. . . and I'm taking a bit of a hiatus. It also seems that the news these days is remarkably staid and uneventful, and I don't expect much will change for the balance of the year as everyone seeks a well-deserved respite. Yes, it's good that the automakers got…
The North Bay Business Journal, a publication of the New York Times, is a weekly business newspaper which covers the North Bay area of San Francisco – from the Golden Gate bridge north, including the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa counties.
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Article published – December 15, 2008
BUILDING A BUSINESS: Surprise: ‘Cash is king; here’s how to keep it flowing
by Lary Kirchenbauer
“Money’s a horrid thing to follow but a charming thing to meet.” – Henry James
There is probably no more trite but compelling phrase in the business lexicon these days than “Cash is King.” What does it mean? (more…)
It’s truly stunning that the Senate today failed to pass an assistance program for the auto industry.
I’ve tried not to be too vociferous about all of this, and I’ve written before about being in favor of a bridge loan to the automakers despite the railing of my capitalist friends, but this decision is truly mind-boggling!
It’s unarguable that our economy is extremely fragile. I think it’s equally clear . . . crystal . . . that it cannot withstand the catastrophic results of a failure within our largest manufacturing sector, which arguably supports 2.5 – 3 million jobs, without great harm to the economy in all of its incarnations . . . unemployment, consumer spending, etc.
The Senate has shown again how out of touch they are . . . (more…)
It won't surprise anyone that CEOs are finding risk management at the top of their agendas these days as they move to survival mode. The Conference Board's recent survey finds that neither "global economic risk" nor "financial risk" were on the list of top ten concerns last month. Gone from…
Business Week just published their "Best Books of 2008", an annual ritual followed throughout the publishing industry. I have Snowball on my shelf, awaiting an opportunity to learn more about the life and times of Warren Buffett. I can recommend the Game-Changer, which I've written about previously, which heralds the…
Forbes recently published an article which serves as a vivid reminder of some of the oversights that befall most business executives in their estate and retirement planning. Ownership Transition is a complex area that requires a team of trusted advisors, but you'll find some interesting tips and insights here to…
The New York Times recently wrote an investigative piece about the ratings agencies, particularly Moody's, and their role in the financial debacle that has befallen Wall St. Lucifer smiled and opened his gates, I suspect, when Moody's started selling their services to the same parties they are rating, and did…
What is it all coming to when the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, representing 700 of the nation’s favorite fat man, meet to discuss the encroaching economic crisis? No more rented reindeer for the city holiday festival? Rocky and Bullwinkle, too, are getting the boot in Gatlinburg, Tennessee because…
I hate to ask . . . but I wonder if you have taken the time to craft a communication plan for your employees during these extraordinary turbulent times? Business Week reports what I would suspect – that most employees haven't heard anything from their senior managers. That's a big…