Do Business Well

• Plan your letter in rough. Note down, in logical sequence, all the points you want to cover.
• Use the correct name, title and address of the recipient. Check the spelling of names and quote the reference if you are replying to a letter.
• Write simply, clearly and concisely. Leave no room for any doubt as to what you mean. Give all details. Answer all questions.
• Divide the letter into paragraphs, each dealing with one point only.
• Make sure that your tone is appropriate for both the situation and the recipient. Be courteous at all costs. Don’t accuse, nag, talk down, preach or brag.
• Read your letter aloud to yourself. Does it sound polite? Should you cut, prune or rewrite sections?

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The net worth of most small business owners, is usually divided between the equity in their home and the net worth of their company. After selling a valuable business, it’s usually best to assemble a diversified portfolio. You may want to invest in an assortment of blue-chip stocks, tax-free municipal bonds, and treasury bills. These assets plus your house should provide excellent security into old age, and for your children as well.

But what is security if you no longer have any purpose in life? Common to most entrepreneurs is a love of what they do. Below, we’ll explore a few options that will allow you to have it both ways. Continue Reading »

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“This kind of thing is new to me,” writes a manager who has recently gone from being a professional employee to the head of her own department, “so I’m sort of feeling my way. What concerns me at the moment is establishing the right atmosphere and tone. I certainly don’t want to come across as a tyrant—I’ve run into one or two of those in my career. But I’ve also seen people who were too easy-going, too informal—and that particular style didn’t work very well either.

“Is there a fine line I should walk between the two? I want to get along well with people, but I also have to make sure that the work gets done efficiently and effectively. Any ideas on how I could go about doing both?” Continue Reading »

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