In my experience, poor financial management is what causes most underperforming small businesses to fail or not achieve their objectives. Often it is a lack of understanding of how basic business finance works that inhibits owners and leadership teams. You need to fully grasp what makes your economic engine work to make the right investments and calculate appropriate risks.
Introduction – Don’t Get Stuck in the Short-Term I’m increasingly concerned that more business leaders have slipped into short-term thinking. After years of volatility and nonstop disruption, many seem almost shell-shocked. Instead of…
Working On the Numbers: Practical Financial Management for Small Business Owners Practical financial discipline for owners and emerging leaders I met with a group of Vistage Emerging Leaders earlier today, and the entire…
The Fed isn’t punishing business owners—it’s rebalancing an overheated economy. That doesn’t mean you should freeze. It means you should move with purpose, not panic.
Growth by itself isn’t the goal. Sustainable, balanced growth that outperforms your market and strengthens your business foundation—that’s the win. “You’re not in business just to stay busy. You’re in business to build…
Contingency planning isn’t about living in fear. It’s about being smart. It’s about protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build—your people, your reputation, your financial stability—so that when the wind shifts, you…
As a business owner, you already carry the weight. You understand the stakes. But you don’t have to do it alone... Transparency enables you to amplify your leadership—to equip your team with the tools, trust,…
Expense reductions should be strategic, not reactionary. By taking a thoughtful, analytical approach—leveraging data, empowering your team, and communicating effectively—you can cut costs in a way that strengthens your business rather than weakening…
Managing cash flow effectively is the lifeline of any business, especially for small business owners who often operate with tighter margins and less financial flexibility. Drawing from insights shared in a Vistage CEO…
As a small business owner, achieving and maintaining success requires a clear strategy and a commitment to continuous improvement. One effective way to ensure your business remains aligned and driven toward its goals…
Running a small business is as challenging as it is rewarding, especially when it comes to financial management. As a business advisor, I've observed many common errors that can jeopardize a small business's…
The journey toward financial transparency is a transformative process that can redefine the way you do business. By fostering a culture of openness, you enhance your operational efficiency and stakeholder trust and position…
Not all risks are equal. Prioritize them based on their likelihood and potential impact on your business. Focus your resources on high-probability risks that would leave you significantly vulnerable, while having contingency plans…
In business, uncertainty is a given. But while we can't always predict or control external factors, we can control how prepared we are to face them. A strong balance sheet isn't just a…
Enhancing the financial literacy of your leadership team can yield substantial benefits for your small business, including enhanced decision-making, improved financial performance, and greater strategic alignment. Here are 20 ways to increase the financial acumen…
At times, it’s hard to know what to do as you pivot and adjust to every new business challenge. Well, there is hope and time-tested principles that you can use to help you…
Courage still matters in business and in life. Many of us avoid the difficult decisions or talk ourselves out of taking risks. We strive for comfort where only pain and discomfort exists. It's…
Business leadership isn't easy. If it were, everyone would be able to do it. Some talented people make it look easy, but we often don't see all the effort that goes into making…
Even though all waves do crash to shore, most of the water still returns to the ocean to once again reform in a new wave configuration. Cycles follow patterns. Thank goodness, business leaders…
As we wind down another year, I thought it would be helpful to share some of the best practices I have observed over the years from leaders who tend to end every year…
In summary, get the basic business math right, avoid becoming too reliant on debt, make informed personnel decisions, commit to delivering high-quality customer service, and good things will happen.
If you’re focused solely on today’s income, you’re likely sacrificing tomorrow’s wealth. The Secret Stock Market gives you the clarity, tools, and strategic mindset to shift from business operator to business architect—someone who…
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