We like the way Jim Canfield of Renaissance Executive Forums defines the various stages of business growth. They provide a convenient classification that helps us recognize and appreciate the goals and challenges of each level of progression. Here we apply his staging definitions to the physical consumer product business: Start Up. This is the exciting […]

This Valentine’s week, as you examine significant relationships in your life, take a close look at your company’s management team. Are the views of those operating your business still in line with your company vision and mission? “As a company grows, a shift can occur as the owner transitions from exercising a lot of control […]

You can’t enter a reception lobby of any established company these days without seeing a plaque on the wall that says “Company Core Values.” This is the company’s way of announcing to vendors, employees, and customers the principles, ethics, and morals for which the company stands. Terms like honesty, integrity and morality are common. Some […]

Many of today’s consumers feel worried by the outcome of the election and recent attempts to marginalize their various communities. Or should we say the majority of consumers! They include: the majority who voted against the current administration and its policies; the majority of religious and ethnic communities that make up the market place; and […]

Pruning is an art form with a science behind it. Any good gardener knows that skillful and timely pruning increases the strength and yield of your plant. Pruning can determine the direction of growth and suppress disease. But you have to do it! Now is the time to take a good look at your business […]

Today the talk is all about online sales and how they are closing down bricks and mortar stores. While it is true that on line sales represent the fastest growing segment of the retail business, according to the Department of Commerce, bricks and mortar stores still represent 93% of all retail sales. For most of […]

When you are from an industry, it’s easy and natural to follow best practices, established policies, and time-honored conventions. Being from outside the industry, it seemed logical to seek advice from the people actually doing the physical work. This turned out to be an advantage when we starting Barefoot Wines. If you want to be […]

Email blasts and self-serving promotions seem to be taking over our inboxes. With all the white noise these days, business email communication can fall victim to overloaded and desensitized recipients. Is it any wonder that our own business emails get incomplete or tardy responses, are overlooked, misread, or simply deleted altogether? How can your get […]

Many years ago, President Jimmy Carter upset men’s business fashion when he fancied himself as a “Peanut Farmer” and wore jeans in the White House. The fad took off! Ever since, it’s common to see CEOs and conference speakers wearing sport coats and jeans.  Fashion changed again when we decided we all wanted to look […]

Personal business experience has proven to us that face-to-face meetings are the most productive for breaking the ice with a new prospect. The human face has at least 43 muscles that act in consort to produce over 20 expressions. If you see a negative one while you are meeting face-to-face, you can change your approach. […]