onebiz

Resources

Q: “Could you please ignore and delete the email I just sent to you? I meant to respond to the person who sent it to me but forwarded it to you by accident. Thank you.”

A: How many times has this happened to you, or worse, how many times have you done the same thing by accident? At my business we have a policy: Whenever we receive an email not intended for us, we endeavor not to read it and inform the sender of the mistake immediately.

Q: I hear that half of all small businesses fail. What’s the secret then to sticking around for the long-haul?

A: Of course there are a lot of things that go into creating a successful business, but one of the most important, and one that is often under the radar, is the need for a great recipe, or two.

Q: I want to make some changes next year, but especially I want to increase my cash flow. How can I do that?

A:  While it is no surprise that cash flow is a huge issue for almost any business that fails, and that businesses that do well are usually awash in ready cash, it is surprising to me just how few small businesses make ready and steady cash flow a priority…

Q: How would one go about beginning a more international sort of business? Not only are things tough here, but watching the Beijing Olympics makes me think that our product might do well in that vast market that is China.

A: While it is true that it has never been easier to go global, “easier” is not the same as “easy.” There definitely are challenges…

Q: How would one go about beginning a more international sort of business? Not only are things tough here, but watching the Beijing Olympics makes me think that our product might do well in that vast market that is China.

A: Now, that is a great idea. I have often said that we are living in a remarkable time for small business, probably the most remarkable ever. Not only have there been incredible technological innovations that have revolutionized business (computers, printers, the Net, etc.), but equally, huge new markets have been opened that were never available before (China, India, virtual.)

Q: How do you motivate the unmotivated?

A: The first thing to realize is that when it comes to motivation, most employees are a different breed than we entrepreneurs, or maybe more accurately, we are a different breed than most everyone else.

Q: How does a small business get big? We have been at the same level for years now and can’t seem to breakthrough.

A: Your question reminds me of a quote I recently saw by J. Paul Getty, once the world’s richest man: “My formula for success is rise early, work late, and strike oil.”

Q: I am on the hunt for any new ideas that can help me through this rough economy. It seems like the same old advice doesn’t really apply in this market. Suggestions?

A: I do agree that we are in extra-ordinary times and it makes sense to be on the lookout for cutting edge ideas and strategies. You never know which one might make a big difference.

Q: Unfortunately, it seems like it is time for our company to invest in a new computer system. I know I am supposed to be frugal right now, but we need what we need. Can you offer any help on saving or otherwise doing it right? We made an expensive mistake buying some wrong stuff last time and I don’t want a repeat of that.

A: I think the first thing you have to consider when making an investment in IT for your small business is the purpose of the system. The answer may not be as simple as it might seem at first blush.