Setting Strategy


Recent Setting Strategy Articles

Tackle Problems Effectively: Learn From Mistakes I Made

One owner confides how she improved her management when she had to troubleshoot a botched customer order.  Read more

Ditch Your Strategy, Keep Your Vision

Winning strategies are not set in concrete, but your long-term vision should remain rooted.  Read more

The Price of Tea In China Does Matter for Small Business

Here's how U.S. relations with China, tensions in the Middle East, and economic problems in Europe impact even a little pizza shop in Pennsylvania.  Read more

Afraid of Being Sued? 4 Ways to Keep Lawyers at Bay

Here are four surprising ways to protect yourself in a law suit and keep legal fees to a minimum.  Read more

How to Master the Art of Perfect Timing

As owner, you are your business's timekeeper. Here's how to tell when you should speed things up--or slow them down.  Read more

Are You Leading Your People, or Just Running a Company?

Best-selling leadership author Simon Sinek explains 5 ways to really look after your employees.  Read more

Your Customers' Top Priority? Time

If you want to garner consumer loyalty and confidence, this is all you need to know. Here's why.  Read more

Selling to Big Companies: 3 Ways to Stand Out

Here's how even a small firm can stand out in a crowded marketplace and sell into large corporations.  Read more

How to Save a Dying Company

Vital Network Systems was losing half a million dollars every month. Here are three key steps that helped turn the company around.  Read more

Why You Should Wait, Think--and, Only Then, Execute Furiously

In his wonderful book Wait , Frank Portnoy argues why speed isn't what makes all the difference, but how you use your time.  Read more

Someone Copied Your Product. What Next?

Taking legal action is costly and time-consuming. Here's how to weigh whether you (really) need to.  Read more

Why'd You Start Your Business? 3 End Goals

Before you do anything else, figure out why--in the first place--you launched your business. You need to know now what you want to get out of it.  Read more

Eight Ball, Corner Pocket: Think 6 Steps Ahead of the Competition

Want explosive growth? Strategize like a world-renowned pool player.  Read more

What Makes Method's Sale to Ecover So Different?

Acquisitions often fail. So what makes Method founders Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry believe the sale to Ecover could buck the trend?  Read more

How to Go Freemium (and Not Go Broke)

Offering something for free is great for acquiring more customers... but not so great for the bottom line. If you're going to do it, know the risks.  Read more

7 Tips for Creating Your Own Destiny

Are you working on your life or just in it? Here is the perspective and method you need to plan and execute the life and career worthy of your potential.  Read more

A Facebook Ad Campaign That Actually Works

Tough Mudder CEO Will Dean has found Facebook advertising is a cost-effective way to drive people to hardcore obstacle-course events.  Read more

5 Simple Strategies to Sell Successfully

Sales is a journey. If the customer does not understand where you are headed and why she should come along, she won't.  Read more

'Freaking Out': What Happened the Day Joe Cohen Launched Lore 

First-time entrepreneur Joe Cohen talks about what to do when Launch Day inevitably doesn't go according to plan.  Watch video

What to Consider Before You Take a Meeting 

Meeting planning advice from John Berkowitz, co-founder of Yodle, and Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council.  Watch video

What the Olympics Has to Do With Your Business (Not Much)

The Olympics are inspirational. Just don't model your business after them. Five reasons why.  Read more

What Your Customer Really Wants (It's Not What You Think)

Before you blame your employees for a strategy gone awry or spend a lot of money on a new one, read this.  Read more

Brand Messaging: Don't Get Lost in Translation

When people don't understand you, they tune you out. Make sure your customers get what you're saying.  Read more

4 Hidden Signs of a Healthy Company

Your balance sheet alone won't tell you if your company is thriving or on the verge of failure. Here's what you really need to look out for.  Read more

Increase Online Sales: A 10-Step Checklist

Make sure users purchase what's in their shopping carts before they leave your site. Adopt these user experience best practices.  Read more

3 Sure-Fire Ways to Expand Your Product Line

Learn from customers, competitors, and those in completely unrelated fields.  Read more

How to Price Your Product or Service 

Strategic advice from John Katzman, co-founder of 2tor and founder of the Princeton Review, and Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council.  Watch video

How Jules Kroll Ignored Naysayers & Started a Rating Agency 

When credit rating agencies came under fire for their role in the 2008 financial crisis, Jules Kroll, the corporate-investigations pioneer, saw a business op...  Watch video

Nail Your Investor Pitch. Consider User Experience

Is your fundraising pitch clear to investors? Don't overlook the implications of user experience.  Read more

13 Tactics to Land Your Start-up Customers

Selling a brand new product or service is one of the toughest jobs around. Here's just what you need to know to win.  Read more

How to Prepare for the Unexpected

Strategic thinkers see big changes coming before everyone else in their industry. Fortunately, it's an acquired skill.  Read more

Reminder: Strategy & Planning Are Not Optional

You don't want your company to be among the walking dead. Know what you offer, to whom, and why.  Read more

Don't Outsource Your Sales. Here's Why

Independent sales reps may seem cost-effective, but when it comes to longterm business strategy, they are too risky for these three important reasons.  Read more

Best Entrepreneurship Book Ever Has Nothing to Do With Business

Want inspiration as an entrepreneur? Set aside those books about managing and leadership. This World War II story with a tragic ending might just be the best...  Read more

Founder Resentment: How to Avoid It

Founders are one of the most begrudged players in start-up land. Here's why, and what you can do about it.  Read more