In today’s dynamic business landscape, small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face unique challenges that require both effective administration and management. While these terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, understanding their distinct functions and how they complement each other can be crucial for business success, especially as we navigate the evolving business environment of […]

Have you ever asked someone to do something, walked away, and then returned to find the result wasn’t at all what you had in mind? Or maybe you’ve been on the receiving end – working hard on a project only to discover your boss or client had a completely different vision of the finished product? […]

There’s a movement sweeping through business schools and investment firms. It’s called “Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition” (ETA). Young, ambitious MBA graduates and career-changers armed with investor backing are hunting for established small businesses to buy. They study spreadsheets. They calculate ROI. They create elaborate acquisition strategies and funding models. They attend workshops on how to find […]

In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s astonishing how many companies—from small startups to established mid-sized businesses and even some larger organizations—either ignore strategic planning altogether or treat it as a perfunctory exercise. Despite the clear benefits of looking ahead and creating roadmaps for future growth, many business leaders find themselves trapped in the cycle of […]

We have all had bad bosses, but how do we know if our supervisor is really a bad one? Here are 8 warnings signs that your boss can’t do the job, along with ideas about what a great supervisor should look like. 1. Never Has Time for You. Is your supervisor “too busy” to meet, […]

There is an invisible wall in the business world. It’s the wall between management and leadership; being a good manager and becoming a great leader. People can spend an entire career and never break through that wall. The wall is not about equal opportunity, hiring practices, promotion or selection. Nor is it about gender or […]

Where it all started I’ve always been that kid who needed to understand how things worked. Not just on the surface – I mean really understand. While other kids were content playing with their toys, I was the one with a screwdriver in hand, carefully dismantling them to see what made them tick. (And yes, […]

Heart and brain on scales. Balance, love, mind, intelligence, logic concept. Flat style. EPS 8 vector illustration, no transparency ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/dougthorpe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/51636535_m-scaled.webp?fit=650%2C488&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/dougthorpe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/51636535_m-scaled.webp?fit=847%2C635&ssl=1″ /> As a leader, you have so mnay chocies to make. People, process, product and performance issues surround you. Making the best choice can be difficult. However, nothing can be more powerful than […]

Leadership isn’t about basking in the glow of success; it’s about the shade you provide for those you lead and those considering joining your ranks. It’s about the values you embody, the outcomes you champion, the influences you wield, and the lasting impact you create. True leaders understand that their role is to nurture growth, […]

In the dynamic landscape of business acquisition and entrepreneurship, the concept of SMART goals has evolved far beyond its original 1981 introduction. Today’s successful business leaders are reimagining this classic framework to meet contemporary challenges and opportunities. Let’s explore how modern entrepreneurs are leveraging SMART goals to drive successful business transitions and sustainable growth. The […]