Running a business literally has its ups and downs, as in how revenues and other critical figures can fluctuate from month to month. That’s why you’ll often hear owners sigh and happily report, “We’re doing just fine where we are.” If you’ve been saying things like that, don’t get too comfortable. As any kid with a [...]
You’re on vacation or at a conference when you spot something that seems like remarkably clever marketing. You take a photo or make a mental note, and plan to “borrow” it for your own business when you get back home. Is that a good idea? Probably not. The most effective marketing is just like a company’s [...]
Companies pursue acquisitions for any number of reasons, most of which are related to growth objectives. Unfortunately, in the course of folding the new business into their own, companies often forget to integrate their marketing efforts. In some cases, failing to address marketing issues as part of the acquisition can lead to a company unknowingly becoming [...]
It’s not unusual for business owners to have healthy egos. It takes a great deal of confidence to launch and guide a business through the ups and downs. Unfortunately, egos can inflate into so much self-confidence it impedes success. I thought about that after I concluded a conversation with a business owner who responded to my [...]
A famous man quoted the Russian proverb, “Doveryai no Proveryai.” Translated it means trust but verify. Experience has taught me that’s a sound piece of advice for business leaders, too. I say that after dealing with countless business owners who have said “I trust my gut” when making important decisions about marketing or other strategies. What [...]
You’ve landed two big contracts in nearby states and have three hot prospects. It looks like the small company you started three years ago is ready to become a regional or even national player. It’s too bad your brand is going to limit your growth opportunities. I recently spoke with an industrial company that saw itself [...]
Have you ever wished you could take a surreptitious peek into your competitors’ operations or decision-making process? What if I told you, it may be easier than you think? I’m not suggesting you hire industrial spies to break into a competitor’s production facility or try to place a mole into their executive suite. The simple fact [...]
I’m always fascinated by company leaders who cannot grasp the value someone with a different perspective can bring to them. It reminds me of that homespun wisdom that it’s impossible to read the label from inside a jam jar. Put another way, unless a CEO or other company leader has managed to become 100 percent [...]
