Case Studies
For many years, major department stores carried only two categories of jewelry: costume and luxury. Between the low-price costume jewelry segment (starting at $2.99) and the high-ticket luxury market...
Oct 26, 2011
Today, we continue to hear how video games & the internet have created a generation of kids that need immediate satisfaction. I can see it in my own kids; no longer willing to go through the process. Just get me immediately from to A to Z.
I think the global downturn has created a very similar mentality in business. It certainly seems we have no time, energy or money to go through the process. We want results yesterday for little or no cost. Unfortunately this thinking & video games are not reality.
I can understand the pressure a business must be under these days;...
Older Posts
Oct 25, 2010
I see so many solicitations across all media promising immediate results that it is very possible you may begin to believe it is possible to grow without investing. All you have to do is join this site, sign up for a newsletter, join a group etc. Obviously, I am not a believer in this thought process. While I am sure it happens from time to time the odds are surely not in your favor.
If this is the basis for your growth plan & strategy, you should not be surprised at the outcome. In my small consultancy, I realized that if I did not invest in marketing, business development,...
Oct 11, 2010
I must admit to being somewhat amused reading these direct sales pitches on these networking sites. First, I find it unfortunate that this is really part of some type of plan or strategy. Secondly, selling is about trust & a relationship built on accountability & responsibility.
Now, I am a great believer in these networks as a source to develop connects & eventual collaboration in the future. Not as a platform to direct sell products & services. It impossible to believe that this will result in any real long term value creation.
There are no short cuts in attempting...
Sep 24, 2010
I am seeing more & more of this at every level. Work now, pay later. Really not comfortable with these models, especially for solo-preneurs, consultants etc. Time is your only asset & investing in one of these ventures is very risky.
I do think there are plenty of great examples of equity based deals that have worked great for all participants. But, I am more concerned today due to the economic & employment situation. Let's face it, at every level of business, there are folks looking to taking advantage of others.
There are many people out there today that might have a weak moment...
Sep 22, 2010
According to the Federal Reserve, non financial US businesses are sitting on $1.85 trillion dollars of liquid assets. Not a misprint, trillion is correct.
So if you are sitting there day after day wondering why you cannot find any new business; look no further you have found the answer. Yes, the recession initially brought us to our knees, but now we are stuck in neutral until we begin to see some investment.
Liquidity does no good for shareholders or the economy hidden in a mattress. Sure paying down debt is a great idea and some are doing so. Yet, the lack of investment in technology,...
Sep 16, 2010
You would think this is a concept that has its roots in business school. Unlike other professions, business, we have learned, is inherently risky. The level of success achieved can be a direct result of the risk(s) taken. This is even more so the case for entrepreneurs, small business owners & any business person attempting to develop business.
Yet, every week I encounter more & more people that either did not take this course or failed to grasp its very simple concept. I continually hear "I need to open new markets", "I want an importer for my goods," "I need top line growth" etc......
