Image by Michael Giuffrida about Performance

Tired of Pointless Meetings? – Tip by Mike Giuffrida from Southington CT on improving the value you get from meetings

There is nothing worse than finishing a day when you were locked in the conference room all day and feeling like you got nothing accomplished.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that any time in meetings is by definition not productive, but wasteful meetings are, well, wasteful.  There are a few simple things you Read more about Tired of Pointless Meetings? – Tip by Mike Giuffrida from Southington CT on improving the value you get from meetings[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida about collaboration

Michael Giuffrida: In the age of the cloud, do you still need a server in the office?

It’s the era of cloud technology, and businesses have started making the big shift in handling their data and moving some or all of those resources in the cloud. But is it still right and helpful for a business to maintain a server in the workplace, or is it better to move everything on the Read more about Michael Giuffrida: In the age of the cloud, do you still need a server in the office?[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida about Finance

When should I look for bank financing for my business? – By: Michael Giuffrida

When most small businesses owners hand their shingle, they have a certain amount of money they plan on using to get started.  Perhaps it is money they have saved or borrowed from friends and family but in any case, it is usually limited.  While not true in every case, a business often takes longer to Read more about When should I look for bank financing for my business? – By: Michael Giuffrida[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida about Performance

Which is more; 24 or 1440? The answer will magically give you more time in your day

It seems that each day there are more and more things that want our attention, and our time. How many times have you said, “There just isn’t enough time in the day!”?  Your prayers are now answered and I am here to give you more time in your day.  The reality is that our time Read more about Which is more; 24 or 1440? The answer will magically give you more time in your day[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida about progress

Do I need a server in my office anymore?

Cloud! Cloud! Cloud!  It’s the buzz word of the times but is it really right for my business?  Let’s start by defining it. In short, when something is “in the cloud” it is simply on a server which is sitting somewhere else as opposed to in your office, and it is accessed over the internet. Read more about Do I need a server in my office anymore?[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida about improvement

How do I make my first hour more productive?

Effective time management is one of the most important aspects of a small business owner’s potential success.  Ensuring that not only many things get done, but the right things get done first is critical.  One way to improve your daily effectiveness is by making the most of the first hour of the day.  While all Read more about How do I make my first hour more productive?[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida for Computer security

Do I need to worry about my employees having company email on their personal mobile phones?

Email has become a critical part of business communications.  As such, employees are expected to respond to email in real time, all hours of the day.  The most convenient way to implement that is to setup their work email on the personal mobile device so it is right there when they need it.  The question Read more about Do I need to worry about my employees having company email on their personal mobile phones?[…]

Image for Improvement by Michael Giuffrida

How does technology drive culture?

Technology in business has been a given for may decades however over the years it has transformed from being an unwanted evil to a necessity for survival.  One challenge is that human willingness to accept and adapt to change is greatly outpaced by innovation in technology.  This can either drive an innovative and open culture Read more about How does technology drive culture?[…]

Image by Michael Giuffrida about strategy

Why are so many small businesses consolidating these days?

Merger and acquisition activity in the small business space seems to be at an all time high.  Many organizations are looking to buy or be bought.  But why? From the organizations we have worked with, there are a few major drivers of this trend. Consolidation can lead to economies of scale By growing the top Read more about Why are so many small businesses consolidating these days?[…]

Image for teamwork by Michael Giuffrida

Is it OK to change the subject line in an email conversation after it is started?

Since email is not only used for communication but also for documentation, the subject line of an email is an important piece of the puzzle when filing and searching for information.  Often times, an email chain starts as one thing but morphs into something completely different once it gets rolling.  While I don’t usually recommend Read more about Is it OK to change the subject line in an email conversation after it is started?[…]