Is Your Business Listless?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines listless as "characterized by a lack of interest, energy, or spirit." In tough times, or whenever we have been doing something for an extended period of time—especially without achieving desired results—we often lose our energy...
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 – Adding Dimension
Building on last month's discussion of business plans, we now focus on an understanding of the key elements and the process. The business plan process involves capturing "every" aspect of business operations and the financial implications. If you are new to business...
Think of the Customer! Make it Easy to Do Business with You
Today’s businesses often follow the trend of providing digital offers to draw in new customers. Reaching out to new and existing customers with promotional offerings is a great way to bring in business … but it is a better way to damage your business if you are not...
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...
New Business, Old Challenge: Getting the Customer in the Door
I spend many hours each week in restaurants and coffeehouses around the country, between meetings, on my way through airports and when meeting clients. Like many others my “corner office” is often a table or a booth on the way to or from another meeting. A few weeks...
Business versus “Product” Focus
Which is more important to your success, the “business” or the “product” (I am using “product” to refer to a physical products, services, or technology – anything you are in business to sell)? The real answer is that they are equally important to your success. If you...
Tending to Business: The Role of the Government in a Free-Market System
It should surprise no one that I believe that the success of economies is built on the efforts of the private sector, and that government’s role is to provide oversight to maintain open competition, prevent and detect fraud, and regulate activities to the extent...
Sales, Strategy and Tactics for Tough Times
In the current economy, every sale seems to take twice as long. Customers are even more price sensitive. Everyone is looking for a deal. The competition is intense, even cutthroat on occasion. What are we to do to meet our sales goals? Here are some principles to keep...