Articles

Articles and Insights by Lea A. Strickland, MBA, MA, CMA, CFM, CBM, GMC

Lea A. Strickland is a seasoned entrepreneur, small business owner, business strategist, and thought leader with decades of experience in corporate finance, management, marketing, compliance, and analysis. She holds advanced degrees in business administration, operations management, finance, marketing, and change management. She has also achieved prestigious certifications, including CMA, CFM, CBM, and GMC. Lea brings unparalleled expertise to her incisive commentary. Her articles deliver actionable insights on complex business and economic issues, from global market trends to strategic decision-making. With a proven track record of navigating dynamic business environments from Global 50 and Fortune 500 to small businesses, Lea’s authoritative perspectives empower readers to excel in today’s fast-evolving business world.

TheStreet.com, Mainstreet.com, Fox Business.com, MWorld, Fast Company, Entrepreneur Magazine, and numerous other outlets have published Lea’s articles, commentary, and analysis.

 

Topics Covered

    • Corporate Finance, Accounting Systems, and Compliance Strategies
    • Global Economic Trends and Regulatory Environment
    • Strategic Business Management and Leadership
    • Economic Policy and Its Business Implications
    • Financial Risk Management and Mitigation
    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Dynamic Markets
    • Government Funding Requirements and Compliance Systems
    • Enterprise Resource Planning
    • Business Strategy and Planning
    • Business Funding and Compliance
    • Organizational Leadership (Boards, C-Level, etc.) and Employee Relations
    • Procurement and Vendor Relations
    • Business Growth and Scalability
    • Case Studies
    • Tools and Templates

Disclaimer

The information provided in these articles, case studies, and resources is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Readers should not rely on this content as a substitute for professional guidance. Always consult a qualified professional, such as a licensed attorney, accountant, or financial advisor, for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information in this article.

Quiet Quitting: A Timeless Challenge for Workforce Engagement

Quiet quitting signals a more profound disconnect within the workforce. It is a signal for leaders to listen and act. Organizations can transform disengagement into enthusiasm by addressing the core needs of clarity, fairness, trust, and growth. The challenge isn’t new, but the opportunity is timeless: build a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute their best. When leaders prioritize these principles, quiet quitting fades, not through coercion, but because employees genuinely want to engage.

Incorporate Values into Your Business

Incorporating your values into your business is about authenticity and integrity. Expressing political views, however, requires careful consideration of the potential risks and rewards. Values-driven businesses can create loyal customers and build lasting goodwill without creating unnecessary conflict. But when politics takes center stage, the consequences can be far-reaching, positive or negative. Ultimately, it’s about knowing where your company stands and ensuring your stance aligns with your brand’s greater purpose.

Taking Care of Business: A Blueprint for Resilience and Success

Taking care of business means staying vigilant, prepared, and adaptable. It’s about scanning the horizon for risks, leveraging technology strategically, and safeguarding financial stability. It’s about fostering open communication with clients and customers to build lasting relationships.

Ten Ethical Questions to Drive Better Business Decisions

Asking these questions isn’t just about avoiding pitfalls—it’s about building a business that thrives on trust and integrity. Ethical decision-making strengthens relationships, boosts your reputation, and drives sustainable growth. Start applying these questions today to lead with clarity and purpose.

US Department of Labor Changes Ease Regulatory Burdens

So far in 2025, Trump’s US Department of Labor (USDOL), shifting its focus toward deregulation and pro-business policies, has rolled back several rules established by the Biden administration.

T.A.M.E.℠ Your Goals to Achieve Them!

When you make your goals TAME℠ , you don’t just achieve; you transform. And in that transformation lies the power to create a life that aligns with your deepest aspirations.

Why Queen Bee Leadership Is Vital to the Beehive

The beehive offers a powerful lens for leadership, revealing the queen bee as a unifying, purpose-driven figure who ensures continuity and empowers collaboration. Far from the negative stereotype, a queen bee leader, male or female, is essential for aligning teams, fostering resilience, and driving long-term success

Build Adaptive Systems for Growth: Future-Proofing Finance

Introduction The pace of business is unrelenting; new technologies, shifting customer expectations, and global uncertainties demand financial systems that not only scale but also adapt proactively. Building on Scaling Smart: Advancing Financial Systems for Long-Term...

Are You Ready for the July 2025 Minimum Wage Changes?

With July 1, 2025, just days away, businesses nationwide are preparing for a surge of minimum wage increases across states, cities, and counties. These changes are not uniform. Rates and requirements vary widely by location, and companies operating in multiple jurisdictions face heightened compliance risks and administrative burdens.

When Leaders Aren’t Ready: Lessons from Wolf Pack Leadership Dynamics

Wolf packs, with their cooperative family-based structures, offer profound insights into effective leadership and management. But what happens when an unprepared wolf, say, a young “gamma” or mid-ranking member, is thrust into a leadership role it’s not ready for? In human organizations, placing an ill-equipped individual in a leadership position can mirror this scenario, leading to dysfunction, mistrust, and failure.

Managing Operational Messes? You Need a Company M.O.M.℠

The Company M.O.M℠. may not seek the spotlight, but its role is indispensable. The unsung heroes keep operations humming, ensuring businesses can weather disruptions and thrive. No matter if you’re running a startup or a global enterprise, empowering your Manager of Operational Messes, through clear roles, robust processes, and a culture of accountability, can mean the difference between chaos and success. Invest in your M.O.M., and watch your business flourish.

Time to Upgrade: Why Clinging to Floppy Disks and Legacy Systems is Holding Your Business Back

Clinging to floppy disks or legacy systems isn’t just inefficient, it’s a strategic misstep that jeopardizes growth, security, and competitiveness. It’s time to upgrade.

Ten Ethical Questions to Drive Better Business Decisions

Asking these questions isn’t just about avoiding pitfalls—it’s about building a business that thrives on trust and integrity. Ethical decision-making strengthens relationships, boosts your reputation, and drives sustainable growth. Start applying these questions today to lead with clarity and purpose.

Want Peak Performance? Find Out What’s Holding You Back

Organizational performance requires the company to align resources with objectives. Diagnosing organizational issues starts with an internal assessment and must include customer feedback.

11 Strategic Actions to Increase Your Business’s Agility and Resilience

By focusing on financial flexibility, operational excellence, and cultural strength, you create a business that doesn’t just survive change—it leads through it. By recognizing you need the right people and a plan, you are already on the road to strengthening your business. You need agility.

Maximizing Profit and Purpose: A Consultant’s Guide

That biotech CEO didn’t just resolve a challenge; they redefined their industry’s potential, proving that profit and purpose can thrive together. To quote Peter Drucker, who said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In 2025, you have the tools, foundations, donations, and PBCs to create a future where your corporation excels financially and socially. Lead with profit, embrace purpose, and set a new standard for success.

Looking for Oz, Behind the Curtain: How Business Really Works

Have you ever wondered what makes a business tick? Like Dorothy when she pulled back the curtain in The Wizard of Oz, peering behind the scenes reveals the actual mechanics of how businesses operate.

Balancing Short-Term Performance with Long-Term Growth

Balancing short-term performance with long-term growth requires aligned incentives, strategic foresight, and stakeholder engagement. Executives can drive sustainable success in a competitive landscape by fostering a culture that values both immediate results and future potential.

Teamship Model: Pros, Cons, and Impact on Leadership

Introduction The concept of "teamship" emphasizes collective collaboration, mutual accountability, and shared purpose within a team. Unlike traditional hierarchical models, teamship fosters a culture where every member contributes to decision-making and goal...

Manufacturing Inventory Crisis Uncovered: Mismanagement and Financial Fraud Exposed

Acme Contract Manufacturing (a pseudonym to protect the company’s identity), a division of a publicly traded industrial conglomerate, is grappling with a severe operational and financial crisis. The company’s mismanagement of inventory, coupled with incompetent leadership and fraudulent financial reporting, has led to a situation where excess and obsolete inventory far exceeds the components needed to produce current products.

One Big Beautiful Act Reistates Immediate Expensing for Domestic R&E Costs

The OBBB Act isn’t just legislation; it’s a strategic win for U.S. companies, big and small. It delivers the flexibility, liquidity, and assurance to invest boldly in tomorrow’s innovations.

Rescission Rights of Investors in Private Placements

Private placements are a common method for companies to raise capital from select investors without the extensive regulatory requirements of public offerings. However, these transactions are not immune to legal risk, especially concerning the rights of investors to...

NIH Transforms Foreign Awards for Global Research

On May 1, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a significant change in foreign awards for research funding via Guide Notice NOT-OD-25-104. The agency will replace them with a new structure to improve transparency, strengthen oversight, and enhance...

Imperfect Pitches You Can’t Make Them … or Stop Them

Parents know it and live it. Consultants and other advisors have to learn it. You can’t force anyone to make a wise choice or the best decisions. You can’t stop
companies from making imperfect pitches to potential investors. Sometimes people have to learn the hard lessons themselves. Yes, it is painful to watch and to experience. It feels like watching an accident happen. You see the person stepping in front of the oncoming train, and you shout, “Don’t do it!” but still, they take that step.

Crowdfunding: The Taxman Cometh

Crowdfunding - Category Determines Taxation Crowdfunding, like campaigns you see on sites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe, can essentially be categorized into three types of transactions: Equity investment – the funds received purchase ownership interest. Gift – the...

Visionary Capability: Get Practical Pursuing the Dream

The Chaos of Unbounded Vision Disregarding Boundaries Over the years, there have been several instances in which people have been doing business with a cheerful and/or blatant disregard for boundaries. These individuals cheerfully and often recklessly bound forward...

Validating Your Business Concept

To know whether or not you have a viable business concept, you have to comprehensively define (on paper) your thoughts, ideas, and vision. You also need to gather information related to those ideas: market size, competitors, pricing, and so on. With that information...

Ready to Raise Businesses or Children – Common Threads

Not having children of my own, I don't have first hand experience as a parent, but I have observed certain things about raising children:   It takes more time than you anticipated. No amount of planning can account for all the variables of things that can happen....

Investor Due Diligence

As a potential investor in a company, do you and your team know what questions to ask? When you ask the questions, do you probe beyond the surface to verify the elements of the answers? Are there areas which could potentially put your investment at risk that you don’t...

Investor Pitches – Get Ready

More Than The PowerPoint Many companies and their leadership teams believe that raising funds is all about the presentation to potential investors. It is that and much more. The first step in raising funds is to understand the process – including what constitutes a...

Get Your Business Started with a Problem to Solve

f you want a business that endures, one that scales, attracts investors, and thrives in a competitive marketplace, then you must move beyond ideas and into action. That action starts with solving a real problem for real people.

No shortcuts. No guesswork. Just solid strategy and disciplined execution.

Want a business that endures, one that scales, attracts investors, and thrives in a competitive marketplace? Solve a problem.

The Four Pillars That Drive Revenue and Profit

The marketing mix — product, price, promotion, and placement —serve as the core drivers of revenue and profit. These four pillars, often referred to as the 4 Ps, provide a strategic framework for understanding how a business can effectively position itself in the market, meet customer needs, and achieve optimal financial outcomes. When executed well, these pillars create a unified strategy that attracts customers, drives sales, and enhances profitability.

Reshoring and Onshoring

Reshoring and onshoring of manufacturing and technology are more than economic buzzwords; they are strategic imperatives. As global instability, supply chain disruptions, and national security concerns continue to rise, the United States must rebuild its industrial base and technological independence. This shift presents substantial opportunities for American small businesses and entrepreneurs to drive innovation, bolster domestic production, and foster long-term economic resilience.

Reshoring in the US: How Companies Identify Suppliers and How to Become One

US tariffs, global supply chain risks, and other factors are driving onshoring and reshoring of manufacturing. Manufacturers seeking suppliers are looking for financially stable, capable, local SME manufacturers.

From Cattle to Customers: Build a Powerful Brand on a Budget

Did you know branding originated as a practical method for farmers to mark livestock with unique symbols (logo) to indicate ownership and prevent theft? Over time, this concept evolved beyond agriculture, as craftsmen began using distinctive marks to signify the...

Boeing’s Challenges: Production Woes, Air Force One Delays, and New Orders Amid Uncertainty

Boeing, a cornerstone of the global aerospace industry, has faced significant challenges in recent years that have tarnished its reputation and strained its operations. The path forward demands a return to engineering excellence, strategic contract management, and transparent communication to restore confidence among customers, regulators, and the public.

NIH Data-sharing Requirements Put Funding and IP at Risk

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is updating data-sharing rules (public access) to its funded research. Researchers must quickly share everything from datasets to protocols in public repositories. This bold step, tied to the NIH's $47 billion budget, aims to...

Trump’s Tariffs: Strategies to Thrive in New Landscape

Trump's tariffs and economic strategy have refashioned the global trade landscape. These tariffs have sent ripples (and, for some, tsunami-like waves) through markets, creating challenges and opportunities. For U.S. businesses, small and large, these tariffs level the...

Mastermind Groups for Exponential Business Growth

“If you find yourself weak in persistence, surround yourself with a mastermind group.” Napoleon Hill Why You Need a Facilitated Mastermind Group Business owners, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs have a lot of demands on their time, and this leads to stress. Stress...

Do Business Like a Coyote: Why Opportunistic Predators Thrive Anywhere

The Nature of Coyotes If asked, you would probably express a negative view of coyotes. However, coyotes have many admirable characteristics. Most notably, the coyote can adapt to thrive in most environments and habitats. We can learn a lot from the coyote and apply...

My Participles are Dangling, and My Modifiers are Squinting

So, there you have it: dangling participles and squinting modifiers, the two grammar villains of the writing world. But fear not, brave writer! With some knowledge and a dash of humor, you can keep your sentences in check and your readers happy.

How Zohran Mamdani’s Tax Hikes Impact Businesses in NYC (and Beyond)

Zohran Mamdani’s democratic mayoral candidate for NYC, New York City, has proposed tax hikes, on individuals and businesses. His platform risks relocation to lower-tax areas, such as Florida, Texas, or nearby suburbs, is a critical concern, with the potential to erode NYC’s tax base and economic vitality [3][7][8]. Would Mamdani’s election as mayor create NYC’s own “Brexit” event?

Rethinking Freedom in a Changing America

I believe freedom is alive, not a dusty relic. It continues to be an ideal that each generation has to rediscover. We’ve got to defend it not just in laws or policies but in the values we live by. That means standing up for liberty even when it’s inconvenient and balancing individual rights with the needs of our society. Let’s keep freedom resilient, adaptable, and worth fighting for, because it’s what makes America, America.

American Capitalism: A Balance of Freedom, Prosperity, and Reform

America’s historical strength lies in its shared commitment to core values: democracy and personal freedom as inviolable, private property and enterprise as widely supported, and free markets, competition, and limited government as foundational. These principles unify the nation, providing a bedrock for debates.

Harvard vs. Trump: A Wake-Up Call for Grant Recipients

When Harvard sued the Trump administration over frozen federal grant of research funds, it raised more than eyebrows—it raised questions about how far executive power can go in enforcing compliance through grant terms. At stake? Billions in research dollars, the scope of Executive Order 14173, and the role of Title VI in anti-discrimination enforcement.

Ethical Integrity: When Keeping Your Word Clashes with Sticking to Your Values

Traditionally men (or women) were measured by their word—if you gave your word, then it was as good as a contract.  In fact, it was a verbal contract. They had the ethical integrity to be bound by their word. When someone failed to keep their word or break promises,...

Bleeping Commercials

Commercials Reflect the Values of Our Businesses I am astounded at the point at which we have arrived at in television, movies, radio. The “conversation” of our times, including commercials, has become one "bleeping" example of what is wrong with society.  As I write...

Switzerland Seeks to Decouple Income and Work – An Atlas Shrugged Moment

Switzerland Attempts to Decouple Income and Work I am always surprised when life follows fiction (perhaps I shouldn’t be). In Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged1 the world stops working and things start falling apart. As the story unfolds, we learn that the governments of the...

Where Was the Board?

One of the most critical roles the board of directors plays is the fiduciary role of ensuring that the actions taken by the organization (through its management and the board itself) are in the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders in the long run....

What Are Your Employees Saying About Your Business?

The only way you can avoid employees talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly in your business is to not have employees. Whether you like it or not, employees will talk about what happens at work from the lack of sales, to the lack of management, to the affairs...

Misplaced Priorities – Pursuing the “Get Out of Work Strategy”

Success doesn’t come from avoiding work; it comes from doing the right work, consistently and well. Misplaced priorities don’t just delay success; they erode it.

Choosing Your Business Name, Five Crucial Steps

Before committing to a business name, invest time in domain searches, trademark verification, online and e-commerce audits, and state-level business name checks.

Managing Operational Messes? You Need a Company M.O.M.℠

The Company M.O.M℠. may not seek the spotlight, but its role is indispensable. The unsung heroes keep operations humming, ensuring businesses can weather disruptions and thrive. No matter if you’re running a startup or a global enterprise, empowering your Manager of Operational Messes, through clear roles, robust processes, and a culture of accountability, can mean the difference between chaos and success. Invest in your M.O.M., and watch your business flourish.

The Critical Role of Business Continuity and Keyman Insurance

Business continuity plans must include the right insurance coverages.

10 Proven Ways to Increase Customer Retention for Small Business

Customer retention is the backbone of sustainable growth for small businesses. Keeping existing customers engaged is not only more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, but it also boosts profitability—studies show that a 5% increase in retention can lift profits by...

Closing Strong: Actions to Take in 2025 and 2026

Strategies to Analyze, Plan, and Thrive into 2026 As the final quarter of 2025 begins, businesses face a critical inflection point: the opportunity to solidify year-end results while laying the groundwork for long-term success in 2026. The closing months of any year...

From TikTok To TOC TOC: Total Ownership Cost and the Theory of Constraints in Manufacturing

In the face of global disruptions, rising tariffs, and an evolving economic landscape, American manufacturers and small businesses are rethinking their supply chain strategies. At the center of this transformation are two critical concepts: Total Cost of Ownership and the Theory of Constraints.

Get Your Business Started with a Problem to Solve

f you want a business that endures, one that scales, attracts investors, and thrives in a competitive marketplace, then you must move beyond ideas and into action. That action starts with solving a real problem for real people.

No shortcuts. No guesswork. Just solid strategy and disciplined execution.

Want a business that endures, one that scales, attracts investors, and thrives in a competitive marketplace? Solve a problem.

The Power of Metrics: Choosing the Right Ones for Your Business Success

Choosing the right metrics is more than just a data exercise; it’s about measuring success intentionally. The right metrics provide clarity, accountability, and a roadmap for achieving your business goals. They allow you to measure progress, adjust, and align your efforts with your overarching vision.

Optimizing Financial Systems for High-Growth Tech Companies, Build to Scale

Early-stage companies focus on innovation, intellectual property, and speed to market. That’s understandable and essential. However, many promising ventures stall, stumble, or fail because they didn’t build the business and financial systems to support the growth.

Closing Strong: Actions to Take in 2025 and 2026

Strategies to Analyze, Plan, and Thrive into 2026 As the final quarter of 2025 begins, businesses face a critical inflection point: the opportunity to solidify year-end results while laying the groundwork for long-term success in 2026. The closing months of any year...

Budget and Forecast: Control Cash Flow and Fuel Growth

You’ve built the framework of your business, structure, operations, and plans. Now, it’s time to pin down the dollars and cents. You need a budget and forecast tools.

Optimizing Financial Systems for High-Growth Tech Companies, Build to Scale

Early-stage companies focus on innovation, intellectual property, and speed to market. That’s understandable and essential. However, many promising ventures stall, stumble, or fail because they didn’t build the business and financial systems to support the growth.

Navigating Tariffs, Tech, and Rising Costs

While the challenges of rising tariffs, labor costs, AI, and evolving regulations may seem daunting, they provide a unique opportunity for businesses to innovate, optimize, and lead through change. By being agile, investing in technology, empowering your workforce, and staying ahead of regulatory shifts, you can not only survive in this economic transition but also thrive. By embracing change with strategic focus and foresight, businesses can capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.

Scenario-Based Business Planning: Best, Likely, and Worst Cases

Scenario-based business planning doesn’t guarantee success—but it significantly improves your ability to navigate uncertainty, minimize risk, and capture opportunity. It’s a strategic must-have in volatile environments.

Seven Steps to Maximize Resource Flexibility and Minimize Cost

companies of all sizes have historically relied on their workforce to remain competitive. However, rising compensation and benefit costs have created a dilemma: businesses struggle to afford full-time, permanent employees. Competing in today’s market requires agility but demands strategic financial planning. The challenge has intensified with new overtime eligibility rules—managers earning less than $55,068 (effective as of 2024) are now eligible for overtime pay. This shift has transformed workforce planning into a complex equation balancing financial affordability, capacity, and customer service.

Controlling the Critical Elements of Your Business

While you may not have all the answers upfront, asking the right questions and seeking solutions brings you closer to financial success. By understanding the interplay between operational efficiency, cash flow, and profitability, you can forecast, plan, and act to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities. Effective budgeting and forecasting empower businesses to navigate cash shortages, optimize surpluses, and achieve long-term financial stability.

Business by the Numbers: Financial Oversight

Internal Controls and Financial Oversight When it comes to growing your business, you can't afford to not understand the financial perspective of their business. Whether it is the day-to-day performance, budgets, taxes, or other aspects of accounting for your...

Business Danger Signs: Is Your Business the Frog in the Pot?

Business danger signs may be ignored or unnoticed, much like a frog in a pot of water on a stove. Yes, I am referring to the experiment involving a frog and a pot of hot water. If you put the frog in the pot and the water is boiling, he hops
out fast! But when you put the frog in a pot of room temperature water and then turn on the heat, it won’t notice the gradual temperature rise and fails to hop out. The gradual temperature rise prevents the frog from recognizing the danger signs.

How to Develop Business Growth Goals

Goals, particularly sales targets, must align with your organization’s current results, capabilities, resources, and long-term vision. Generic goals fail to account for unique organizational contexts, making personalization critical for sustainable growth.

Non-Profit Isn’t No Profit, It’s Profit for a Purpose

The term “nonprofit” can often be misleading. Many assume it means no profit, no revenue, or scraping by on goodwill. Nothing could be further from the truth. Non-profits generate profit, deliberately and strategically, to fuel their mission. They’re not businesses chasing personal wealth; they’re purpose-driven organizations creating profit for impact. Let’s shatter the myth and explore how non-profits thrive by aligning financial success with their C.O.R.E. Value℠, ensuring they serve their cause and sustain their future.

Open Door, Closed Mind: Listening Well and Making Informed Decisions

Have you ever worked for someone that proudly stated they had an "open door" policy? Was their door really open to new ideas, feedback, information, and issues? Or was the door physically open but the mind closed? Perhaps you work for someone that has an open door...

Wrong Client

The profitability of a company is significantly impacted by its ability to identify both the core client characteristics that make for a good client as well as those that do not fit with your business expertise or require more support from key resources than can be...

Who Is Running Your Business?

In every business there are activities and tasks that the owner, manager, founder, or key executives don’t like to do, don’t know how to do, or just don’t want to do. When those tasks are key elements or effect the key elements of how your business does business, the...

Where Was the Board?

One of the most critical roles the board of directors plays is the fiduciary role of ensuring that the actions taken by the organization (through its management and the board itself) are in the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders in the long run....

Where Is My Cash Flow?

What do I do about customers who consistently pay late? Why does it seem that the money flows out faster than it flows in? These are significant questions for every business. Managing the cash flow is critical to a business's viability. The cash flow equation and...

When Vendor Services Fall Short

I have to admit: I had a hard time deciding what to title this article. What isn’t hard to do is actually write the article, at least knowing where to start comes easy. Like many businesses, all too often—despite doing the homework of checking out vendors and getting...

Visionary Capability: Get Practical Pursuing the Dream

The Chaos of Unbounded Vision Disregarding Boundaries Over the years, there have been several instances in which people have been doing business with a cheerful and/or blatant disregard for boundaries. These individuals cheerfully and often recklessly bound forward...

Validating Your Business Concept

To know whether or not you have a viable business concept, you have to comprehensively define (on paper) your thoughts, ideas, and vision. You also need to gather information related to those ideas: market size, competitors, pricing, and so on. With that information...

Vision, Strategy, Structure, and Results

The successful organization – one that is both productive currently and viable long term – has integrated the vision, strategy, and structure of the organization to enable financial success. The ability of an organization to achieve every iota of success it is capable of delivering depends first upon the organization’s clarity of vision, second on its to select the appropriate strategy (or strategies) to accomplish the vision, and ultimately on the structure the organization puts in place to deliver the “goods” to the customer.

10 Proven Ways to Increase Customer Retention for Small Business

Customer retention is the backbone of sustainable growth for small businesses. Keeping existing customers engaged is not only more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, but it also boosts profitability—studies show that a 5% increase in retention can lift profits by...

Looking for Oz, Behind the Curtain: How Business Really Works

Pulling back the curtain on how business works reveals a complex but fascinating world of strategy, operations, leadership, and people. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a curious consumer, understanding these elements can help you confidently navigate the corporate landscape. Like Dorothy, you don’t need a wizard to succeed. However, you need a clear path, a strong team, and the courage to keep moving forward.

C.O.R.E.℠ Message: How to Catch Your Customers Attention

The C.O.R.E.℠ Message is a blueprint for creating clear, targeted communication that speaks to the heart of your customer’s problem and explains precisely how you can solve it. It’s more than just a marketing tagline—it’s your chance to hook the prospect into wanting to know more.

The Benefits of U.S.-Focused Operations

Global supply chains, outsourcing, and offshoring have become the norm, many businesses are beginning to look closer to home for key operational functions, including customer service, manufacturing, and administrative support.

Reshoring and Onshoring

Reshoring and onshoring of manufacturing and technology are more than economic buzzwords; they are strategic imperatives. As global instability, supply chain disruptions, and national security concerns continue to rise, the United States must rebuild its industrial base and technological independence. This shift presents substantial opportunities for American small businesses and entrepreneurs to drive innovation, bolster domestic production, and foster long-term economic resilience.

Vendor Reliability: Why Showing Up Boosts Business Success

The Challenge of Punctuality A Missed Appointment You set an appointment with a vendor for a meeting via telephone call for 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. At 9:24 a.m., they still haven’t called. You attempt to contact them. You have provided the number they are to call. You...

From Cattle to Customers: Build a Powerful Brand on a Budget

Did you know branding originated as a practical method for farmers to mark livestock with unique symbols (logo) to indicate ownership and prevent theft? Over time, this concept evolved beyond agriculture, as craftsmen began using distinctive marks to signify the...

Boeing’s Challenges: Production Woes, Air Force One Delays, and New Orders Amid Uncertainty

Boeing, a cornerstone of the global aerospace industry, has faced significant challenges in recent years that have tarnished its reputation and strained its operations. The path forward demands a return to engineering excellence, strategic contract management, and transparent communication to restore confidence among customers, regulators, and the public.

NIH Data-sharing Requirements Put Funding and IP at Risk

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is updating data-sharing rules (public access) to its funded research. Researchers must quickly share everything from datasets to protocols in public repositories. This bold step, tied to the NIH's $47 billion budget, aims to...

Trump’s Tariffs: Strategies to Thrive in New Landscape

Trump's tariffs and economic strategy have refashioned the global trade landscape. These tariffs have sent ripples (and, for some, tsunami-like waves) through markets, creating challenges and opportunities. For U.S. businesses, small and large, these tariffs level the...

Supply Chain Risk Oversight: Strategies for Effective Management

Effective supply chain risk oversight is vital for business growth and survival. By identifying risks, diversifying their supplier base, leveraging technology, and planning for contingencies, businesses can effectively navigate uncertainties. Start today—audit your supply chain, adopt cutting-edge tools, and build a robust oversight framework to thrive.

SMEs Standing Out in the US Manufacturing Resurgence

The US manufacturing renaissance offers big opportunities for SMEs. Develop your plan, specialize in niches, use smart tech, stay agile, tap the government for help, build relationships, get funding, act fast, research manufacturers, boost capabilities, network now, connect with MEP centers, update your website, and attend industry events. SMEs with bold moves will win.

Vendor Reliability: Why Showing Up Boosts Business Success

The Challenge of Punctuality A Missed Appointment You set an appointment with a vendor for a meeting via telephone call for 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. At 9:24 a.m., they still haven’t called. You attempt to contact them. You have provided the number they are to call. You...

Dog or Cat: Which Do You Want As a Vendor?

Have you ever noticed the differences in behavior between dogs and cats? I have always had dogs, never cats for pets, until recently. Two years ago my neighbor’s cat decided to live with us (I am told that is not unusual for a cat). In the past two years I have come...

When Vendor Services Fall Short

I have to admit: I had a hard time deciding what to title this article. What isn’t hard to do is actually write the article, at least knowing where to start comes easy. Like many businesses, all too often—despite doing the homework of checking out vendors and getting...

Organizational Change Make It Personal

One of the most basic things we need to understand about change is that it is personal. People have to choose to change. External sources (people, events, etc.) can influence people to change; however, for true change to occur and be sustainable, each person must choose to change.

Build Adaptive Systems for Growth: Future-Proofing Finance

Introduction The pace of business is unrelenting; new technologies, shifting customer expectations, and global uncertainties demand financial systems that not only scale but also adapt proactively. Building on Scaling Smart: Advancing Financial Systems for Long-Term...

Leading Through Uncertainty: CEO Lessons in Crisis Management

CEOs must navigate uncertainty with resilience and adaptability in this era of rapid change, marked by economic volatility, technological disruption, and global crises. Effective crisis management distinguishes exceptional leaders and ensures organizational stability...

Boeing’s Challenges: Production Woes, Air Force One Delays, and New Orders Amid Uncertainty

Boeing, a cornerstone of the global aerospace industry, has faced significant challenges in recent years that have tarnished its reputation and strained its operations. The path forward demands a return to engineering excellence, strategic contract management, and transparent communication to restore confidence among customers, regulators, and the public.

Trump’s Tariffs: Strategies to Thrive in New Landscape

Trump's tariffs and economic strategy have refashioned the global trade landscape. These tariffs have sent ripples (and, for some, tsunami-like waves) through markets, creating challenges and opportunities. For U.S. businesses, small and large, these tariffs level the...

Are You Doing Business with Zombies?

The walking dead are zombies. Zombie companies are businesses that require recurring bailouts to stay in business. These firms cannot repay their debt. They are companies that are dead when you look at the fundamentals and long-term viability of their business models.

Strategic Delegation – How to Optimize Your Output and Profits

Many organizations and individuals seek to maximize output. However, maximizing output overlooks the importance of results. Output optimization focuses on utilizing the right resource for the task. It is all about the return on investment (time and money). Every business, especially small businesses, needs to understand the difference.

Successful Change Begins with a Clear Diagnosis

Too many businesses launch new initiatives to improve their business results without taking the time to create a clear diagnosis for the root issue. To get the best results, you have to make changes where it will have an impact. You have to spend time and money on the...

Motivate Change to Get Desired Performance

How to Motivate Change One of the most basic things we need to understand about change is that it is personal. People must choose to change. People can be influenced to change by external sources (e.g., other people, events); however, for true change to occur and be...

Is Franchising for You?

Many businesses consider franchising as a strategic method of expanding their operations and financial results. But how do you know if franchising is for you? Let’s start with the benefits of franchising: Building your team with quality, motivated people. Because of...

Sales Capacity and Constraints: Do You Have Operational Capability?

Don’t Turn on Sales Without Operational Capability “Vision without capacity is a recipe for collapse, not success.” Several years ago, I received a call from a marketing agency seeking help from a struggling client. Ironically, the issue wasn’t failure—it was success....

GRAB for Success – Gratitude, Resolve, Attitude, Belief – A Guide for Getting Beyond the First Day of the New Year

GRAB - Gratitude, Resolve, Attitude, Belief For many of us, December is a month of hectic schedules and holiday gatherings, loosening the reins, indulging in the goodies, and skipping the healthier parts of our routines. It is also the time when we make promises to do...

Business Concept – Validating Your Idea

Crazy Ideas and Business Concept Many highly successful businesses have been started on ideas other people thought were crazy.  Many unsuccessful businesses were started as "sure things."  How do you know before you start if your idea is worthwhile?  How do you...

10 Elements of Successful Businesses

While every business has elements that are unique to it. Every successful business shares common characteristics with other successful businesses. Concept The first element of a successful business is a clear concept of what the business is and does. This concept is...

Starting a New Business

Show host Lea Strickland shares insights, tips, and steps to successfully starting a new business based on personal and client experiences. Listen Now

Finacial Projections (Part 1)

Previous articles have focused on giving the business structure and dimension. Those same articles have foreshadowed the requirements for financial projections.   The operational answers and plans that have been a result of previous discussion and exercises are...

Operational Aspects – The Business Plan

In previous articles you have been asked to consider certain aspects of HOW you plan to operate your business, WHERE you want to set up, and WHEN you want to do WHAT. Now it is time to begin adding some dimension to the generalities of your operating assumptions. Have...

The Business Plan “Audience”

Previous articles focused on considering a business of your own, defining the elements, planning for the business, and then developing the business plan. Last month's article ended by asking you to capture some of the questions and answers that you would ask of...

The Business Plan – More than Planning the Business

In a previous article, "Planning Your Business," the introduction included the  basic elements to consider when starting your own business. This article delves into differences between “planning your business” and a “business plan.” Business plans presents every...

Planning Your Business

Three months ago, you were asked to think about the kind of business you wanted. In subsequent articles, you’ve been asked to gather information and understand some of what it takes to get a business started. Now it is time to take that step further and begin to plan...

The First Step Is The Biggest

Are you thinking about [or curious about] starting your own business? Taking the first step is often the hardest, and is arguably the largest step anyone takes in the business world. You, as founder, are ultimately responsible for every aspect – strategic,...

Get Ready – The First Step Is the Biggest!

Get Ready - The First Step Is the Biggest! Are you thinking about [or curious about] starting your own business?  Taking the first step is often the hardest, and is arguably the largest step anyone takes in the business world.  You, as founder, are ultimately...

Think You Are Too Old to Start a Business?

In this FOX Business article, Lea A. Strickland discusses the pros and cons of starting a business at an older age. Think you are too old to start a business? Click the link below to learn more. Think You Are Too Old to Start a Business?

Think You Are Too Old to Start a Business, But Desperate to Get Out of the Cubicle?

The economy, job loss, increased competition for promotions and new jobs all of these contribute to the trend of older people (55+) making the decision to start a business. The reasons differ from life-long dream to career necessity (no job or too much competition for...

How to Grow Your Business, One Relationship at a Time – Network!

Grow Your Business — Build Relationships Previously published in MWorld, The Journal of the American Management Association Volume 8, Number 3 Summer/Fall 2009 In today’s economic uncertainty, having a solid network can help your organization. However, it isn’t easy...

Five Critical Steps to Maximize Resource Flexibility

Companies of all sizes have historically relied upon their workforce to provide the flexibility necessary to compete.  Unfortunately, compensation and benefit costs have created a dilemma - business can’t afford to commit to full-time, permanent employees. While...

How to Bring in the First Customer

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (MainStreet) -- Would you do business with someone you don't know? What about someone who hasn't been in business very long? Would you want to be the guinea pig for a new product or technology? Would you risk your health, wealth, life or...

Getting Business Is Easier Than Getting Paid

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Eavesdropping is not intentional, but some days you just can't help but overhear a conversation in a restaurant. I recently had one of those days. As I was sitting on the terrace of one of my favorite restaurants, carving out some time for...

Does Your Business Need an iPhone 5? Really?

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (MainStreet) -- One of the toughest financial controls an organization can put in place is evaluating expenditures in terms of need -- for instance, if you can't do business without it -- versus want, which are those things that are nice...

Is Your Business a National Debt Crisis Look-Alike?

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The debt clock is ticking up to over $16 trillion. Student loan debt (which has exceeded $1 trillion) now exceeds credit card debt (approximately $800 billion). Politicians are debating its impact and how to address it. But any way you look at...

The Four Pillars of Peak Business Performance

It is important to define four key criteria for PEAK performance: Purpose, Execution, Accountability, and Key performance indicators. You and your organization will benefit from the clarity of knowing what needs to be done, who has the responsibility for doing it, and how performance will be measured.

It Doesn’t Work for Long When Managers ‘Work the Numbers’

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Many inexperienced (and even some experienced) managers and executives get caught up in the "management" of internal issues and "working the numbers." They forget that serving the customer is the objective. Let me tell you about a company we'll...

Business CPR: Cash, Prospects and Revenues

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- It doesn't matter what your prospects are a year from now or a month from now, if you can't pay your employees and vendors today. Cash flow determines whether you stay in business or close your doors. Understanding your cash flow cycle (the...

Power Is a Scarce Commodity For Mobile Entrepreneurs

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The more technology I acquire and the more mobile I am, the more convinced I am that we need more power outlets. There never seem to be enough available outlets (or sometimes not any!) for all the people with computers or other devices in any...

Sales Tax Isn’t Killing Your Store

NEW YORK (TheStreet) — The media is constantly buzzing about real world retailers being unable to compete against online stores that provide the same merchandise. The stories often focus on the advantage online retailers have in avoiding charging sales taxes. But in reality the advantage isn’t all about the taxes: It is often about variety of products, availability, the price, and when you can get the product.

Choosing Your Business Name, Five Crucial Steps

Before committing to a business name, invest time in domain searches, trademark verification, online and e-commerce audits, and state-level business name checks.

The Critical Role of Business Continuity and Keyman Insurance

Business continuity plans must include the right insurance coverages.

10 Proven Ways to Increase Customer Retention for Small Business

Customer retention is the backbone of sustainable growth for small businesses. Keeping existing customers engaged is not only more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, but it also boosts profitability—studies show that a 5% increase in retention can lift profits by...

From TikTok To TOC TOC: Total Ownership Cost and the Theory of Constraints in Manufacturing

In the face of global disruptions, rising tariffs, and an evolving economic landscape, American manufacturers and small businesses are rethinking their supply chain strategies. At the center of this transformation are two critical concepts: Total Cost of Ownership and the Theory of Constraints.

Incorporate Values into Your Business

Incorporating your values into your business is about authenticity and integrity. Expressing political views, however, requires careful consideration of the potential risks and rewards. Values-driven businesses can create loyal customers and build lasting goodwill without creating unnecessary conflict. But when politics takes center stage, the consequences can be far-reaching, positive or negative. Ultimately, it’s about knowing where your company stands and ensuring your stance aligns with your brand’s greater purpose.

Looking for Oz, Behind the Curtain: How Business Really Works

Pulling back the curtain on how business works reveals a complex but fascinating world of strategy, operations, leadership, and people. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a curious consumer, understanding these elements can help you confidently navigate the corporate landscape. Like Dorothy, you don’t need a wizard to succeed. However, you need a clear path, a strong team, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Time to Upgrade: Why Clinging to Floppy Disks and Legacy Systems is Holding Your Business Back

Clinging to floppy disks or legacy systems isn’t just inefficient, it’s a strategic misstep that jeopardizes growth, security, and competitiveness. It’s time to upgrade.

The Federal Reserve’s High Interest Rates: Stifling Small Business Growth in 2025

In the economic landscape of 2025, small businesses face significant challenges due to the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain elevated interest rates. As of July 22, 2025, the federal funds effective rate remains at 4.33%, with the target range held steady at...

One Big Beautiful Act Reistates Immediate Expensing for Domestic R&E Costs

The OBBB Act isn’t just legislation; it’s a strategic win for U.S. companies, big and small. It delivers the flexibility, liquidity, and assurance to invest boldly in tomorrow’s innovations.

How Zohran Mamdani’s Tax Hikes Impact Businesses in NYC (and Beyond)

Zohran Mamdani’s democratic mayoral candidate for NYC, New York City, has proposed tax hikes, on individuals and businesses. His platform risks relocation to lower-tax areas, such as Florida, Texas, or nearby suburbs, is a critical concern, with the potential to erode NYC’s tax base and economic vitality [3][7][8]. Would Mamdani’s election as mayor create NYC’s own “Brexit” event?

Women Mean Business – Seek Investors or Be an Investor

Women are often overlooked or underappreciated when it comes to participating in investment forums, serving on boards, and leading companies. Women pursuing investment capital and GETTING investment capital are disadvantaged because many forums aren’t “friendly” to...

The Variability of Weather and Women: It’s All About Perspective

The other day, one of my international clients commented that the weather in his city (and country) was like a woman. Then, he stopped with a dramatic pause (perhaps realizing we had just met and his comment might not be appreciated in the spirit meant), and I began...

Distinguish between Your Role as an Owner and an Employee

When a business has two or more owners taking an active role in running the business (acting as employees), it is necessary to distinguish between decisions made as owners and those made when in the employee role.   Significant conflicts can arise and contribute to...

The “Girls’ Club” Revisited

As women business owners, managers, executives, or community leaders, it is important that we provide support to each other and serve as positive role models for current and future generations of women.  That does not equate, however, to exclusionary practices or...