Falling isn’t the issue. The problem occurs when you don’t get back up and try one more time! We are in a business climate that requires getting back up—sometimes again and again and again. It works for me, when in a bind and on the pity pot, to bring to mind people who have insp ... Read more

By Bill Willard Contributing Author The Issue The car business is big business run by The Big Boys; franchised car dealerships are small business run by small-business owners like us. The relationship, never cozy, has soured since the economy hit the skids—soured perhaps permanently ... Read more

The very thought is fraught with perils, pitfalls… and exciting possibilities.   The idea of hiring their children for the summer brings a dreamy look to the eyes of many small business owners…as they envision a dynasty bearing the family name being handed down from generation to ge ... Read more

[A version of this article first appeared in the May 2009 edition of Corporate Report Wisconsin ] Note to the university professor at last fall’s business conference:  The following is an attempt to explain why I slipped out early during your presentation on “The New Econom ... Re ... Read more

Note: I have been asked to republish this piece which was first printed in the Des Moines Sunday Register on Father’s Day 2007.   (Bill Sheridan) My viewpoint of Father’s Day began to change on April 1, 1966 when the first of our three sons, Ed, was born. We named him after my fat ... Read more

The Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.   One of the most valuable lessons I have learned as the years have gone by is the futility of being concerned about things over whic ... Read more

These are tough times for businesses.  Odds are that your employees know it too.  Like a sword hanging over their heads, they’re worried about the future, too.  Here are a few suggestions to boost morale, allay fears and keep your team focused:   1.                ... Read more

Blue Blazer! By Bill Willard Contributing Author The Issue Among many other pearls wisdom my parents offered is this: “You can go anywhere and be dressed for any occasion in a blue blazer.” They were right: in fact, one way for SNOs to put your best foot forward at work– ... R ... Read more

Some law firms are calling it a “perfect storm.”   Between the weak economy, which has businesses looking for ways to cut corners (and often turning to layoffs as a solution) and a pro-employee administration in Washington that is making it harder and harder for businesses to defend ... Read more

You know that financially stable employees are less distracted, more productive. They are also more likely to stay with your company. This helps boost retention, reduce turnover, and lower the costs of finding, attracting and training new hires. With this in mind, I’m pleased to announce ... Read more