Business Planning & Consulting

Ideas for negotiating smarter, not harder

Business owners: No matter your objective, successful negotiations with another party depend on good preparation and maintaining a cool head. Here are some tips to consider.
July 30, 2026
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Business negotiations aren’t about squeezing every possible concession from the other side. Both parties should leave the table believing they’ve protected their interests and gained something of value. This approach not only supports the current transaction, but also lays the groundwork for future deals. The reason is simple: Business owners with a reputation for fairness […]
#BusinessConsulting, #BusinessGrowth, #NegotiationStrategy
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Business Planning & Consulting

The right financial guidance can help maximize your business’s potential

Successful businesses grow because their owners use accurate and authoritative financial information to make informed decisions. That’s where an experienced financial advisor comes in.
July 22, 2026
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Financial information is the foundation for every important business decision. Whether your goal is to improve cash flow, launch a new offering, hire additional workers or expand into a new market, accurate data enables you to make decisions confidently. An experienced advisor can help prepare this data and ensure your business is poised to capitalize […]
#BusinessConsulting, #BusinessGrowth, #CashFlowManagement
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Business Planning & Consulting

Open the door to investment with a winning pitch deck

If you’re seeking new capital, the right pitch deck can help you woo investors. What should you include (and exclude) to sell your business’s solutions?
July 1, 2026
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Whether you’re launching a start-up, expanding into different markets, developing a new product or pursuing a business acquisition, attracting investors requires more than a good idea. Investors want to see a compelling opportunity supported by solid financials and a realistic growth plan. One of the most effective ways to communicate all of this is with […]
#BusinessPlanning, #BusinessStrategy, #InvestorFunding
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Business Planning & Consulting

Midyear is a good time to update your business’s strategic plan

Is it time to update your business’s strategic plan? If you haven’t conducted a planning session in a couple of years, your plan may not reflect today’s business environment. We provide tips on making the process easier and less time consuming.
June 10, 2026
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Strategic planning isn’t meant to be a one-time exercise. Your plan should evolve with your business — and the environment in which it operates. Regular reviews help ensure your business remains focused on the right priorities and positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. Even if you can’t find time for extensive “big picture” thinking, […]
#BusinessGrowth, #LeadershipStrategy, #StrategicPlanning
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Business Planning & Consulting

Looking for funding? Consider SBA loans

It can be tough for startups and other small businesses to borrow money at favorable terms. The Small Business Administration can help. Learn about its loan programs and how to apply.
May 27, 2026
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If you’re seeking financing to start or grow a small business, don’t forget to look at loan programs through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Down payments, interest rates and borrowing fees are typically lower, and application requirements may be more flexible than you’d find elsewhere. Some SBA loans also come with counseling and education, […]
#BusinessGrowth, #SBALoans, #SmallBusinessFunding
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Business Planning & Consulting

What you can do to protect your business from rising costs

Although inflation is rising, businesses can manage higher prices and even thrive by lowering costs and enhancing cash flow. We suggest several ideas for fighting the effects of inflation.
May 20, 2026
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For the 12 months ending in April 2026, the U.S. inflation rate was 3.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prices for your business’s products, materials and other operating costs may have risen faster in recent months than you anticipated, making planning and forecasting challenging. How can your business counteract inflation? Start by making prudent […]
#BusinessStrategy, #CashFlowManagement, #InflationPlanning
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Business Planning & Consulting

How to ensure your business really owns its intellectual property

Securing ownership of your business’s IP is critical. Without the right legal agreements in place, employees or contractors could claim rights to these important value drivers.
April 22, 2026
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Whether it’s a trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret or other piece of IP, its ultimate value to your business depends on you owning it. Without airtight agreements with employees and independent contractors, these workers may claim that the IP they research and develop belongs to them. Some companies learn they don’t actually own IP assets only […]
#BusinessPlanning, #IntellectualProperty, #IPProtection
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Business Planning & Consulting

Starting a business? 5 things you need to know

Launching a new business requires more than vision alone. Here are five things you need to know before you get started.
April 15, 2026
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So you’ve decided to start your own business — congratulations! Many new owners open a business to be their own boss and chart their own course. However, along with those benefits come some complications compared to being someone else’s employee. Planning and budgeting are critical, and you’ll have plenty of new tax compliance responsibilities. 1. It […]
#BusinessPlanning, #Entrepreneurship, #StartupBusiness
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Business Planning & Consulting

Considering layoffs? Try these alternatives first

If your business has become financially distressed, layoffs may seem unavoidable. Not necessarily! This article suggests alternatives, such as trimming perks, benefits and wages, first.
April 8, 2026
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It’s every business owner’s least-favorite task: laying off staff. But sometimes, layoffs are unavoidable. Labor costs are a significant line item on most companies’ income statements, and reducing your workforce can potentially help restore stability if your business hits choppy waters. On the other hand, many costs are associated with staff reductions. These include severance […]
#BusinessStrategy, #CostManagement, #WorkforceManagement
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