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Planes, Trains, and Automobiles… |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
4/12/2008 5:56 PM
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The number, type, and trend of each of these modes of transportation has an inpact on your business and may also present some business opportunities, or provide input on decisions about locating or relocating your business.
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Death, Taxes, and Political Reality |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
3/31/2008 9:15 PM
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What do these three topics have in common? The answer is that you can control the destiny of your business with all three if you are proactive. All it takes is a little planning…
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If you want a non-profit business, start a charity… |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
3/21/2008 11:07 AM
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Don’t let your business become a charity, existing for the benefit of your vendors, customers, and employees while neglecting yourself and your family. “Pay yourself first” may not always work, but if you are working for minimum wage or less you are missing the concept of business and may be putting your future in jeopardy. Here are some do’s, don’ts, and ‘warning flags.’
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The Myth of Change… |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
3/9/2008 1:13 PM
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There is a general belief that people resist change and that change is unpredictable, difficult to manage, and has a negative connotation. That may not be the case…
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Can you deliver? Meeting the challenges of the Snack Culture and InfoLust trends… |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
2/24/2008 5:03 PM
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Trendwatching.com, a website that reports on emerging consumer trends has noted some movement towards new buying patterns that they have labeled “Snack Culture” and “InfoLust,” which are component parts of a greater movement that they call the “Expectation Economy.” Here are some highlights from those trends, what they mean to your business, and how you can profit from them…
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This way to the Egress! |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
2/15/2008 11:05 AM
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Do you have an exit plan for your business? The equity you build up in your business can be your largest financial return on investment, but you can not realize it until you exit. Here are some thoughts on planning for a (financially) rewarding exit…
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Strategies for Uncertain Times… |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
2/3/2008 1:09 PM
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There is a lot of uncertainty in the short-term economic future at the moment. Are we in a recession? Will there be a recession? Has the housing downturn hit bottom yet? Are we facing increasing inflation next year? There seem to be as many answers as there are economic forecasters, but there are some strategies you can adopt to protect your business…
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Would you like fries with that? |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
1/21/2008 8:12 PM
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The marketing strategy of bundling, combining several services or products together for sale as a single unit, may be just what you need to boost sales in a slowing economy…
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And the winner is… (your business could be here) |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
1/8/2008 2:15 PM
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We are approaching the time of year that many chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and the small business administration announce their “business of the year” award winners. Here are some of the characteristics I’ve noticed that many of the winners have in common.
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2008! The New Year! A time to sow… a time to reap… |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
1/1/2008 10:31 AM
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The calendar has changed… the economy has changed… later this year some of our elected officials will change, and along with them governmental policies will change. Will you be ready? If you operate your business the same way you did last year, status quo, you will miss some new opportunities and may become “stuck in a rut.” Here are some thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions…
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A Christmas Carol (or not) |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
12/21/2007 5:38 PM
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Business owner Dale Wright is visited by the spirits of Business Past, Business Present, and Business Future and learns some valuable lessons. Appologies to Charles Dickens...
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They're back! But they won't be unless you treat them right... |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
12/17/2007 2:05 PM
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One of the most important aspects of a business are loyal customers who keep returning and who recommend the business to other potential customers. Assuming that you and the competition are both equally competent at providing the technical aspect of your business, the significant difference between you may be customer service. In that case, whoever provides the best customer service will have a market advantage...
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Agility may be the key to success... |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
12/17/2007 2:02 PM
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The economic forecasters, news analysts, and pundits all have an opinion on where the economy is going. The problem as I see it is that there is no clear consensus. Should your business "hold a steady course in a storm" or "blow with the wind?"
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Driving the economy... |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
11/13/2007 2:02 PM
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In addition to the "snowbirds" who have a winter home in Florida, there are also people who drive their RV here for the entire winter or for a shorter period. Realizing that they are potential customers for many goods and services, I wondered what their demographics are. Here is what I found out...
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Are you running on "empty?" |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
11/6/2007 10:44 AM
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Do you have reserves in your business to tide you over slow weeks or are you sweating where your next sale will come from? Do you carry "excess" inventory? Does a sales backlog make you feel comfortable or worry you? Let's examine some basics about business philosophy.
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The check is NOT in the mail... but it COULD be! |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
10/23/2007 2:33 PM
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If your business needs funding for restructuring, reinvestment, just plain old growth, or for additional working capital there are a number of SBA loan guaranty programs that may fit the bill. Here is a quick review of some loan products available with SBA guarantees.
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So who asked you? |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
10/8/2007 3:05 PM
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There's a lot of bad advice, or at least unwanted advice, available without the asking but when it comes to your business you need qualified advice that you can trust. Luckily, some great advice is available from people who will "work for food."
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Is the sky falling... or is it just rain? |
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By Dr. Philip R. Geist on
9/23/2007 4:43 PM
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Recent economic forecasts for Florida range from "doom and gloom" to optimism. Was Chicken Little right or are we just experiencing a "passing storm?" Metaphorically speaking, do we just need an umbrella or should we be building a storm shelter? Let's try to understand the impact of economic changes on local businesses...
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