Ask Andi: We are being yessed to death by a key employee. She tells us what she thinks we want to hear. We need to know what’s going on – good and bad. That way she – and we –...
Ask Andi: We are thinking about joining forces with another firm. Cultural differences could be the biggest problem. What can we do to make this work? Thoughts of the Day: Due diligence is a process of detailed investigation. Mergers are...
Ask Andi: I'm rethinking retirement. As the owner of this business, it's giving me a headache. And my retirement is underfunded. No one can run this business in my absence. I have no idea who I’d sell it to. Or...
Ask Andi: How do we track business metrics? This is a critical year for us. I need to ensure accountability. Deliver what’s expected. Spot trouble spots early enough to do something about it. Get the right people to work on...
Ask Andi: We need to get a better idea of the cost to produce what we sell. We need to do more to manage those costs. What would you say to this? Thoughts of the Day: Managing cost to produce...
Ask Andi: How do you set business goals and track follow-through? Thoughts of the Day: Set business goals. Follow a process. Make goals challenging. Be specific. Brain dump. Create a list of unedited material. Then edit it. Work with others...
Ask Andi: How do we delegate? I'm doing the work of four people. And I run this company. I want to step back so others may step up. Successfully. What do you have to say about it? Thoughts of the...
Ask Andi: Should sell my business? Someone has offered to buy it. I'm not really ready to get out. But I'm hearing about tax rate changes that reduce what I will get if I wait to sell until next year...
Ask Andi: How do we create a disaster plan for the business? I know it's like closing the barn door after the horses got loose, but this isn't going to be our last disaster. What can I do to prepare...