Originally published January 25, 2016 A few weeks ago a young entrepreneur I have the privilege of knowing called to update me about his progress on some business ventures. Yes, ventures. Plural. I urged him to think about narrowing his focus, and he did. I also encouraged him to think about his future and to…
Originally published October 22, 2015 There’s a scene in Shelly Duvall’s Fairie Tale Theatre take on the classic “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” story in which Goldilocks’s father chastises his lazy daughter as she makes ridiculous excuses for not getting her chores done. He scolds, “If you would spend as much time doing as you…
Originally published February 10, 2015 A relationship told me this past week that he and his wife, who doubles as his business bookkeeper, have gotten super-organized since our meeting to close out their 2014 financial records. Another colleague has sold her old laptop (which wasn’t old to begin with), purchased a new one, and solicited…
Originally published January 7, 2015 I love visiting the offices of the nonprofit and small-business relationships I maintain for part-time income. And don’t worry; relationships are what most businesses call customers or clients. I prefer “relationships” because the other two words are so clumsy. Anyway, whether I’m juggling a full-time job and independent contracts or…
Originally published October 20, 2012 Just returning this afternoon from an energetic and inspiring new-client introductory meeting, I’m still reeling with enthusiasm and ideas about programs and projects in which I’m currently involved. Moreover, this morning’s breakfast with three of the most promising and caring individuals with whom I’ve had the privilege to meet has…
Originally published May 16, 2012 Today’s page comes not from any particular individual’s book, but from all those math textbooks that urge students to show their work in solving simple to complex math equations. This message can apply to anyone, and I direct my comments today to entrepreneurs and other leaders. In particular, this page…
Originally published December 1, 2011 Today’s page is from the book of my former supervisor and mentor, Murray Rosenman, CFO of ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania and its schools. When he came on board at ASPIRA 2+ years ago, our department was entrenched in methods and madness that took him some time to muddle through. Once…
Originally published October 20, 2011 A parent who had watched me nearly crumble under pressures of competition from another after-school services provider at her child’s school asked me, “How come I don’t see you signing up more parents?” I told her the well had pretty much run dry; it seemed every parent I approached had…
Originally published October 8, 2011 Whenever I have to take public transportation to a new or unfamiliar location, I visit SEPTA’s website and click on “Plan My Trip.” On the next screen, I enter my starting point, destination, and approximate departure or arrival time. The website generates the buses, trains, and trolleys I can take…