Implementing a Results-Only Work Environment
Results Only Work Environment, or ROWE, is a management strategy adopted by Best Buy where employees are paid for productivity, not just activity. A Results Only Work Environment focuses on achievement instead of solely being at work. Employees control their own work calendars and the focus is on how much work they get done, not when they accomplish it. There are many pros and cons for this type of... [Read more]
5 Tips for Your Next Virtual Book Tour
Book tours are a staple in promoting new books in the publishing world. An author is expected to travel to dozens (and sometimes well over 100) locations to promote their book, sign copies, and speak to fans. This is a tiring process which can yield only a few dozen copies sold at some locations. Many successful authors and book publishers are finding that virtual book tours can yield very effective... [Read more]
Questions You Should Ask Before Working for a Startup
I’ve been recruited to work with (or for) a number of startups over the years. Most offers I’ve declined, but I’ve also take a few and unfortunately none have hit it big! I have tried to learn to not get caught up in the excitement of the founder’s dream too quickly: most of the companies started won’t be around in five years and most of the ones I have been recruited... [Read more]
Online Entrepreneurship Degrees
As more individuals start businesses, entrepreneurship college degrees are becoming much more popular. You don’t have to be an entrepreneur to get a degree in entrepreneurship: many managers pursue entrepreneurship degrees to learn how to manage in the startup environment or for family businesses. Online learning is now an acceptable method of pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree... [Read more]
Why You Should Care About Financial Statements
Jim couldn’t understand it. His successful window installation company had ten years worth of financials. His business had been profitable since day one. He was never late paying a bill and had impeccable credit, but when he applied for a commercial mortgage to purchase a building for the company, two banks declined his application after seeing the financial reports his accountant prepared. He... [Read more]
One Page Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is a well researched and well written report detailing the marketing, promotion, and advertising plans for an organization. Essential items in a marketing plan include: Internal capabilities and forces which will have a direct effect on marketing efforts External opportunities and threats which could affect the company Goals and strategies to achieve the company’s goals Generally,... [Read more]
How to Launch a Successful User Generated Content Site – Step 1
I’ve decided to launch a new Web site. I know, I know, "who cares?" People launch new sites all the time. What makes this site any different? First, I’m going to document the site launch on here. I’m going to tell you how I do it in a couple of easy steps. You will learn the secrets behind launching a (hopefully) large scale advertising-supported content-rich site. You will... [Read more]
Being Grateful Even When There are Problems
I love my business but there are times when it’s difficult to enjoy it. When money gets tight, or a business partner disappoints, or when things aren’t going according to plan, it’s easy to become dissatisfied, unhappy, and ungrateful. My wife read a chapter to me this morning from Max Lucado’s new book, Every Day Deserves a Chance: Gratitude for Ungrateful Days. The chapter... [Read more]
Do You Have What It Takes to Start a Business?
One of the challenges entrepreneurs face is the gut check question, "Do I have what it takes to be a success?" There have been thousands of research projects studying successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs and the differences between them and the general population. It’s Tolerance for Risk, Right? Actually, no. It is a common misconception that entrepreneurs have a higher tolerance... [Read more]
