Today’s businesses grow through star performers

Star performers, or “rainmakers,” exist across all sectors — think LeBron James in sports or Oprah Winfrey in television. In some cases, they produce 20 or 30 times the average in their fields. And through a combination of skill, passion, drive and energy have the ability to catapult a business to the next level. Businesses, […]

Why there is much to be gained when you stay focused on what you do best

It has been my experience after more than 20 years in the technology sector that the key to profitability and growth is the ample allocation of resources to your core, without getting derailed by the latest buzz. In one word: focus.   While maintaining a watchful eye for new opportunities and strategic moves is important […]

Why the biggest hurdle to energy efficiency isn’t necessarily money

The U.S. economy could reduce annual non-transportation energy consumption (i.e., energy consumed in buildings) by more than 20 percent and eliminate more than $1.2 trillion in wasted spending by 2020. All it would take is an investment of about $520 billion, according to a recent study by McKinsey & Co.   This reduction in energy […]

Why you can’t be afraid to share the great things you do

Customers like stories, especially yours. And when you’re a small business, it may be that story of how you started your company that puts you ahead of the competition. Customers are looking for reasons to buy from you. Learning how you came to run a business you’re passionate about is one way to help build […]

Why ‘because it’s hot’ is rarely a good reason to start a business

So, you want to be an entrepreneur. Congratulations! Now that you’ve made this decision, you will want to do all you can to make it succeed. Hard work is important, of course, but I’d like to share with you what I think is an even more important factor to ensure that your business venture is […]

What would Emily Post do? Great-granddaughter-in-law Peggy Post keeps Emily’s legacy alive

Though etiquette queen Emily Post never lived in a world where business communication was conducted via a handheld electronic gizmo, “One of the keys to Emily’s success was that she kept up with the times,” according to Peggy Post, spokesperson, author and co-director of The Emily Post Institute. Of primary importance to those responsible for Emily’s legacy is applying her core principles to today.

Domenic Rinaldi: Is your business part of the 60 percent forecasted to sell?

A recent nationwide survey of small business owners by Securian Financial reveals that more than 60 percent of all small business owners plan to leave their business in the next 10 years. The demographics certainly support this research with approximately two-thirds of all small businesses currently owned by baby boomers. However, unlike previous generations, the […]