Hard decisions, especially when jobs are eliminated, usually lead to hard conversations. This year, due to massive layoffs and furloughs, our small business leaders have had more difficult conversations with employees than usual. Unfortunately, some have one-sided conversations, terminating employees by email. Others send text messages to eliminate someone’s job. Hard conversations are best when first bathed in prayer and […]

One of the hardest decisions an employer makes is eliminating a position or job. As a country, our small business leaders have made many hard decisions. The question is, “Did we learn anything?” This is a time to reflect on questions such as, “Did I wait too long and why?” “Did I make the decision in a vacuum or did […]

In this series, we’re discussing five steps to move from struggling to thriving in business. The final step is to Focus on Customers. Since the pandemic, several restaurants I’ve visited have taken their customer service to a whole new level. They realize their survival is hinged upon retaining and growing happy customers. When a business is struggling for survival, there […]

In this series, we’re discussing five steps to move from struggling to thriving in business. The fourth step to discuss is Communication. When I was hired to collect the bad loans at a troubled bank, I learned to appreciate those who openly communicated with me. Out of shame and uncertainty, people often refuse to communicate their struggles with their creditors. […]

Over the years, I’ve helped many businesses become more profitable. In this series, we’re discussing five steps to move from struggling to thriving in business. The third step is to Project a Realistic Future. Without a financial plan, you will continue with bad spending habits or miss your sales goals. If your business is struggling, strive to convince your creditors […]

Over the years, between my banking and consulting career, I’ve helped many businesses become more profitable. In this series, we’re talking about five steps to move from struggling to thriving in business. The second step is to Raise Cash. Struggling businesses are always cash starved. Many businesses have unproductive or underproductive assets. Let me share two ways to raise cash. […]

In my banking and consulting career, I helped many struggling companies become profitable. Many businesses have folded recently, and many more are doing all they can to survive. In this series, I will highlight five steps that can help your business get financially stable and move towards thriving. The first step is to Know the Condition of Your Flocks. You […]

In July 1776, 56 men representing 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring America’s freedom from Britain. These men’s written commitment made a difference for centuries to come. There is power in taking a stand, putting it in writing, and then having your leaders sign their commitment. In Nehemiah 9, Israel was at a turning point. After hearing the […]

Stan’s a friend who pastors an urban church. Stan told me a story recently. Stan’s stepfather was very abusive. When Stan’s brother terrorized or abused Stan, rather than seek his stepfathers help, Stan learned it was safer to manage the situation personally. Stan claims that many in the black community feel the same way about police. To many, the police […]

When our first grandchild was born, Kathy and I decided to do a Bible study on grandparenting. Many view grandparenting as an occasional babysitting duty. God desires us to realize we have an opportunity and a responsibility to help shape the character and spiritual development of the precious gift of grandchildren. In Psalm 71:18, David wrote “Even when I am […]