Archive for October, 2009
The Money or The Box? Part 2
Read Part 1
Day 8
After a week, my fax, printer, photocopier and scanner were still down. As was my enthusiasm for online discount shopping.
No courier. No toner. Three phone conversations. Frustration.
I rang the customer service chap one more time. He promised to call back, but sent an email instead:
Im not sure how this hasent been delivered [...]
The Money or The Box?
Part 1 of 2
My toner ran out last week. This took down my fax, printer, photocopier and scanner.
A price check showed my usual bricks-and-mortar supplier was 25% off the pace.
Keen to save some loot and trusting a 1-3 day delivery promise, I bought online.
Big mistake.
Day 1, 2 & 3
I faithfully attended Empire House every day [...]
How dealing with loss makes you a better business owner
A change of pace today. Author and founder of Nationwide Networking Ben Angel shares a personal account of the challenges of running a business while dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Sometimes we forget that business owners are real people. What, that’s crazy?!
But business owners, just like the rest of the human race, face [...]
Putting the OUCH into vouchers
In Paul’s ludicrous fantasy world of truth and light, business is cherished, money is prized and value lasts longer than six months.
In the real world of vouchers, however, none of this happens.
And I can’t see why.
Purchase
My wife and I bought a friend an $80 voucher from his favourite restaurant. It wasn’t a venue we were [...]
Yes Sir, No Sir?
We often hear that ‘the customer is king’. But should this translate into titles?
I began work in retail and was a polite lad, so I called every male customer Sir. As I grew older, the habit stuck and I used Sir in my other roles.
To my surprise, it didn’t always have the desired effect. [...]
Defence in Depth
Defence in depth is the strategy of exhausting an enemy via attrition.
It was used to devastating effect by the Carthaginians at Cannae and by the Romans at my home renovation.
If you wish to stress a marriage, break a spirit, drain a bank account and earn undying odium for yourself and your industry, here’s a [...]
Spitting Chips
Lee and Sue* run the local take-away food shop. They work 14 hours a day, 7 days a week, 51 weeks a year. It’s hard labour in a tough suburb, and I admire them.
Tactically, they’re nailing it. With such a phenomenal work ethic, prosperity must surely be theirs.
Yet with no time for strategy, they almost [...]
Connecting the Dots
For many small business owners, starting a new business was the biggest risk they’re ever likely to take. Today Joanna Maxwell ponders those leaps of faith and encourages others to take the plunge, because they all make sense in retrospect.
I recently rediscovered the YouTube video of Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement address. He talks about his own [...]
What Do YOU Want?
This is Blog Post 52. I’m halfway through my MYOB contract. What do you reckon?
Words can’t describe my gratitude for your readership and comments thus far. To help me hone my game and keep you in the hunt, I now seek your guidance.
Most of my posts combine the elements below. However, as this blog is [...]
