Lean is a problem-solving approach for continuous improvement. Most organizations are under pressure to reduce costs while improving service and minimizing errors. Implementing Lean principles and using Lean tools can lead to an immediate positive impact. These benefits include improved quality, increased operational flexibility, reduced cycle time within processes, more efficient use of space, consistent service delivery, reduced lead times and reduced operating costs. Continue reading
When I meet with clients about their business I ask what their business strategy will be. Some say “I’ll charge less than my competition.” Wrong answer!
Let me ask you a question. What do these companies have in common?
Rolex, Mercedes, Gucci, Starbucks Continue reading
Crowdfunding data changes as quickly as you look it up. As of Monday May 26th 2014 at 6:30pm, the numbers across all categories of Kickstarter showed:
$1,131,653,455 total $’s pledged 62,426 successfully funded projects
6,246,534 total backers 1,858,760 repeat backers
15,390,660 total pledges Overall: 43.47% success rate of campaigns
Kickstarter is not the only option for crowdfunding. There are many choices for some of the categories, some better than others. Regardless of the platform you are considering there are a number of factors involved in a successful campaign. Continue reading
A big Thank You to everyone that attended or in some way participated in our Lunafest fundraiser. Nine short films that were already winners of the competition to be included in Lunafest competed again for their place in the local showings. Continue reading
INC magazine compiled a list of questions across management thinkers, blogs and business books. Here are 35 of those questions. There are 65 more questions available on the Inc.com website.
Questions ignite imagination, avert catastrophes and reveal unexpected paths to growth. Pose these questions to yourself and your team members. The right questions require reflection followed by action. Continue reading
I found this article from Doug and Polly White to be right on target.
Moving from a home office, where occupancy costs are effectively zero, to rented space is a big decision.
Obviously, monthly expenses will increase. You’ll have to pay rent. If it’s not included in the rent, you’ll have to cover utility costs. In some circumstances, there may be other monthly fees for services such as cleaning and grounds maintenance. There will also be one-time costs. You may need to hire movers or purchase furniture, office equipment, or phone systems. Continue reading
According to Kevin Daum (Inc columnist) how you end your day is just as important as how you begin it. Kevin shares the following tips to help you finish your day right, leaving you well prepared for tomorrow. Continue reading
The April 8th Networking Night at the CBI was a hit. The food was great. The room was full and the energy was contagious. The goal to complete the CBI Business Bingo card keep the conversations and the networking moving. Participants had to meet and talk with others to get signatures from a Home-Based Business, Storefront Business, Outdoor Business, New Business, Bookkeeping Business, Technology Business, Marketing Business, Mature Business, Male and Female Owned Businesses, Health Business, Real Estate/Mortgage Business and others. Continue reading
L to R: Holly Hanson-Director CBI, Justin Sidwell, Peter Bilodeau, Marie Fey, Diane Morey-Owner A to Z Printing and Facilitator of CO.STARTERS, Dave Clark-A to Z Printing and CO.STARTERS Mentor
Community supporters joined family and friends of the graduates of the Cumberland Business Incubator’s inaugural CO.STARTERS program to celebrate their work and hear them pitch their business ideas. The CO.STARTERS group met once a week for 9 weeks as they validated their business concepts.
Graduates of the program that participated in the pitch presentation were: Continue reading
Clients ask if there is something they should read to be a better leader or to learn more about business. The answer is YES! There is a lot to be gained from reading. Check out HBR’s For those who want to lead, read for reasons to keep reading.