There are some general business macro topics that affect everything, not just discrete parts of the organization. It could be economic trends, governmental regulation, the stock market, geopolitical realties, or simply looking at your business from a 30,000 foot view. This category deals with big picture issues.
Launching a new business venture or starting up a company is an exhilarating journey filled with potential and promise. Yet, this path is often laden with hidden obstacles—what we can call “business landmines.”
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
By adapting your leadership style to the needs of your business at each stage, you can navigate the challenges and guide your organization to sustained success. Keep learning, stay flexible, and always lead
When faced with challenges or uncertainties, entrepreneurs should return to the fundamental principles outlined in Chrisman, Bauerschmidt, and Hofer’s model: Entrepreneur, Industry, Strategy, Resources, and Organization. By systematically diagnosing and addressing issues within
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
Understanding and managing growth rates is crucial for the success of small businesses. Each business will have its own ideal growth rate, depending on its industry, target market, and internal resources. Striking the
Failure happens. No one gets it right every time. In the journey of business, not every leader sails smoothly through the seas of success. The reality is stark yet often understated: the risk
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
Years of experience and observation in my coaching and consulting practice have shaped these commandments. By adhering to these principles, small business owners can establish a solid foundation for success and effectively navigate
Scaling and replication are two different approaches to organically grow your business. Scaling involves increasing the size and scope of your existing business operations. In contrast, replication involves creating a duplicate of your
Beginning with the basics of writing a business plan, this wide-ranging resource moves on to cover sophisticated topics such as how to navigate the world of venture capital funding and strategies for turning technological innovations into successful marketplace realities. Harvard Business Review on Entrepreneurship offers valuable insights for all types of business pioneers. The Harvard […]
Read moreLegendary cybersecurity expert and New York Times best-selling author Bruce Schneier reveals how using a hacker’s mindset can change how you think about your life and the world. A hack is any means of subverting a system’s rules in unintended ways. The tax code isn’t computer code, but a series of complex formulas. It has vulnerabilities; we […]
Read morePlease click on this link for the Myself and Other More Important Matters Book Summary. One of the world’s most influential living management thinkers, Charles Handy, has year after year been listed alongside business gurus, including Peter Drucker and Tom Peters, in the prestigious Thinkers 50 list. His views on management — and life […]
Read moreManaging a business, or any organization, I came to see, was more practical art than applied science. Yes, there were some useful disciplines, as in any art form, but what worked best could not be wholly determined in advance. Every situation was different. The actors, the motives, the resources, the constraints were never the same.
Read moreI believe that business and nonprofit leaders need to think differently about what constitutes success. Besides the quality of their people, what differentiates most high-performing companies is their vision, focus, and discipline. Culturally, there is a palpable sense that everyone is striving to be on the same page in terms of priorities and what is ultimately important. These organizations understand it is also the synergy of their activities that separates them from the pack, not just the activities themselves. Instead of simply working harder than their competition, they work smarter than them, too.
Read moreThe leadership journey requires you to cogitate constantly on the role you and others should be playing. As you achieve some level of success, your business may challenge your capabilities to lead it. This is okay as long as you do something positive about it. You will need to challenge your own preconceptions about what’s possible and why. Chances are you will outgrow some of your people, which is often sad but should be expected. You will be forced to push yourself to your own limits and find out where you need help….
Read moreBy embracing the principles outlined in these sections, leaders can inspire their teams, drive sustainable success, and create a lasting positive impact within their organizations. The path to success involves not just strategic thinking and sound judgment but also a deep commitment to people and the fundamentals of business management. The journey of leadership is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth, where the focus remains on building a strong foundation, fostering a thriving organizational culture, and leading with integrity and purpose.
Read moreBy understanding and addressing the stages of hubris born of success, undisciplined pursuit of more, denial of risk and peril, grasping for salvation, and capitulation to irrelevance or death, companies can avoid decline and achieve long-term success
Read moreThe "Harvard Business Review on Entrepreneurship" provides invaluable insights into the critical questions, strategies, and frameworks that entrepreneurs must consider to succeed. By asking the right questions, finding the optimal growth rate, investing in organizational infrastructure, writing a great business plan, making sensible financing deals, visualizing risk and reward, sourcing innovative ideas, focusing on winning approaches, and planning for financial success, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of building and growing a successful business.
Read moreDiscover the Essential Reads for Leaders, Innovators, and High Performers In a world overflowing with information, finding books that truly shape thinking and drive action can be overwhelming. My Top 110 Book Recommendations is a carefully curated collection of the most impactful books on leadership, business strategy, productivity, psychology, decision-making, and personal growth. These aren’t […]
View moreEvery organization, whether a startup, small business, or established enterprise, thrives or struggles based on how well it is structured and managed. The key to sustainable growth and efficiency lies in choosing the right organizational design. But with numerous frameworks available, how do you know which one is right for your business? Our Comprehensive Guide […]
View moreAssessment Questions and KPIs for Each Stage of the Business Lifecycle A Strategic Resource for Business Owners Seeking Clarity, Direction, and Measurable Growth Every business moves through seasons—launch, growth, maturity, reinvention, and sometimes, decline. Each stage has its own set of challenges and opportunities, but too often, leaders try to apply the same thinking and […]
View moreThe U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis is your source of accurate and objective data about the nation’s economy. What We Do BEA’s economists produce some of the world’s most closely watched statistics, including U.S. gross domestic product, better known as GDP. We do state and local numbers, too, plus foreign trade and investment stats and industry data. Economic Accounts: Descriptions of BEA’s principal programs and […]
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 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 […]
This video captures a dynamic CEO roundtable discussion, offering a unique glimpse into the minds of successful entrepreneurs from Maryland. Led by Ed Robinson, the panel, featuring founders from diverse sectors like technology, e-commerce, and government contracting, shares invaluable insights on building and scaling businesses. They delve into their personal journeys, highlighting key lessons learned, […]
Based on the search results, when referencing “Pete Scott” in the context of “11 Habits of Successful CEOs,” it’s important to understand his perspective as someone who has analyzed and presented key leadership traits. Here’s a summary that incorporates his viewpoint: Pete Scott, in his analysis of successful CEOs, emphasizes that achieving top-level executive success […]
n today’s fast-changing workplace, retention is one of the biggest challenges businesses face. But what if the answer to keeping top talent isn’t just better pay or perks—but genuine enjoyment at work? Research shows that employees who find joy in their work are 49% less likely to consider leaving their jobs. Yet, too many leaders […]
Read moreEvery 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 moreThis playbook for founder CEOs on scaling from start-up to standout and beyond borrows lessons from the global B2B software-as-a-service industry. Scaling is no easy feat. Even companies that develop successful products have a greater than 80 percent chance of failure.1 Fast-growth companies face constant growing pains, especially at critical inflection points, and investors attribute 65 percent […]
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