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
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
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
When you really think about it, negotiating isn’t that hard. It’s simply a process where each side wants to get as much as possible from the other at the least possible cost. Which is something many business owners claim they do well. Maybe. Even though many can establish a good rapport, few have a system … Read More
I ran the Tunnel to Towers 5K race this past weekend. It’s one of a number of 5K (3.1 mile) races that I run during the year with my husband, Joe. Maybe one every 4-6 weeks. Now, I’m not trying to come home with any medals. I run them to stay in shape, have fun … Read More
I love Fall. Back-to-school time. School supply shopping. Fond memories of walking across my leafy green Wellesley college campus with a knapsack full of notebooks. (Yes, I’m a nerd. And proud). One of my newer clients, Denyse, hates it. She runs a social media firm based outside of Boston. For her, it’s “come-to-Jesus” time. Because … Read More
Do you ever reach the end of a day and have no idea where the time went? Have a to-do list that’s longer than your arm? Once you cross something off the list, you pile 3 things on? (That last one is DEFINITELY me. Just ask my husband.). If so, you’re in good company. Great … Read More
My client, Cate, runs a graphic and web design firm. On a recent consulting call she complained, I feel like an accordion. When clients pour in and I need to ramp up, I’m stretched. When times are thin and I need to pare down, I’m squeezed. And it seems like I never have the right … Read More
What do open invoices say about your business? Brian Tracy once said, All business is people business. That’s because businesses are built on relationships—whether you build those relationships online or offline. But when your clients don’t pay, what does that say about the value they place on that relationship? And when you let them not … Read More
It’s zero five hundred. I’m waiting for a prearranged taxi to chauffeur me to Command Naval Surface Forces Headquarters on Coronado Island, near San Diego. No, I’m not in trouble; just part of the U.S. Navy’s Leaders to Sea program, where business influencers get to experience Navy operations and training in real time on board … Read More
I’m too busy. Clients come first. It’s too tedious. I’m intuitively creative—I don’t have a process. What’s your excuse for not writing down your business systems? (C’mon, everyone has them). But what if I told you that written procedures could make you wealthy? Does that make them more enticing? Here’s how: 1. Returning clients. Clients … Read More
