How do we set up a royalty agreement with a manufacturer?
Brad Sugars answered March 18, 2008
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...moreHow can I get my staff to give me more support?
Elinor Robin answered March 13, 2008
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...moreMy business is growing into larger projects, should I stop doing the small ones?
Tim Berry answered March 13, 2008
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...moreHow do I create different small businesses under one mother company?
Brad Sugars answered March 12, 2008
I currently have a business and want to add on to it with other businesses that are totally different.moreHow do I know if moving our business from home to a retail location is a good idea?
Paige Arnof-Fenn answered March 7, 2008
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...moreHow do I get my employees to step up and take on more responsibilities without having to tell them what to do each step of the way?
Elinor Robin answered March 4, 2008
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...moreHow can I prevent theft among employees?
Pam Newman answered February 18, 2008
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...moreWhat are the pros and cons of for-profit and non-profit businesses?
Nina Kaufman answered February 15, 2008
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...moreHow do I recover financially and emotionally from a business failure?
Elinor Robin answered February 13, 2008
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...moreWhat is the best way to break off a partnership in a small business if I want to keep the clients that I have worked so hard to obtain?
Tim Berry answered February 5, 2008
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...moreOur business's service is becoming obsolete--where do we go from here?
Brad Sugars answered January 24, 2008
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...moreShould you compare one employee to another?
Elinor Robin answered January 22, 2008
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...moreHow do you handle a talented employee who sulks, whines and threatens when she doesn't get her way?
Elinor Robin answered January 21, 2008
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...moreWhat kind of strategy should I lay out to continue growing?
Tim Berry answered January 21, 2008
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...moreI want to sell our business, but my partner doesn't--what should I do?
Elinor Robin answered December 6, 2007
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 kmoreSome members don't put in as much effort into the family business as others and this creates tension. What should I do?
Elinor Robin answered November 30, 2007
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...moreHow can I create an inventory tracking system without computers?
Pam Newman answered November 19, 2007
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...moreWhat is the best way to approach people about a potential partnership?
Tim Berry answered November 16, 2007
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...moreHow do I reconnect with my existing customer base?
Kim T. Gordon answered November 15, 2007
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...moreWhat should we consider before making someone a partner?
