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As a business owner, you know what it’s like to lie awake at 2 a.m. Maybe it has happened when you are excited and full of new ideas for your business. More often, it’s because you are worried about issues you will face the next day. Sometimes, it’s because you just woke up with the solution to a problem. I’ve experienced all those emotions about my businesses over the years. Awake at 2 o’clock? is where I share them with you, and hopefully help with answers that will let you sleep.
John F. Dini, CExP, CEPA
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Small business owners are the Hunters of the 21st century. We are 3% of the US population, and yet we create over half of all American jobs. As Hunters, we may not be inclined to manage by the numbers or stick to systems. Are you a Hunter or a Farmer?
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How prepared are you to exit your company?
The Assessment breaks down the four major categories of exit readiness; Finance, Planning, Operations and Revenue/Profit.
Tag Archives: management
Another small business owner defrauded
I’ll be in Denver, sharpening my saw all weekend at the semi-annual conference of The Alternative Board®, so I’m posting early this week. I had an evening call from a client last night. He recently discovered fraud in a small … Continue reading
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Stoplight 360
I recently saw a fast and easy way to rate your employees that makes the high performers and low performers stand out in a way that can’t be ignored. It uses Stop light Methodology: a red-yellow-green marking system. The advantage … Continue reading
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The influence of one man
I promised to return with the true story of the difference one man can make. If Sam knew that I was talking about him in my blog he’d be embarrassed. Recognition isn’t his thing. In fairness to Sam, I’m not … Continue reading
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The Ghost of Ebenezer
Last week three of my clients implemented staff reductions. All three are financially healthy service companies, but they had far more capacity than they had work to fill it. In a service company, of course, capacity means people. Naturally there … Continue reading
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Gifts are not incentives, and incentives shouldn’t be gifts
I knew a couple who owned a company with about 20 employees who had what may be the worst incentive distribution plan I’ve ever seen. The company gave out large holiday bonuses every year at the company party, which was … Continue reading
2 Responses to Gifts are not incentives, and incentives shouldn’t be gifts
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John, Merry Christmas! I continue to appreciate your insights into small business ownership and the disease of entrepreneurship. It is true that many of us struggle as business owners at this time of the year, missing the target and the meaning of the Season.
Thanks for your continued friendship, and all the best for the New Year!
Brad Elmhorst
Direct Hit Data, Inc. -
Great post John. Sounds like our family business over the past 40 years! Your post definately opened my eyes and got me to re-think our holiday party and bonus program for tomorrow night!
Well said John. A fitting tribute to an inspiring man
Well it’s 2 AM, no kidding.
Thanks for the story about a great small businessman that has his own franchise working for the greatest man who ever lived. The franchise is free but it’s not cheap, it doesn’t pay well, you have to work everyday for the one payday and that day is priceless. Sam is a great businessman.