Key Business Insights and Tools

In this previous post, I described the Business Growth Stack.  You’ll notice that Management appears twice. The dual-role that Management...

Updated June 2, 2021 There is a lot of conversation these days about Business Operating Systems, which have generated great productivity...

Small businesses are often dealing with situations in which performance has not met expectations. It’s not really a failure, per se, but...

Picture this… A friend of yours runs a successful Stage 2 business – but is also frustrated that things aren’t going as well as he’d like....

I have 2 clients who are focused on “accountability” this year, and it’s proving a hard row to hoe for both of them.  Why? Well, first of...

Most people recognize that markets don’t stand still.  Customers, competitors, and technology are constantly changing. Although most...

Its Valentine’s Day – a day when we celebrate the role that marketing and sales plays in our personal lives.  And in honor of Valentine’s...

Making Better Goals with a Strong Annual Planning Process Although it seems like just yesterday that the days were hot and we were at the...

Updated June 2, 2021 The challenge of the sales process We have to talk about an important part of the sales process. If you want to get...

If there’s one thing in Stage 2 companies that does not take a lot of thinking, it’s identifying who your “High Potential” staff are. ...

Updated June 2, 2021 Sometimes I’m asked to help companies find the right path for their next 3-5 years – which qualifies as “long-term”...

Many of you reading this post are 10%ers. And there’s something in the back of your mind eating away at your conscience. You know...

Updated April 27, 2021 Many of my clients are proud of the family feel of their companies. They care about their people. They pride...

Want to succeed as a Second Stage company?  Become a master of systems thinking. Systems thinking is at the heart of my work.  A Stage 2...

Imagine having a crystal ball that could show you the future. Wouldn’t it help you make better decisions for your business? Well, we...

My 11-year-old son started playing hockey goalie this year. At a recent goalie clinic, his coach said something I think applies to...

Updated June 2, 2021 The Problem Leaders Face Most second stage businesses have a planning process. But, there are often two problems...

If you've found this post as you're thinking about how to handle a COVID-19 world, you might also be interested in my free ebook, Winning...

Updated June 2, 2021 The challenge you face as a second stage business One of the most common ways that small business owners get stuck...

It’s not the fighting that’s hard. It’s deciding what’s worth fighting for. – Fafnyr the Dragon Few books have captivated my...