Financial Eyes & Ears

Mismanaged supply chain decisions sent manufacturing overseas. But the industry has changed direction. When Anton Bakker launched his company, Offsite Networks, in 1999, he had no intention of manufacturing overseas. But a few years later, when his company began taking on larger orders, he began looking for cheaper supply alternatives. That’s when he went to [...]

Manufacturing in America is hardly on the way out. In fact, it’s just beginning to come back. Over the last four decades, a combination of outsourcing and offshoring sent thousands—if not millions—of manufacturing jobs overseas. But recently, a strange thing began happening: Manufacturing began to return home. Experts say the “reshoring” trend stems from a [...]

Since Mike Osborn founded Wine.com in 1998, he has tackled a complex web of state-by-state regulations, and effectively shut out competitors. Wine.com sales were $60 million in 2011.

Everyone is talking about it. And that’s no accident. Here’s what you can steal from the movie’s savvy social media campaign. Fresh off the heels of one of the most successful viral video campaigns of the year, another savvy social media campaign this weekend is reaching a furious pitch. Surely you know I’m referring to [...]

Most businesses aren’t taking full advantage of free, available website data. Here are a few items you are probably missing. It’s time once again to focus on metrics: Better analysis and measurement tools can help you get more out of your digital marketing. You may be using Google Analytics already—but I’m fairly sure you’re not [...]

Which problem-solving technique do you use? Here’s four examples–as well as what each conveys about you and your company (for better or worse). As a business owner, employer, and customer, nothing irks me more than lousy problem-solving skills. People may believe they are working hard to resolve problems, but often the technique they choose more [...]

Do you have a high-stakes RFP? If so, its important to follow a systematic approach to identify how you can best add value for your customer. We’ve been leading an effort to help one of our clients choose a long-term strategic partner to jointly build a business in the healthcare sector. The project has been [...]

The best mentor isn’t the one that kindly guides and supports you. What you really want is someone who scares the bejesus out of you. If you’re a young, aspiring entrepreneur who is a little overwhelmed getting your business off the ground, you’ve probably fantasized about finding the perfect mentor. This seasoned pro would recognize [...]