As I was working with a client this week on their 2009 operating plans, one of the executives casually included a standard of living increase of 4.5% for staff.  I have to say I really struggled with this.
Is it appropriate for small companies to be planning for raises in 2009 during a global recession?
In a [...]

Most small companies I work with have a board of directors that is comprised of the CEO, some interested shareholders (e.g. venture capitalists) and independents.  Better corporate governance and stronger due diligence have required all the directors to get way more involved with the companies they govern.  It is not unheard of for a [...]

I recently read an article, Accounts not receivable, that provided the following factoid:
A recent survey of large public companies in America … shows that “days sales outstanding” (DSO) - or the number of days it takes companies to collect money owed to them, often by other firms - hit an average of 41 in 2007, [...]

If I had to choose only one word to describe the source of all pain and pleasure for a small business, it would have to be CASH. A startup lives and dies by its cash flow and keeping overhead expenses in check is one of the most critical factors in managing that fragile lifeline. [...]