COVID-19 and business are intertwined. The virus has targeted not only individuals, but also the business infrastructure, trade, supply chains and consumer behavior. We are in the midst of ongoing change and disruption, trying to establish some normalcy while dealing with the unexpected. It’s time to think, plan, and act. Consider both the immediate realities,…
How about them Cubs? Business leadership can be exhausting. So take a break, and indulge and reflect on glorious memories of our National Pastime. It’s springtime in Chicagoland, and thoughts, at least on the north side, again turn toward the perpetual saga of the Chicago Cubs. After endless agonizing decades, three short years ago, the…
There are many approaches you can take to create a strategic plan. You may elect to focus on your ultimate business goals, or past experience; or you can base your plan on a SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. An alternative option is to focus on your customer. The core premise of this…
Business and career success is a team sport. Think about soccer. Even if your soccer experience is limited to the announcer shouting “Gooooooooollllllll” or watching three year olds chase after a soccer ball, you can quickly realize that even the best player is handicapped without a team. Your power network is your personal business team.…
In business, communicating with “the other generation” can seem like a step into insanity. It’s hard to maintain civility when your statements or questions are met with confusion, frustration or, on occasion, downright hostility. Be reassured; you are not crazy, and, surprise, neither are they. Almost no one on either side of the proverbial generation gap…
The fourth quarter is here, fall is in the air, and in the business world, it’s time to jumpstart strategic planning for the new year. Do not permit yourself to be lulled into complacency. Yes, the weather is still balmy at times, and yes, the trees still hold some fall color. But year end is…
Why Bother with Reputation Management? Reputation management can be the difference between soaring in success or crashing in flames. Your reputation can have far-reaching repercussions. And in today’s world of instant communication and infinite electrical memory, reputation management has never been more critical. Once upon a time, not so long ago, a business or…
What are your odds for business survival? When tomorrow comes, will you have a solid customer base, or will you be left behind? Crazy change is the norm for business. Our favorite cookies or soups might be the hot items today, and be off the shelves tomorrow. Log into Facebook, and the options have changed since…
When technology backfires, the results can get really ugly. Rather than building business, the best laid plans can cut you off at the knees. If you’ve ever upgraded your technology infrastructure, you’ve probably researched the field, and selected the latest elegant system which, according to the reassuring sales representative, is the answer to all your…
What is the bottom line for business? Revenues minus expenses is the stock answer, and it is absolutely correct. But what are the true expenses, and what is the true bottom line? Expenses are the payments made to generate profits. When profits are threatened, expenses may be cut. And sometimes, to save the company, the sacrifices…