Track “lessons learned.” As you grow your business, some ideas will work–and some will fail miserably. Many who came before us failed before they found success. RH Macy failed at 7 stores before he founded Macy’s. Einstein was expelled from school. Edison had more than 1000 failures. What they had in common, at a minimum,
Even under stress we can do much good at this time in our history (April 2020). That's why the perfect question to ask yourself, as often as possible, is “what is the best use of my time right now?” I wasn't asking myself that question enough since I started working fewer hours, and
(This article appeared in 2009 on FastCompany.com) Businesses can do well without planning, many do. However, even successful businesses get to a point where growth becomes an elusive goal. To become a high performing organization, to grow rapidly, a company really needs a planning and monitoring process. Got yours? I sure do have mine! Back in
Delegate what you don't know. Delegate what you know but don't like. Delegate what you know and like, but isn't a good use of your time. And don't hire cheap.
One great way to provide value to your team is to help them grow. Whether it’s growing their career or growing their book of business, sharing resources that have helped you may help them, too. Books can be very inspiring—I’ve confirmed this many times in my life. For example, on two separate occasions, I’ve tasked
On December 8, 2018, Elevating Your Business began its 20th year in business as a life and business coaching firm specializing in working with independent financial advisors and planners. As I often do, I was thinking about how to use this important milestone as a teaching tool for my clients and to help them discover
Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) are more than just individuals who do your yearly taxes. They can advise you on a long list of finance and business issues. Some CPAs are also Personal Financial Specialists (PFS™). They are advisors with additional experience, education, and certification that set them apart from other CPAs. Additionally, if you're looking
While I'm a big proponent of niching, like you, I'd like to help everyone. And in this article I'll show you how to do that in a way that doesn't drain you as you "try" to help someone. The goal, for me, as I believe for you, would be to give the person what they need
This is a reminder to me to re-read "Think & Grow Rich" a timeless book on life and business. I quote him often on my website and when I speak.
While I still miss Bob Villa, I’ve continued to watch This Old House from its inception. The program (and all old home books I purchased) gave me the confidence, at age 25, to redesign, help gut, and become a general contractor for a beach bungalow turned into my first home some years ago. Mistakes, I