It’s estimated that family-owned businesses comprise up to 90 percent of all businesses in North America. Many are not adequately preparing to transition leadership to the next generation. According to a recent survey conducted by professional services firm PwC, 43 percent of family businesses had no succession plans in place. This may explain why only one-third of all family businesses... read more
As your company grows, you may look for money to buy vehicles, equipment and inventory. Applying for credit can be frustrating. The first place you’ll probably look is a bank. Bankers’ first priority is to protect their loan portfolios and earn a competitive return on their loans, so you need to give them many reasons to feel comfortable with you... read more
Few people understand the daily pressures faced by landscape management business owners and managers. And fewer still realize that it’s people—both clients and employees—who are usually the source of these stresses. A mower may malfunction, but you can fix it and count on it to be there every day and on time, too. The handheld trimmer or brushcutter may be... read more
My (fictitious) operations manager, Tom, just informed me he is leaving the company. I’m shocked. Tom is a good guy, and we have been investing in his development and going out of our way to make him feel appreciated. He recently received a 12 percent raise, and, earlier this spring, we bought him a new truck. His announcement was completely... read more
Nothing strikes an emotional chord with small business owners like the prospect of a tax audit. If you practice accurate bookkeeping and obey the tax laws, there’s little to worry about. It’s a matter of proving your company is in compliance. While the audit process may be intrusive, it’s within the IRS’s right to audit your tax returns. When it... read more
Unemployment is at record lows, and there are more jobs available than there are people to fill them. Given this scenario, it’s no surprise that the most pressing concern for business owners and managers nationwide right now is how to find the new hires they need and keep the good people they have. So, how can forward-thinking employers successfully compete... read more
