The well-known SUV that started the craze, making it cool to own a luxury SUV that not only impresses but manages the off-road experience, has been completely re-engineered to be lighter and more fuel-efficient. Like most SUVs will become, the Range Rover uses new materials that make it lighter and stronger, offering more room with less bulk. The all-aluminum body shell has … [More]
Can’t Buy Me Like
Today’s brands face an apparent choice between two evils: continue betting on their increasingly ineffective advertising or put blind faith in the supposedly mystical power of social media, where “likes” stand in for transactions and a mass audience is maddeningly elusive. But in today’s world, where people have become desensitized — even disillusioned — by ad campaigns and … [More]
What Does the Legislature Do for Business?
As the 51st Legislature convenes its 2013 Legislative Session this month, we look back at a few of the hundreds of bills introduced and considered by the 50th Legislature during its 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions. Jobs and Business Creation H.B. 2272 Clinical Trial, Public Information Requests This bill expands the exemptions from public records laws of information … [More]
Hail to the Selfish Employee
Selfish is a word commonly used in a derisive manner. When Gordon Gekko says, “Greed is good,” we tend to not empathize with him and instead opt to scorn his “all for me” mentality. Furthermore, we have been counseled from an early age about the virtues of sharing and giving, albeit for some of us it was a forced lesson. But is this really the best lesson? There is a common … [More]
Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX56
Not like your father’s sports utility vehicle, the Infiniti QX56 was designed to impress visually and mechanically and emphasizes comfort to an extent not seen before in this class. The engine is a 5.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline V8 with 32 valves and a sophisticated valve control that slightly enhances fuel economy. Going from zero to 60 mph in nearly seven seconds, its … [More]
Financial Statements: The Crucial Monthly Close
How is your business doing lately? As an owner, you probably have a sense of how things are going, but is it right? While I have developed a great respect for an owner’s “gut feel” over my 40 years of consulting, there are many illusions and counter-intuitive aspects to business that can mislead owners. A common counter-intuitive illusion is that if sales are increasing, things … [More]
Wildhorse Grille at Talking Stick Golf Club
A new hot spot for lunch is the country club-ambience Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale near the Talking Stick Resort. A bit off of the beaten path, this Southwestern-styled dining room is a great place to do business and get a great midday meal. Chef Patrick Karvis is well known in the Valley, having worked with Eddie Matney and Michael DeMaria, among others. He has … [More]
Six Tips and Tools for Saving Money This Open Enrollment Season
The temperatures are slowing starting to cool, children are back in school, and football rules the weekends once again. Fall also means it’s time for benefits open enrollment, the time of year when more than 3 million Arizonans have a chance to review their benefits provided by their employer and decide what programs to enroll in or change for the following year. When … [More]
Ask Straight Up — and Close the Deal
Most salespeople, when it comes down to it, are downright scared of being direct and to the point and telling people in no uncertain terms, “Here’s what I want!” Think about it. There’s a conspiracy that encourages people to bury their most important wants and desires. Marketing trainers use consultative selling to draw people out. Social media consultants say, “Selling … [More]
If Cash Is King, then Working Capital Is God
Working capital management is the most important management activity in emerging and mid-sized companies because of the significant financial impact that it has on the company’s well-being. While most CEOs and business owners have heard and accept that “Cash is King,” working capital is often the least understood and most poorly managed area of their companies. When working … [More]
