My postings in the Business Section of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Boosting Exports is Critical to Reduce Unemployment and Grow the Economy.
Only 1% of US businesses export and only half of this small number exports to more than 1 country. US exports account for only 12.7% of GDP compared to a share of 29% for most developed nations. As the economy sputters in its recovery, exporting is one of the few bright spots to focus on to reduce unemployment and grow the economy.
Credit and Collection Policies..Essential to Maximize Cash-Flow
Knowing who to approve for credit, how much credit to extent and how to collect are fundamental requirements for successful business ownership. Unfortunately, many business owners fail to recognize the importance of these skills until it is too late.
Businesses Need a Plan to Guide Them
Over 90% of small and mid-size businesses that fail do so because of lack of strategy. Starting a business without a strategy is analogous to embarking on a trip without a map, no compass and unknown destination. You may or may not get there.
Customer Profitability...A Must-have Metric to Grow your Business
Profitable businesses have long recognized that not all customers are created equal and some customers are more profitable than others. Having processes and metrics in place to identify, manage and grow relationships with this customer segment is essential to achieve sustainable and profitable growth.
Consumer Confidence Holds the Key to Economic Recovery
Fear, uncertainty and doubt are the major threats the economy faces ahead. As consumers keep a tight lid on spending, fears continue to grow that the economy will be slow to recover with high unemployment rates for several years ahead.
Credit Rating Process Needs Overhaul
Credit Rating Agencies are paid by the companies whose debt they analyze and grade. This practice creates a clear conflict of interest that puts the profitability of the rating agencies ahead of the objectivity and impartiality expected from their services.
At first, it sounds sensible. Americans are saving more, making frugality the centerpiece of spending decisions. However, savings and spending are two sides of the same coin. If we are saving more, it follows, we are spending less and this is not good for the economy, at least not so right now.