Politicians are fond of talking about the importance of small businesses. They frequently point out that small businesses create jobs and constitute the backbone of our economy. They’re right about that. However, politicians sometimes underestimate how powerful small business is in shaping our way of life and looking out for our freedoms. This influence is […]
As the economy continues to gain traction, many small retailers are forced to put more of their economic eggs in the holiday season shopping basket. Hoping to take advantage of an uptick in consumer confidence, an end-of-year holiday splash is possible, but could be more difficult this season. Hiring extra help for the hoped-for push […]
When people thought the sun revolved around the world (geocentrism), the quality of navigational advice was sketchy at best, and might have been downright dangerous at times. For the past twenty years, the quality of investing advice has been tainted by the idea that the one-time selection of investors’ stock/bond portfolio mix accounts for 93.6 […]
Business owners who are solidly focused on moving their company to ever higher levels of profitability are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve their business model. To achieve this requires a discerning awareness regarding what is – and is not – working in the daily operations of […]
Why is it that some people seem to stay thin no matter what they eat? They are the ones you see eating a huge hamburger and fries, as you sit across the restaurant putting your chicken breast and veggies in your phone calorie counter and wondering why you can’t […]
Leading a company can be over-whelming with all that this typically entails, particularly if the daily operations require your constant attention. It’s easy to become lost, to fall into the daily routine and repeat it over and over again, and to stop moving in a forward direction. A strong foundation of personal clarity and consistent […]
In honor of Veterans Day, I am devoting an article to those courageous individuals who serve our country and protect our freedom. There is no greater reward than assisting our military personnel past and present, be that with their home financing needs or serving them a cup of coffee. These individuals are true heroes, and […]
The vast majority of business owners know that they can’t just start marketing something and hope that it works. As I have told many of my clients before – and it is worth repeating – no good strategy ever includes the words “hope and pray”. Simply put, don’t do anything that you can’t measure. Some […]
Some local business owners say their younger workers “spend too much time texting” or “aren’t really looking for a career.” And some younger professionals feel underpaid and uninspired. This situation is by no means universal, but it’s also undeniable. In the professional world, we expect new employees to follow a tried-and-true routine: Respect authority and […]
Year-end tax planning is particularly challenging this year because of uncertainty over whether Congress will pass comprehensive tax reform that could have a major impact in 2012 and beyond. Even if there’s no major tax legislation in the immediate future, Congress will still have to contend with a multitude of difficult issues, such as whether […]