Peer Power Blog

As business owners we live with the constant tension between our dreams and the reality of how things actually are. As we head into a new year, here are 10 key points I want you to consider for the year ahead. Preparation and planning is critical to success, so take some time, get away from the chaos, and consider how you will enter the next year and succeed. Keep these things in mind….. 1. Leading a business is a marathon, not a 50-yard dash. It’s not how you start that matters. It’s how you finish the race. Sustainability counts more than speed. Keep your foot on the gas and keep moving forward. Don’t give up! 2. Leading a business is hard work. Even though you believed when you started ... Continue reading

As we approach the end of 2011, it is time for the annual look at the crystal ball for the coming year.  I’ve learned that being a prognosticator is a lot like being a weather person – if you sound convincing that is really all people expect.  J  The sun will come up tomorrow, so there are certain things we know for sure.  As I ponder what lies ahead, here are seven key areas I believe will be important for you to pay close attention to in the new year. A lot of my look forward is based on my gut.  The older I get the more I depend on instincts and experience to provide direction.  To that end, my gut says the economy is fragile and not something you should depend on next year.  There is a ... Continue reading

Here is a little song to help get you focused on the process of planning as we head into the Christmas Holiday.  Click here to get the music playing and sing along about twelve key things to the four HTG plans! On the first day of Planning, my family said to me… Please plan your legacy. On the second day of Planning, my company said to me… BC-DRP And please plan your legacy. On the third day of Planning, my banker said to me… Project your budget, BC-DRP And please plan your legacy. On the fourth day of Planning, my partners said to me… Strategy and vision Project your budget, BC-DRP And please plan your legacy. On the fifth day of Planning, my peer group said to me… Write it and share ... Continue reading

As we celebrate this Thanksgiving Holiday, and move quickly into Christmas mode, let’s be sure we take time to be grateful for all the good things that we experience every day. Far too often we go through life taking the important things for granted and focusing on the little things that aggravate us. We miss giving thanks for the 98% while we are consumed by the 2% of our patch that isn’t what we want. Here are some ways you might reverse that thought pattern. Attitude is a choice. Gratitude is an attitude. We can quickly see that gratitude is a choice. So how do we make it the normal response in our day – the moment by moment way we can live a life of gratitude. Stop worrying about the... Continue reading

There are a number of award application opportunities open right now. Company awards are an excellent way to celebrate business achievement and shine a spotlight on your business. Try it and you might discover some of the bottom line benefits and the power of industry and local awards. This is often an overlooked tool in your marketing toolbox. Marketing consists of many techniques and channels from advertising and direct response to radio and trade shows, but you can take your small business to new levels by entering your company for awards. The trick is they don’t just happen. You have to apply, submit an entry or nominate yourself. Awards are not just for big companies. At all levels,... Continue reading