Business Articles

Understanding Risk from an Investor's Perspective (March 2012)
by Joanne Baginski

For Access to Capital, Bridge the Information Gap (March 2011) 
by Doug Askam

 

Use three key value drivers to make your company stand out

 

Problems arise when owners can’t bridge the information gap between them and the outsiders they are seeking capital from. Read more...

Cloud Computing (March 2011) 
by Doug Askam

 

Cloud Computing: What does it mean for the non-technical business owner?

 

While current technology trends make effective use of cloud computing, the “cloud” is a concept that many business owners find difficult to grasp. What many don’t realize is that they are already using the cloud. Internet-based technology allows you to use applications and store data with offsite providers, and reduces your reliance on in-house technology and infrastructure. By joining the cloud, you can do business anywhere you have an internet connection, and enjoy 24/7/365 technology support. Read more...

Why are 2010 and 2011 Being Slated as Strong M&A Years? (January 2011)
by Lori Gibson

 

If you are in a position to consider selling or buying, now may be a great time to explore options

 

The media is hailing 2010 as one of the strongest years ever for industry consolidation. Why? Read more...

What Sellers Should Know for a Great Transaction (December 2010)
by Lori Gibson

 

What every company that is considering a transaction should know

 

Companies that expect a transaction in their future should be sure to understand the five key areas necessary for a successful transaction. Read more...

Lease Accounting Update (December 2010)
by Chris Banks and Shane Brown

 

Accounting impacts on lessees

 

Accounting rules are changing to a more principle-based approach through the collaboration of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Read more...

The Business Value of Trust (August 2010)
by Kent McSparran

 

Trust is a fundamental requirement for innovation, growth, and the success of an organization

 

More than just a fuzzy, intangible concept, trust is the foundation of an effective team or a strong organization. Read more...

 

Colorado Legislative Update (March 2010)
by Bruce Nelson

 

Update on state tax increases

 

Governor Ritter signed the following bills on February 24 that, according to state economists, will increase state taxes over the next two years by more than $230 million. Read More...

From Caution to Strategic Action: Part II (March 2010)
by AJ Steger

 

How one company grew despite the recession

 

As we see signs of economic recovery, some companies are refocused on growth. A $50-million apparel distributor learned that frequent and direct communication with its customers can yield a goldmine of information. Read more...

R&D Tax Credit Not Just for Large Companies (January 2010)
by Lawrence Knutson

 

Research and development tax credits can save you money!

 

There is a misconception that the federal research tax credit applies only to large corporations with labs, white coats and million-dollar research budgets. Read more...

Protect the Family from the Family-Owned Business (January 2010)
by Kent McSparran

 

Don't let your family business become your family unit

 

Very few family businesses survive beyond the first generation. To ensure the longevity of your business and the best interests of your family, be sure that the next generation of leadership has the desire and talent to remain in the family business. Read more...

From Caution to Strategic Action: Part I (January 2010)
by AJ Steger

 

How one company broke the rules to thrive in a stagnant market

 

There’s nothing worse than feeling that you don’t have the power to influence change. When an office supply company realized that its stagnant sales and lack of customer relationships were limited by a middle-man sales organization, they took control of the supply chain. Developing an inside sales team helped them increase sales with the beneficial side-effects of improved customer relationships and a stronger corporate culture. Read more...

Six Keys to Successful Change (November 2009)
by Sean McBride

 

How to make business performance meet objectives

 

Change is never going to be easy, but an experienced business owner understands that every organization will need to undergo change at some point in its life. With a carefully executed plan, change can be both powerful and sustainable. Read more...

Proper planning can drive real results (October 2009)
by Joanne Baginski

 

If you don't know where you're going, it doesn't matter how you get there.

 

Proper planning is paramount in both good and bad economies. It helps you proactively adjust your operations to ever-changing market conditions and business opportunities. Ultimately, it can increase profitability, improve cash flows and strengthen your financial position. Read more...

Information transformation (September 2009)
by Kent McSparran

 

Business Intelligence: Keeping pace with the speed of change

 

In uncertain and fast-changing times, it's not enough to rely on monthly reports and gut instinct. You need fresh, hard facts. Read more...
 

How recession-induced paralysis could affect your bank relationship (August 2009)
by Joanne Baginski

 

Lenders will adapt to change and adjust capital structure if the business owner does.

 

The most successful companies not only have a plan – they have multiple plans with clearly defined actions under each scenario. In these times of constricted capital markets, companies have been forced to adopt better management, monitoring and communicating practices. Read more...

For a limited time (July 2009) 
by Jon Grupp

 

Shielding Wealth from Tax Liabilities

 

Recognizing opportunity in a recessionary environment is instrumental for effective wealth management and tax planning. Read more...
 

How to manage a business through the late stages of a weak market (May 2009) 
by Kent McSparran

 

Balancing Optimism, Lessons Learned and 4 Basic Steps

 

Once it becomes evident that a recession has begun, there are several things that business leaders can do to manage through a weak economy. Lessons learned from the recent homebuilding slowdown bring valuable strategies to light. Read more...
 

Hitting the panic button: What kind of leader are you? (March 2009) 
by Kent McSparran

 

Determine if you are a Victim, Strangler, Kamikaze or Balance Leader

 

You’re a business leader and the economy is falling into a deep recession. How will you react? What kind of leader will you be? This article discusses four types of leaders and which one you should be. Read more...
 

10 ways to strengthen your business without spending money (March 2009) 
by AJ Steger

 

Proactive and powerful actions that will meet every CEO’s budget

 

You’ve made all the easy cost cuts. You’ve started the contingency plan. New ideas to spur growth are plentiful, but they all cost something. When cash is tight, you must find ways to ensure your company’s survival without breaking the bank. Here are ten ideas to get you started. Read more...
 

Don't make six common mistakes in a recession (February 2009) 
by Kent McSparran

 

Avoid six mistakes that other business leaders have made

 

Great leaders often emerge in the midst of challenges and adversity. They learn how to make the right decisions under a different set of assumptions and worsening economic conditions. One of the ways they learn to make the right decisions is by studying the wrong decisions. This article discusses six common mistakes that business leaders should avoid during a recession. Read more...