18 Nov 2020

Disappointment is tough. Whether someone let you down, you let someone down (including yourself) or something just didn’t pan out the way you’d hoped, the emotions around disappointment are strong. But, as a small business owner, you have to be able to feel your feelings, address those emotions, push forward and persevere. Here are four steps that can help: 1. Feel. Process. Accept. ...

27 Oct 2020

Time is funny. In some ways, 2020 seems to have lasted a lifetime. In other ways, many of us aren’t sure what even happened to the summer. But whether you’re still clinging to your shorts or have been wearing boots since Labor Day, the fact is that it’s October and we have only two months left in the year. You read that right, but we’ll repeat it again for those in the back. If you ow...

04 Dec 2019

“Work smarter, not harder.” It’s a common saying and we hear it all the time. It’s true – and some people have absolutely mastered it – but sometimes working smarter is challenging, especially when you’re a business owner with projects, requests and questions coming at you from every direction. Here are three tactics that, when used together, can help you work smarter and keep your focus...

20 Nov 2019

Thanksgiving is a special time of year that inspires us to slow down and think about what we’re thankful for – whether it’s family, friends, good health, a comfortable place to live or something more personal. But if you’re a business owner, Thanksgiving is also a stressful time that’s on the bleeding edge of the holiday shopping season and the end of the year. As we approach the next Th...

23 Sep 2019

Business owner burnout is an epidemic. Our society values entrepreneurs and business leaders who work tirelessly to build success, but working 80 hours a week, never seeing your family and never having a free second without feeling on call is exhausting. There are articles all over the internet – including this blog – about the importance of taking vacations, making sure your staff can r...

12 Jun 2019

5
In a world where we’re logged in 24/7 and taking time off can be seen as a weakness, burnout is plaguing professionals in every industry, including entrepreneurs and business owners. It’s expected that, for the first few years of your business, you’ll probably be the linchpin for your company – you’re in a growth period, you’re getting systems put into place and you’re building your team...

23 Jul 2015

5
In today’s busy, work-based world, it can be extremely easy to get so wrapped up in your work life that you forget everything else. If you’re a business owner, this can be especially challenging. But it’s important to remember that you opened your business so you could have a better life – not so you could work 80 hours per week. Take 10 minutes today to consider your work and personal l...

09 Jul 2015

5
We’ve all heard the phrase “following in my father’s footsteps” – but does that phrase indicated that you have to find a way to step exactly into each step? Or does it come down to just sticking to a similar trail? When it comes to following in the footsteps of the previous generation in a family business, finding your own footholds is vital part of helping the company thrive AND still w...

28 May 2015

5
There’s a phrase out there you’ve probably heard, “The first step is always the hardest.” Whether you’re a new runner, a business owner, or both, this phrase holds serious weight and it all comes down to will power. If you want to make a change in your life – or your business – you have to have the will power to actually take the first step toward making things better. Earlier this mont...

14 May 2015

5
When you say “no” to a customer the customer really hears “go somewhere else to get your solution.” Creating a spirit of YES in your company all starts at the top. As the leader, you have to encourage your entire team to be focused on excellent customer service by setting a great example. You need to succeed in getting all of your employees to remove phrases like “that’s not my departme...