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
What’s the plan, Stan? Do you have a plan to make sure next year is better than this year? Or are you looking at much of the same? I know from working with business owners for over 20 years that it’s hard not to repeat the same actions. Especially if they’re locked into deeply held … Read More
Howie Jacobson has a great article on “Gratitude as a Business Strategy.” Read it. I wish I had written it. He says, We’re all hungry for appreciation and thanks. We want to know that we matter, that our efforts are making the world a better place. Who has made your world a better place? Maybe … Read More
Originally seen in What’s in it for me? I don’t see enough business owners asking themselves that question. They’re so excited about getting started—and then so overwhelmed with running the business—that they don’t ask What do I want to get out of it … when I’m ready to get out of it? The results … Read More
Did you ever lose a client when you thought you’d done nothing wrong? Sure, you can understand it if you completely muck up an assignment. But sometimes, it’s the breach of “micro-commitments” that turns a client off. This happened to Chris, who runs a web development firm. Overall, they’re terrific. Solid problem-solvers. Efficient. Current with … Read More
