Uncategorized

Consider the following statement, and fill in the blank: “_____________ is pragmatic; it asks how it is possible to get an individual to do something effectively.   To answer this question, the behavior itself must be objectively measured.   Verbal descriptions are treated as behavior in themselves, and not as substitutes for the behavior described.”   ... Read More

Approximately 15% of business owners are under age 35.  At CLM, we have had the privilege of working with some of them.  On occasion, in loose conversation, I have referred to them as “kids” – not out of disrespect, but because I am most definitely not one.  Young entrepreneurs are fascinating to me because they... Read More

Last month, the CLM Blog was basically an essay on culture, and specifically on identifying and nurturing those things that make your business special, inspirational, or even unique. Today, we offer some further thoughts on how your business culture impacts your financial results.  In the media, in politics, and even among business people, you may... Read More

Among my favorite quotes ever is one from Vin Scully, the legendary announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  During a national broadcast, Scully was talking about an injured player who was “listed as day-to-day.”  Then he said, “Aren’t we all?” Your philosophy is as important a part of your business as your product.  Why? Because... Read More

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the year 2020!  Time travel is fun, yes? Yes? Anyone?  Well, anyhow, it is good to actually see you, in all three of the dimensions to which we were previously accustomed. Have you gained a new perspective? Lost some money? Gained a little weight? Lost your mind?    Well, we’re... Read More

Let’s do a little bit of projecting into the future:  Pretend it is now July 1, 2020.  By this time, here in New Jersey, and elsewhere, most businesses have been re-opened, with restrictions.  People who have not been working are back to their old posts.  Your Paycheck Protection Loan is all (or mostly) paid off. ... Read More

In Part 1 earlier this month, we discussed culture in the workplace.   We received a solid response to it, which tells me it’s a top-of-mind issue for many business owners.       Bad culture can kill a great business.   One of our best clients is a CEO who had an “old friend” in a key,... Read More

If you are old enough (obviously I am) to remember the 1992 campaign for President, you may recall the internal slogan that Bill Clinton’s campaign team rode to victory:    “It’s the economy, stupid.”    Coming out of a recession in the early 1990’s, and worried that their campaign was floundering, the team realized they needed to... Read More

“It’s been a long December and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last…” – Counting Crows, Long December Despite an epic failure rate, New Year’s Resolutions persist in the human psyche.  If you are a business owner, the pressure is two-fold: you have your personal improvement goals, and on... Read More

Consulting Log of CLM Advisors January – December, 1843 Client Name:   XXXXX (redacted) known only as “E.S.” JANUARY: E.S. came in for his meeting unusually optimistic about the coming year.   He is pleased with some recent sharp reductions in his overhead costs:         Cut his utility bills in half by... Read More