Put simply, yes, you should accept your situation and work with them to secure a deal. That said, there are some preparation points you should take care of prior to going in. Talk about your... (more)

Ask for it. (One employee at a time.) Your promotion is reality. You can expose your concerns about the situation and let them know that you need their help to make this work. It's better to... (more)

This is a good occasion for doing some planning. Sketch out a sales forecast with two scenarios--one with and the other without the smaller projects. Then sketch out an expense budget, including... (more)

I currently have a business and want to add on to it with other businesses that are totally different. (more)

There are pros and cons to both options, as you already know. The best way to decide if the timing is right for you is to make 2 lists: one for all the reasons why you should do it and one focused... (more)

Your question deals with balance--one of the key factors to successful management and successful leadership. Are your employees competent? Are they qualified to make these decisions? If... (more)

It really depends on the types of theft that are taking place, money or product. Installing security cameras is a great idea to prevent both as well as doing daily inventory of product and... (more)

Given your mission to help provide job training for military members, you really could go either way with a for-profit or not-for-profit business. The significant differences between the two... (more)

Seek the aid of wise advisors. Your situation has taken a toll on all areas of your life, so you will be re-building in all areas of your life. Start by seeking the counsel of a person... (more)

First, talk to an attorney you can trust. The legal aspects around this kind of a thing are dangerous waters. For other readers of this answer, that's why you're supposed to have a buy-sell... (more)

Great question and one that allows you so much freedom. To take the next step in a new direction, take a moment to think about the following: 1. Can you sell the existing clients you have or... (more)

The boss's remark was dumb. But, we all say dumb things sometimes. Often we don't realize how our remarks affect others. I believe that s/he was trying to give you some guidance, but it was not... (more)

Your employee has learned that she can get her way by sulking, whining, and threatening. You cannot change her, but you can teach her that she cannot manipulate you using these tactics. There... (more)

Yes, this is a common problem, with no set answers. There's that feeling that you want to grow but you're not sure whether you can afford to take on the risks. This is a good time for some... (more)

Prepare. Make some notes about the situation and your feelings. Write about where you are, where you want to be, and how you might get there. Call a meeting. Let your partner k (more)

It's time to have a difficult but critical conversation. Without this conversation, some family members will grow to be resentful and this resentment can destroy the bonds that connect all of... (more)

I would ask why you would want to do anything without computers. The cost of the time it takes to track inventory manually is going to far outweigh having it automated. Utilizing a point of sale... (more)

Sorry, I'd like to make it simpler, but there isn't a best way to approach partners. It's like asking the best way to approach a person you don't know, it all depends on the specifics. Factors like... (more)

The best way to communicate with an existing customer base is through a combination of e-mail, direct mail, and one-to-one phone or in person contact. This is superior to relying on a single form... (more)

Hi, Great question and my answer is a simple one: You already have a partner, your husband. Business partnerships more often than not end up in a disagreement and almost always mean one... (more)