by Lea Strickland | Jan 25, 2016 | Business Articles, Business Growth, Business Management, Business Ownership, Entrepreneur, Leadership, Non-Profit, Operations, Resources, Small Business, Strategy
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...
by Lea Strickland | Jan 22, 2016 | Business Articles, Business Growth, Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Small Business, Strategy
I have a developing list of bad behaviors in networking. It seems after every event I can add either an entirely new “don’t” or an innovative variant of the core list. Chumming – Method of “baiting” the water to entice sharks to take the bait and encourage feeding...
by Lea Strickland | Jan 17, 2016 | Business Articles, Business Growth, Business Plans, Change Management, Small Business
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...
by Lea Strickland | Dec 27, 2015 | Business Articles, Business Plans, Resources, Small Business, Strategy
SMART2 Goals for Business The typical “SMART” goal is defined as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. Another way of looking at these goals could be called SMART2. This means that SMART goals for businesses also need to be: – Strategic: Long-term,...
by Lea Strickland | Nov 27, 2015 | Budgets and Financial Tools, Business Articles, Business Growth, Business Management, Resources, Small Business, Strategy
Goals have to be personalized to your organization. While the majority of businesses may choose to set a sales goal¾as dollars or percentage increase¾the actual goal amount has to be set based on the current results, capabilities, resources, and long-term vision for...
by Lea Strickland | Oct 5, 2015 | Business Articles, Customer Relationships, Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Small Business, Vendor Relations
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...