What does it take to be a successful boss? Leave it to Google to lead the research.
George Bernard Shaw's quote, “He who can does; he who cannot, teaches,” has always stung a little bit for me. I consider myself a teacher, and it puts a kernel of self-doubt in my work that I can’t…
5 Tips for “Frightening” Efficiency
Every day, as entrepreneurs and business owners, we have two focuses. First, we need to take care of day-to-day business to earn money in the present. Second, we need to make sure we have work…
Growing Your Business: From Bootstrapper to Manager
For many entrepreneurs, planning growth through spreadsheet analysis is pretty straightforward. Though entrepreneurs may not like numbers, or have a particular affinity towards them; numbers are…
Thinning the Herd: Letting Go of Unprofitable Clients
As entrepreneurs, we’ve come to accept that being our own boss isn’t always peaches and cream. We deal with dreaded tasks and chores (bookkeeping, anyone?), and service difficult clients. With some…
Ego Check: Is Your Pride Hindering Your Success?
Food is personal. Small businesses are, too. Entrepreneurs share their passion and drive with their customers; I am continually inspired by the heart and effort that my clients commit to their…
Hiring for Skills and Fit
Back in the day when I catered, I hired assistants to help wash dishes and serve. One day, my assistant Jean showed up for work with his friend Therecia. “She needs the work more than I do,” he…
QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop
QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop Without reservation, I recommend that all my clients use QuickBooks to manage their bookkeeping and garner information to make managerial decisions. While there are…
5 Key Success Factors for Growing Your Business
Most entrepreneurs are always plotting and strategizing growth, whether it’s expanding the number of acres in production on their farm, creating new product lines, or opening up another café. After…
Are You Ready? Preparing for Massachusetts’s Commercial Food Waste Ban
Does your food business produce more than a ton of food waste per week? If so, now is the time to plan for the change! In Massachusetts, new regulations will ban food waste from the waste stream,…
Ten Tips for Effective Delegation
Fifteen years ago, my friend Brett quit his restaurant job and bought 100 acres in Southern Maryland to pursue his dream of organic farming. He’s a skilled farmer: growing the most flavorful tomato…