Look Before You Leap at Change

Change is hard to deal with. Just thinking of the word can conjure visceral reactions and the expectation of difficulties, resistance, anger, betrayal, shock and misfortune. But hesitating before you implement a change isn’t necessarily bad. When problems occur in business, the most adaptable entrepreneurs jump at the opportunity to make a change. Occasionally, though, they leap [...]

The Wave

You’ve got a problem. Maybe I’m wrong—perhaps you’re perfect. Could be, your company is doing brisk business and you hardly even have to think about marketing. If that’s the case, don’t read any further. No, really, I mean it. Stop reading right now. It’s beautiful outside—might as well go for an espresso instead. (read more)

Competing with Wal Mart pt. 1

How can small businesses compete with Wal Mart?  Here is part 1 of the competing with Wal mart branding presentation. (see the presentation)

Staycations’ help boost sales of recliners

Lean back, put up your feet and take a load off — in one fell swoop, recliner sales are embracing a new generation seeking refuge by going horizontal.  The venerable recliner, renowned as the duct-taped refuge for Frasier’s cantankerous father and the haven for uber-conservative Archie Bunker, is gaining cachet with baby boomers and “stay-cationers” [...]

Breaking Out the Santas and Snow Globes

THEY’RE off! Although trick-or-treaters are still days away from ringing doorbells, the nation’s retailers are already starting their mad dash toward the Christmas finish line.  The efforts to stimulate holiday feelings ahead of schedule are, of course, a result of the dire economy, as retailers remain anxious about the parsimonious mood among shoppers. (read more)