● Building a Better Business --

   Is working hard the answer to improving your business results? Not according to Kulzick in this post on LInkedIn. Read what he thinks is your first step to better business results. (2.02.2016 © 2016 R. Kulzick)

Tory Burch's Survival Sketchbook--

  Intense focus, clear and rapid decisions, allowed Tory Burch to not only survive during the Pandemic luxury fashion bloodbath, but build a stronger customer bond, court a younger demographic and become a robust growing competitor for after the pandemic.

 This is a great case study that has a lot of lessons across multiple industries - particularly retailing and hospitality, but also many others. A strong strategy, updated as needed, but with a long-term focus. (10.12.2020)

 ● It's Hard Work Growing a Business and an Expert Can Help!--

  Jay's got 10 great tips for anyone starting (or running) a small business including advice on mentors, experts.

  We've been saying it for years - you need to work, but you also need to recognize when you need help and be willing to accept advice. No one can know it all.

  CPAs are one of the most trusted business advisors around. AND, if you can find a CPA who has actually run a business and commits themselves to helping other businesses grow and become more profitable, then you have found an advisor that can make a difference in your business. (2.16.2021)

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 ● 5 Steps to Your Best Business Year Ever --

   Some good first steps in making your business better in the new year.  (1.11.2016)

Why Strategy?

  Having an overall, well thought-out and periodically updated strategy is a critical element in any top-performing company. Studies over the years have consistently shown that an organization's strategy contributes between 50% and 90% of it's success. Operations, people, all those other things are important - but the critical difference between a top performer and an also ran is the quality of their strategy.

    Small businesses mostly don't have a strategy, let alone a well-thought out and CURRENT strategy. According to various in-depth analyses, this is the leading cause of the high rate of small business failure.

    Ask a business owner why they failed and they'll tell you something like couldn't get a loan when I needed one; Lost a customer; or something similar. These aren't the cause of the failure - they are easy to point to, but merely symptoms. If losing a customer caused you to go out of business, what was your strategy, why were dependent on one customer, why were you selling to a declining industry, or a myriad of other strategic questions which were never asked, or if asked, never addressed in the business.

    Why don't you have a strategy? Why hasn't it been updated? It's too expensive. I don't have time. I need to solve today's problems. Etc. Dr. Kulzick has been working in strategy for all types and sizes of businesses for over 30 years - he's seen one company succeed spectactularly and another in the same industry fall flat because they  pursued different strategies or failed to update their strategy as times changed.

    At the same time Dr. Kulzick has developed approaches to strategy for small businesses that cover all the essential bases, but take far less time, are simple and much less costly than those seen in larger companies. Below are just a few ideas, but we will be happy to discuss what we can do for your company - just give us a call, email or text.

You  need a Business Plan - Here's Why & Some Tips --

  I know, I know, it's a lot of work. It can be, but the payoff for your business can be huge.

  Here are some reasons why every business should have a business plan - a real one, not just some fill-in the blanks template.

  Every business is unique and every business deserves to have their own business plan, not someone else's.

  An outside advisor, skilled in business plans can tailor one for you - working with the business owner and key employees. In our experience, what's appropriate could be a couple pages, or much more. (11.24.2020)

Strategic Planning in an Uncertain World --

  Many traditional methods of strategic planning have failed due to not recognizing risk and long-term external changes. Excessive optimism and not accounting for resource constraints are also frequent problems.

  A conversation with an outsider (such as Kulzick Consulting) focused on the long-term growth of your business may be able to unlock your innate creativity and help you strategize a profitable and practical way forward. (10.05.2020)

 ● Before You Sign a Business Lease --

   Talk to us before you sign any lease for assistance in customizing it to the specific needs of your business. A lease is a long term commitment and one of your largest business expenses - particularly for a small business. Since they are difficult and expensive to change later, it is essential that you consult with both an attorney and an experienced and knowledgeable small  business CPA before your sign any lease.

   Poor leases and inappropriate locations for a specific business are one of the major reasons for business struggles and failures. Spend the time and money IN ADVANCE to prevent problems in this critical area of your business. (12.24.2015 - © 2015 R. Kulzick)

● Buying vs. Leasing Property: What You Need to Know --

   A quick overview of buying versus leasing real estate - however, there are many more issues to consider before either leasing or buying property for your business.

   Check with us BEFORE you sign a lease or an agreement to purchase a property. Advance planning can save you BIG $$$ in the future and help you avoid common mistakes. (9.08.2016)

 ● 9 Clear Cut Signs You're Ready to Be Your Own Boss --

 ● 9 Steps to Validate a Business Idea While Keeping Your Full Time Job --
   In this LinkedIn post, Ray Kulzick talks about a 9-step process from Jeff Haden in Inc. about validating an idea before driving off and wasting a lot of time and money trying to make it happen. (1.17.2017 - © 2017 R. Kulzick)

 ● 20 Questions to Answer Before Starting a Business --

 ● 6 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Starting a Business --
  Some good questions before you join the millions of others starting a new business this year.
  Add a 7th one - Do I have reliable professional advisors to help me avoid common pitfalls? If not get a business-experienced CPA and attorney on board before you start making commitments. (4.15.2016)

 ● Three Dangerous Myths in Entrepreneurship --

 ● 15 Things Every Newbie Needs to Know About Starting a Business --

   Starting your own business may be a dream that you've had for years, or it may be a relatively new idea. Either way, you can improve your chances for success by avoiding these common pitfalls.

   Lack of money. You'll probably need capital to start your business, plus a cash reserve until your business becomes self-sufficient. Plan your cash needs carefully and realistically, and provide a generous cushion for setbacks and unexpected expenses. Consider leasing equipment instead of buying. If you must buy, look into used equipment. If your business is going to need a start-up bank loan or other financing, obtain the money before you make any major commitment.

   People problems. Make sure that you'll be able to hire and pay for the employees you need, especially if your business requires specialized skills. And since you’re the most important employee of all, try to evaluate yourself honestly and objectively. Do you have both the financial and marketing skills that your business will need, or do you plan to hire someone who does? If you’re used to working for a large company, or if you like having colleagues around, will you be able to adapt to a smaller office.

   Professional advice. Be sure to line up qualified accounting and legal advisors, as well as any other experts you may need. Good advisors can mean the difference between success and failure, especially in the early days of your business.

   Insufficient planning. Research your industry and your competition in depth, and prepare a written business plan covering several years. Write a short mission statement for your company, identify your target market, and try to focus on both as closely as possible.

   Building a successful business requires more than a good product or service. If we can assist you in getting off to a good start, please call us. (12.24.2015 - © 2001)

 ● Closing a Business? The view from the IRS --
   You can't just walk away - not if the IRS, other government agencies, lenders or creditors get involved.
   This post from Ray Kulzick explains how there is more involved than just locking the doors. (2.13.2017 - © R Kulzick 2017)