Ensure Your Data Source Is Relevant

The most recent earnings report from Apple far exceeded analyst estimates. This isn’t new. In fact it happens on a regular basis. Why are analysts surprised quarter after quarter? It’s because they fail to look at the correct data. Apple ha…

Is Personalization Limiting Choice?

Go online and very often you’ll see a note that says something like, “You may also like…” recommending another article or item to buy. That recommendation comes from sites tracking your activity, collecting your data and making …

Do Well By Doing Good

Many small businesspeople have the desire to help their communities. Most think that once they’ve reached a certain level of revenues, they’ll be able to give back. The key to helping out and succeeding in business is not waiting. Doing goo…

Be Ready To Pivot

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson worked hard to become a top NFL player. He worked out, practiced and was on his way, receiving a full scholarship to play football at University ion Miami. While he had all the makings of a pro football player, his…

Past Results Are Not A Guarantee Of Future Performance

If you have seen commercials for financial advisors, there is usually a line that says “past results do not guarantee future performance.” This doesn’t just apply to the stock market. One of the most common habits that leads to terrib…

Don’t Stretch Yourself Too Thin

You are a superstar. Everyone knows it. You are the one to turn to when something needs to be done. This usually results in an abundance of requests for assistance. You want to help everyone, but saying yes to everyone isn’t helping them. Worst o…

Don’t Let Stress Lead to Bad Decisions

It’s hard to think clearly when you’re under stress. Your blood pressure and heart rate rise, adrenaline and cortisol flood your body, and your survival instincts kick in — all of which interfere with decision making. To avoid making bad decisions when…

Fiduciary Responsibility Isn’t Just For Finance

By law financial advisors are required to act with fiduciary responsibility. This means they are required to put the client’s best interests before there own. This is a concept that isn’t just for financial advisors, it should be applied in…

Look Outside Your Field

There is an old quote that has been attributed to numerous sources, “Good Artists Copy; Great Artists Steal.” When it comes to innovating, one of the best ways to develop innovations is to steal from other industries. What is standard, and …

Some People Will Never Buy

Recently online radio broadcast service Spotify went public. When it did, analysts discussed their business models. The service offers two services, ad-supported and paid. One analyst stated that Spotify could convert all of its ad supported users to p…