Weekends Are For Work

Posted by George Cloutier on 10/18/09 | (0) Comments

The commitment it takes to reach that level of profitability in your business does not stop at 5:00 on Friday. I know you probably think you are entitled to spend the weekend recharging, catching up with family, or worshipping God. But I don’t care, and neither does your business. Weekends are for work.
Sure, you should probably go to church, or the temple, or the mosque, and pray for profits——because many times you will need divine intervention to overcome your lousy decisions and foolish ways. But the second you get up off your knees, head straight back to the office, because this profit rule applies to everything that takes time away from your business, however sacred.
Don’t get me wrong. I have the utmost respect for the millions God-fearing business owners across America. I’ve prayed with them and I’ve prayed for them. Absolutely go to church on Sunday or temple on Saturday. Religion is a worthy pursuit. But what are you doing for the rest of the day? That hour or two you’ve spent meditating or worshipping may be just the thing you need to clear your head and get you ready to tackle the bookkeeping and sales reports for the rest of the afternoon.

Fire Them!

Posted by George Cloutier on 10/16/09 | (1) Comments

If there’s a difficult task on your to do list that you’ve been putting off, do it first and do it now. Are three out of ten employees failing miserably? Fire them! Is your biggest problem that you need a new banking institution? Don’t waste time shooting the breeze with clients. Make the calls and find the bank with the best loan terms. Suck it up and do it!

The Only Opinion That Matters is Yours

Posted by George Cloutier on 10/14/09 | (0) Comments

It may sound obvious to some of you, but in today’s warm, fuzzy and politically-correct environment, where it’s all about collaboration, fairness, and listening to your employees, many small business owners forget one important thing: they have a business to run. This ain’t a democracy. The only opinion that matters is your own.

Shut Off Your Cell Phone During Meetings

Posted by George Cloutier on 10/12/09 | (1) Comments

The husband or wife might squawk when you shut off your cell phone during meetings and tell them only to call for an emergency. Johnny and Suzy might stamp their feet or pout when you don’t make it to the baseball game or the ballet recital. But here’s a newsflash: they’d much rather enjoy great financial security than see you struggling for the rest of your life to make money that never comes.

You are the only person who is going to fix your business and make it better, and that is not going to happen while you are taking 14 personal phone calls a day and attending local cub scouts meetings three times a week.

It Is Time to Stop Whining

Posted by George Cloutier on 10/10/09 | (0) Comments

If you have to terminate family members, so be it. It’s time to stop whining about the diminishing demand from the marketplace, employees who are not performing, or banks who won’t extend your credit because you are losing money. It is in your power to maximize your profits, solve your problems and have a good life. You have to decide whether you want to be a pillar of your community because you have a strong and well run company, or waste your time spinning yarns and fantasies to yourself about how well you’re doing. It’s in your hands now.