Plan Like a Pro: Lessons in Strategy and Leadership for Small Businesses

Plan Like a Pro Strategy and Leadership for Small Business: Lessons from The Art of War This morning, as I was reading The Art of War, I came across this passage: “Li Ching of the Tang proposed ten plans to be used against Hsiao Hsieh, and the entire responsibility of commanding the armies was entrusted […]
When the Unexpected Happens: How to Handle Big Challenges in Your Small Business

When the Unexpected Happens Lessons from The Art of War I’ve been rereading The Art of War by Sun Tzu this year, and this morning, this passage jumped out at me: “When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.” At first, I thought, “That’s a great metaphor for a surprise attack.” […]
Extraordinary Speed: The Power of Moving Fast

Extraordinary Speed Lessons from The Art of War 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.” It’s a simple idea, but it has profound implications for small business. Acting quickly and decisively […]
Win Big by Starting Small

Win Big by Starting Small Lessons from The Art of War When Big Bets Go Wrong Years ago, when I was running a home health agency, I made what I thought was a game-changing decision. I invested more than $250,000 in a Honeywell® telehealth solution. I was convinced it would revolutionize patient care and drive […]
Competing Strategically as a Small Business: Where They Are Strong, Avoid Them

Competing Strategically as a Small Business Where They Are Strong, Avoid Them: Lessons from The Art of War Competing Strategically to Maximize Your Strengths Imagine you’re the proud owner of a small-town bakery, the kind with twinkling string lights, freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the air, and your holiday sugar cookies in the shape […]
Building Trust and Loyalty: Moral Influence for Small Business Owners

Building Trust and Loyalty: Moral Influence for Small Business Owners Leadership in small business goes far beyond strategy and execution—it’s about trust, loyalty, and the personal connections you create with your team and customers. Have you ever struggled to get your team fully on board with a new project (or an old one, for that […]
5 Leadership Skills for Small Business Owners

5 Leadership Skills for Small Business Owners (Lessons from The Art of War) Leadership in small business is deeply personal. It’s about more than setting goals or managing projects—it’s about the trust, loyalty, and respect you build with your team and customers. Unlike in a large corporation, your leadership is visible every day, and your […]