Category Archives: Protecting the business
Are you the bottleneck in your organization?
[wdm_image_effects effect=”no_effect” animation=”flipInX” shape=”no_shape” color=”#000″ social=”” title=”bottleneck” description=”bottleneck” id=”2718″ show=”hover” counter=”0″ size=”medium”/] At many board meetings, I can be counted upon to ask, “Where’s the bottleneck this month?” Senior management is usually prepared with an answer, and a good discussion … Continue reading
Business risk: Bet the farm only when the crops are on fire.
[wdm_image_effects effect=”no_effect” animation=”zoomIn” shape=”no_shape” color=”#000″ social=”” title=”Crops-on-f” description=”Crops-on-fire” id=”3463″ show=”hover” counter=”0″ size=”thumbnail”/] How much risk you and your company are willing and able to tolerate over time? Most people believe that early stage companies should take risks aggressively because there … Continue reading
You are watched, mostly when decisions are tough.
If you have been in management or an entrepreneur long enough, you will have experienced the gray area of decision-making where ethics, the law, your needs and expediency all collide. This is the time when you are paid the big … Continue reading
You are your company’s moral compass.
Here’s yet another story that you may identify with – or have yet to experience in your business life. It’s one of those that define your leadership for all to see, sometimes based upon decisions made in the moment – … Continue reading
Here’s a rule for companies with outstanding loans
Here is one that is so important to the continued health of a growing company that it cannot be overstated. It’s a bit complex for novices. But hang in there as I explain a bit about accounting classification of … Continue reading
Have you made the mistake of hiring too soon?
Well, you may not be alone. Many executives and managers have made the mistake of using the financial and sales forecast to plan and execute hiring of new employees – so that they could be trained and up to speed … Continue reading
So, what if you run out of money?
Money in the bank is like oil in the car. Certainly, you have many ways you are pulled every day, both tactical and strategic. But when money is the issue, your time, energy and focus are drained from other important … Continue reading
The 18-month rule and a harrowing tale
It can take 18 months from initial concern about a critical employee to getting a replacement up to speed. Of course, I’ll tell another harrowing story here. But first. an old friend, Dick Tanaka, gets credit for the 18-month rule. … Continue reading
Entrepreneurs: Employment law is not on your side!
Small companies most often scrape by with borrowed or invested funds, doing everything possible to grow and prosper with limited resources. So, it is like a punch in the gut when an employee makes a claim against the company for … Continue reading
Insurance is always too expensive – until it’s needed.
I expect that you have a story about how insurance saved you lots of money in your past. As usual, I have a story to make your hair stand on end. But first: here’s a fact. Business insurance is one … Continue reading