Henry Ford used to say he’d rather have 1% of what a hundred others made working for him, than 100% of what he made by himself. Some business owners want to have it all, but in the process, cut off the very folks they need to get what they want. Our business colleagues have chastised [...]
Discover Your Strengths and Weaknesses Before You Start Your Business
The right business for you is a combination of opportunity, preparation and resources. It’s more of a discovery than a choice. You will not have the world of all possibilities to choose from, but if you analyze your strengths and weaknesses, you can identify the opportunities that are plausible. The key to success is to [...]
Business Manners that Pay
The simple accommodations you make for your coworkers, boss, customers, and vendors cost you nothing, but give you a subtle yet strong advantage. These are common, time-tested courtesies that are unfortunately not so common anymore. Although not taught in business school, they can positively affect how others relate to you. Showing consideration for others with [...]
B2B or Not to Be? That is the Question!
We often hear, “Oh, we’re B2B (business-to-business), so we don’t have to worry about customers at the general public level.” The fact is, you do. It is an erroneous assumption that B2B is somehow insulated from the source of most income, the general public. If your client goes out of business, your B2B loses that [...]
Why We Write
We’ve been asked who we write for and why. The answer can be found in how we write. We learned most of our business knowledge the hard way. We write for you so you can avoid the painful lessons we have experienced first hand. We write to give you news you can use. Even though [...]
Job Descriptions – A Portrait or Snapshot
Job descriptions seem to have a certain amount of authority built into them. They can describe the job for the new hire and be a reference for the last word in duties. The problem is that nothing remains the same for very long. Constant operational changes and market pressures can make even new job descriptions [...]
Vacations Increase Creativity and Productivity
Some people have to be forced to take vacation. Some even feel guilty or “irresponsible.” Others rack up unused vacation time for its monetary value. Still others see honor in putting their job ahead of a timely break. Whatever your reason for not taking regular vacations, it can’t measure up to the benefits you and [...]
How to Talk to Your Computer Tech
Probably the most frustrating part of business today is our total dependence on our computers. It’s a true love-hate relationship. When computers go haywire, we’re stymied. We call our system’s administrator, tech support, or programmer for help. They usually fix the problem, but, in the process, can inadvertently create havoc. When you get your computer [...]
5 Ways to Increase Your Service Business
In this two part series we are addressing service businesses. Last time we identified a way of classifying your clients and customers. This time we will offer some ways to increase your business. Your goal is to get more referrals. These are new customers who were sent to you by your existing customers. They will [...]
How to Improve your Service Business
Over half of all businesses are service businesses. These industries include many professions from legal and engineering to hair cutting and plumbing. All these services require excellent management, positive company culture, and most important, return clients. Brian Tracy says, “If you want to be successful, ask yourself this question: How can I increase my service to [...]
