Recent Blog Posts
The Zombie Apocalypse Has Arrived
If you have been preparing yourself for the zombie apocalypse, congratulations, it’s here. Unfortunately, it’s not the kind of invasion you thought it would be. According to a Gallup.com poll report one in five employees are actively disengaged at work and this could...
Time Release Fertilizer for Business
Spring will eventually arrive and gardeners know that a little fertilizer on a regular basis is far better than huge doses regularly. Cash in a business is like that, too. Project, monitor, and conserve cash and credit because cash flow IS the time release...
Failed Implementation
I was talking to a friend of mine this past week about his job. He was rather frustrated about some sweeping changes that have been going on where he works. In short the company is going for a more measured approach when it comes to work. They want to set goals, track time spent on projects, and in general measure the day to day activities. The system isn’t intended to micro manage but rather help the company figure out where employees are spending their time and if it is important. Which is good and something my friend agrees with. This change isn’t about firing people, the company really cares about its employees and wants every one to be happy along with having a productive, profitable company.
You Need A Budget
In general I’ve always felt I’m pretty good with money. My parents taught me the value of a dollar, why it is important to save money, and why debt is bad. But I’ve never really had a budget. I never felt I really needed one because I wasn’t living pay check to pay check and at the end of every month I had spent less money than I brought in.
However, over the past few years as I make more money I started to succumb to lifestyle inflation. In most respects I think I’ve done a pretty good job of cutting back and not giving in but it is a constant battle. The other thing I realized is I couldn’t tell where all my money is going. Yeah I have a record of it because I rarely pay in cash and use my credit card for everything (paying it off in full each month) but that doesn’t do much for me if I’m not managing my money. So I thought it is time for me to get a budget.
Meet with Purpose
Did you just return from that horrid Monday Morning Meeting and wondering “why me?”. Well, Tiffiny, Jeff and I often feel that way, too, on various meetings we attend. Tiffiny gives us a great idea on a checklist and Jeff talks of the cost of meetings this Monday.
Before I even get to the scheduling a meeting, I want to meet with purpose and see five things are needed:
- The Purpose
- The Meeting Leader
- The Time Frame
- The Agenda
- The Desired Outcome
All these can be expressed in an email to the attendees so they come not only well prepared but ready to work.
Now, there are different types of meetings and all have their place, but letting people know before hand is key:
- Informational
- Check-in
- Collaboration
- Working
Meeting with Purpose is essential in our time starved competitive world.
The $3500 Meeting
I am regularly in meetings that cost anywhere between $300 to $3500+. Sounds crazy right? Not for me, and not for most people. On average I spend 3-5 hours a week in meetings. These meetings vary in size. Sometimes it is just the development department, 8 people....
Wood Warms You Thrice
There is an old saying that wood warms you thrice - first while gathering; next while stacking and splitting; and finally when burning. Having heated a home in my past with wood, I truly understand this and the work affords the mind time to process issues, plan for...
When Finding a New Web Design Firm
This week I got a call from a local business that is looking for a new web design firm to take over their website. They are unhappy with the current web firm. Huh, haven’t heard that before. It seems like I get this type of call all the time. Looking at my current client list, 1 out of 4 clients came to me because they were unhappy with their old webmaster. Most complained that once the site was done. There was no follow up. Updates and bug fixes took forever, if at all. Or they felt ripped off in some way. So here is some advice when looking for a web design firm.
Short Presentation = Few PPT
Most business owners, at some point, will be asked to do a presentation in front of investors, bankers or maybe potential partners about their business. When you are ready to make that pitch and are possibly preparing a PowerPoint presentation, take a tip from Guy...
Weeding Out The Liars
When it comes time to hire some one sometimes it is hard to tell who is actually truthful on their resume when it comes to experience and knowledge. After all some one can write any thing on their resume. So here is a good way to figure out if someone is lying.