When I owned a machine shop, it was a challenge to market the company. There were thousands of small job shops just like mine in Minnesota; to “differentiate” the company was difficult. Buyers knew shops had different capabilities. They machined round parts or square; aluminum or steel; big parts or small. Some shops specialized in government contracts, while others preferred
I am Thankful for…
Today is Thanksgiving; a day to count your blessings and be grateful for: 1. A roof over your head 2. A family that loves you
How Do You React In A Crisis?
Bad things happen to good people. You could be enjoying a concert (Las Vegas), taking an afternoon bike ride (New York), sitting in a college class (Virginia Tech), waiting out a tornado in your basement, fleeing wild fires or driving down the road in your car. When disaster strikes, you have a crisis to deal with.
Should volunteering be part of your corporate culture?
Giving makes you feel good and it can be good for your business, especially if you encourage your employees to volunteer for causes they support. Some people are wired to be generous even to strangers, they jump at the chance to lend a hand. Others take a little more convincing, then there are those who would love to do more
“Why’d He Bring That Chicken Hawk?”
My husband’s grandparents emigrated from Finland to a small farm near Chisholm. Northern Minnesota was rugged country in those days. Timber wolves and bears were plentiful; they found domestic livestock easy prey. To protect their animals, everyone carried a rifle when they left the house. My husband’s five uncles were skilled shooters; they passed that ability on to their young