I’ve had more conversations about stress management in the last couple of weeks than ever. Is it perhaps the turmoil in the world? Turmoil in our government? Fears about a coming recession? Whatever the reason, what I do know is…. We acknowledge that we need tools to build a house or a car or any physical … Read More
Vistage
Q3 2018 Confidence Index: Optimism Dips
The Q3 Vistage CEO Confidence Index – Economic confidence among CEOs continues its slow decline, according to the Q3 2018 Vistage CEO Confidence Index. The survey of 1,484 leaders of small and midsize businesses shows confidence decreasing from the 14-year peak set in late 2017, following the passage of the tax cut legislation. The Vistage … Read More
Leadership Quote: Today is only one day…
This month’s leadership quote: “Today, is only one day, in all the days that will ever be. But, what will happen in all the other days that ever come, can depend on what you do today.” –Ernest Hemingway Are You a CEO or President of a Privately Held Business? If you are also a lifetime learner, … Read More
Taxes, trade and tariffs translate to trouble
One of the top five concerns noted in Vistage’s recent report Decision Factors H2 2018, is taxes, trade and tariffs. The new tax law has created as much uncertainty as opportunity for SMBs. Certain changes — such as the revised Section 179 deduction and 20% pass-through income deduction — are expected to benefit many companies. However, other … Read More
Cyberattacks are the Silent Killers of SMBs
One of the top five concerns noted in Vistage’s recent report Decision Factors H2 2018, is cybersecurity. If you have employees, customers or financial data, you are a target for a cyberattack. Cyber criminals are aggressively targeting small and midsize businesses (SMBs), and cyberattacks are increasing in complexity, frequency and severity. For many SMBs, those attacks are … Read More
Talent shortage goes critical
One of the top 5 concerns noted in Vistage’s recent report Decision Factors H2 2018, is talent shortages. The unemployment rate at 3.9% is near an 18 year low. Last week, the DOL announced the number of Americans applying for unemployment fell to a near 49 year low. By measure of most economists, we are at full employment; some say … Read More
Cost pressures broadening and growing stronger
The #1 concern noted in Vistage’s recent report Decision Factors H2 2018, is rising costs. As we near the end of the current economic cycle, for the first time, in a long time, in addition to a typical cyclical tightening, we are also experiencing inflation. Wages are rising, the Fed is raising short term rates, … Read More
Leadership Quote: I make more mistakes…
This month’s leadership quote: “I make more mistakes than anyone else I know, and sooner or later, I patent most of them.” –Thomas A. Edison #leadership #Vistage You can read more of my blogs and leadership quotes here Are You a CEO or President of a Privately Held Business? If you are also a lifetime learner, and want … Read More
What Are CEO’s Most Concerned About Today?
Entering the second half of 2018, Vistage Research compiled a report summarizing the key concerns CEO’s face today. This report draws on data from the Vistage Q2 CEO Confidence Index report and a team of expert economists. Here are the five key areas of concern: Cost pressures broadening and growing stronger Talent shortage goes critical Taxes, trade … Read More
Leadership Quote: Those Who Failed to Oppose Me…
This month’s leadership quote: “Those who failed to oppose me…who readily agreed with me and accepted all my views… were those who did me the most injury.” –Napoleon Bonaparte Why Vistage Works Elisa K. Spain