The blog below is a repeat, as were the previous two postings (September 4, 2019 and September 18, 2019). Combined, the three postings offer a template for developing a 2020 Plan. We are re-publishing these now because developing an Annual Plan is a critically important activity for any small business to undertake, and now is
Don’t produce a budget. Map out a Profit Plan. (Part 1)
The blog below is a repeat, as was the previous posting (September 4, 2019), and as will be the next posting (October 2, 2019). Combined, the three postings offer a template for developing a 2020 Plan. We are re-publishing these now because developing an Annual Plan is a critically important activity for any small business
“The nicest thing about not planning is that failure always comes as a complete surprise and is not preceded by a period of worry and desperation.”
The blog below is a repeat. It was first published two years ago, along with two companion pieces that will also be re-published in the two postings following this one. Combined, the three postings offer a template for developing a 2020 Plan. We are re-publishing these now because developing an Annual Plan is a critically
Don’t produce a budget. Map out a Profit Plan. (Part Two)
The blog below is a repeat, as were the previous two postings (October 17, 2018 and November 7, 2018). Combined, the three postings offer a template for developing a 2019 Plan. We are re-publishing these now because developing an Annual Plan is a critically important activity for any small business to undertake, and now is
Don’t produce a budget. Map out a Profit Plan. (Part 1)
The blog below is a repeat, as was the previous posting (October 17, 2018), and as will be the next posting (November 21, 2018). Combined, the three postings offer a template for developing a 2019 Plan. We are re-publishing these now because developing an Annual Plan is a critically important activity for any small business
“It’s important to have a sound idea, but the really important thing is the implementation.”
Picture this. You’re in a meeting to discuss a particular operating problem you need to solve. The group discusses several possible solutions, and finally settles on the one that seems most likely to succeed. Then the leader of the group says, “Good work gang! I think we’re on the right track here,” and adjourns the
Don’t produce a budget. Map out a Profit Plan. (Part II)
We have been talking about an annual planning process. It began two postings ago when we talked about laying out three to five strategic initiatives aimed at moving the company forward. Then with our last posting, we began a 2-part discussion on what some call a “budget,” but what we prefer to call a “profit
“Has anyone ever said, ‘I wish I could go to more meetings today’?”
Everybody complains about meetings . . . they’re too long, boring, and don’t accomplish anything. Or as humorist Dave Barry puts it, “If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings.’ “ Unfortunately, too many
When was the last time you fired someone too soon?
Most managers will tell you that the toughest part of their job is firing someone. It’s an inevitable part of the job, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Of course, we’re not talking about firing someone due to unethical behavior, unlawful acts, or willful acts of disobedience. Those situations are relatively easy to handle
Solve Problems with Ignorance, Not Experience
“When you’re a little bit dumb and naïve, things get done that no one believed could be done.” We don’t know who said that, but it’s true. Consider the new, fresh-faced young salesman who marches into an account we wrote off long ago as a waste of time. We all laugh at his innocence and
