Vol. 36: How to deal with your bank

The North Bay Business Journal, a publication of the New York Times, is a weekly business newspaper which covers the North Bay area of San Francisco – from the Golden Gate bridge north, including the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa counties.

 

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Article published – February 23, 2009

BUILDING A BUSINESS: Ideas for your business you can take to the bank

“Money is better than poverty if only for financial reasons.”   – Woody Allen

I’ve received a lot of questions lately about banking issues and the “rules of the road” for dealing with your bank in a troubled economy. All of us are facing an economy that I refer to as the “Double V” – an insidious environment comprised of big volatility and little visibility. These twin engines will predominate for the foreseeable future.

This week’s column will start with Banking 101 as we make our way toward more subtle concepts. Unquestionably, this process is more artful than scientific, and while there are mechanical tasks and financial metrics that apply, managing your banking relationship requires both judgment and discretion.

• No Surprises. It’s no surprise that “No Surprises” is at the top of the list. (more…)

Continue ReadingVol. 36: How to deal with your bank

“Building a Business”: Vol. 35

The North Bay Business Journal, a publication of the New York Times, is a weekly business newspaper which covers the North Bay area of San Francisco – from the Golden Gate bridge north, including the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa counties.

 

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Article published – February 9, 2009

BUILDING A BUSINESS: Diving into the daily details can tell you a lot

Simply signing the payables, ‘walking around’ can reveal savings, innovations

“Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.” – Colin Powell

It’s a phrase we’ve all heard ad nauseum, but yes, the devil’s still in the details. How does a business leader retain perspective on the more strategic elements of his company while capturing and controlling sufficient details to calibrate and validate the execution of that strategy?

Here are a few proven methods to uncover and gain insight into some of these intricate details. (more…)

Continue Reading“Building a Business”: Vol. 35

Vol 33: What does your business stand for?

The North Bay Business Journal, a publication of the New York Times, is a weekly business newspaper which covers the North Bay area of San Francisco – from the Golden Gate bridge north, including the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa counties.

 

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Article published – January 12, 2009

BUILDING A BUSINESS: It’s ’09: Do you know what your business stands for?

by Lary Kirchenbauer

“I coulda had class, I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody … instead of a bum.” – Terry Malloy

The night sky is etched in vivid black and white tones, and in the back seat of a chauffeured car prowling the streets of Hoboken, N.J., a lawyer for a mob-connected union boss confronts his brother, Terry Malloy, about testifying against the mob in court.

Malloy, despondent over these threats, is stunned when his brother pulls a gun to emphasize his point. Their relationship had reached a nadir, and Malloy was distraught that his brother helped dismantle his fledgling boxing career. In his dark lament, he delivers the memorable line quoted above – that he “coulda been somebody.”

Our moms also told us to “be somebody” – although our behavior at a particular moment may have altered her tone … “Be somebody better than you’re being right now” or “Get off the couch and quit loafing.” (more…)

Continue ReadingVol 33: What does your business stand for?

Vol 32: Cash is still KING!

The North Bay Business Journal, a publication of the New York Times, is a weekly business newspaper which covers the North Bay area of San Francisco – from the Golden Gate bridge north, including the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa counties.

 

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Article published – December 15, 2008

BUILDING A BUSINESS: Surprise: ‘Cash is king; here’s how to keep it flowing

by Lary Kirchenbauer

“Money’s a horrid thing to follow but a charming thing to meet.” – Henry James

There is probably no more trite but compelling phrase in the business lexicon these days than “Cash is King.” What does it mean? (more…)

Continue ReadingVol 32: Cash is still KING!