For many of you, it's not news that banks want your cash management business. In some cases, it's been a quid pro quo for any new banking relationship, and according to CFO Magazine, that pressure is likely to increase. Word to the wise: Make sure the bank has a state-of-the-art…
A recent article confirmed bleak news about small business lending, reporting that SBA loans were down 68% in October over October, 2007, a discouraging sign. At the same time, the SBA is making rule changes that may loosen the reins and provide greater liquidity over time. The acting SBA commissioner…
Those of you who get a chill up your spine when CEO compensation gets scalded, should light up at the news that 175 of top American CEO's lost over $50 billion as a result of the recent stock market decline. Advocates like me who promote pay for performance are also…
Most of us are getting tired of the finger-pointing in Washington and the corridors of Wall St. over who is to blame for the economic mess we're in. As expected – it's almost getting too easy to win the "told you so game" anymore . . . the sabres are…
Some of you may be aware of the Wisdom Project, an effort produced in cooperation with Bishop Desmond Tutu. I had lost track of it and thanks to a colleague, was recently re-introduced to it.
The Wisdom Project has assembled an extraordinary international cast of voices from all walks of life to explore the concept of wisdom. Do yourself a favor and take a few moments to reflect upon this wondrous work by visiting The Wisdom Project.
In the words of renowned photographer, Andrews Zuckerman, here is the concept of the Wisdom Project. (more…)
Here's a grim reminder of something we talk about a lot around here. I can't emphasize enough the critical process of hiring and maintaining top talent and the need to carefully wield a scalpel and not a bludgeon when making painful layoff decisions. This article reminds us that the Circuit…
In 1999 John Osher started Dr. John's SpinBrush to sell a $5 electric toothbrush. In 2001, he sold the company to Procter & Gamble for $475 million. He put together a pretty good list of the lessons he learned along the way. Here's his list of the 17 mistakes that…
That's an old saw from the real estate industry . . . "you make money when you buy it – not when you sell it." It's a savvy insight that applies more than just to the sputtering real estate market. Think about it for your business as you purchase inventory…
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. **********************************************************************************Article published - November 17, 2008BUILDING A BUSINESS: Turbulent…