Strategy and Planning


Recent Strategy and Planning Articles

Businesses Hurt By Skyrocketing Gas Prices

As gas approaches $3 per gallon, entrepreneurs are being forced to raise prices and lower margins.  Read more

Most Business Owners Unprepared for Natural Disasters

Even after Katrina, 84% say they are not concerned about hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes.  Read more

Companies Remain Unprepared for Bird Flu

A new survey shows the majority of business leaders believe a bird-flu pandemic is imminent, but have no contingency plans in place.  Read more

Georgia Becomes 'Entrepreneur Friendly'

Under a new program, communities can earn the state's seal of approval for having resources that support small businesses.  Read more

Georgia Becomes 'Entrepreneur Friendly'

Under a new program, communities can earn the state's seal of approval for having resources that support small businesses.  Read more

Outlook 2006: Consumer Products

The Wal-Mart backlash continues.  Read more

Outlook 2006: Real Estate

Blowing bubbles.  Read more

Case Study: Was Outsourcing to India the Right Move?

With revenue flattening, David Galbenski needed a bold new plan.  Read more

Outsource the Outsourcing

Few entrepreneurs have the time or expertise to find the right offshore contractor. Fortunately, a new breed of broker can do it for you.  Read more

What's Next: Going Medium-Tech

Falling behind in technology is a bad idea. But getting out in front isn't always so smart either.  Read more

The Need for Speed

Keith McFarland says he can draft a new strategic plan in just 48 hours. Here's how:  Read more

Ready, Set, Strategize

Strategic planning is time-consuming and labor-intensive, right? Not necessarily. One consultant says he can craft a bold new action plan in just 48 hours.  Read more

The Problem With Confidence

Entrepreneurs are proud of their appetites for risk. But how much is enough?  Read more

Smarter Than You

You say you can't trust anyone to help you run the company? Wrong. Trust everyone.  Read more

180s CEO Steps Down

July 18, 2005 --Brian Le Gette has stepped down as CEO of 180s LLC, the performance apparel company he founded in 1994 with former classma...  Read more

Finance Managers Hopeful, Survey Says

June 30, 2005 --Finance professionals -- including CFOs, treasurers, and controllers -- expect moderate economic growth, and ranked energy...  Read more

Trade Deficit Falls in March

May 12, 2005 --The U.S. trade deficit fell to the lowest level in six months in March, thanks in part to a surge in U.S. exports of capita...  Read more

Small Business Economic Conditions Cool Down

May 5, 2005 --Slower growth in the gross domestic product (GDP), rising energy costs, and increasing interest rates dampened economic cond...  Read more

Five Ideas to Watch

...including a new lava lamp, interactive advertising, a boost for wireless coverage, and more.  Read more

Tech Spending Top Small Business Concern

A new survey suggests small business owners plan to boost IT spending to help cut costs and grow businesses.  Read more

Location, Location, Location

Understanding market research. Plus: Boards for beginners.  Read more

Is There a Future for Small Retailing?

Writing a regular column, I'm always looking for ideas. Many come from my clients, indirectly, for their questions and concerns are the questions and conc...  Read more

The Secrets of Open-Source Managing

Start treating your customers like employees.  Read more

Case Study

The Problem: Handmark had 50% of the market for software for PDAs. Unfortunately, fewer people are buying PDAs  Read more

Company, Halted

What happens to a business when the owner is called to duty?  Read more

Case Study

The Problem: Handmark had 50% of the market for software for PDAs. Unfortunately, fewer people are buying PDAs  Read more

How To Assemble a Board of Directors

Advice on putting a board together that will serve your needs.  Read more

How To Get the Kids on Your Side

Keeping the lines of communication open with your children can help foster an appreciation for the work you do.  Read more

How To Groom a No. 2 (or, Gasp, a Successor)

Here's how to handle choosing a No. 2, whether you stick inside the company or look outside.  Read more

How to Spot Trouble in Your Financials

Diagnose what's wrong with your company by zeroing in on your financials.  Read more

Ask Inc.

Help! Our CEO needs a wake-up call. Plus, adding new investors.  Read more

NASA Offers Free Rocket Scientists

A great NASA giveaway.  Read more

Thinking Small

Forget about finding the killer app. New research shows that smaller ideas pack a bigger payoff.  Read more

Grist: Beyond the Vale of Smiles

Come in out of the sun. Your employees are shining you on.  Read more

Five Ideas to Watch

Father's Day doodads, franchising dish, Gateway's biometrics, fine food in the air, and an Amber Alert for violins.  Read more