With the right systems and people in place, we can step back as owners and do what really needs to be done
In 2014, one of the professors in my MBA program asked: “Why are you here?” As he went around the class, people responded: “To further my career.” “To earn more money.” “To get a better job.” When he came to me, I said: “I’m here to learn how to work less and make more money.”…
Building trust and consistency can improve your sales and increase your profits
“If only our customers would buy more from us.” This resounding phrase is heard throughout many businesses as the demand for sales increases in order to offset rising costs. While we may wish to create more revenue by selling more, our customers are facing rising costs at the other end of the spectrum. They’re looking…
Subcontractors represent your business. So they need to maintain your standards
Imagine paying to have someone bring a washing machine into your house and set it up and then having to fire them before the job is complete. This is exactly what happened to my friends last week after they bought a new washing machine from Home Depot. The wife decided that, as a treat for…
Coming up with a decision reduces stress and anxiety about the future
My brother Rob recently walked 650 km from Galway, Ireland, to Winchester, England, en route to Spain. He told me that for days he tried to decide whether to continue walking and take the ferry to France or go back home. He wasn’t sure where he was supposed to be. The indecision was taking a…
Without the right tools, we can’t build a house. Without the right people, things will get broken
“You are fired!” John yelled at me as I was lying on the ground after falling off the roof of the house. John was mad because his sawhorses had been broken in half because of my stupidity. I was stunned and just wondering if I had broken anything in my body as a result of…
While timing is important, action is more important. From action comes the fundamentals of success
Peter told me about his latest and greatest idea to improve his business. He was so excited because this new revenue stream was going to ensure his organization had stable income and would thrive again. This particular business seemed to have had its glory days 40 years ago. But this new leader was adamant that…
Getting more of your ideal customers is key
Jerry reached out to us because he wanted to get out of his business. The business, he said, was “too stressful,” and he “was tired of struggling.” During our discussions with Jerry, we discovered that while the business was doing several million dollars in sales, it was only marginally profitable. Jerry had to work extra…
Running a business is much like coaching a team
Al Erricson was my basketball coach in 1982 – he’s learned a lot about coaching since then. If only Al knew then what he knows now, we might have won a game or two. What Al knows, and every business owner and manager should know, is that being successful is not all about skills. It…
... if you want them to succeed
The great resignation is being talked about by people around the world. Not only are baby boomers retiring, but many people who have suffered from pandemic burnout are also changing their positions, selling their businesses and moving on to follow their passions. However, having invested time and energy into our positions, organizations and companies, we…
Do nothing? Fire the staff member? Throw in the towel and sell the business?
George has a small manufacturing plant he bought six months ago because it had good revenue and came with some real estate. However, he didn’t know much, if anything, about the industry. The previous owners kept everything in their heads and had very little documentation. George quickly realized that customer orders were being lost, there…