Partnerships – Slark Consulting Group

When Business Partners Collide: How to Resolve Conflicts Over Core Values

AI/Tech, Business Development, Business Growth, Revenue Models, Small Business Strategy, Financial Strategy, Business Diversification, Profitability, Business Resilience, Leadership, Management, Partnerships, Quotes, Uncategorized / Rick Slark

Most business partnerships don’t fail because of poor strategy. They fail because of value collisions—when partners hold fundamentally different beliefs about what matters most. One partner wants rapid growth; the other prioritizes craftsmanship. One sees employees as human capital; the other sees them as a community.

These silent collisions erode trust, slow decision-making, and often lead to costly breakdowns. Clarifying core values early, building decision frameworks, and revisiting alignment regularly isn’t optional—it’s essential.

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Rick Slark | Helping Growth-Minded Businesses Overcome Growing Pains & Scale Smarter

Business Development, Business Growth, Revenue Models, Small Business Strategy, Financial Strategy, Business Diversification, Profitability, Business Resilience, Partnerships, Professional Development, Uncategorized / Rick Slark

Scaling Isn’t the Hard Part—Scaling Well Is.
You did everything right—your business is growing, sales are up, and you’re hiring. But instead of feeling in control, you’re drowning in unexpected challenges.

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What Small Business Owners Can Learn from the JCPenney and Forever 21 Merger

Business Development, Business Growth, Revenue Models, Small Business Strategy, Financial Strategy, Business Diversification, Profitability, Business Resilience, Leadership, Management, Partnerships, Retail / Rick Slark

Picture yourself in a mall in 2002: racks of trendy Aéropostale hoodies, Forever 21’s fast-fashion treasures, and JCPenney’s dependable mix of apparel, home goods, and Sephora counters. These brands defined an era of retail, but the world has since changed. Fast forward to 2025, and these mall staples are coming together under one roof. Catalyst

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Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Beth Gantz, Lorain County Community College SBDC Director

Business Development, Humanity, Leadership, Partnerships, Uncategorized, Women in Business / Rick Slark

It’s not every day you get to witness someone in your professional circle being recognized for their outstanding contributions, but today is one of those days! I’m thrilled to congratulate Beth Gantz, the dedicated and dynamic director of the Lorain Community College SBDC, for receiving the Individual Award for Best Center Director at the Statewide

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Advancing Air Mobility: Springfield Hosts National AAM Industry Forum

AI/Tech, Business Development, Charts and Trends, Economic Development, Partnerships, Video / Rick Slark

This week, Springfield, Ohio, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation by hosting the National Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry Forum at Clark State College. This event brings together leaders from the aviation industry to discuss groundbreaking advancements that could transform how we travel and transport goods. Why This Matters: Advanced Air

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What Does the Rise of a New Economic Coalition Mean for the World?

Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Economic Development, Humanity, Partnerships / Rick Slark

In 2001, a bold forecast from economist Jim O’Neill at Goldman Sachs set the stage for a shift in global economic power. He predicted four emerging markets—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—would dominate the world economy by 2050. This prediction materialized in the formation of the BRIC group, which later expanded to BRICS with the inclusion

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Is It Worth It to Post Infrequently on Social Media?

Business Development, Partnerships, Start-Up, Women in Business / Rick Slark

This post was written by my friend, Melissa Forziat and I thought it was a powerful message for many small business owners. Rick Let’s face it – when you have a small business, you might be your own marketing department. Plus the legal team. Plus the bookkeeper. Plus customer service. Plus human resources. There are

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Introducing Slark Consulting Group’s Business Assessments: Unlock Your Business Potential!

Business Development, Partnerships, Sales & Service, Strategy, Video / Rick Slark

Are you looking to take your business to the next level? At Slark Consulting Group, we understand that every business is unique and success hinges on a solid foundation. That’s why we offer comprehensive Business Assessments to identify your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, and growth opportunities. Contact Slark Consulting Group today at slarkconsultinggroup.com

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Gratitude and Reflection: A Year-End Thank You to Our Valued Partnering Organizations

Holiday's, Partnerships / Rick Slark

As the year draws to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of our partnering organizations for another successful year of collaboration and growth. Your unwavering support, dedication, and shared commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our collective achievements. This past year has been filled with challenges and opportunities that

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10 Common Business Partnership Challenges

Business Development, Partnerships, Professional Development, Uncategorized / Rick Slark

Navigating a business partnership can be challenging, and various difficulties can arise. Here are the top 10 most stated problems in business partnerships. For instance, one partner wants to expand the business rapidly, while the other values stability and risk aversion. The solution for this is prevention. Clearly define and document each partner’s long-term goals

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