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Stop Watering Dead Plants: Recognizing When It's Time to Let Go
"You can't water dead flowers back to life." As business owners, we're driven by optimism. We see potential in every idea, client, and...

Rick Slark
Sep 27, 20242 min read
Tupperware’s Downfall: What Small Business Owners Can Learn from an Icon’s Struggle
Remember your first Tupperware container? Maybe it was the one your grandmother used to store cookies or the colorful set your mother kept neatly stacked in the pantry. For many, Tupperware was more than just a container—it symbolized home, family, and the promise of well-preserved leftovers. However, the brand that revolutionized food storage has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, struggling to stay relevant in a world dominated by e-commerce and changing consumer prefere

Rick Slark
Sep 20, 20242 min read
Unlock Business Growth: Your Essential Guide to Lines of Credit
Get ready to supercharge your business! In this episode, Rick Slark teams up with Sabrina Tackett to break down everything you need to...

Rick Slark
Sep 19, 20241 min read
New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Many New and Existing Small Businesses
New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Many New and Existing Small Businesses In 2021, Congress enacted the bipartisan...

Rick Slark
Sep 17, 20241 min read
Rising Above the Chaos: Winning in Business and Life
To those striving to achieve greatness in both business and life, The journey to success is rarely a straight path. It’s often filled...

Rick Slark
Sep 11, 20243 min read


Holiday Edition: Shopper's Attitudes Toward Price Increases
“Getting results isn’t just about staying informed—it's about taking that information and turning it into decisive action. The following...

Rick Slark
Sep 6, 20241 min read
3 Myths About Learning That Are Holding You Back
Standing still isn’t just risky—it’s a recipe for getting left behind. The most successful business owners understand that what got them...

Rick Slark
Aug 30, 20243 min read


What Can I Learn from the Home Improvement Slowdown? Consider These Actionable Strategies
Introduction In a world where 60% of homeowners are delaying renovations, understanding consumer behavior has never been more crucial for small business owners. Recent reports from home improvement giants Lowe’s and Home Depot reveal that consumers are postponing major renovation projects due to economic uncertainty. With rising interest rates and inflation tightening household budgets, homeowners await more favorable financial conditions before making big-ticket upgrades. Wh

Rick Slark
Aug 23, 20244 min read
Advancing Air Mobility: Springfield Hosts National AAM Industry Forum
This week, Springfield, Ohio , plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation by hosting the National Advanced Air Mobility...

Rick Slark
Aug 22, 20242 min read
Inflation, Innovation, and Insight: The New Rules for Ohio’s Restaurants
Ohio's restaurant industry is experiencing a notable resurgence. According to John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance, the state now boasts about 1,000 more restaurants than it did pre-pandemic, with the total number reaching approximately 25,000. This rebound began in late 2023, signaling a critical recovery phase for the sector. Key Trends Driving the Recovery: Suburban Growth: The rise of remote and hybrid work models has shifted dining

Rick Slark
Aug 16, 20242 min read
Braving Economic Storms: Thriving Amidst Global and Local Pressures
Introduction In the industrial heartland of Northeast Ohio, brothers Mike and Dave run a small but proud manufacturing business. Their company has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, producing high-quality steel components for various industries. However, in recent years, Mike and Dave have felt the squeeze from forces far beyond their control. Global economic tremors and local competitive pressures have made their journey increasingly turbulent. Yet, with the ri

Rick Slark
Aug 13, 20244 min read
The Art of Simplification: Streamline Your Offerings to Drive Conversions
All of us have experienced the frustration of indecision. Like scrolling through countless movie options on our favorite streaming app...

Rick Slark
Aug 9, 20243 min read
Is Your Manufacturing Business Prepared for the Future?
"The manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the American economy, but it’s currently standing on shaky ground," says Timothy Fiore,...

Rick Slark
Aug 5, 20243 min read
7 Tips For Escaping The Planning Trap: Turning Your Plans Into Action
Introduction “Perfection is the enemy of progress.” – Winston Churchill As a business consultant, I've seen firsthand how the fear of...

Rick Slark
Aug 2, 20244 min read


Stress-Busting Techniques Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know
Running a small business is exhilarating but often comes with high-stress levels. While a bit of pressure can fuel innovation, chronic...

Rick Slark
Jul 27, 20242 min read
Base Hits Build Empires: The Power of Consistency
The recent MLB Home Run Derby was a spectacle of power and precision, with players smashing baseballs out of the park. In contrast, the...

Rick Slark
Jul 19, 20242 min read
From Discord to Dialogue: Embracing Civility in Troubled Times
In the wake of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, our nation stands at a critical juncture. The event has...

Rick Slark
Jul 14, 20246 min read
Boosting Small Business: How Local Governments Support Growth in Small Cities
This article is from our “Start-up Business Series.” Starting a new business in a small city can be both exciting and challenging. As a...

Rick Slark
Jul 12, 20243 min read


The Rise of the $1M Solopreneur: How to Thrive in Today's Business Landscape
Being a solo entrepreneur can be incredibly rewarding, especially when your revenue hits seven figures. Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam...

Rick Slark
Jul 5, 20242 min read
Avoid Common Leadership Pitfalls as an Emerging Leader or Manager
How you handle power as a leader or manager can define your journey to success. Let's explore five common leadership pitfalls that can undermine your credibility and effectiveness and how to avoid them. The Fixer Pitfall New leaders and managers often try to solve everyone's problems, micromanaging projects or offering unnecessary suggestions. Instead, focus on asking questions before providing answers. Actively listening to your team fosters their independence and enhances t

Rick Slark
Jun 28, 20242 min read
“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving".— Oliver Wendell Holmes
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