Recent Articles: Management - Operating - Planning

When the courage and convictions of one group of individuals converged with the humanity of two others, something special happened: A critical part of the foundation of the most benevolent nation i... » More

This is Jim's traditional Labor Day message. He makes the case for a national Small Business Day to honor those who represent over 98% of all U.S. businesses and produce over half of the U.S. $17 t... » More

There are many advantages to being a small business owner. But the most dramatic hidden benefit, which often has the most wealth creation potential, is for the business owner to also personally own... » More

In the marketplace, productive chemistry between people and organizations is has long been known to be critical for sustaining successful performance. If you're not having the level of success you ... » More

To help you get started, consider a few questions to ask a prospective business seller, suggested by my friend and business-buying expert, Russell Brown, each followed by my thoughts. And while I'v... » More

In the marketplace, there are actually three different clocks at work that every business uses: one for operating expenses, one for sales and one for cash. » More

Small businesses survive with a kind of "I GOTTA make it" resolve, but resolve alone isn't enough. To overcome the reality of their numbers they have to combine grit with a focus on operating fund... » More

Giant sequoia redwood trees grow very tall. Bradford pear trees, not so much. It's all in the genes. But there’s no genetic code for a business, which can become whatever its owner makes it. And th... » More

In The Age of the Customer, where value is now presumed, the prime differentiator is no longer competitiveness, but rather relevance. Today the question every business must focus on when they go to... » More

When customers are empowered, businesses are disrupted and barbells are likely. » More