Do you consistently stand out in the marketplace?

As consumers become increasingly discerning with their financial resources, it’s more important than ever to remain consistent in your professional offerings. Exceptional companies stand out in the marketplace, and they do so by delivering a high-quality customer service experience on a consistent basis. Consider your own recent experiences when spending your hard-earned money. Of your […]

Bicycle riding combines fitness and fun

People ask me all the time if I “ride.” I assume they’re asking whether or not I ride road bikes or mountain bikes, as my husband avidly does both. I know how to ride a bike. I’ve known how to ride my bicycle since I was a kid. However, it’s a little more complicated these […]

Buying technology? Consider all costs

If a refillable pen costs $49.99 new and annual refill expenses are $100, would you purchase a box of those pens for your business? Of course you wouldn’t. At the same time, if I told you a new Microsoft server would cost your business $4,000 up front and require $6,000 a year in maintenance, would […]

With vacancy rates down, timing good to buy rental properties

The Grand Junction rental housing market is doing better than expected, way better. The first quarter vacancy rate for Grand Junction was 6.3 percent, down from 11.6 percent for the same quarter last year. This information is based on the Gordon Von Stroh Denver University survey for apartment rentals statewide. Apartment managers in this market […]

By helping others, business owners help themselves

Let’s face it: If you had a knife to your throat and someone demanded all your money, the $20 in your pocket wouldn’t seem nearly as important as getting the knife removed from your precious neck. Now, what does that have to do with business networking? Three things: the feeling of urgency, the feeling of […]

It’s time to insure against ‘Eurorisky’ behavior

The Greek bailout didn’t take. Two-year Greek government bonds recently traded at cents on the dollar, resulting in yields of 25 percent. The market is clearly pricing in some element of default in the securities. Effectively shut out of the credit markets, financial pressures have mounted in spite of guarantees and bailout promises by other […]

Why outsourcing payroll makes sense

Change remains a challenge for business owners. Considering outsourcing payroll is no exception. Here are some of the most common reasons business owners and managers choose to outsource payroll. Consistency. As business owners are well aware, “in-house” bookkeepers tend to come and go. When you outsource payroll processing, you give yourself a “safety net.” Of […]

Tap the power of the mobile Web

The mobile Web has gained attention over the past year even as it has evolved rapidly to become a major player in how businesses market themselves to consumers. If used properly, the mobile Web can offer a deeper reach to consumers at every stage of their lifestyles. Let’s face it. You never leave home without […]

Networking made easier by remembering a few words

Business networking is something that for some is the most exciting part of their day; for others just another “thing” to do; and for still others a stressful event just to think about, let alone do. For many, talking to people can be overwhelming — whether it’s in an elevator, in line at the grocery […]

Secret to survival in financial statements

The key issue for businesses today is surviving long enough to make it through the recession. In my days as an executive with a Fortune 400 company and global bankcard, we had entire departments monitoring the economy. Here’s my take. As far as I can tell, the economy isn’t recovering, moneyed people are frantically looking […]