Excellent resource – small business lending – Pepperdine U.
Check out this report. (You’ll have to register, but it’s free.) Lots of good data about which types of institutions are lending how much to business.
Ben Bernanke talks Intangible Capital
Fed Chief Ben Bernanke gave the opening address, speaking about intangibles, innovation and job growth. Bernanke did not bang his shoe on the podium or make any hand gestures while speaking about this, probably to avoid sending signals to the intangible stock market about his intentions.
Hire the Best Today (so you won’t have to fire tomorrow)
Don’t let your employees down – when the time comes to once again add staff do so with care. Remember that management sends a strong message about quality and expectations by constantly hiring the best.
the trouble with banks
But it’s still tough to get a loan if you are in a SME (small or mid-size enterprise). A recent Wall Street Journal article notes a very small increase in credit approval for small business in 2010. This is off seriously-reduced levels from 2009. Some of this reflects lesser demand from businesses that laid off workers and cut way back on discretionary expenses. It also reflects a drying up of M&A activity in the SME space.
“Hey, look, a quiz!” – your IC
If you are a C-level executive of a company, or if you’d like to be one but don’t know enough about intangible capital to get there, take this simple 22-question IC.IQ quiz.
Vibrators, lean, and a future for American business
In today’s highly competitive environment of low cost labor overseas, VIBCO has found a way to thrive in their segment without moving production off shore. A number of years ago, the company embraced lean manufacturing whole-heartedly, seeking operating efficiencies at every level of the company.
family business and a joke
An owner walks up to his son and says, “Son, I’ve been thinking, I’d like to give you half of this company. I’d like you to learn the business starting on the plant floor with production.” Son says,” Dad, that’s not really interesting to me.” Father says, “OK, son, work in the office with me and learn finance, sales and marketing.” Son replies, “That doesn’t sound very appealing.” The father, frustrated, then said, “Well, what do you suggest, son?” The son replies, “Why don’t you just buy out my half?”
Just Over the Horizon
For those companies who are a candidate for transfer, now is the time for owners to start thinking about it and preparing for it. For those who successfully prepare, they too can sit back one day and reflect on their successful transfer.
Hulu’s Hidden Value
Currently, our accounting and taxation systems in the US encourage all investment in people, software, systems, marketing and other intangible assets to be expensed. However, these are the investments that are building the infrastructure of so many companies like Hulu. So while there has been much written about Hulu having never turned a profit, it is impossible for investors to see this true infrastructure because it has all been written off as quickly as it was built.
More than a Job – for Owners
Most business owners are so completely immersed in their business that it is simply all they know. Years of dedication and devotion have made some closer to their business than their families while others see their business as their identity. To have a successful exit, owners need to decide and plan for the next activity that will be as absorbing to them as their business has been.
