’t escape the daily grind. I haven’t take a day off all year!” … Read More
Terror gripped me. The Summons and Complaint for a malpractice had my name in the caption. I’m stunned. The client was a whack job, yet just 2 years into my law practice, my license was on the line. What could I do? I’m no dope. As a lawyer, I could have figured out most of … Read More
When you go to a networking event and someone asks, “What do you do?” what do you say? Do you answer with an “I” statement, like “I handle pest control for high-end hotels” … or “I help business owners build an effective workforce” … of “I [fill in the blank]”? Even if you use “We … Read More
“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’.” “It takes a village.” Or my favorite, “You don’t sharpen a knife against a sponge.” All of which is meant to say, if you want a successful business, don’t go it alone. I learned this the hard way. For years I thought having a more senior business partner would be … Read More
Author and entrepreneur Michael Gerber was quoted as saying, “Businesses fail not because their dream is too big, but because their dream is too small and too realistic to sustain the life they want.” Simply put, the measure of your success (financial and otherwise) is in direct proportion to how big your vision is. It’s … Read More
It’s no secret that governments (Federal, state and local) are strapped for cash. One of the ways they’re seeking to fill the coffers is by cracking down more heavily on small businesses regarding their use of independent contractors (ICs). Why? ICs are handy way for small businesses to expand and contract their workforce as needed. … Read More
“What are you grateful for?” I ask that question in my pre-Thanksgiving issue of All Systems Go! I said: I’m grateful to all of YOU who read All Systems Go! and reach out to share your thoughts and ideas. Grateful to family and friends for all their support (especially my husband, Joe) in helping me ROCK my … Read More
When I bought my favorite Lee® jeans years ago, they fit like a glove. Just what I needed. As I put on weight, they generously stretched with me. When I lost weight, though, they stayed stretched in the knees and the butt. Not flattering. Holes developed around the seams. The cuffs became tattered. They turned … Read More
As seen in … Kimberly Martinez faced a difficult decision. For lifestyle reasons, she had already chosen to live in Florida, away from the Cleveland, Ohio headquarters of her company, Bonitas International. Now she had step back as not one, but two, parents concurrently fought their battles with cancer. How will the company function … Read More
