Naming your company is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Unfortunately, most of you probably already have your brand name and possibly a logo, and the idea and cost of changing it isn’t high on your list of priorities. When I started Zen Windows, I knew I needed something that would be so different it would stand out from all the standard names—AAA, Able, Affordable, you know the ones still hoping to get the first call in the phone book. Zen, as you’ve probably noticed, comes at the end of the alphabet, so had we still been in the yellow pages era, some would think I had committed certain naming suicide. Of course, Google has changed all that. Now, memorable, easy to spell, unique names can help, as can building your...

In 1986, I formed an equal business partnership with my husband when we opened our remodeling business. With our backgrounds, we decided that I would run the office and he would run the sales and production sides of the house. We operated this way for many years, while shifting duties to the staff we hired to support our clients and our growing company. The model worked well and, in January 2012, our son took over the helm. My husband and I continue work full-time in the business and will eventually transition to part-time. Looking back on the passages I traveled, one element is clear: my career as a woman in the male-dominated remodeling industry has been both successful and enjoyable and, upon reflection, I’ve found a few elements...

Most entrepreneurs fall for the idea that the only way to build wealth from their business growing is to sell it. Since very few sell for the mega millions they dream of, I think they are missing out on the real secret. A profitable, well-capitalized business can be your ticket to a life full of wealth building. Here are 6 keys to make your business work for you. Key #1 – Get profitable Entrepreneurs often sacrifice profits in the name of growth. Most do this as an excuse because they are not willing to make the hard decisions to get profitable or have no clue as to how to do it. If you make the statement that you are “reinvesting in your business” it should mean you have left all of the after-tax profits in your business to...

So you’ve closed a $50,000.00 kitchen remodel. All of your materials are ordered and delivery dates confirmed. So far, you have a happy customer whom is probably very anxious about the coming remodel of their home. What is the next step in order for you to keep that happy client, add to your reference list and generate repeat and referral business? The answer is successful project management. Remodeling is an invasive procedure that creates anxiety for clients. It is a process that disrupts their daily lives and routines. As project managers, we can alleviate much of this anxiety up front by being honest about the intrusive process we are about to begin. I have told more than one client before ever closing a sale that any contractor who...