Saying Goodbye to a Family Member
Our youngest family member (in human years), PeiPei peacefully took her last breath at home on Friday night; shortly after having a series of strokes. Her precipitous fall from relatively good health (for a Shar Pei almost 15 years old) was a surprise. Within the last two weeks, she had chased rabbits in the back…
When Strategic Planning Becomes Useless
Typically, the 4th quarter of each calendar year is when companies develop their annual strategic plan. On a scale of 1 to 10, how effectively implemented was this year’s strategic plan? Are you thinking about how to improve your effectiveness “score” for the following year? If so, below are some pitfalls to avoid and tips…
The CEO’s Dirty Little Secret
As the company owner or CEO, the buck stops with you! Actualizing the future vision of your company (or not), with employees that are going to help you become a more valuable business (or not) is entirely on your shoulders. Why financial statements tell only part of the story Having spent nearly two decades as…
Speaking in Generalities Works in Politics but NOT Business
Have you ever noticed that politicians speak in generalities and have a very hard time talking in specifics? Do you think that approach works effectively in the business world? No way! Generalities in politics looks like Over the past month, I’ve seen the following campaign slogans: For working families For better schools The candidate who…
When Being Good is NOT Good Enough
“When you’re good at something, you tell everyone. When you’re great at something…They’ll tell you” Walter Payton, NFL Hall of Fame Great Is your marketing magnet good or great? Marketing is the process of creating a magnet that attracts customers/clients to your company. Using Walter Payton’s quote above as your barometer, is your marketing magnet…
5 Golden Rules of Leadership
When it comes to improving your business and life, how open are you to learning from others? Do you have the capacity to knowingly NOT have all the answers? How healthy are your relationships with employees? How effective is your company at delivering high value to clients? Does appreciation for your company’s success and your…
Dogs Follow Their Leader’s Energy
Is your leadership style dog approved? If you could become a better leader by paying better attention to your dog, would you be aware enough to absorb the lessons they teach? I picked up three leadership tips last Saturday while attending DoggieStock 2016 in North Bend, WA and wanted to share. Leaders build companies and…
What Does Labor Day Mean to You
Over 120 years ago, the federal government officially recognized the first Monday in September as Labor Day; a public holiday whose purpose was to honor the American Labor Movement. Over time, labor unions have diminished in both membership and influence; which in part has led to redefinition of Labor Day as the symbolic end of…
How Do You Engage Your Audience
Back in the day, television ads, radio ads and newspapers were all primary methods for businesses to communicate with potential customers via advertising. Most people now know that traditional advertising is no longer an effective way to communicate. Times are a changing. The reason is that people consume information differently these days. Mobile devices are…
Leading a Company Isn’t Always Easy
If you are highly stressed from the challenges of being a business owner or leader, you are not alone! According to a recent study by Bank of America, running their company is the #1 stressor in a small-business owner’s life; beating out other stressors like navigating the ups and downs of marriage, relationships and raising…