In a marketplace that includes the Internet and pits national chains against locally operated businesses, the competition remains fierce. How do you compete against the corporate pocketbook? I might be oversimplifying matters, but I really think the answer is simple: You have to “out serve” the competition. You must deliver memorable customer service. If you […]
The Grand Valley sits in the center of a region full of extremely valuable natural resources. Although exploration and production activity has slowed for now, these resources will be in demand again once commodity prices exceed the costs to extract the goods. These demand cycles have shaped our economy for more than 50 years. So, […]
Today, businesses throughout our community, across the nation and around the world conduct operations, serve customers, generate revenues and earn profits … or not. Tomorrow, these same companies, and their teams of professional and loyal workers, will do it all over again. There is, however, a real difference between simply going through the motions and […]
Editor’s note: The following is the first part of a two-part column exploring problems associated with workplace bullies and violence. One of your best supervisors, Mary, steps into your office, closes the door and struggles to tell you something. Obviously upset and fearful, she explains she’s just come from a meeting with one of her […]
Small business owners must understand how taxes affect them and their businesses. It’s important to claim the right tax deductions, file properly and avoid audits. Here are a few tips, including some links to online resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal government sources, to help ease the burden of tax […]
Achieving a healthy and fit lifestyle involves more than just a few minutes of exercise here and there. A complete and balanced fitness plan includes four elements considered the cornerstones of fitness: cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and nutrition. When you incorporate all these elements into your fitness plan, you’re on your way to success. Cardiovascular exercise: […]
Quick question: What’s the single denominator that causes real estate sales and leasing to slow? Answer: Indecision. Thank goodness the election is over, politicians insist we’re not falling off a fiscal cliff and we’ve entered a new year full of promise. And thank goodness the indecision is over. Commercial real estate users and investors have […]
I’d like to address the two most frequently asked questions about the Mesa County real estate market that have come up in the last month: How did 2012 end up? What do you think we can expect in 2013? Let’s take the first question first since it’s the easier one to answer. The residential market […]
You stand at your window and look across the street. Nice house. Nice landscaping. Nice sports car. New bikes for the kids. Wow, your neighbors must be really well off. If only you had that kind of money. The plain home down the street with the older model sedan parked out front pales in comparison. […]
The difference between creating raving fans out of your customers or not is getting the multitude of the basics — the little things — right on a consistent basis. Just a moment of reflection on your own experiences will reveal your favorite businesses — the ones you frequent often and tell others about with great […]