I hear it all the time. People decide that they are going to start their own consulting businesses. In challenging economic times such as we are currently experiencing, the impetus is often job loss. Other times it outgrows that good idea that people have that they know will be embraced inside the business community. Whatever the driver, too many people leap into consulting without a thorough appreciation of what they are getting into. (more…)

It is often said that English is the language of business. Clearly this is a true statement, though the recent US-bred financial crisis no doubt had other nations wishing they could not translate. But it is a language that does not tell the whole story. To truly understand what your business is telling you, you must become fluent in the language of finance. (more…)

I just returned from a European vacation that was capped with four days in Paris. While it is an expansive (not to mention expensive) city, certain elements of the Parisian culture make themselves evident straight away. Foremost among these is what I call the “cafe culture.” (more…)