http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-experts-blog.html Family Business Blog offers tips and success strategies for family businesses. Our Family Business Blog also keeps you up-to-date with all the additions and changes to www.family-business-experts.com en-us family business experts Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:42 GMT Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:42 GMT family-business-experts.com http://www.family-business-experts.com/chief-emotional-officer.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/chief-emotional-officer.html Mom's role as Chief Emotional Officer (CEO) of the family in a family business Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:41 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/chief-emotional-officer.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/chief-emotional-officer.html We would like to extend a special Happy Mother’s Day greeting to all of those “moms” involved in a family-owned business. All too often the mom’s role in a business family is under-recognized and is not taken into account when the family business is developing their succession strategy. “We often refer to “mom” as the Chief Emotional Officer (CEO) for the business family,” notes leading family business expert Don Schwerzler. “Moms are often the ‘emotional shock absorber’ for the business family.” To read more about the mom’s role as Chief Emotional Officer for a family business, click on the link at the bottom of this Blog. Sun, 13 May 2012 15:40:06 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-entrepreneurs.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-entrepreneurs.html Family business entrepreneurs drive the American economy according to leading family business expert Don Schwerzler. It is not surprising that most family business entrepreneurs can first be described as inventors and innovators – a new concept, a new idea, a better mousetrap, a smarter/faster manufacturing process… “But being an inventor or an innovator is only part of the equation for being a successful family business entrepreneur,” according to Schwerzler. The formula also includes vision and the wherewithal to turn that vision into a new reality – that is what makes a family business entrepreneur so special. As individuals they have a great deal of passion, energy and the ability to make personal sacrifices - a laser-focused commitment to being successful and, as is often the case, a healthy shot of “serendipity”! To read more about how family business entrepreneurs create amd sustain their own success, click on the link at the bottom of this Blog. Sat, 12 May 2012 12:23:04 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/backup-computer-files.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/backup-computer-files.html Backup Computer Files - a risk management strategy for every family business. Thu, 10 May 2012 15:40:01 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-innovation.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-innovation.html Congratulations to brothers Tariq and Kamran Farid. An immigrant family from Pakistan, Tariq, in 1986 while still a senior in high school, purchased a flower shop using a $5,000 loan from a family friend. While the flower business business grew to several locations – there was a new concept being developed. The brothers were beginning to use fresh fruit rather than flowers for arrangements. What an interesting innovation! In 1999 they launched Edible Arrangements. The next year, a businessman from Boston asked about opening a franchise and the rest of the story continues to unfold! Edible Arrangements has now opened their 1,000th franchise and sales will be close to $500 million this year. “The Farid brother’s success story underscores the importance for innovation in a family business,” notes leading family business expert Don Schwerzler. “All too often, family business entrepreneurs are too involved working ‘in’ their business rather than working ‘on’ their business and they miss “hockey-stick” growth opportunities.” To read more about family business innovation opportunities, click on the link at the bottom of this Blog. Mon, 07 May 2012 12:44:41 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/southern-business-research.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/southern-business-research.html Southern Business Research strategies enable businesses to improve growth and profits Sat, 05 May 2012 11:02:48 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-roundtable.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-roundtable.html Facilitating a Family Business Roundtable is a practice development service we offer to professional service companies that work with family businesses. Thu, 03 May 2012 19:30:55 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/alternative-business-loans.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/alternative-business-loans.html Family business owners who need money to deal with cash flow problems should investigate alternative financing such as factoring and equipment leasing. Other helpful financing options include: Transactional Funding Government Contract Financing Lines of Credit Commercial Real Estate Financing Equipment Finance & Leasing Vendor Sales Leasing Loans (personal and business) Import & Export Financing The "home town banker" was the traditional loan maker to family businesses. But as local banks were gobbled up by the larger regional banks, the ability for a family business owner to call his/her friend down at the bank for a short term loan are days gone by! "Smart family businesses have found that there are many other financing options - it is just a matter of finding the best financing option to meet the needs of your business," according to top family business expert Don Schwerzler. “If you are a family business owner who is experiencing cash flow problems, our family business financing expert may be able to help”. To learn more about creative financing for your family business, click on the link at the bottom of this Blog. Wed, 02 May 2012 13:44:26 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-reunion-games.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-reunion-games.html If you are searching for a Mother’s Day gift for a special Mom (grandmothers too!), you may care to check out our FamilyLore Game. The game is a family trivia game that is uniquely tailored for each family playing the game – while creating a permanent history for the family. Family-focused games can be much more than a fun-time with the family. “They can also be important as learning tools that enable family members to revisit and reflect on the values of the family - and a powerful way to help bond families together," according to leading family business expert Don Schwerzler. "With the divorce rate being so high, over 50% in the USA, so much of a family’s legacy can be lost or forgotten." There are a number of family-reunion type games available, but we like the FamilyLore Game because it can help protect and preserve a family’s legacy for the next generation of kids. This is truly the most unique feature of any of the family reunion games. To learn more about the FamilyLore Game, click on the link at the bottom of this Blog. Tue, 01 May 2012 20:37:28 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/American-Hero.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/American-Hero.html American Hero veteran's franchise program makes entrepreneur Ray Margiano a hero too! Tue, 01 May 2012 10:27:33 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/Balson-family-butcher-business.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/Balson-family-butcher-business.html The Balson family butcher business has been serving customers for 25 generations and almost 500 years. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:47:56 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/financing-a-business.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/financing-a-business.html Financing a business. Here's what you need to know and a comparison of advantages and disadvantages of different sources for financing your business. Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:30:08 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/small-business-equipment-leasing.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/small-business-equipment-leasing.html Small business equipment leasing is a smart strategy for many family businesses Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:22:41 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/NCPA-opinions.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/NCPA-opinions.html NCPA Opinions addresses public policy issues that impact family-owned businesses Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:54:30 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/succession-planning-survey.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/succession-planning-survey.html Use this succession planning survey along with Don Schwerzler's no-cost assessment to help you beat the dismal 30% odds that your family business will transition to the next generation. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:02:49 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-histories.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-histories.html Family Business Histories - On her forty-fifth birthday, Liz Walker took the reins of leadership from her proud father and officially became president of a family-owned manufacturing operation... Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:45:18 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/ask-the-family-business-expert.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/ask-the-family-business-expert.html Ask The Family Business Expert - Here's your chance to ask our family business expert about issues and concerns you may have about your family business. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:37:51 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/10-erp-mistakes.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/10-erp-mistakes.html ERP application software mistakes - learn the top 10 ERP mistakes made by companies dealing with ERP. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:40:57 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/FamilyLore-Game.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/FamilyLore-Game.html FamilyLore Game is a family trivia board game for the entire family to enjoy Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:17:51 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/advisory-board.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/advisory-board.html An advisory board made up of experienced outsiders brings a fresh perspective to problems and opportunities that face both the family and the family business. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:09:24 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/start-an-affiliate-program.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/start-an-affiliate-program.html Start an affiliate program - create a new revenue stream for your family business Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:53:49 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/help-with-factoring.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/help-with-factoring.html Getting help with factoring - a smart finance strategy for family businesses Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:43:39 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/comprehensive-swot-analysis.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/comprehensive-swot-analysis.html Answer these questions - and you have a comprehensive SWOT Analysis - your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:33:42 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/alternative-business-loans.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/alternative-business-loans.html Alternative business loans offer many creative lending options to family businesses. Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:44:09 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/intra-family-loans.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/intra-family-loans.html Intra-family loans are common practice for family businesses according to leading expert DON SCHWERZLER. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:33:09 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/special-needs-trust.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/special-needs-trust.html A special needs trust is used to benefit a person with a disability. Learn every single way to protect their future security. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:51:18 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/special-needs-trust.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/special-needs-trust.html A recent Centers for Disease Control and Protection report found that in the U.S., approximately 1 in 88 children have autism spectrum disorder, a 23 percent increase over the organization’s previous estimation. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus (Home Depot Co-Founder) donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Check out their web site http://www.autismspeaks.org/ If you have a child with autism or other disabilities, you may want to investigate creating a SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST. A Special Needs Trust, sometimes called a Supplemental Needs Trust, is used to benefit a person with a disability. The trust provides instructions on how to manage money that is being set aside to help care for a disabled person. To learn more about a Special Needs Trust, click on the link at the bottom of this Blog. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:40:00 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/performance-metrics.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/performance-metrics.html Performance metrics requires that the major work functions in every department be identified both in terms of volume and time. The premise is that work not measured cannot be managed. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:16:59 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/green-management-strategies.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/green-management-strategies.html Green management strategies have direct and indirect benefits for many family businesses Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:44:05 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/rainwater-harvesting.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/rainwater-harvesting.html Rainwater harvesting can be a smart stragegy for many family businesses. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:40:30 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/nexters.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/nexters.html Nexters and the succession process - succession is not a spectator sport! Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:01:22 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-valuation.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-valuation.html Family business valuation is important to family business succession planning. It should be a part of the regular annual strategic planning process not something triggered by a specific event. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:57:21 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-advisor.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-advisor.html Family business advisor Don Schwerzler, top family business expert and founder of the Family Business Institute has been studying and advising family businesses for more than 40 years. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:41:21 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/schwerzler-anz-inperspective.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/schwerzler-anz-inperspective.html Schwerzler-ANZ-Inperspective article featuring Don Schwerzler, Family Business Expert, published by Australia and New Zealand Bank Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:20:21 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/dealing-with-alcoholism.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/dealing-with-alcoholism.html Dealing with alcoholism in a family business is a tough and complex problem that can wreck the family and destroy the family's business Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:14:19 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/nepotism.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/nepotism.html Adam Bellow's remarkable new book - In Praise of Nepotism: A Natural History - in our opinion is a must-read for anyone in a family business. Or any business. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:50:21 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-profiles.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-profiles.html Family Business Profiles - the antidote to today's gloom and doom business stories. Learn from family businesses that have overcome difficulties to succeed and prosper. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:29:26 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/ewing-irrigation.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/ewing-irrigation.html Ewing Irrigation Family Business Profile - 90 years of success! Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:54:30 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/planning-your-family-reunion.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/planning-your-family-reunion.html Planning your family reunion could be daunting. Follow our tips learned from families that have been doing it for years and make it a fun event that the whole family wants to do every year. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:18:32 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/rainwater-harvesting.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/rainwater-harvesting.html The restaurant industry is densely populated by family-owned businesses – the full spectrum includes casual dining, fine dining and quick service franchises. Regardless of the category of restaurant, they all use a lot of water. Based on local water rates, that can be a significant expense item. We recommend rainwater harvesting as a strategy for many of our family business clients. Rainwater can be used for irrigation, cleaning and toilet flushing. Depending on the level of filtration, it can also be used as potable water for cooking and drinking. Reducing water expense is an obvious and easily identifiable benefit. From a marketing perspective, the benefits from being recognized as a family business that believes in “green management strategies” can create a positive impact on customers as well as other green-minded businesses in your community. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:54:29 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-innovation.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-innovation.html Family business innovation drives entrepreneurship, not caretaking. Learn how to start an innovation program and 10 mind sets that have to change. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:32:51 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/outliers.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/outliers.html Outliers - The Story of Success provides interesting observations from Malcolm Gladwell that can be applied to family-owned businesses. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:43:52 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-institute.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-institute.html The original Family Business Institute is Atlanta based and founded by Don Schwerzler. The Family Business Institute is internationally recognized for providing solutions to family business problems Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:28:07 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-conflict.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-conflict.html Family business conflict can destroy a family business and wreck family relationships Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:40:57 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-feuds.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-feuds.html Family feuds won't kill your family business if you follow these seven simple tips. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 11:14:00 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/future-proof.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/future-proof.html As a family business owner, what are you doing to future proof your family business? Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:52:38 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-resource-center.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-resource-center.html Atlanta-based Family Business Institute is the leading Family Business Resource Center (FBRC) providing connected solutions to the unique and complex issues that confront family businesses. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:15:38 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/holonomic-processes.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/holonomic-processes.html 12 holonomic processes must be operating to produce desired organizational characteristics. Study them here. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:04:56 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/peer-to-peer-lending.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/peer-to-peer-lending.html Peer to Peer Lending is an alternative financing option for family business owners seeking funds to grow their family business Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:01:43 GMT http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-infrastructure.html http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-infrastructure.html Building family business infrastructure is an on-going process for successful family businesses Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:03:34 GMT