Doing Good By Doing Business

Oftentimes, business planning is about picking a path.

The Give-As-You-Grow Sales Model My business partner and I just went through an in-depth business planning retreat a few weeks ago, and while the session was grueling at times, it was a process that I am grateful for.  We needed to get clear about the direction of our company. We needed to make some big decisions. So we spent a week putting together financial projections.  We looked at our SWOTs (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.) We acknowledged that we both tend to be perfectionists and overly optimistic at times. The retreat was a huge break-through for us.  We hashed « Continue »

Ben & Jerry’s Ice-cream Is More than just about Cows

Ben Cohen, Brenda Horton, Jerry

Incorporating Social Activism into Business While at a fundraiser in San Francisco last week sponsored by Ben and Jerry's Ice-cream company, I had the good fortune of meeting Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry's. The growth and success of their small business over the last 32 years is quite extraordinary. What makes their story exceptional and inspiring is how they have cultivated a company culture of fun, transparency, and social activism while growing their business. It seems they were way ahead of their time as much of the business world today is struggling to « Continue »

Book Review: Rework is Redefining How We Build a Business

Rework, 37 Signals, and 3 Million Customers Rework is a  powerful reminder of the importance of keeping things simple as you grow your business. I  read Rework in 2 hours, which tells you how easy of a read it is.  It is written by Jason Fried and David Hansson founders of 37 Signals. 37 Signals has over 3 million people using their software. Perhaps you have heard of Basecamp and Highrise, a couple of their most popular online software tools. Keeping Business Simple I had the good fortune to meeting Jason in person earlier this year at the SXSW interactive media conference in Austin « Continue »

Is It A Good Idea To Be Business Partners With Your Spouse?

Chuck and Brenda Horton at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort April 2010

About eighteen months ago, Hware's business model was redesigned and I became a business partner with my spouse, Chuck.  While our business relationship is young, we have nevertheless been together as a couple for nineteen years. Being familiar with each other's idiosyncrasies has prepared me for a journey of perseverance and patience. Let's face it, there is no denying it. It is HARD, especially if you have two people like me and Chuck, who are long-time entrepreneurs; and whom neither one of us ever seem to be lacking with opinions about how we should go about building the business.  Yet, « Continue »

Why Strategic Plans Won’t Work

Sunsets in Nevada County Northern California

Unless They Are Integrated Into the Business Plan A few days ago I attended a town hall meeting  in my rural community hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. The purpose was to get feedback from local businesses so that the chamber can formulate a strategic plan. It was a 'gather-the-information' type of meeting.  I am not a member of the local chamber and I must confess that I am not involved with our local business community as much as I would like to. Mainly because my own business (Hware) has more of an e-commerce focus and I live/work about 30 minutes from the downtown business area. « Continue »