How to write a business plan

Dear WW: I’m part of a start up and am frustrated by people who seem to think writing a business plan is the most important step we can take. How necessary is one? (We’re not borrowing from banks.) And if business plans are so darned important, how come no two people can agree on what’s [...]

How to tell if a merger makes sense

DEAR WW: I’ve heard rumors of a merger between my company and one outside our industry. I’m not involved in the discussions, but it got me wondering about when a merger might make sense and when it doesn’t. TAKING VOWS
DEAR VOWS:
Ever heard of a Labradoodle? It’s part of the latest trend in dog breeding – [...]

How do you calculate ROI (return on investment)?

DEAR WW: I need to build a case for buying a new piece of equipment. What is the process for doing this? RAISING DOUGHDEAR RAISING:
Your e-mail reminded me of how a friend of mine used to talk about “Bob dollars.” She was referring to the way I would take the savings I had made when [...]

How to get more creative at work

Dear WW: I heard someone say the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. He was right. I’ve been doing my job for over ten years and it’s tough to get your juices flowing after that long. I don’t ever know where to begin. NOT JUICED
Dear NOT,
My eight month old daughter [...]

Gifford Pinchot on how to encourage innovation at work

Dear Readers: Innovation-many people talk about it but few know how to achieve it. Gifford Pinchot is the leading innovation expert at work today. He is also the founder of the Bainbridge Institute, a new management training program on Bainbridge Island, WA. I spoke to him about what each of us can do to be [...]

How to know if you should hire a consultant

Dear WW: My company can’t seem to get firing on all cylinders. We’ve tried teams, quality circles, you name it. A friend suggested that I hire a consultant. I’m intrigued, but I want to know what to look out for. HIRED GUN?
Dear HIRED,
As our family’s chief cook, I pay attention to recipes and cooking tips. [...]

How to tell the future

Dear WW: I’ve run a dry cleaning business for 33 years successfully. Now suddenly my chief competitor starts delivery service and he’s stealing my business! In a million years I never saw that coming. You got any tips to teach an old dog how to keep up with the times? BEHIND THE TIMES
Dear BEHIND:
For years [...]