A Pyramid Of Success

“The team that makes the most mistakes will probably win” – P. Lambert

While this may sound odd, it’s the “doer” that makes mistakes – and grows as a result.

John Wooden, former UCLA basketball coach, taught what he called his pyramid of success.   Its hearty food for thought.

“You can construct a visual picture of Coach Wooden’s Pyramid.

On the bottom layer, draw five rectangular blocks and label them: industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation and enthusiasm.

On the next layer above, fill in four blocks with these labels: self-control, alertness, initiative and intentness.

On the third layer toward the top of the pyramid, place three blocks and label them: condition, skill and team spirit.

On the fourth layer, place two building blocks and label them: poise and confidence.

The fifth and next to last layer has only one block. It bears the label: competitive greatness.

Finally, the triangular crown of the pyramid is divided into two halves with the labels: faith and patience.”

Source:  Lessons From John Wooden: Build A Pyramid Of Success | Hartford Business.

Are You Leaking Revenue?

According to veteran business consultant Max Gregorich the majority of small business owners are losing 10 to 30% of revenues without even knowing it.     Why?  Because they are not measuring the performance of their business in the right way.

“I found that an average small to mid-sized company leaves an average of 15 percent of their revenues on the table but I’ve seen it as high as 30 percent. On average they earn approximately 10 percent or less in profit. The math is simple. Say a company has $1,000,000 in sales and profit of 10 percent or $100,000. Add 15 percent of the sales to the profit and you have $250,000. Knowing where to look for the cash leakage – and then know how to plug the leak – is of utmost importance for any business owner.”

In a recent program at the Post University Institute for Innovation & Entrepeneurship, Gregorich showed business owners how to begin a simple diagnostic to identify areas for improvement.    The process works well even when owners think they’ve done “everything” to manage costs.

This is just one of the tools that Post Institute Experts use to bring a fresh perspective and expertise  many companies need to get growing again.

For more information contact Douglas Brown (dbrown@post.edu) or check out Gregorich’s website at www.ceo1stop.com

You don’t have to go it alone.

Also reported in the Hartford Business Journal at this link

Max Gregorich, CEO, CEO1Stop | Hartford Business.

Capital Available for Business Growth

Yesterday a group of 30 business leaders came together to talk about how to get capital to start and grow an existing business. The discussion highlighted that funding is available – and that it depends upon having the right relationship with the right lender – and to having a reasonable business plan that can adjust to the market and customers. A key take-away is that there are programs out there through the SBA that can help borrowers if they may not have enough collateral for a traditional loan.

Capital within reach for startups- The New Haven Register – Serving New Haven, Connecticut.