Do you sometimes feel that you are winning most of the battles but that you are losing the war? Although you are able to solve the problems, does the list of problems seem endless? Battles are won with tactics. Wars are won with strategy. Good tactics will never be sufficient to overcome the pursuit of a flawed strategy. People achieve positions...
The recent successful trip of the space shuttle Discovery attracted considerable attention. The launch and landing were covered live by the major television networks and broadcast to homes, schools, and offices all around the country. The nation once again "tuned in" to the space program with renewed interest and respect. Perhaps more attention...
In one form or another, most all Americans own "shares of stock" in a business. Some own the entire business, others own a limited number shares, and many others have an interest in stock through mutual funds, insurance policies, and retirement plans. Just what do these "shares of stock" represent? "Shares of stock" are an equity investment. In...
In professional sports, unlike some other businesses, it's pretty difficult to deny the reality of poor performance. How would you like your profit and loss statement published in the paper each morning? That's why the dramatic flight of the Baltimore Orioles from last place in 1988 to challenge for first place in 1989 caught my attention. Was it...
The stewardess worked unsuccessfully on securing the equipment in galley while the last few passengers settled into their seats. After repeatedly attempting to get it locked in place, she finally notified the pilot about the problem. "Excuse me ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking. We'll be delayed for just a brief moment while the...
It's fourth down and a long way to go for a first down. The score is tied, you're deep in your own territory, and there is still plenty of time remaining in the game. Well coach, I may not be able to tell you the exact right thing to do, but I can sure tell you what not to do. An important part of a successful game plan is to avoid making the...
If an economist were to study the situation, the eventual solution might be known as the "trickle down ticket theory". Unfortunately, however, the unused tickets that companies purchase to major sporting and other community events rarely "trickle down" to the average employee. "Luxury boxes" are commonplace in all modern professional sports...
"Let your fingers do the walking" and become an "economic anthropologist" for a minute. What would the different categories of businesses and the proportionate amount of space that they occupied in the yellow pages say about our current state of affairs? How would today's edition with ten pages of Computer listings, eight for Copiers, four for...
The sign said, "The customer is the most important person in the business." You've all seen the type of sign I'm talking about. They are usually framed, dusty, and hung at an angle in some obscure location. I had called several days in advance and made an appointment for routine engine maintenance for my car at a local dealership. I informed them...
Your competition is more than just the business down the street that's trying to sell the same product to the same customer. Being a good competitor is something we all take pride in. Competition is known to bring out the best in each of us. When it comes right down to it however, lets be honest, increasing competition is one thing most...