From the Desktop of John J. Trakselis

CCEOC Blog Archive

Finance 103 for Small to Medium-Sized Business Owners: Understanding Business Cash Flow – Part II

This is the second installment of Understanding Business Cash Flow. In Part I, we discussed Cash Flow from Operations. This edition covers the remaining sections of the Cash Flow Statement.

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Finance 103 for Small to Medium-Sized Business Owners: Understanding Business Cash Flow – Part I

Have you ever heard a business owner say, “I don’t’ know where my cash has gone.” Well, he wouldn’t ask that question if he had a detailed cash flow statement.

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Taking Care of Number 1

It has been a lousy winter in the Midwest. For the vast majority, it is no fun going out or driving. We have had more than our share of highly unusual traffic accidents since the first of the year.

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The Power of Words

Words are extremely important. When spoken carelessly and unconsciously they can do much harm. When spoken carefully, with a positive intent, they can move the speaker and the listener to new heights. Which alternative appeals to you?

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Everything is about Leadership

While traveling between meetings last week, I had an inspirational thought: What would it be like to live in a country replete with leaders? The opening quote by Thomas Paine sets the tone for those who aspire to leadership.

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There Is No Growth Without Change, But Not All Change Is Growth

Whether it is business or personal growth you desire, it is imperative to learn before you attempt to grow. Otherwise, any growth resulting from your change effort might just be serendipity, i.e., luck. Luck, like hope, is not a strategy.

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Honoring Your Teachers

I once talked to a prospective client who told me she was “self-made.” Typically the term refers to one who has built a business or new enterprise singlehandedly, and has not inherited or fallen into fortune.

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Setting Goals, and Not Achieving them has Consequences

The New Year has arrived. Do you have your list of resolutions ready for 2014? For the purposes of this article, let’s assume your resolutions are your goals for the year. How are you going to get them all done? Do you have a plan?

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Who do You Trust? The Power of Peer Groups

Before late-night TV pioneer Johnny Carson was put in charge of the Tonight Show, he was the host of a program called, ‘Who do You Trust?’ One website describes the show this way: “Married pairs of contestants were asked to answer questions. The husband would decide on whether he or she would answer.” Good luck using that format today.

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Leadership – Yes! Control – No!

As a CEO, senior executive or business owner, we are leaders simply by the nature of our roles. When we are put in charge of something in or related to our business, we understand we are in a position to lead. But when it comes to life overall, ...

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Using Risk Management to Prevent Failure

In my last blog, I wrote about coming back from failure. Wouldn’t it be great if we never had to deal with failure in the first place? This question may seem to suggest I’m advocating for denial of the probability of failure.

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Coming Back From Failure

Every piece I write brings challenges, opportunities and insights. When it comes to the subject of failure, I was a little surprised at least initially, to find I had accumulated about 25 quotes dealing with this topic.

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Habits: Will They Make or Break You?

Habits can make or break you. Why? Because most are unconscious, operating just beneath the surface of our awareness. Basically, we get into a groove and go on automatic pilot.

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Responsibility: A Better Way to Serve Ourselves, Others

As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, gratefulness is top of mind. One of the ways we can view gratitude is through a lens of responsibility.

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Finance 102 for Small to Medium-Sized Business Owners

Last week, I provided my thoughts on company financial controls, principally regarding the financial data CEOs and business owners should look at in managing their companies.

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Finance 101 for Small to Medium-Sized Business Owners

Most of the CEOs I work with tell me they value my financial expertise. With this in mind, I wanted to offer some thoughts on company financial controls (principally relative to financial information) that I know will be of help to all those who own or manage companies.

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Everything is Business

In my last entry of “From the Desktop of John Trakselis,” I focused on the idea that “Everything is Personal,” and I believe this to be true. In this edition, I want to put forward the flip side of this notion.

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Everything is Personal

Welcome to my first Blog posting. This edition of “From the Desktop of John Trakselis” features a discussion of what I consider one of life’s most important concepts: Everything is personal.

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