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Discovering Business Opportunities in Problems We are often approached by young folks who ask us, “What business should I go into?” - as if there was the realm of all possibilities. We assume by this question that these folks have not decided to “follow their...
We like to say, “Do what you do best, and delegate the rest!” That sort of flies in the face of, “If you want it done right, do it yourself!” Is there a middle ground that gives you the time you need to focus on moving the company forward using your best skill sets...
You often see line items on business plans for the cost of goods sold, also known as COGS. Most startups are painfully aware of the cost of goods. But there is another cost that is even more painful if it’s overlooked. That is the cost of sales. In today’s “scale fast...
Michael was interviewed on C-Suite Success Radio by host, Sharon Smith. To listen to the interview, please click the play button below:
The Burn Rate and Runway It’s always painful for us to hear a new wantrepreneur talking about the first steps they’re going to take when they go into business. They usually say something like, “Well, if I’m going to go into business, I’m going to need to get an...
When we talk to young startups these days, we repeatedly hear them asking for the same thing — cash. It’s true that a certain amount of cash is necessary for any startup. But when we press them and ask if they have taken full advantage of their hidden resources, they...
Michael & Bonnie contributed to an article written by Rombus Packaging Limited on the latest trends in retail packaging. To read the article, please visit Rombus Packaging Limited
One of our favorite talks is on making mistakes write. Not just right R-I-G-H-T but WRITE like W-R-I-T-E! When we started our business, we made so many mistakes, we got good at it. So, it seemed natural to us to develop a process for making mistakes. Our business was...
We often write about the need to return to Civics as a mandatory course in high school and even grammar school. We need to take a driving test to get a driver’s license. But we don’t need to complete a basic civics course to vote. Unless of course, if you are a...
Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.
Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.
They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.
Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.
To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.