August 2009
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“A borderline train wreck,” said Charlie Swenson, general manager at Walser...”
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On one hand it is hard not be excited about the “cash for clunkers” program. On the other hand, quotes like those above give me pause. As I read, and re-read the article, I had some thoughts.
If the Federal Government can’t manage a program like this, how will they...
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July 2009
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“Prosperity belongs to those who learn new things the fastest.”
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— Paul Zane Pilzer: Economist, entrepreneur, and author
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Identity & Expertise Twin Engines To Power You... →
A colleague of mine, Anthony (“Tony”) Tiernan, has put together a very thoughtful, insightful, and helpful presentation aimed to help consulting practices, but, I believe that there is information in this offering that will benefit you no matter what business you are in.
This report is free, and I suggest that you check it out. There is an option for “fullscreen” in...
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Small businesses remain under attack →
Another great piece and perspective in the Huffington Post by by Llloyd Chapman of the American Small Business League (ASBL) regarding small business Federal contracting in the United States.
“The American Small Business League (ASBL) has done more to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to Fortune 500 firms than every other so-called small business group in the nation...
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Fairness for small businesses seeking Federal... →
Great article from Chris Gunn regarding the legislation to pass H.R. 2568.
“H.R. 2568 would provide small businesses across the country with billions of dollars in additional contracting opportunities.”
Lets hope that this legislation is enacted AND enforced quickly. Small businesses have been shut out of small business set-aside contracts for all too long. It is time to clean...
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Business Tip for 07/15/09
If business were more like the Lincoln Tunnel, we would all prosper more.
For those unfamiliar with the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, as you travel on the roadway from New Jersey to New York, after you pass through the tollbooths, some how, some way, seemingly 25 lanes of traffic merges into 1-4 entrance ways (depending on how many lanes the Port Authority has open) into the tunnel. Like a...
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Business Tip for 07/14/09
Are your employees helping, or hurting your company?
I never ceased to be amazed as to how many small businesses allow their employees to negatively impact their company. As an example, I know of a entrepreneur who operates a 4 person company. One of his key employees has placed him a very bad position with 2 to 3 large customers. Behind the scenes, this employee has undermined the firm in an...
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Business Tip for 07/13/09
Technology is a great thing, but, if we are not careful, it easily can prevent us from achieving maximum productivity. This translates to lost revenue!
I met with someone this morning who has a variety of business challenges. While we were not slated to discuss technology, I learned that he was having serious problems with his email system. He operates a 5 person company, and they rely...
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Business Tip for 07/12/09
Are you afraid to spend money on your business in this recession? If so, please consider this true story.
Four months ago a restaurant owner came to me with some very serious problems in his business. I devised a plan to quickly get him back on track. While the business owner liked and agreed with my plan, in the end, he said that he could not afford my services.
A few hours ago I learned...
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Can Obama save small business and create jobs →
Business Tip for 07/11/09
“Under pressure for not doing enough to fix the economy, the Obama administration is now considering allowing small businesses to access the government’s $700 billion bailout kitty.”
Given the fact that the SBA’s “ARC” loan program for small businesses has been a complete and dismal failure thus far, news reports that TARP money...
Expert Opinion: Who's to Blame? - Strategies and... →
In this article, I take a close-up look at an entrepreneur who has been severely impacted by the recession, as well as the decisions made by our leaders in Washington.
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Business Tip for 07/10/09
Many smart people are starting businesses today. They have great ideas and are developing products and services that will be of great benefit to their target audience as well as their own financial future.
One of the most common mistakes we entrepreneurs make is not having the right infrastructure in place. This includes the right type of banking account, the proper legal structure for your...
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Different day, same old AIG story →
“American International Group is preparing to pay millions of dollars more in bonuses to several dozen top corporate executives….”
I do not normally use this venue to rant, but given the state of the U.S. economy and the amount of bailout money given to AIG, this action is misguided at best.
Why does Washington continue to forget small business?
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Business Tip for 07/09/09
I stopped in a hotel yesterday to do some things online and as I sat in the lobby, I was stunned at what I was hearing.
There was a company conference of some sort taking place. At the break, people came into the lobby from their meetings. With no regard to who was around them, they proclaimed how boring the session was, asked how each other was able to stay awake, and offered general...
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Business Tip for 07/08/09
Whether you were/are a fan of Michael Jackson or not, you have to appreciate all the attention and adulation that he received since his death, especially at his memorial service at the Staples Center yesterday.
Today is a great day to ask yourself what what would people say about you after your time here is done, and even more importantly, what do people say about you today?
Though we...
Powerfeedback by Scott - Small business poll shows... →
Powerfeedback conducted a nationwide survey of small businesses and SBA “ARC” approved lenders. Highlights of the results are included in this report.
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Business Tip for-07/07/09 →
Today’s business tip is a little different, but no less important than the direct advice that I normally offer.
Please check out this link, and then contact your representative to urge them to pass H.R. 2568. If you are unsure as to who your congressmen or senator are, using the “find your representative” tool on Vote Smart’s website, you can easily locate this...
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Business Tip for-07/06/09
Cut your losses and do it without fear.
If your entrepreneurship journey is like mine, you are involved in more than one thing at a time. For us “Type A Overachievers” this is a good thing as it keeps us stimulated and always thinking. However, there are times when you have to evaluate what you are involved in, and make a decision as to whether it is worth continuing or not.
In...
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Business Tip for-07/05/09
A few weeks ago I offered a daily tip in which I urged you to always have business cards, paper and a pen with you. Today, I would like to illustrate the actual importance of this.
Last night my family and I attended a fireworks event. In order to get a decent view, we had to arrive pretty early. While waiting, I struck up a conversation with a gentlemen standing next to me.
He and his...
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Business Tip for-07/04/09
Happy Independence Day my fellow entrepreneurs!
If you are reading this today, KUDOS —- you my friend are definitely in the game of entrepreneurship!
As you hopefully spend some time relaxing with family and friends and perhaps (hopefully) helping out a jobless/hungry/foreclosed family, here is my simple tip of the day.
Ask yourself this one simple question. If I could do one...
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Business Tip for-07/03/09
Please do not forget those working this holiday weekend.
Many of my clients and colleagues operate businesses that require people to work during this holiday weekend. As many other companies are either closed today, closing early, and/or will be closed on Monday, I urge you to remember your staff that will be on duty.
I just met with a client and we finished laying out a plan where she...
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Business Tip for-07/02/09
Today’s jobless number report stunned even the most optimistic experts. If you have employees, today is the day to have a quick group conversation with your team.
Assuming that you are not planning any layoffs or shutting down your operation, I highly recommend that you convey a message like this to your people.
“You have probably heard news today of the unemployment numbers...
More jobs lost, Obama failing, Americans suffering →
“The American economy shed 467,000 jobs last month , and the unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, its highest level in 26 years, the Labor Department reported on Thursday” These are the facts, and…
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Who’s to Blame? →
This is my latest article for U.S. Business Review.
Please check it out and share it!
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Business Tip for 07/01/09 →
This is probably a very obvious tip, but, better safe than sorry!
Looks like California will be issuing IOU’s to a lot of people, including vendors. This hurts any business, but can be very devastating to a small businesses. Based on what I am reading, California will not be alone in this action as more and more states are in trouble.
Simply stated, you must get a significant...