Multi-tasking Mayhem

I’m mowing the lawn on Sunday and my neighbor brings me some cupcakes, and because I am mowing the lawn, doing laundry, formulating my next blog post in my head and who knows what else all at once, I wolf one down and stash the remaining cupcakes and their plastic plate in the oven to keep the flies and the dogs away from them.

On Monday I dash home from the office, making three stops along the way and make a mental note to snack on another cupcake when I get home.  But I unload the groceries and let out the dogs and decide I will preheat the oven while I water the garden.  Must multi-task.  Fifteen minutes later my house is filled with smoke from incinerated cupcakes and melted plastic.  My youngest dog is choking on the fumes and looking at me like I’m an idiot.  I’m thinking he’s right.

Our personal and business lives have become so complex and crowded that we feel the need to do at least two things at once at all times.  This is especially true in small business.  (more…)

Should You Downsize Your Business Goals?

I just read a great blog post by Robert I. Sutton on the downside of what he refers to as “Big, Hairy Goals.”  It’s an interesting discussion of how a narrow focus on huge “distant horizon” goals can interfere with recognizing – and celebrating – daily accomplishments.

This got me thinking about how small business owners often contribute to their own burnout by setting inflexible – and therefore unrealistic – goals.

Yes, you’re in business because you have goals…you have dreams.  But sometimes the very best business strategy is to LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. (more…)

Admit it – You’re Lying

“An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” ~ Mae West

Coverups, scams, cons - the world is full of intentional lies and liars.  Always has been – always will be.

But lately I’ve noticed a massive upswing in a more subtle form of lying – people who just don’t live up to their promises; the ones who don’t put any value on being true to their word.  I know they’ve always been around but there used to be a stigma attached to being one of them.  Now it’s passed off as just the way things are in our busy world.  We all do it.  We’re all guilty.  That’s particularly dangerous thinking for small business, because the backlash can be just as subtle and stealthy as the lie. (more…)

Eight Resources for Michigan Entrepreneurs

We’ve already seen how the recession has provided some benefits for small business startups in Michigan through lower rents, a larger pool of talent available at affordable rates and good deals on advertising.  Now there’s more good news for budding entrepreneurs - a wealth of fantastic resources available at no cost or low cost.

Here’s a list of eight organizations offering support, counseling and training for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs in southeast Michigan – especially the Metro Detroit area. (more…)