My friend Steve Yastrow, a shrewd advisor and author, recently introduced this “Ditch the Pitch” approach, which you’ll find in his book of the same name at yastrow.com. It’s so packed with great ideas, I asked Steve for permission to share my top takeaways here. If your sales pitch isn’t delivering the results you want,…
Embrace Your Role as Company Leader As their small businesses grow, many owners struggle to define their shifting roles within the organization. It is a given that many business owners are great “doers.” After all, they’ve built successful businesses from the ground up. But as a business takes off, owners are suddenly confronted by tasks…
I don’t know who coined the expression “cash is king,” but they certainly knew what they were talking about. Cash rules, always and forever, but even more so when the economy is soft. Cash = power. When you have it, it allows you to operate from a position of strength. Cash is not only money…
Step 1 – Target Your Market No matter what size your business is, the key to growth is working smarter, not harder. That means focusing your resources—time, money, personnel—on those activities that deliver the greatest return. Follow the 80/20 rule of productivity: just 20% of our customers, products, and activities generate 80% of our business…
Many entrepreneurs don’t set specific goals for their business, but studies show that goal setting really does drive higher achievement. According to small business peer board members who’ve embraced this technique, goal setting forces you to focus your energies effectively and develop real, viable action plans. It isn’t hard if you follow their lead. Here’s…
GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A POWER CHECK The key to growing your business is to keep evolving. To do that, you have to step outside your daily business and see where you fit in the big picture. You give your business an unbiased power check. Immersing yourself in new ideas is one way to broaden your …
Goal: Get Your Finances in Order Get on Track with Financial Tracking Your business can’t grow—not to mention survive—unless your finances are healthy and sound. Getting Your Finances in order is crucial. Don’t limit your focus to the top of your profit and loss statement. The true test if your finances are healthy is your…
The world around us is changing and if you don’t want to be left behind, you need to change, too. You can’t afford to hold onto your old ways. (The dinosaurs refused to change, and look what happened to them, and also Sears & Kodak.) But changing is easier said than done. How do you…
Holiday Cheer and Financial Growth: How Gratitude Fuels Business Development The holiday season is here—a time for reflection, celebration, and planning for the future. For business owners, it’s also a golden opportunity to ignite financial growth and development. This festive period offers unique chances to connect with customers, boost revenue, and set the stage for…
Building a successful small business is not a solo journey. To thrive, you need the right skills, financial strategies, and guidance from trusted advisors. Whether you’re part of a Small Business Leadership Group or have access to a Peer Advisory Board, leveraging these resources can significantly impact your growth and long-term success. 1. Tap Into…
