As a small business consultant, I start most engagements with a simple assessment: 20 questions covering the fundamentals of how a business actually runs. Strategy, accountability, metrics, cadence, decision-making—nothing exotic. Just the basics. Here’s the hard truth: most small businesses score pretty low on that first pass. That usually changes Read more…
I had coffee with a fellow consultant today, and our conversation drifted into familiar territory—small business frustration. At one point she joked, “Aren’t all small business owners frustrated?” It was tongue-in-cheek, but let’s be honest: it wasn’t far from reality. You’d be hard-pressed to find a small business owner who Read more…
When we think of strategic planning, we often picture executive retreats, multi-page decks, and teams of leaders hashing out growth initiatives. It’s a tool, we assume, for larger organizations with big ambitions and even bigger budgets. But what about solopreneurs? I’ve had the opportunity to work with a few lately, Read more…
A CFO I worked with used to say, “The difference between an accountant and an engineer is that the accountant doesn’t think they can do engineering.” It’s a funny line, but there’s some real insight behind it. Most accounting firm owners I’ve worked with are sharp, disciplined, and deeply grounded Read more…
Ask most business owners what strategy means, and you’ll hear some version of “a plan to grow.” But growth isn’t the only reason to think strategically—sometimes, it’s not even the right one.
Throughout my career in project-based businesses, I’ve been involved in thousands of projects, witnessing every imaginable approach to scheduling. Yet, only a few of these projects were well-managed from a scheduling standpoint. Many factors contribute to scheduling challenges in the “real world,” but one persistent issue stands out: overly optimistic Read more…
When leadership sets clear expectations and holds project teams accountable for using project management tools and processes, the payoff extends far beyond improved project outcomes. While the financial benefits are clear—fewer delays, reduced rework, and increased profitability—the impact on employee well-being is equally significant. A firm that runs well-managed projects Read more…
Leadership sets the tone for how processes and tools are adopted within a firm. But it’s not enough to invest in technology or introduce new procedures. To see meaningful adoption—especially when it comes to project management—leaders must be explicit about expectations and hold their teams accountable for following through. In Read more…
Achieving accountability in a business setting is no small feat, but it’s essential for long-term success. After years of striving for this goal, I discovered that it boils down to a few key concepts. Here’s how you can improve accountability in your organization: Right People, Right Roles: Role Clarity: Start Read more…
In the fast-paced landscape of professional communication dominated by emails, there’s a simple yet often underestimated practice that has the potential to transform your interactions: acknowledging receipt. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of this small but significant step towards First Class Communication. The Silence Dilemma Think about Read more…