Joe Takash: Why action and results will always be what matters most
On Mondays, many high school, college and professional football teams all get together in a dark room and do the same thing: They break down game film. It’s often not a pleasant session after a team has lost. Their performance is under a microscope. Many plays are paused, replayed again and again in slow motion. […]
The United States vs. Windsor: What same-sex marriage means financially
The United States Supreme Court’s decision in the case of The United States v. Windsor essentially ruled the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional and allows for same-sex couples who are validly married under state law to be treated as married for federal purposes. While this case is viewed as a huge civil rights […]
Dave Lindsey: How working on the business and not in the business is the answer
Would you rather own a McDonald’s or an independent burger stand? At Bob’s burgers, who’s responsible for worrying about attracting customers? Who unlocks the doors? Who cooks? The answer to all of these questions is Bob, the owner, because he is focused on working in the business and in turn is becoming enslaved to it. […]
Randall Kenneth Jones: How email good manners — for the recipient — needs to be a priority
If you are like the majority of business executives, you prefer communications by email. But is it at any price? What about some ground rules for civility? A recent Google search of “email etiquette” resulted in a substantial number of entries — the majority with a spotlight on protocol for the sender. Call me naive, […]
Kelly Borth: How following these 12 steps will help you develop an actionable marketing plan
The end of Q3 and the beginning of Q4 is an optimum time to begin the development of a marketing plan to kick-off in 2014. The following 12 steps to developing an actionable marketing plan are the same ones I have used throughout my 35+ years as a marketing professional. If you want to grow […]
How small businesses should approach insurance coverage and mitigate risk
Many small business owners only have a certain budget for insurance, so a strong relationship with an insurance agent who takes a proactive approach to mitigating risk and protecting their business is key. The cost of business insurance is not prohibitive, but replacing offices and not being able to work because of a loss can […]
Stephan Graw: Why the best office floor plan may not be the trendiest one
Many enthusiastic and ambitious employees have worked for years aiming for the prized corner office. Well, with the increasing popularity of the ultra-hip, open-office floor plan, the corner office is fading from existence. Not only do open floor plans eliminate the corner office, in many cases they diminish productivity and engagement. The Scandinavian Journal of […]
How to deter substance abuse, trim workers’ compensation premiums
Statistics from the National Council on Compensation Insurance show that 38 to 50 percent of all workers’ compensation claims are related to the use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace. According to the U.S. Small Business Association, on average, employees with inappropriate substance use cost their employers $7,000 annually. Many Ohio businesses are turning […]
Steve Stagner cultivates a positive sense of discontent to engage the Mattress Firm team to spring into action
Mattress Firm and Mattress Giant had been competitors for years. So when Mattress Firm took over the rival 180-store Mattress Giant last year it was imperative for Steve Stagner to build camaraderie, teamwork and a foundation of common culture between the two teams. That’s why he closed all the stores — temporarily — and […]
How working on the business and not in the business is the answer
Would you rather own a McDonald’s or an independent burger stand? At Bob’s burgers, who’s responsible for worrying about attracting customers? Who unlocks the doors? Who cooks? The answer to all of these questions is Bob, the owner, because he is focused on working in the business and in turn is becoming enslaved to it. […]