Commencement

Posted: May 31, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big Picture | 3 Comments »

While I’ve never been asked to give a commencement speech, I’m often asked to speak to a recent grad, the out-of-work friend, or the aimless young adult.  My advice is pretty much the same for them all.  Read the rest of this entry »

Summer Help (And Some Are Not)

Posted: May 29, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Your Business | Tags: | 1 Comment »

I love the interns in the film, The Life Aquatic, who wear Steve Zissou blue jumpsuits and red knit caps, and fetch submarine cappuccinos. But internships that bring the most to you, your company, and the intern, are more partnership than gophership. Read the rest of this entry »

Wiggle With My 60/40 Rule

Posted: May 24, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big Picture | Tags: , , | Leave a comment »

Typical of any week before a holiday weekend — and many weeks that have no visible excuse for shortchanged time — I’m longing for extra work days as much I am for the time off.  While I roll what is yet undone into next week’s plans, I’ll reboot my schedule with one that is better balanced by my 60/40 rule. Read the rest of this entry »

From Conslutant to Consultant

Posted: May 22, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big Picture | Tags: | Leave a comment »


A couple years back, I was immersed in a lopsided engagement, and found myself consistently, albeit accidentally, typing conSLUTant instead of consultant — and don’t think I didn’t notice my Freudian typographical error! Read the rest of this entry »

Margin v. Markup

Posted: May 17, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Your Business | Tags: | 1 Comment »
One of my clients (a landscape designer) sells design time by the hour, and products priced above her cost for an additional revenue stream.  Should she markup her products 20% or add a 20% margin? Read the rest of this entry »

It’s Deductible!

Posted: May 15, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Your Business | Tags: | 2 Comments »
Ah yes, I remember my first business. I had such an easy justification for spending beyond what was necessary — “It’s tax deductible!” But remember that portion of the expense that is “tax deductible”? It’s still coming out of your cash coffers, risking Read the rest of this entry »

Facebook Makes Facetime Better

Posted: May 10, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big Picture | Tags: | Leave a comment »

The best meetings exchange ideas. They do that which would be impossibly cumbersome via email or rudely impersonal by phone. Facebook has made face-to-face meetings even more effective by Read the rest of this entry »

Belly up to the Barter, Boys

Posted: May 8, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Your Business | Tags: , , | 2 Comments »

Bartering can be a great way to conserve cash when you use it with a few guidelines to keep the transaction square and your real cash flowing.   Read the rest of this entry »

Running on Empty

Posted: May 3, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big Picture | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

My clients all want the same thing:  a business that supports their ideal quality of life and gives them energy.   Read the rest of this entry »

Building From The Frame In

Posted: May 1, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big Picture | Tags: | Leave a comment »

Each family vacation I work a jigsaw puzzle with Sabrina, my sister-in-law and fellow in the Making-Order-of-Things Society.   Read the rest of this entry »