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No Vacancy at the Hotel Brodsky
By the time Norm's new hotel opens, it will have been booked for the next three years, and therein lies an important lesson for any entrepreneur. Read more
Norm Brodsky
Recent Street Smarts Articles
Keeping Peace in the Family
The best way to avoid bickering over family ownership of a company is to put everything in writing early on. Read more
Making a Smooth Transition When Buying a Business
How can you retain a great company culture when forcing an ownership transition? Read more
Entrepreneurs: Leash Your Optimism
Even in tough times, entrepreneurs are incurable optimists. But too much optimism can blind you to the obstacles ahead. Read more
Norm Brodsky on Overcoming Your Fear of Competition
Norm Brodsky says that buying a business to stifle competition is never a good move. Spend the time and money improving your own business. Read more
Norm Brodsky on Dealing With Picky Customers
What should you do when customers insist on working only with you? Read more
Norm Brodsky on Identifying Outstanding Salespeople
Good salespeople focus on the particular feature the customer cares about. Read more
Being Prepared When Things Go Wrong
What’s the best policy for raising prices to offset the cost of materials? Read more
When to Change Your Business Model
If a competitor offers its product for free, should you do the same in hopes of increasing market share? Read more
Keeping Your Company Healthy
A balance sheet is like a thermometer that provides a reading on the health of your business. Ignoring it could be fatal. Read more
Prospecting for Black Gold
Norm’s next big move: opening a hotel in North Dakota Read more
Divvying Up the Business
Making sure you have a good ownership agreement Read more
Growing Up as a CEO
Learning to take responsibility for your mistakes Read more
How to Avoid the Price-War Trap
Dealing with low-priced competitors Read more
6 Lessons on Starting Up From Norm Brodsky
"Street Smarts" columnist and senior contributing editor Norm Brodsky is a veteran entrepreneur who has founded and built six businesses. Here, he shares his... View slideshow
How to Take On a Bully
Dealing with a large competitor that intimidates your customers Read more
How to Adapt Your Business Model for Hard Times
Norm Brodsky suggests getting a second opinion on big decisions. Read more
How to Prepare Your Business for Inflation
Norm Brodsky warns that a period of high inflation is coming and offers tips on what you need to do now. Read more
Building Your Business
Norm Brodsky talks about deciding which opportunities a small business should pursue. Read more
How to Drum Up Customer Referrals
Norm Brodsky gives advice on how to get more customer referrals and sales leads. Read more
Are You CEO Material?
Norm Brodsky gives tips on how to determine if you are the right person to take your company to the next level. View slideshow
How to Keep Your Message Clear
How to optimize your marketing message by better understanding the customer Read more
Are Your Credit Card Bills Out of Control?
In order to build a viable business, you need to exercise sound inventory control. Read more
How to Benefit From Government Cutbacks
Government spending cuts will be painful, but private businesses could still see growth opportunities. Read more
Running an Event on a Budget
Norm Brodsky offers advice on running an event for your customers without breaking the bank. Read more
Reaching Your Target Market
Norm Brodsky offers his advice on how to attract more of the right kind of customers. Read more
Capitalizing on the Economic Recovery
Each economic recovery is different. Norm Brodsky gives advice on planning for recovery. Read more
Sales Strategy Checkup
How to make customers realize they need your product Read more
Understanding Your Company
Advice for small business owners when winging it is not enough to build your company Read more
Planning to Exit
How to build your company with a plan to sell Read more
How to Pay Less in Taxes
Norm Brodsky says the secret to keeping your taxes low is knowing your numbers. Read more
Dealing With Disappearing Debtors
Norm Brodsky advises what to do when customers go bust. Read more
Looking Beyond VCs
Norm Brodsky explains how to find the right financial partner. Read more
A Little Self-Promotion Never Hurts
How to get the word out about your new business Read more
Don't Try to Sell Too Soon
How to build your business up before you sell. Read more
To Franchise, or Not to Franchise?
Here's what you need to consider before franchising your business. Read more
Who You Know Still Matters
The importance of gaining access to decision makers. Read more
How to Expand Your Market
And keep your costs low. Read more
Managing Your Real Estate
Beware of big prepayment penalties. Read more
Norm Brodsky on Fighting Bureaucracy
What to do when your new senior managers bring corporate ideas to your business. Read more
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