A while back, I had the pleasure of speaking to the folks at American Family Insurance , thanks to the thoughtful planning of Troy Janisch . What was interesting about the trip was that I felt that AmFam (as everyone seems to call them, so why get in the way?) were already in pretty good hands with Troy (yes, I know the competitive pun). But there are two great things about my trip that I wanted to highlight, and then I just wanted to say nice... 

A family business known for quality handmade guitars wasn’t moving enough product. So it introduced cheaper guitars aimed at hobbyists and got better at selling  Read More →

I think everyone, newly promoted or not, struggles with this one at some point in their career. How do we talk about what we do and talk about it without boring ourselves and everyone around us to tears. The default, of course, is to fall back on your title – I’m a banker, I’m an accountant, I’m a attorney, etc. One of the main problems with this approach is that we, as human beings, like to categorize things. It helps us make …  Read More →

The housing downturn cut the third-generation family business’s revenue by 60 percent. To recover, it retooled its product line, emphasizing “green” alternatives  Read More →

May is National Fibromyalgia month. Chances are you know someone who suffers from this disease but you may not be aware of it because Fibromyalgia is known as the invisible condition. Help keep your friends and family members active at work and in the community. Learn more today.  Read More →

When you think of diversity in the workplace you typically think of race and gender, but in reality workplace diversity is actually much broader. Consider your co-workers they differ in a variety of ways such as age, marital status and family responsibilities. All of these differences can lead to stereotyping which may result in workplace tension.  Read More →

When people speak about a small business being efficient they can be referring to both time and money. As a small business owner being inefficient in either respect can be a huge mistake, perhaps not only causing you stress and financial difficulties, but maybe also your business. Being inefficient does not mean that you are idle; more that you are yet to find the best way to make the most…  Read More →

About 44% of family businesses in the U.S. considering a sale may act in the next two years, according to accounting and advisory firm Rothstein Kass  Read More →

With fewer jobs available, students are starting to give family businesses a second look. Schools are offering new classes and programs  Read More →

With fewer jobs available, students are starting to give family businesses a second look. Schools are offering new classes and programs  Read More →

Few family businesses survive into a third generation. To make it work, incoming leaders must embrace new technology, say entrepreneurs and experts  Read More →

I’m sure everyone has had days, weeks, months or even years of feeling snowed under with work, stressed and like they have little time for family or friends. Within a small business it seems that this is compounded, with less people to delegate to and, if you are the small business owner, a vast majority of tasks falling to yourself. Planning how to manage your time is not a waste of time! Once you have decided how to plan your time you will... 

A certified financial planner explains why the IRS isn’t collecting the estate tax in 2010 and offers advice to family business owners preparing succession plans  Read More →