Everyone’s heard the phrase, “Small business owners wear a lot of hats.” True, but security guard? Last night my business partner called me around 11pm, just as I was getting ready to call it a day. The alarm company had just contacted him; the alarm in our office had gone off and they had dispatched […]
5 Reasons Committees Suck
Commitees inspire all the wrong things in people. Complaining in a committee is easy, but no one takes responsibility or ownership. Hiding is easy, because each person’s contributions aren’t really measured. Decisions are nearly impossible, because you’re always striving for consensus. Progress is always limited, because pleasing everyone means not striving for the best solution. […]
The Great Big Small Business Show Returns
After a couple of weeks hiatus, The Great Big Small Business Show podcast is back in action. Episode 15 is all about employees in a small business. We’re tackling issues on how to hire people better, heart and doing more without having to hire. If you’re looking at hire people to expand your business, this […]
The Secret To Being a Great Salesperson
Everyone can be a great salesperson. You don’t need 20 years of experience, formal training, or a degree from Used Car Lot University. The secret to being a great salesperson is passion. It would be stupid for me now to say, “I’m not a salesperson,” because that would mean I’m not passionate. And I am. […]
Start Two New Businesses Before 2006 Is Over
Rolling along with some heftier goals I’m aiming to start two new businesses before 2006 is over. Truth be told both businesses are in their planning stages, with some initial groundwork in place, so maybe I’m cheating a bit with this goal…Still, there’s no guarantee either business will launch by Christmas, or ever for that […]
Getting Rid of a Business Partner Doesn’t Mean They Were Always Worthless
Dud business partners have to go – that’s a fact of growing a successful business. But that doesn’t mean they were always worthless. Typically, a business starts with partners sharing duties equally, working well together and contributing successfully. Over time, things may change. One partner gets distracted, loses interest, motivation, etc. Or maybe personal problems […]
Where Does Loyalty Fit Into Your Business Plan?
I’ve always been a fiercely loyal person. I think it’s a good character trait to have, although it can bite you in the ass when you’re loyal to the point of being blind. Many people will use adjectives like “cutthroat” or “vicious” when describing top executives. And we’re all familiar with “ladder climbers” — those […]
What I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Business
How much time do you have? Actually, instead of that please go listen to The Great Big Small Business Show podcast! We’ve just released Episode 13 – The One Thing About Small Business, with segments from: Chris Brogan – It’s the Other Things That Make it Work Colleen Wainwright – How Long Will This Take? […]
A Quick Video Guide to Helping Your Customers
When talking about marketing, it’s fairly common to hear, “Show us, don’t tell us!” But what exactly does that mean? Well Heidi Miller has a great example over at The Great Big Small Business Show, where they’ve done their 2nd video segment! Heidi found a great example of “show us” marketing from a billboard in […]
Who Wants to Hook Up in Toronto in a Couple Weeks?
I’m going to be in Toronto on business from November 11-15. I’m booked on the 13th and 14th (for the most part), but I’m free on the weekend and the 15th. I’ll extend my trip if need be. Anyone want to get together?
Founding Partner at 