Current Issue Cover Story


[cover story]
Geared to grow

“Our philosophy is to expand when we’re financially able,” says Jim Kowalski, CEO of the Kowalski’s grocery store chain in the Twin Cities. They started when he and his wife and business partner, Mary Anne, purchased in June of 1983 their first store, a Red Owl on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Jim had worked for Red Owl for 20 years before then.

[letter from the editor]
slap-happy

Is the recession making us slap-happy, so sick of bad economic news that we’re getting the giggles?



[business builder]
Accounting

How to cash in on your firm’s bad fortune

Accounts receivable

Here’s how to bring home revenue due

Client relations

Pop culture can offer ticket to better business

Communication

Tough talk: what to say about bad news

Data management

Mine your data to boost sales, know customers

Events

To boost return on events, host debrief session

Finance

Recaps can aid owners, revive business too

Human resources

Don’t let talent sit on company bench: Use it

Insurance

Risks change, grow along with company

Launching products

Aim, momentum are crucial to
successful launch

Law

Why all owners need to sign a
buy/sell contract

Management

When going gets tough, the tough tread thoughtfully

Noncompetes

Protect business with covenants not to compete

Sales management

Focus on five simple questions to boost sales

SEO

Optimize site before launch, not afterward

Strategic plans

All aboard: How to stretch strategic thinking

Succession

How founder grew his firm by letting go

Tech savings

With economy down, use info technology to help meet goals

[upsize e-tools tips]

"Plan a standing four-hour meeting once a month to review progress on your strategic plan, create clear accountability, and most importantly deliver the results you spent all weekend defining at your annual retreat.

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