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 […]
Read This: Find Your Red Thread by Tamsen Webster
If you’ve got a big idea and you can’t quite figure out how to make it land with the people you’re talking to, Find Your Red Thread by Tamsen Webster is the book I’d put in your hands. The Red Thread is Webster’s name for the underlying message or theme that runs through your idea, […]
Read This: Book Yourself Solid
What book have I given away or recommended more than any other? I’m not 100% sure, but Michael Port’s Book Yourself Solid has to be in the running. It’s a practical, systematic guide for small business owners who want to develop marketing and sales that actually work. It’s also the book that turned me into […]
Read This: The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick
I’ve watched a lot of business owners fall into the same trap. They’re so excited about their idea that they skip the work of finding out whether anyone actually wants it. They ask friends and family. The friends and family tell them it’s a great idea. The owner believes them, builds the thing, and waits […]
Read This: Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg
I read a lot of books about habits. Over the last fifteen years, I’ve read pretty much every popular one. They’re all helpful in different ways. The best of them is Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg. If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner who wants to improve your daily routines without trying to overhaul […]