Over the past few years I’ve been talking a lot quite a lot about my thoughts on how to create a work environment that’s conducive to attracting and retaining millennials. I certainly don’t presume to be an expert in this matter but I can say that I’ve taken more than a passing interest in it because they are a key resource for our members and the way you work with them is a critical success factor for your business. Continue reading “Team Members of the Future”
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Private companies performing well: is it time to embrace into a growth mindset?
Few people question the important role private companies play in contributing to the health and well-being of the nation. These businesses are responsible for more than 50% of non-farm GDP and 65% of new job creation so when they’re in good shape the nation is in good shape. The last 6 years have not been kind to small business but maybe things are getting better. Continue reading “Private companies performing well: is it time to embrace into a growth mindset?”
Will he know what it’s about?
I don’t know about you but I really, really, really hate (do you feel the passion) being asked this question by a receptionist when I call a professional service provider and especially accounting firms. It is never asked when I call my dentist, doctor, hardware store, auto repairer or clothing retailer. The reason for the question is so Continue reading “Will he know what it’s about?”
What can the Portland Timbers soccer team teach us?
I’d never heard of the Portland Timbers soccer team until I read about them in the April edition of Fast Company. My guess is you probably haven’t heard of them either unless you live in Portland or you’re a US soccer fan. Continue reading “What can the Portland Timbers soccer team teach us?”
Business Plan Report
I recently asked people on our mailing list to complete a short questionnaire on their use of business plans for their practice and their clients. I have now finished my summary report Continue reading “Business Plan Report”
The story of a Mexican American whose beliefs changed
A Sunday morning ritual I have come to enjoy starts with a 2 hour coffee and reading session at my favorite Starbucks store. Typically I’ll be among the first to arrive and I leave when the crowd starts to come in. The store I visit is in the Heavenly Village which is kept clean and tidy by a diligent crew of people headed by my friend Jose, who is the head of the Village maintenance team. Continue reading “The story of a Mexican American whose beliefs changed”
Please take care of yourself and optimize your performance
In the past three years three valued members and friends of the Principa Alliance have either died or had a serious stress-induced illness during or near tax season. A UK member died of a heart attack just after the beginning of the hectic January tax season. Another UK accountant had a stroke two days after tax season and a US member suffered a heart attack in the middle of tax season. Continue reading “Please take care of yourself and optimize your performance”
A Business Plan Template
I’m not a huge fan of traditional business plan construction but I do acknowledge that the process gives business people a framework for thinking through the various elements of planning for success. Having said that I’m writing this post for another reason. The template that was attached was sent to me by a relationship manager at my Australian bank. I have had virtually nothing to do with him in the past and this came as somewhat as a surprise. He has no idea what my business is about and I’m certain that he sent this template to all his “business” customers. Continue reading “A Business Plan Template”
Do you have a purpose?
Ask this question to anyone and you’ll get many different answers ranging from: that’s my business, I don’t really have one, I want to be happy, to be content, to make a difference, to make lots of money, to have fun ….. etc. etc. The point is, it’s a personal thing, it quite like changes over time it may be inward looking or it may be outward or it may be both. Continue reading “Do you have a purpose?”
Autonomy and Team Member Performance
Since I have been presenting the Q&A web conferences this year slightly less than 50% of the questions asked have related directly or indirectly to team member issues such as how to delegate, how to get them to embrace your culture, how to motivate and get engagement, how to improve productivity, how to get people to think logically etc. Continue reading “Autonomy and Team Member Performance”