Latest Articles
- How to Get the Most Out of a Business Health Review with Your Accountant
While working with my clients and as Program Manager of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program I have a common theme presents itself. How do I figure out how my business is doing? As a business owner I need to know the answer to this myself. So when I meet with my accountant, I want to give him the most up to date and accurate information. Thus providing the data he needs to help me make sound financial decisions. Your accountant can do this for you but they will need “information”.
- Planning For Success
So why is planning important? Without it you will waist a considerable amount of money, time, and resources. You can’t get where you want to go if you don’t know where you want to end up. Working with clients I usually find businesses that have grown ad hoc and call me when their inefficient back office operations are hampering growth. By developing a business plan you can prepare for growth and potential risk or problems. Therefore you are responding to your environment not reacting. Also, having a solid plan gives you a tool for making decisions.
- 10 Key Factors in Choosing Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)
One of my favorite topics we teach in class is how to compile information that can be used to make smart business decisions. What usually comes up during class is many start-ups and existing companies know they need a tool to help them with collecting and using information but do not know where to start. This article’s focus is the ten key factors to help you choose the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for your company.
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
Prioritize To Maximize
With the all the demands on everyone’s time and energy it is increasingly important to prioritize your work. You can be very efficient at doing or accomplishing nothing. Prioritize your work so you can make the most of the time you are spending.
There is a rule called the 80/20 principal. This dictates that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Wow! The first 90 minutes of your workday encompasses this 20%. As a result, the most important task/job/responsibilities need to be processed during the first 90 minutes of your day.
Spend the last 15 minutes of your day prioritizing the next day’s work. This would include what you need to get done during those first 90 minutes. This is “sacred” time and should NOT include answering email, the phone or multitasking. Just a laser focus on those duties at hand. You will be amazed at what you accomplish.
Lastly, spend the last 15 to 30 minutes at the end of your week prioritizing the next week’s work. Schedule the most important tasks for the beginning of the week. That will give you wiggle room if you have any unexpected problems or an emergency.
What will you be doing the first 90 minutes of the day?