Weekly Insights
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 10
Here are the next two ways to increase profitability #14 – Eliminate Warehouse Supermarkets I watched a technician walk into an unlocked parts room, choose the parts he wanted, and leave with an armful. He didn’t write down what he took. He didn’t let anyone know what...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 9
A couple of years ago I told you my story of trying to find the company that had done a phenomenal job cleaning the rug that has been in our family for more than 50 years. Initially they didn’t include any way to get in touch with them – no business card, no ongoing...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 8
#11 – Your Monthly Productivity Ratio Your employees are key to your profitability. If they are productive, then you have a better chance of being profitable. What do I mean by productive? Their time is billable to your customers. It is not spent in sweeping the...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 7
This article kicks off a two-part series offering 25 proven ways to boost profitability. These are straightforward, often-overlooked strategies that focus on smarter decision-making, reducing waste, and tightening up operations—so you earn more without sacrificing more of your time or money.
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 6
Last week I gave you Ruth’s Rule #2 – break even revenues needed for any overhead expense. I assume that you would like to be profitable, so here is Ruth’s Rule #3: #9 – Ruth’s Rule #3 Sales = Overhead Expense GM – Profit % Gross margin is a percentage and the profit...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 5
Here is the next way to increase profitability. #8 – Ruth’s Rule #2 I developed Ruth’s Rules many years ago to calculate the revenues needed for any expense – whether a cost of goods sold expense or an overhead expense. Over the next three weeks I will give you...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 4
Now that you have the basics and why you want to increase your company’s profitability, let’s continue ways to increase profitability. #6 – Know Your Overhead Cost per unit of revenue. Overhead cost per unit of revenue is simply total overhead cost divided by revenue...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 3
First, are you busy or are you productively busy? Join me this Thursday, June 26th at 11 AM Eastern to discover how easy it is to answer this question for your company…in less than 10 minutes. After I review the productivity ratio, I’ll answer any financial questions...
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 2
In this second installment, we reveal 25 more actionable strategies that help small business owners improve profitability without adding hours or expenses. These ideas are practical, insightful, and designed to help you think differently about how money flows through your business.
25 Ways to be More Profitable – Part 1
This article kicks off a two-part series offering 25 proven ways to boost profitability. These are straightforward, often-overlooked strategies that focus on smarter decision-making, reducing waste, and tightening up operations—so you earn more without sacrificing more of your time or money.
What REALLY Happens when You Lose Money On Your Products and Services
Supply chains are being hit hard. Most manufacturers are having a hard time getting basic materials – wood, metal, plastic, etc. They are raising their prices. Airline prices for flights have gone up drastically too. So, you HAVE to raise yours too – why would you...
What If You Can’t Raise Prices?
In a market where raising prices isn’t always an option, this article outlines how small business owners can protect profits by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and delivering more value per dollar. Learn how to strengthen your margins even when your prices are locked in.
Here’s Why You Should Show Your Employees the Company Financial Statements
Transparency isn’t just about trust—it’s a business strategy. This article explores how sharing company financials with your team can unlock higher performance, better decision-making, and a sense of ownership that helps boost your bottom line.
How to Tell if Your Employees are Productive
Balance sheet errors—like outdated asset values or incorrect liabilities—can quietly damage your financial clarity. This post outlines six common mistakes small businesses make and how to correct them before they impact growth or decision-making.
If You Think Direct Mail Doesn’t Work… You are Wrong!
Direct mail isn’t dead—it’s thriving. In a world overloaded by digital ads, physical mail offers small businesses a personal, trusted way to connect with customers and stand out from competitors. Learn why direct mail remains a powerful, cost-effective marketing tool and how you can use it to grow your business.