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Navigating the Small Business Lifecycle

Navigating the Small Business Lifecycle From Start-up to Exit Strategy Over time, your business will experience different challenges and stages of growth. Each stage of the “small business life cycle” requires a different set of strategies to succeed Check out the graph. Where is your business? There are four distinct stages of business growth : 1) Start-Up, 2) Survive & Build, 3) Expand and 4) Exit. It is vital that you understand where you are in the growth lifecycle and implement the appropriate strategies in each stage for overall success and longevity. Let’s take a quick look at each stage

Mark Kleinschmidt

Wendi’s Christmas Cookies

Back in the day before the smart phone when we used to read print newspapers, Clement Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” was featured on the editorial page every Christmas Eve. Several years ago, when I was working in Annapolis, MD, I came across a deeply moving Christmas Eve editorial that shed light on the real significance of Christmas. This piece was published in the Capital Gazette, and its inspiration stemmed from the tragic and senseless murder of five reporters by a deranged gunman. The editorial is based about the simple gift of cookies shared by one of the reporters,

Mark Kleinschmidt

When Does the Founder Become CEO

As a small business owner, you’ve built your business from the ground up. However, as your small business starts to flourish and expand, your role with the business needs to change. The day arrives when you are no longer the business owner but need to become the CEO of your business. This transition comes with many challenges and your responsibilities will change so your approach needs to evolve. Here are some of the key changes you will need to incorporate: Shifting Mindset To make this transition smoothly, first and foremost, prepare yourself mentally. Understand that your role as the CEO

Mark Kleinschmidt

The Power of Thanksgiving

Gratitude Marketing for Small Businesses Thanksgiving is more than a holiday, it’s a state of mind. Embodying this approach in your business can have significant benefits. Every year, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday renowned for encouraging feelings of gratitude and appreciation. But wouldn’t it be magnificent if we brought this spirit to our business strategy? Imagine aligning the principles of thankfulness with the power of marketing to create a potent technique known as Gratitude Marketing. This could give small businesses a unique way to bond with customers, facilitate loyalty, and stimulate positive word-of-mouth marketing. What is Gratitude Marketing? Gratitude marketing

Mark Kleinschmidt

CEO Bookshelf: Presidential Proclaimation

Something a little different from the CEO Bookshelf during this month of Thanksgivings! Have you considered that many people equate the President to a CEO? Occasionally, the President as a CEO issues a critical memo or proclamation to the public intending to convey a significant message. Did you know that 160 years ago Thanksgiving was officially made a national holiday by means of a Presidential Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln? It happened during a very challenging time in our country’s history. Lincoln realized we needed to take a moment, even in a time of great strife, and be thankful for what

Mark Kleinschmidt

Navigating the Small Business Lifecycle

Wendi’s Christmas Cookies

When Does the Founder Become CEO

The Power of Thanksgiving

CEO Bookshelf: Presidential Proclaimation

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