Blog Articles
Articles to help you capture value and transition with success.
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for Business
Owners
Blog Articles
Articles to help you capture value and transition with success.
![Are You Ready to Exit Your Business? [Video]](https://smalldotbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Exit-Planning-Webinar-Personal-Readiness-Sept-2022-400x250.jpeg)
Are You Ready to Exit Your Business? [Video]
What is your exit plan? Exiting your business is a process not an event. In this video, learn essential information on how to maximize the value of your business and create exit liquidity options.
![[Webinar] Exiting Your Business, Lower Middle Market M&A – Stony Hill Advisors Paul Visokey, Laurie Barkman](https://smalldotbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Stony-Hill-Webinar-Value-Drivers-400x250.jpg)
[Webinar] Exiting Your Business, Lower Middle Market M&A – Stony Hill Advisors Paul Visokey, Laurie Barkman
Many business owners want to stop working in their business in the next several years, but most have not planned for that transition. Given recent business cycles, supply chain challenges, and talent issues, owners may be thinking about their next stage sooner than expected. In this webinar presentation, Laurie Barkman and Paul Visokey from Stony Hill Advisors discuss the business exit tsunami that is having effects on exit strategies and how to navigate the waters.
Succession Stories Podcast Wins Communicator Excellence Award
Succession Stories Podcast Recognized By The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for Audio & Podcasts Excellence
Buy-Side Considerations with Laurie Barkman – Exit Readiness Podcast
Laurie Barkman joins the Exit Readiness Podcast to discuss Buy-Side considerations and when having an acquisition strategy for growth and building value. Laurie discusses why a business owner would consider growing through acquisition, common pitfalls on the buy-side M&A process, and how a transaction intermediary can be helpful in the process.
8 Steps For Turning A Service Into A Product
Does your business offer a service or a product that you differentiate through a higher level of service? Maybe you’ve been disproportionately impacted from the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Consumers cut back on services to avoid human contact and conserve cash, but are still bought products that solve a specific problem.
![Exit Value Planning [Video]](https://smalldotbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Exit-Planning-webinar-400x250.png)
Exit Value Planning [Video]
Many business owners want to stop working in their business in the next several years, but most have not planned for that transition. Given recent business cycles, supply chain challenges, and talent issues, owners may be thinking about their next stage sooner than expected. In this presentation, Laurie Barkman and Paul Visokey discuss the business exit tsunami that is having effects on exit strategies and how to navigate the waters.
Laurie Barkman Attains Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor Designation
Pittsburgh-based SmallDotBig LLC, a business transition and strategic growth advisory, is pleased to announce that Founder Laurie Barkman recently attained the Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) designation. Awarded by the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA), the CM&AA is the benchmark industry credential and serves to maintain the highest standards of excellence among M&A professionals.
3 Ways M&A Advisors Help You Sell a Business
What value do mergers and acquisitions intermediaries provide to family businesses or privately held companies considering a sale? Hear a buyer’s perspective from Alex Panosian, Managing Partner of CW Growth Partners, a family investment office.
The Rainmaker’s Dilemma: How Your Greatest Strength Becomes a Debilitating Weakness
If a high percentage of your company’s revenue is undertaken personally by you or your fellow equity holders, you’re a Rainmaker. You’ve got a strong ability to influence customers, but you may be lowering your company’s value.
Business Transition and Exit Planning | Laurie Barkman Appearance on Three Rivers Leadership Radio Show
Laurie Barkman talks business transition and exit planning on Three Rivers Leadership Podcast with Kevin Trout, Vistage Chair.
Business Succession and Owner Transition | Laurie Barkman Appearance on Podcasting Stories
Laurie Barkman shares the SmallDotBig story, our approach to helping small to mid-size companies maximize value and create succession plans, and how our podcast, Succession Stories, helps share our message.
Succeed in Your Succession – Laurie Barkman | Pittsburgh Business Insights Podcast
Laurie visits Pittsburgh Business Insights to discuss her expertise as an exit planner and Certified Value Builder, the distinction between professional and personal readiness to sell, and her own podcast series’ recent milestone.
Why the Future Growth of Your Business Is Critical to Its Value Today
As a business owner, you’re likely proud of the results you’ve achieved. But the value of your business is determined less by what you have done in the past and more by what you will likely do in the future.
Maximizing Value: The Key to Your Best Business Exit
As a business owner, you’re proud of the results you’ve achieved. When it comes to the value of your business, your future is critical. That’s why your growth potential is one of eight key factors that drive the value of your business. This webinar covers why driving growth and value enhancement planning are essential to maximizing your company’s value, and creating more and better options for a successful exit when selling your company.
Laurie Barkman Adds Mergers and Acquisitions Services With Stony Hill Advisors Partnership
Stony Hill Advisors Expand Services to Western Pennsylvania with Addition of Laurie Barkman Laurie guides business owners through the process of buying and selling businesses and exit planning. Merger and acquisition advisory firm, Stony Hill...
Why Succession Planning Is Necessary for Your Business
100% of Business Owners Are Going to Exit Their Business If you are a business owner, you will eventually transition from your business. Why not plan ahead to create options, when time is on your side, to develop a strategic exit plan for your...
Quotable Quotes: Mark Twain
I like to ask all of my podcast guests if they have a favorite quote about entrepreneurship. What's yours? "It's not what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just isn't so." - Mark Twain From Succession...
Four Signs You’re In The Owner’s Trap
You started your business for the freedom that comes with running your own company. The freedom to earn what you deserve, and to work for whoever you want, when you want, and from wherever you want. The challenge for many business owners is that...
![[Video] How Do I Plan Personally For a Business Transition?](https://smalldotbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Plan-For-Business-Transition-1-400x250.jpg)
[Video] How Do I Plan Personally For a Business Transition?
Laurie Barkman, CEO SmallDotBig and Jacquelyn Core, M&A Attorney from The Lynch Law Group, talk about important considerations for business owners when preparing to sell their company. Listen in as they discuss key questions you'll need to be...
![[Video] “8 Things That Drive Company Value” Webinar](https://smalldotbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/8-Things-That-Drive-Company-Value-Webinar-400x250.jpg)
[Video] “8 Things That Drive Company Value” Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ZX4PHw3tQ In this webinar, Laurie Barkman, Certified Value Builder Advisor and Founder of SmallDotBig, discusses how to dramatically increase the value of your business and ensure it thrives past your exit or...
Virtual Event Feb. 25: Luke Williams, “Disrupt Your Thinking To Grow the Value of Your Business”
“Disrupt Your Thinking To Grow The Value Of Your Business” Over the past year, the pandemic has accelerated the pace of market disruption and digital transformation putting many companies in a defensive position needing to rebuild value. We are...
A Study of 14,000 Businesses Reveals How Not to Spend Your Time
You've heard that you need to be "close to the customer," but data shows that founders should actually keep their distance in order to maximize the value of their company. As a business owner, how personally involved should you be in the sales...
SmallDotBig Integrates the Value Builder System
SmallDotBig announced that it has integrated The Value Builder System into its strategic advisory services for small and midsize business owners and CEOs. Laurie Barkman, SmallDotBig Founder, strategy advisor, and succession expert, earned her...
![[Video] M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021](https://smalldotbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MA-Exit-Planning-400x250.jpg)
[Video] M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021
M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021 As a result of the pandemic, many business owners are accelerating their exit timeline and changing their definition of wealth. On February 18th, we held a live panel discussion to explore key market dynamics...
Laurie Barkman Approved as National Vistage Speaker for CEO Forums
Vistage Worldwide New Speaker Announcement Laurie Barkman, value creation and succession expert has been accepted as a new Vistage Worldwide Speaker to speak at CEO Forums across the country. Vistage is the world's largest executive coaching...
5 Ways To Build Your Employer Brand and Cultivate Culture
Laurie Barkman works with entrepreneurs, closely-held companies, and family businesses to develop innovations that create enterprise value and facilitate transition. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Laurie hosts the Succession Stories...
How to Build and Sustain a Successful, Enduring Enterprise
Laurie Barkman works with entrepreneurs, closely-held companies, and family businesses to develop innovations that create enterprise value and facilitate transition. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Laurie hosts the Succession Stories...
10 Resolutions That Will Boost the Value of Your Company
If your goal is to build a more valuable company in 2021, here are some "new year" resolutions to consider: 1. Stop chasing revenue. A bigger company is not necessarily a more valuable one if the extra sales come from products and services that are...
Survey Reveals Almost Half of Small Business Owners Plan to Exit Within the Next Five Years
Analysis from The Value Builder System shows entrepreneurs' changing attitudes around exit planning as a result of COVID-19. This pessimism seems to be impacting business owners’ future plans for their exit. Traditionally, many small businesses...
EBITDA calculator
Calculate your EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) is a measure of profitability that excludes expense items that are determined by your...
3 Things to Consider When You Hit “The Freedom Point”
When was the last time you calculated the percentage of your net worth tied to your company’s value? When you started your business, its value was probably negligible. Unless you purchased or inherited your company, it wasn’t worth much when you...
Why Now is the Perfect Time For Your Business To Rediscover Its Entrepreneurial Roots (yes, really!)
If you’re leading a mature, multi-generational company, you might be wondering how to innovate. Take notes from a startup expert. When you think of innovative companies, you might think of an industry leader like Apple or a fast-growing rocketship...
Quotable quotes
Guests on The Succession Stories Podcast share their favorite quotes about entrepreneurship and leadership with Laurie Barkman. "If you think you know what you're doing today wait for tomorrow." ― Beth Armknecht Miller | Episode 36 "In humility,...
Efficiency or Innovation? Balance Both to Emerge as a Leader Post-Recession
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of how we work, create value, and serve customers. Many CEOs and business owners face important choices around short term decisions while trying to look forward to a better future. A June 2020...
Quotable Quotes: What are you planning for?
I like to ask all of my podcast guests if they have a favorite quote about entrepreneurship. What's yours? "In life and in business, you get what you plan for. What are you planning for? Andy Ellis, Localize Capital Listen to more quotable #quotes...
Innovation isn’t just for startups
Quotable Quotes: Do What You Love
I like to ask all of my podcast guests if they have a favorite quote about entrepreneurship. What's yours? "We shouldn't do things we don't love as a general rule. If we're not having fun doing it, why are we doing it? Even in a crisis, it's better...
Steering Your Next
The coronavirus outbreak thrust many businesses into unchartered waters as we faced profound changes to how we live, work, and serve our communities. Many organizations innovated out of necessity, utilizing digital platforms to execute...
Resilience and navigating the now
When I feel challenged, I find it helpful to have a rallying cry to focus forward. Right now, mine is: Navigate the now, plan for the recovery, shape the future. #resilience
How to spot inflection points in business before they happen
I was inspired by Rita McGrath at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Corporate Startup Lab Forum at Carnegie Mellon University. Rita is a long-time professor at Columbia University and expert on innovation and growth, and in her keynote she...
Take small steps on a big journey
This quote resonated with me as an entrepreneur. It's not easy to step out of your comfort zone and do what is difficult while it is easy. At SmallDotBig, we work with entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and next-generation business owners to...
A reminder to enjoy the journey…
Appreciate the journey of building your business. The view from mountaintop will be that much sweeter when you arrive.
Can’t we all just get along? Inclusion in a multi-generation workforce
In a recent post, I encouraged business leaders to carve out time to focus on strategy and suggested the benefits having an inclusive strategic planning process with senior and emerging leaders. I want to double-click on the concept of inclusion...
Make things happen
Are you watching change happen in your business, or are you making it happen? #transformationtuesday #corporateinnovation #strategytoexecution Astronaut Jim Lovell had it right. So did the former Chairman of GENCO Corporation, and my former boss,...
Culture eats strategy for breakfast
Strategy or culture: which is more important? Any company disconnecting the two may be putting their success at risk. #strategicplanning #strategytoexecution #hr #transformationtuesday Peter Drucker's quote is a classic. But I first heard it from a...
Is the Tyranny of Now an obstacle to your business growth?
For many CEOs and business owners, finding the time to spend on their business, and not just in their business is a challenge. My experience as the CEO of a mid-size company was similar. I knew my leadership team needed time away from the business...
The origin story of SmallDotBig
I'm the founder of a consulting firm called SmallDotBig. Some people have asked me where the name came from. So, here’s the backstory. If you play pool in the US, you’re used to solids and stripes. But if someone from Australia or New Zealand joins...
To grow, simplify.
As organizations evolve, they inevitably become more complex. Most companies have some degree of complexity from the beginning; typically business owners do not take the time to develop an operating system that scales with the organization. For...
Buy-Side Considerations with Laurie Barkman – Exit Readiness Podcast
Laurie Barkman joins the Exit Readiness Podcast to discuss Buy-Side considerations and when having an acquisition strategy for growth and building value. Laurie discusses why a business owner would consider growing through acquisition, common pitfalls on the buy-side M&A process, and how a transaction intermediary can be helpful in the process.
EBITDA calculator
Calculate your EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) is a measure of profitability that excludes expense items that are determined by your...
Can’t we all just get along? Inclusion in a multi-generation workforce
In a recent post, I encouraged business leaders to carve out time to focus on strategy and suggested the benefits having an inclusive strategic planning process with senior and emerging leaders. I want to double-click on the concept of inclusion...
Are You Ready to Exit Your Business? [Video]
What is your exit plan? Exiting your business is a process not an event. In this video, learn essential information on how to maximize the value of your business and create exit liquidity options.
[Webinar] Exiting Your Business, Lower Middle Market M&A – Stony Hill Advisors Paul Visokey, Laurie Barkman
Many business owners want to stop working in their business in the next several years, but most have not planned for that transition. Given recent business cycles, supply chain challenges, and talent issues, owners may be thinking about their next stage sooner than expected. In this webinar presentation, Laurie Barkman and Paul Visokey from Stony Hill Advisors discuss the business exit tsunami that is having effects on exit strategies and how to navigate the waters.
3 Ways M&A Advisors Help You Sell a Business
What value do mergers and acquisitions intermediaries provide to family businesses or privately held companies considering a sale? Hear a buyer’s perspective from Alex Panosian, Managing Partner of CW Growth Partners, a family investment office.
Business Transition and Exit Planning | Laurie Barkman Appearance on Three Rivers Leadership Radio Show
Laurie Barkman talks business transition and exit planning on Three Rivers Leadership Podcast with Kevin Trout, Vistage Chair.
Business Succession and Owner Transition | Laurie Barkman Appearance on Podcasting Stories
Laurie Barkman shares the SmallDotBig story, our approach to helping small to mid-size companies maximize value and create succession plans, and how our podcast, Succession Stories, helps share our message.
Succeed in Your Succession – Laurie Barkman | Pittsburgh Business Insights Podcast
Laurie visits Pittsburgh Business Insights to discuss her expertise as an exit planner and Certified Value Builder, the distinction between professional and personal readiness to sell, and her own podcast series’ recent milestone.
Maximizing Value: The Key to Your Best Business Exit
As a business owner, you’re proud of the results you’ve achieved. When it comes to the value of your business, your future is critical. That’s why your growth potential is one of eight key factors that drive the value of your business. This webinar covers why driving growth and value enhancement planning are essential to maximizing your company’s value, and creating more and better options for a successful exit when selling your company.
Why Succession Planning Is Necessary for Your Business
100% of Business Owners Are Going to Exit Their Business If you are a business owner, you will eventually transition from your business. Why not plan ahead to create options, when time is on your side, to develop a strategic exit plan for your...
Four Signs You’re In The Owner’s Trap
You started your business for the freedom that comes with running your own company. The freedom to earn what you deserve, and to work for whoever you want, when you want, and from wherever you want. The challenge for many business owners is that...
[Video] How Do I Plan Personally For a Business Transition?
Laurie Barkman, CEO SmallDotBig and Jacquelyn Core, M&A Attorney from The Lynch Law Group, talk about important considerations for business owners when preparing to sell their company. Listen in as they discuss key questions you'll need to be...
[Video] “8 Things That Drive Company Value” Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ZX4PHw3tQ In this webinar, Laurie Barkman, Certified Value Builder Advisor and Founder of SmallDotBig, discusses how to dramatically increase the value of your business and ensure it thrives past your exit or...
A Study of 14,000 Businesses Reveals How Not to Spend Your Time
You've heard that you need to be "close to the customer," but data shows that founders should actually keep their distance in order to maximize the value of their company. As a business owner, how personally involved should you be in the sales...
SmallDotBig Integrates the Value Builder System
SmallDotBig announced that it has integrated The Value Builder System into its strategic advisory services for small and midsize business owners and CEOs. Laurie Barkman, SmallDotBig Founder, strategy advisor, and succession expert, earned her...
[Video] M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021
M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021 As a result of the pandemic, many business owners are accelerating their exit timeline and changing their definition of wealth. On February 18th, we held a live panel discussion to explore key market dynamics...
How to Build and Sustain a Successful, Enduring Enterprise
Laurie Barkman works with entrepreneurs, closely-held companies, and family businesses to develop innovations that create enterprise value and facilitate transition. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Laurie hosts the Succession Stories...
10 Resolutions That Will Boost the Value of Your Company
If your goal is to build a more valuable company in 2021, here are some "new year" resolutions to consider: 1. Stop chasing revenue. A bigger company is not necessarily a more valuable one if the extra sales come from products and services that are...
Survey Reveals Almost Half of Small Business Owners Plan to Exit Within the Next Five Years
Analysis from The Value Builder System shows entrepreneurs' changing attitudes around exit planning as a result of COVID-19. This pessimism seems to be impacting business owners’ future plans for their exit. Traditionally, many small businesses...
EBITDA calculator
Calculate your EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) is a measure of profitability that excludes expense items that are determined by your...
3 Things to Consider When You Hit “The Freedom Point”
When was the last time you calculated the percentage of your net worth tied to your company’s value? When you started your business, its value was probably negligible. Unless you purchased or inherited your company, it wasn’t worth much when you...
Why Now is the Perfect Time For Your Business To Rediscover Its Entrepreneurial Roots (yes, really!)
If you’re leading a mature, multi-generational company, you might be wondering how to innovate. Take notes from a startup expert. When you think of innovative companies, you might think of an industry leader like Apple or a fast-growing rocketship...
Quotable quotes
Guests on The Succession Stories Podcast share their favorite quotes about entrepreneurship and leadership with Laurie Barkman. "If you think you know what you're doing today wait for tomorrow." ― Beth Armknecht Miller | Episode 36 "In humility,...
Innovation isn’t just for startups
Quotable Quotes: Do What You Love
I like to ask all of my podcast guests if they have a favorite quote about entrepreneurship. What's yours? "We shouldn't do things we don't love as a general rule. If we're not having fun doing it, why are we doing it? Even in a crisis, it's better...
Steering Your Next
The coronavirus outbreak thrust many businesses into unchartered waters as we faced profound changes to how we live, work, and serve our communities. Many organizations innovated out of necessity, utilizing digital platforms to execute...
Resilience and navigating the now
When I feel challenged, I find it helpful to have a rallying cry to focus forward. Right now, mine is: Navigate the now, plan for the recovery, shape the future. #resilience
How to spot inflection points in business before they happen
I was inspired by Rita McGrath at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Corporate Startup Lab Forum at Carnegie Mellon University. Rita is a long-time professor at Columbia University and expert on innovation and growth, and in her keynote she...
Take small steps on a big journey
This quote resonated with me as an entrepreneur. It's not easy to step out of your comfort zone and do what is difficult while it is easy. At SmallDotBig, we work with entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and next-generation business owners to...
A reminder to enjoy the journey…
Appreciate the journey of building your business. The view from mountaintop will be that much sweeter when you arrive.
Can’t we all just get along? Inclusion in a multi-generation workforce
In a recent post, I encouraged business leaders to carve out time to focus on strategy and suggested the benefits having an inclusive strategic planning process with senior and emerging leaders. I want to double-click on the concept of inclusion...
Is the Tyranny of Now an obstacle to your business growth?
For many CEOs and business owners, finding the time to spend on their business, and not just in their business is a challenge. My experience as the CEO of a mid-size company was similar. I knew my leadership team needed time away from the business...
Are You Ready to Exit Your Business? [Video]
What is your exit plan? Exiting your business is a process not an event. In this video, learn essential information on how to maximize the value of your business and create exit liquidity options.
[Webinar] Exiting Your Business, Lower Middle Market M&A – Stony Hill Advisors Paul Visokey, Laurie Barkman
Many business owners want to stop working in their business in the next several years, but most have not planned for that transition. Given recent business cycles, supply chain challenges, and talent issues, owners may be thinking about their next stage sooner than expected. In this webinar presentation, Laurie Barkman and Paul Visokey from Stony Hill Advisors discuss the business exit tsunami that is having effects on exit strategies and how to navigate the waters.
Exit Value Planning [Video]
Many business owners want to stop working in their business in the next several years, but most have not planned for that transition. Given recent business cycles, supply chain challenges, and talent issues, owners may be thinking about their next stage sooner than expected. In this presentation, Laurie Barkman and Paul Visokey discuss the business exit tsunami that is having effects on exit strategies and how to navigate the waters.
The Rainmaker’s Dilemma: How Your Greatest Strength Becomes a Debilitating Weakness
If a high percentage of your company’s revenue is undertaken personally by you or your fellow equity holders, you’re a Rainmaker. You’ve got a strong ability to influence customers, but you may be lowering your company’s value.
Succeed in Your Succession – Laurie Barkman | Pittsburgh Business Insights Podcast
Laurie visits Pittsburgh Business Insights to discuss her expertise as an exit planner and Certified Value Builder, the distinction between professional and personal readiness to sell, and her own podcast series’ recent milestone.
Why the Future Growth of Your Business Is Critical to Its Value Today
As a business owner, you’re likely proud of the results you’ve achieved. But the value of your business is determined less by what you have done in the past and more by what you will likely do in the future.
Maximizing Value: The Key to Your Best Business Exit
As a business owner, you’re proud of the results you’ve achieved. When it comes to the value of your business, your future is critical. That’s why your growth potential is one of eight key factors that drive the value of your business. This webinar covers why driving growth and value enhancement planning are essential to maximizing your company’s value, and creating more and better options for a successful exit when selling your company.
Four Signs You’re In The Owner’s Trap
You started your business for the freedom that comes with running your own company. The freedom to earn what you deserve, and to work for whoever you want, when you want, and from wherever you want. The challenge for many business owners is that...
[Video] How Do I Plan Personally For a Business Transition?
Laurie Barkman, CEO SmallDotBig and Jacquelyn Core, M&A Attorney from The Lynch Law Group, talk about important considerations for business owners when preparing to sell their company. Listen in as they discuss key questions you'll need to be...
[Video] “8 Things That Drive Company Value” Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ZX4PHw3tQ In this webinar, Laurie Barkman, Certified Value Builder Advisor and Founder of SmallDotBig, discusses how to dramatically increase the value of your business and ensure it thrives past your exit or...
A Study of 14,000 Businesses Reveals How Not to Spend Your Time
You've heard that you need to be "close to the customer," but data shows that founders should actually keep their distance in order to maximize the value of their company. As a business owner, how personally involved should you be in the sales...
SmallDotBig Integrates the Value Builder System
SmallDotBig announced that it has integrated The Value Builder System into its strategic advisory services for small and midsize business owners and CEOs. Laurie Barkman, SmallDotBig Founder, strategy advisor, and succession expert, earned her...
[Video] M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021
M&A and Exit Planning Trends 2021 As a result of the pandemic, many business owners are accelerating their exit timeline and changing their definition of wealth. On February 18th, we held a live panel discussion to explore key market dynamics...
5 Ways To Build Your Employer Brand and Cultivate Culture
Laurie Barkman works with entrepreneurs, closely-held companies, and family businesses to develop innovations that create enterprise value and facilitate transition. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Laurie hosts the Succession Stories...
10 Resolutions That Will Boost the Value of Your Company
If your goal is to build a more valuable company in 2021, here are some "new year" resolutions to consider: 1. Stop chasing revenue. A bigger company is not necessarily a more valuable one if the extra sales come from products and services that are...
Survey Reveals Almost Half of Small Business Owners Plan to Exit Within the Next Five Years
Analysis from The Value Builder System shows entrepreneurs' changing attitudes around exit planning as a result of COVID-19. This pessimism seems to be impacting business owners’ future plans for their exit. Traditionally, many small businesses...
EBITDA calculator
Calculate your EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) is a measure of profitability that excludes expense items that are determined by your...
3 Things to Consider When You Hit “The Freedom Point”
When was the last time you calculated the percentage of your net worth tied to your company’s value? When you started your business, its value was probably negligible. Unless you purchased or inherited your company, it wasn’t worth much when you...
Efficiency or Innovation? Balance Both to Emerge as a Leader Post-Recession
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of how we work, create value, and serve customers. Many CEOs and business owners face important choices around short term decisions while trying to look forward to a better future. A June 2020...
How to spot inflection points in business before they happen
I was inspired by Rita McGrath at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Corporate Startup Lab Forum at Carnegie Mellon University. Rita is a long-time professor at Columbia University and expert on innovation and growth, and in her keynote she...
Take small steps on a big journey
This quote resonated with me as an entrepreneur. It's not easy to step out of your comfort zone and do what is difficult while it is easy. At SmallDotBig, we work with entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and next-generation business owners to...
A reminder to enjoy the journey…
Appreciate the journey of building your business. The view from mountaintop will be that much sweeter when you arrive.
To grow, simplify.
As organizations evolve, they inevitably become more complex. Most companies have some degree of complexity from the beginning; typically business owners do not take the time to develop an operating system that scales with the organization. For...
8 Steps For Turning A Service Into A Product
Does your business offer a service or a product that you differentiate through a higher level of service? Maybe you’ve been disproportionately impacted from the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Consumers cut back on services to avoid human contact and conserve cash, but are still bought products that solve a specific problem.
Why the Future Growth of Your Business Is Critical to Its Value Today
As a business owner, you’re likely proud of the results you’ve achieved. But the value of your business is determined less by what you have done in the past and more by what you will likely do in the future.
Virtual Event Feb. 25: Luke Williams, “Disrupt Your Thinking To Grow the Value of Your Business”
“Disrupt Your Thinking To Grow The Value Of Your Business” Over the past year, the pandemic has accelerated the pace of market disruption and digital transformation putting many companies in a defensive position needing to rebuild value. We are...
How to Build and Sustain a Successful, Enduring Enterprise
Laurie Barkman works with entrepreneurs, closely-held companies, and family businesses to develop innovations that create enterprise value and facilitate transition. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Laurie hosts the Succession Stories...
Why Now is the Perfect Time For Your Business To Rediscover Its Entrepreneurial Roots (yes, really!)
If you’re leading a mature, multi-generational company, you might be wondering how to innovate. Take notes from a startup expert. When you think of innovative companies, you might think of an industry leader like Apple or a fast-growing rocketship...
Efficiency or Innovation? Balance Both to Emerge as a Leader Post-Recession
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of how we work, create value, and serve customers. Many CEOs and business owners face important choices around short term decisions while trying to look forward to a better future. A June 2020...
Innovation isn’t just for startups
To grow, simplify.
As organizations evolve, they inevitably become more complex. Most companies have some degree of complexity from the beginning; typically business owners do not take the time to develop an operating system that scales with the organization. For...
8 Steps For Turning A Service Into A Product
Does your business offer a service or a product that you differentiate through a higher level of service? Maybe you’ve been disproportionately impacted from the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Consumers cut back on services to avoid human contact and conserve cash, but are still bought products that solve a specific problem.
Virtual Event Feb. 25: Luke Williams, “Disrupt Your Thinking To Grow the Value of Your Business”
“Disrupt Your Thinking To Grow The Value Of Your Business” Over the past year, the pandemic has accelerated the pace of market disruption and digital transformation putting many companies in a defensive position needing to rebuild value. We are...
How to Build and Sustain a Successful, Enduring Enterprise
Laurie Barkman works with entrepreneurs, closely-held companies, and family businesses to develop innovations that create enterprise value and facilitate transition. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Laurie hosts the Succession Stories...
Why Now is the Perfect Time For Your Business To Rediscover Its Entrepreneurial Roots (yes, really!)
If you’re leading a mature, multi-generational company, you might be wondering how to innovate. Take notes from a startup expert. When you think of innovative companies, you might think of an industry leader like Apple or a fast-growing rocketship...
Efficiency or Innovation? Balance Both to Emerge as a Leader Post-Recession
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of how we work, create value, and serve customers. Many CEOs and business owners face important choices around short term decisions while trying to look forward to a better future. A June 2020...
Innovation isn’t just for startups
Steering Your Next
The coronavirus outbreak thrust many businesses into unchartered waters as we faced profound changes to how we live, work, and serve our communities. Many organizations innovated out of necessity, utilizing digital platforms to execute...
Resilience and navigating the now
When I feel challenged, I find it helpful to have a rallying cry to focus forward. Right now, mine is: Navigate the now, plan for the recovery, shape the future. #resilience
How to spot inflection points in business before they happen
I was inspired by Rita McGrath at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Corporate Startup Lab Forum at Carnegie Mellon University. Rita is a long-time professor at Columbia University and expert on innovation and growth, and in her keynote she...
Make things happen
Are you watching change happen in your business, or are you making it happen? #transformationtuesday #corporateinnovation #strategytoexecution Astronaut Jim Lovell had it right. So did the former Chairman of GENCO Corporation, and my former boss,...
Culture eats strategy for breakfast
Strategy or culture: which is more important? Any company disconnecting the two may be putting their success at risk. #strategicplanning #strategytoexecution #hr #transformationtuesday Peter Drucker's quote is a classic. But I first heard it from a...
Is the Tyranny of Now an obstacle to your business growth?
For many CEOs and business owners, finding the time to spend on their business, and not just in their business is a challenge. My experience as the CEO of a mid-size company was similar. I knew my leadership team needed time away from the business...
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