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As a business owner, you know what it’s like to lie awake at 2 a.m. Maybe it has happened when you are excited and full of new ideas for your business. More often, it’s because you are worried about issues you will face the next day. Sometimes, it’s because you just woke up with the solution to a problem. I’ve experienced all those emotions about my businesses over the years. Awake at 2 o’clock? is where I share them with you, and hopefully help with answers that will let you sleep.
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Tag Archives: entrepreneurship
Gifts are not incentives, and incentives shouldn’t be gifts
I knew a couple who owned a company with about 20 employees who had what may be the worst incentive distribution plan I’ve ever seen. The company gave out large holiday bonuses every year at the company party, which was … Continue reading
Posted in Management
Tagged business ownership, employees, entrepreneurship, leadership, management, small business, small business advice
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Jerry West on dealing with tough times
Sorry I’ve been away. Actually, I wrote this to post last week and forgot to publish it. Lately I’ve been telling business owners a story from an interview I did with Jerry West during his tenure as GM for the … Continue reading
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Leadership
Tagged business ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership, small business, small business advice
2 Comments
2 Responses to Jerry West on dealing with tough times
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Very poignant post. I agree that globally this seems to be the age of re-evaluation. With technology moving as fast as it does, the topics on which we are experts today could very well be irrelevant by tomorrow. You make a good point about not brooding, all we can do is rethink and move forward. Thanks again for a post, looking forward to your next!
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Sales Comp II: Are You a Supplier or a Vendor?
The next question to consider when you are designing sales compensation is: “Are we a supplier or a vendor?” Without wasting time on the differences or similarities of the dictionary definitions, here are mine: A supplier provides goods or services … Continue reading
Posted in Management
Tagged business ownership, employees, entrepreneurship, sales, sales management, small business advice
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The Rhythm of the Sales Process
With so many of our clients trying to boost sales in a tough environment, we’ve been having lots of discussions about sales incentives. It’s surprising to me how many business owners create incentives that don’t fit their business, simply because … Continue reading
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Management
Tagged business ownership, employees, entrepreneurship, management, sales, sales management, small business advice
1 Comment
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Because cash is King, I have heard several suggest that if you do have a line of credit that you take the money from it and invest it in a short term CD. Any comments? I know several of my TAB members have done it.
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Another Swimming Metaphor
“Only when the tide goes out, do you discover who has been swimming naked.” This classic bromide by Warren Buffett has come to mind several times in the last few weeks. As the economy hits dead low tide (coming back … Continue reading
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Leadership
Tagged business ownership, economy, entrepreneurship, sales, sales management, small business advice
1 Comment
One Response to Another Swimming Metaphor
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I have some work to do, thank you for waking me up!
John, Merry Christmas! I continue to appreciate your insights into small business ownership and the disease of entrepreneurship. It is true that many of us struggle as business owners at this time of the year, missing the target and the meaning of the Season.
Thanks for your continued friendship, and all the best for the New Year!
Brad Elmhorst
Direct Hit Data, Inc.
Great post John. Sounds like our family business over the past 40 years! Your post definately opened my eyes and got me to re-think our holiday party and bonus program for tomorrow night!