Key Business Insights and Tools

I am blessed with several clients who have embraced the idea of “measure twice and cut once,” and therefore have adopted a robust process...

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

Updated June 2, 2021 This is actually a subset of a broader question, “How do I know if I should make an investment?” Unfortunately,...

I made a comment to several company leaders last week that gave us a good laugh – and a good insight. My wife and I got into a fight a...

Updated May 26, 2021 Confused by all the marketing options? Here’s a quick way to cut through the clutter… The Marketing Funnel Your...

Annual planning is in full swing, and the Year in Review is a great place to start the planning process. But many companies stop there,...

Updated June 2, 2021 Budgeting and strategy — two important processes that go great together! If you’re an early second stage company,...

Updated June 2, 2021 So, you’re thinking about what life will be like at your company when you’re gone. Congratulations! Really. It’s a...

Updated June 2, 2021 Congratulations, Second Stage CEO! You’ve gotten customers, survived cash flow crises, and created a vibrant team....

As usual, the TV show Mad Men is a hot-bed of intrigue again this season – and it’s especially fun to watch the workplace as a management...

As your company grows in Stage 2, you should use your sales process to drive more value – yes, for your company…but also for your...

I’m working with a $2MM firm right now to build in a performance-based aspect to their compensation program. Usually, I would follow a...

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 two big ways to increase your bottom-line Make sure you’re selling smart. This means focusing on your best...

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...

Updated June 2, 2021 The shift that HR needs to make Growing from being in start-up mode to becoming a second stage business, is a...