Digital Library > Building and Inspiring an Organization > Buying a business “Labor Troubles to Avoid in Sale” During the purchase of a business, financial terms are usually the focus. But labor issues should be squarely faced before a deal is inked. Severance and benefits quickly come into play. Terminated workers often see informal policies as inviolable while the buyer…
Mustang Software avoids obsolescence by reinventing itself.
Stoke innovative fires to ensure long-term success.
Being different by staying the same.
Get your biggest profits by ditching your biggest client? It may sound crazy but that’s exactly what Julia Zimmer did.
Digital Library > Defining and Serving a Market > Electronic commerce “Join the E-Commerce Revolution — Free” Many small businesses view the Internet as a place to level the playing field against larger competitors. Yet less than 5% of U.S.-based small businesses currently have an e-commerce Web site. If the cost or complexity has stalled your online plans, here’s good…
Digital Library > Defining and Serving a Market > Direct mail advertising “Is Direct Mail Right for You?” "After $310,000 down the drain and a few panic attacks, it became clear that direct mail was definitely not for me," says a former promoter of traditional back-pain aids. The Connecticut-based firm made two fatal mistakes: saturating a broad market (assuming everyone…
Digital Library > Defining and Serving a Market > Business conditions “Is Bigger Better?” In our consumer-driven society, Americans demand more value for their dollars, which puts size in the spotlight. The new mantra seems to be "bigger is better." Consider: Today’s average new home measures 2,225 square feet, up 50% from 1,500 square feet in 1970. We’re driving monster…
Digital Library > Defining and serving a market > Differentiating your company “If It Ain’t Broke …” Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, prides herself on being receptive to new ideas, but says "It’s impossible — and undesirable — to accept every overture to change." For example, an outsider suggested it was time to get rid of the…
Standard Candy’s revenues jump 30% through contract manufacturing.