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.
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
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
Momentum is the lifeblood of any successful business. Maintaining it requires intentional effort, strategic focus, and consistent evaluation. The Small Business Strategies to Keep and Build Momentum Scorecard is a powerful self-assessment tool designed to help you identify strengths, uncover areas for growth, and create actionable plans to propel your business forward. This scorecard enables […]
View moreKey Financial Metrics: Formulas, Importance, and Benchmarks A Straightforward Financial Reference for Business Owners Who Want to Stay in Control You don’t have to be a CFO to understand the health of your business, but you do need to know what to look for. Financials don’t lie. And for any business owner serious about scaling, […]
View moreBusiness Financial Health Self-Assessment A Candid Tool to Help Business Owners Understand Where They Stand—and What to Do Next Financial health isn’t just about profit margins and revenue targets—it’s about resilience, clarity, and the ability to make smart decisions under pressure. The Business Financial Health Self-Assessment from Capacity Building Solutions gives leaders a structured, easy-to-use […]
View moreThis is a platform that provides valuable insights and analysis specifically tailored for mid-sized businesses. The site covers a wide range of topics, including market trends, investment strategies, industry challenges, and leadership tips, all designed to help business owners and executives in the middle market grow and succeed. It’s a great resource for staying informed […]
View moreKPI.org is an online resource for KPI practitioners sponsored by the Balanced Scorecard Institute (BSI), a Strategy Management Group company. BSI provides consulting, training, and professional certification services to commercial, government, and non-profit organizations worldwide. BSI specializes in helping organizations: Become a high-performance organization Increase focus on strategy and results Improve organizational performance by measuring what matters Align the […]
View moreThe CPI inflation calculator uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) U.S. city average series for all items, not seasonally adjusted. This data represents changes in the prices of all goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.
View moreThis video offers a clear and concise explanation of how the economic machine works, presented by Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates. Dalio breaks down the complex workings of the economy into simple, understandable parts, focusing on the key drivers that shape economic cycles. He emphasizes that while the economy may seem mysterious, it operates […]
Every business owner will eventually transition out of their company—whether by choice or circumstance. Yet, many entrepreneurs overlook the importance of a well-structured exit strategy, leaving value on the table and risking the future of what they’ve built. In this Middle Market Journal article, discover why having an exit plan is critical for long-term success […]
Read moreInvestors have poured billions into AI-related companies, but adoption is moving slowly across American firms. According to the Census Bureau, just 5% of American businesses have used AI to produce goods and services over the last two weeks, highlighting that market enthusiasm is not yet matching the real economy. Despite this slow progress, AI has the […]
Read moreFor years, the simple answer was that the CFO leads a company’s finance function. But the role has expanded tremendously. Today’s CFO is a key colleague across businesses and functions, and is the CEO’s strategic partner in maximizing value creation. The CFO helps with shaping portfolio strategies, undertaking major investment and financing decisions, and communicating with […]
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