Steven Lauterback's Blog – September 2014 Archive (3)

Most businesses we know in the small to midsize category are poor planners. Judging from their actions the typical planning strategy comes down to: how do we beat last year. Matters related to business development should be the primary strategic topic now that the summer is behind us.

Late last year a survey reflecting small business sentiment was released confirming what most business leaders think is their biggest challenge. An overwhelming majority, 42% said their biggest concern…

When fax machines first came along a customer suggested our firm have one installed. The president’s first reaction was, “what for, so we can get orders in faster?” Yeah! As a matter of fact, when the customer says I want you to have my order in the fastest most direct way, you probably should do it.

Established businesses typically are the last to adopt new technologies, instead waiting until the advances become more accepted and their ability to lower transactional or promotional…

This is the time of year for assessments and new beginnings. It is back to school, the days get cooler and shorter, and businesses start to get more intent on their objectives. Mediocre companies don’t stand a chance anymore. Almost every category you can think of has, or has the potential for, a clever operator to mine overlooked opportunities in the offering, the channel or promotion methods.

A legacy issue for leaders of “bigger small companies” has been a weak or…