The One Ratio Every Business Owner Needs to Know
My clients often ask me about benchmarks and ratios. They want to know how their business financials compare to industry standards. What’s the appropriate profit margin for a farm business; or what…
What I learned about business from tea sandwiches
When I launched my catering business in 1997, I was starved for work. While I had a clear mission of the kind of events I wanted to do, I also needed to pay the bills. So when a prospective client…
Excelling at Excel: Mastering Spreadsheets to Master Your Business
Who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet? Beautiful and clean formats with elegant formulas and cell references, they are the epitome of grace in business. They not only look great but they can help…
Ego Check: Is Your Pride Hindering Your Success?
Food is personal. Small businesses are, too. Entrepreneurs share their passion and drive with their customers; I am continually inspired by the heart and effort that my clients commit to their…
New Year’s Goals For Entrepreneurs
There are many reasons why New Year's resolutions don't work. They are things we think we “should” do and therefore don’t have the vested interest; and we try to make too many changes at once. They…
The Three Rules of the Hole (plus a bonus rule)
I’m sure it seems like I blather on about the importance of good bookkeeping, and my clients don’t believe me until they get into a cash crisis. If you remember last month’s story from Laura…
Make the Most of Your Summer CSA With These Veggie-Life-Extending Tips
By Steve Holt Thanks to Steve Holt for interviewing me for this piece. His article was originally published on TakePart. With a little planning and some creativity, you can say good-bye to spoiled,…
Putting All Your Eggs in One (Market) Basket
We’re now at the height of farming season, and all the work of helping clients manage cash flow has paid off. Not only do they have lots of produce to sell, but they’re far enough into the season…
Ten Tips for Effective Delegation
Fifteen years ago, my friend Brett quit his restaurant job and bought 100 acres in Southern Maryland to pursue his dream of organic farming. He’s a skilled farmer: growing the most flavorful tomato…
Six More Tips For Growing Your Business
One of the lessons I’m reminded of time and time again is that the skills that make a great entrepreneur in a start-up company are not necessarily the skills needed to grow a business. Starting a…