H.A.L.T. – A basic rule of decision making for success
Decision making for success is a paradox. We commonly do it automatically, without stopping to pay attention to our own state of mind and presence while we are trying to make decisions we will not regret later. How many decisions, made in haste, do you wish you could take back?… Decision making is a leadership […]
Is flying by the seat of your pants a skill?
“There is an emerging body of work that suggests that intuition, sometimes known as “gut” instinct or “flying by the seat on one’s pants” is an essential leadership aptitude and/or skill. There is debate about whether this is a learned skill or innate aptitude. In my experience, it can be taught, but it is most […]
Have you ever heard the sound of tap dancing and farting?
Have you ever heard the sound of Tap Dancing and Farting. If you have, it’s probably been you. It’s the sound of the Entrepreneur on the often awkward and frenetic path of entrepreneurship. And if you are successful, you get to do it in public, a lot. The sound is quieter when you are in […]
Transformation is required
Small Business growth: Transformation is required Growth is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship and business success. It is also the lifeblood of our economy. But growth requires work, change and transformation. Perhaps most importantly, growth requires personal transformation in the leadership of the organization. Most small business owners have enough knowledge, experience and resources to get […]
Results, results, results…
Results in the absence of inquiry is a recipe for disaster. Results are the outcome of decisions you make. Make them well. I can’t tell you how many prospective clients I have had who have expected results overnight to a problem that has taken years to build. Moreover, many entrpeneurs are sure they know the […]
Inquiry – The most powerful skill anyone can master
Inquiry is the universal tool for business, science, leadership, and management. It is the root of excellence in decision-making and consistent effective organizational design and development. For example, any investor or entrepreneur relies upon the process of “Due Diligence”, the austere systematic steps to questioning and validation all of the underlying facts and assumptions of […]
Eat the whole loaf – I dare you!
Entrepreneurship is often a rush to success. Where success is the food of one’s purpose and meaning and Life. And of course, there is a big menu and lots to eat. The natural temptation is, upon finding bread, to try to eat the whole loaf. And of course, the next step is to get sick […]
How much is a qualified new business lead worth to you and when does that qualified new business lead have monetary value?
Leads have value. This value can be calculated by the hard and soft costs required to generate the lead. Indeed, most good organizations know exactly how much each warm lead costs. But the lead value is only relevant when looked at in the context of the client acquisition process. There are three steps in acquiring […]
Would you advise someone to buy an existing business or start a concept from scratch?
This is a deeply individual issue. Are you interested in this or committed to it? If you aren’t committed don’t do either. Businesses are easier to start and buy than they are to unstart or unbuy. The upside is great, but so is the downside. What are your objectives? Why are you doing this; to […]
What is the value of business owner mentoring?
I’ve mentored small business owners for over 20 years, formally and informally. And as a CEO I’ve been mentored and I’m still mentored. My son is a trusted mentor. It’s worth what one puts into it. There is no value one can put on reassurance, wisdom, decision making, guidance, decades of experience transferred in one […]