Work Smarter
Sun Tzu on not starting from scratch This morning, reading The Art of War, I came across this: “The wise general sees to it that his troops feed on the enemy, for one bushel of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of his… in transporting provisions for a distance… twenty bushels will be consumed […]
Hiring Smart
Sun Tzu on what you risk by not hiring This morning I was reading the “Waging War” chapter of The Art of War, and one line stood out: “Those unable to understand the dangers inherent in employing troops are equally unable to understand the advantageous ways of doing so.” It made me think about a […]
Stop Getting Stuck
Sun Tzu on what long delays cost This morning, reading The Art of War, I came across this: “Victory is the main object in war. If this is long delayed, weapons are blunted and morale depressed.” It made me think about how often this happens in small businesses. We pour time, energy, and money into […]
Plan Like a Pro
Sun Tzu on strategy and leadership in a small business This morning, reading The Art of War, I came across this: “Li Ching of the Tang proposed ten plans to be used against Hsiao Hsieh, and the entire responsibility of commanding the armies was entrusted to him.” My first thought was that ten plans seemed […]
When the Unexpected Happens
Sun Tzu and Stockdale on the thunderclap I’ve been rereading The Art of War by Sun Tzu this year. This morning, this passage jumped out at me: “When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.” At first I thought it was a great metaphor for a surprise attack. Sun Tzu was […]
Extraordinary Speed
Sun Tzu on moving when the moment is there This morning I was reading The Art of War and one quote stood out: “What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed; one cannot afford to neglect opportunity.” Simple idea. Big implications for a small business. Acting quickly and decisively often makes the […]
Win Big by Starting Small
Sun Tzu on testing small When Big Bets Go Wrong Years ago at my home health agency, I made a big bet. I spent more than $250,000 on a Honeywell® telehealth system. I was convinced it would change the way we delivered care and drive a lot of new growth. I’d heard stories about agencies […]
Where They Are Strong, Avoid Them
Sun Tzu on how a small business actually competes Imagine you’re the proud owner of a small-town bakery. Twinkling string lights. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Holiday sugar cookies in the shape of snowflakes flying off the shelves. Life is good. Business is steady. Then you hear the news. A well-known chain bakery is opening two […]
Building Trust and Loyalty: Moral Influence for Small Business Owners
Sun Tzu on what makes people follow you Leadership in a small business is more than strategy and execution. It’s the trust you build, the loyalty you earn, and the personal connections you make with your team and customers. This morning I came across a passage about “moral influence” in Sun Tzu’s The Art of […]
5 Leadership Skills for Small Business Owners
Sun Tzu on what makes a leader I’m kicking off the year by rereading Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. The last time I read it, I was surprised at how well it transferred to business. The leadership lessons stuck with me and changed how I thought about running my own companies. Now, a few […]
Notes from Donald Miller and Mike Michalowicz on Coaching
I listened to a conversation between Donald Miller and Mike Michalowicz on coaching as a business. Mike has been a successful coach himself for years and now trains and certifies other coaches in his methodologies. He’s worth listening to. Here are the things from their conversation that stuck with me. Why people hire coaches. Mike […]
Habits and Practices to Grow Your Business
I was thinking this weekend about a coaching client of mine. He’s growing the business while still making room for his life. Family vacations. Workouts. The small things that matter to him. Watching him do it got me thinking about the habits that build a business that’s worth growing. Here are thirteen of them. Some […]