Image by Michael Giuffrida about Teams

Hire slow, fire fast.

In a small business, your people are everything.  Not only do they likely interface with your clients but they also represent you in the community.  And most importantly, they reflect the type of culture you have in your organization when chatting around the water cooler.  This is why it is critical that you have the Read more about Hire slow, fire fast.[…]

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What is next generation endpoint protection?

Once malicious content became a “thing”, antivirus software for your computer or endpoint became a necessary investment.  Then viruses evolved to “malware”, and you needed to add anti-malware to your endpoints.  Now as hackers continuously modernize, improve and evolve their attack methodologies it requires an even higher level of protection to avoid having your computer Read more about What is next generation endpoint protection?[…]

Growth image by Michael Giuffrida

How do I know if a company that I want to buy is a good fit?

When growing a small business client by client, it can become frustrating that it feels like you are never reaching that “critical mass” that you are looking for.  When this happens, many business owner look to supplement their organic growth with growth through acquisition.  Making an acquisition to grow your company is a great way Read more about How do I know if a company that I want to buy is a good fit?[…]

Sales image by Michael Giuffrida

How do I determine where my sales people are falling down in the sales process?

While some would argue that sales is more of an art than a science, if you have a struggling sales person, you can definitely apply some science to help determine where the problem lies. As a student of the Sandler Selling System, I look at the sales cycle as if you were moving a prospect Read more about How do I determine where my sales people are falling down in the sales process?[…]

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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 can I start fresh at my new job?

One piece of advice I give most new employees on the way in and people who are leaving on the way out is to “take advantage of the fresh start”.  Nobody in your new role will know any of your “bad habits” or the things that plagued you at your last job.  When changing jobs, Read more about How can I start fresh at my new job?[…]

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 about Advice

Is it really smart to use a smart watch?

Starting with the Pebble and evolving to the latest version of the Apple Watch, smart watches have gained more and more functionality for their owners.  Weather, apps, texting and now even making calls can be done right through the watch.  The question is though, just because we can, should we? Many of these features have Read more about Is it really smart to use a smart watch?[…]

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When does transparency become humiliation?

Radical transparency in the workplace is good right?  You should let people know what you are thinking in real time and give them honest feedback about their performance and behaviors.  Every management and leadership class touches upon this in some way.  However, when can this good practice turn bad? To begin, there are many ways Read more about When does transparency become humiliation?[…]