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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.
John F. Dini, CExP, CEPA
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Small business owners are the Hunters of the 21st century. We are 3% of the US population, and yet we create over half of all American jobs. As Hunters, we may not be inclined to manage by the numbers or stick to systems. Are you a Hunter or a Farmer?
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How prepared are you to exit your company?
The Assessment breaks down the four major categories of exit readiness; Finance, Planning, Operations and Revenue/Profit.
Tag Archives: leadership
2 Responses to Purpose – Life After the Sale Part 3
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My Interview with Jerry West on Management
I once had the thrill of interviewing Jerry West on management. He was “The Logo” for the NBA, although back then they didn’t advertise him as such. Only the Laker followers knew for sure. In 1989 the “Showtime” Lakers were … Continue reading
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Owners are a Minority
When it comes to careers, business owners are a minority of the population. In conversations this week, I mentioned the statistics several times, and each owner I was discussing it with was surprised that they had so few peers. According … Continue reading
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Celebrating Mr. Fezziwig
Since 2013 I’ve updated this piece about the underappreciated and forgotten boss of A Christmas Carol, Mr. Fezziwig. I hope that you enjoy it. Merry Christmas! Last week was the 180th anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas … Continue reading
One Response to Celebrating Mr. Fezziwig
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Lovely piece, John. I make a point of rereading A Christmas Carol every year — a masterpiece! And (as you say) Mr Fezziwig is someone we should all aspire to!
Best wishes, and every good wish for 2024,
Tom
This column is right on. I found many of those for whom I served as a consultant were the happiest after the sale if they had a hobby / purpose. For one it was building and flying personal aircraft, for others caring for a disabled spouse or other family member, or serving as spokesperson (officially or non officially) for an organization for which they had/have a passion were the happiest with having left their business.. And the route to that success started with plannning for no longer being “boss”. or known ownly by their connection to their business. As parrt of their exit strategy they passed on responsibilities to others and used that freed up time to start / continue their non business passion.
One of my former clients started his association with me in 2006 with a goal of retiring in three years. He slowly passed clients and responsibilities and eventually sale of his company to his partner. He still (in 1924) performs those activities he likes with the clients he likes, when he likes. But travels, coordinates groups of friends E.g. into book clubs ,spends time with family and maintains his “mini farm,” acrerage” .He has no “need to do this” or “be there” at a specific time” etc. In his mind he is retired…and I think on the basis of my observation duiring our continued friendship .. his “third year” will be marked by his funeral. Not everyone can do what he has, but if desired, can do a variation.
Thanks John, this is very meaningful.
I have sold my business and am in the process of transitioning to new owners now. I will work through 2025 and then just be available for consulting and questions on clients. So far all is going smoothly, hope that continues!