December 30, 2024
How to Get the Deal Done
We recently held the Getting the Deal Done Breakfast Conference, which started 15 years ago. Some things never change, as in, ~200 RSVPs, 20-25% no-shows,…
December 23, 2024
Different Organizations – Same Issues
Recently I attended the annual conference for a non-profit on whose board I serve. It’s NW Student Exchange and the name defines the mission. There…
December 11, 2024
If You Don’t Invest You Collapse
Cuba recently experienced a nationwide electrical blackout, this after numerous partial blackouts, closing of schools and other “non-essential” buildings, and doing other things to preserve…
November 20, 2024
How Not to Run a Business
An old contact asked if I could meet with a friend who received an unsolicited offer for his business. They gave me a sheet of…
November 13, 2024
Marketing – A Subtle Value Driver
I lost track years ago of all the business owners who said something like, “If someone knew anything about marketing this business would grow so…
November 6, 2024
Build a Team – Increase Value
A business owner is like the quarterback of a football team (not counting the coaches). He leads the offense, which directly affects the defense (because…
October 23, 2024
Don’t Brag – Find the Issue
We had meetings last week with a couple prospective business owner clients. One said it more directly than the other on why he liked us.…
October 16, 2024
Bad PR
I’m not a PR person (public relations) and still can tell you the Seattle Mariners blew it when they fired their manager. He found out…
October 2, 2024
Innovation = Increased Value
Over the weekend I tested three mid-price-range LED projectors as we plan to take 30-40 to Antigua in February for their primary schools. They all…
September 18, 2024
You Can Only Coast Downhill
It’s a nice business. They do about $20 million in sales with 10% net income margin. It’s been around a long time, has loyal employees,…
