It may sound silly, I would like to start my own business but I can’t decide in what. How do I narrow the choices? (more…)

My son is 23 and just graduated college with a degree in finance. I would like for him to take over the family business in 5 to 10 years. What are some suggestions for making this happen? (more…)

I am part of a senior management team. Revenues are down and we have cut costs to the bone. There’s much blaming going on but in my opinion, the real problem seems to be an indecisive and fearful CEO. The Board is beginning to finally ask the tough questions but it seems too little too late. What do you think are my options? (more…)

I love my job and co-workers but the travel demands are interfering with family and home life. I decided to look for a new job almost a year ago but I’ve had no success. I’m told that searching on the ‘Net is not enough. Frankly, I don’t know what kind of job to look for. My husband is becoming frustrated. Can you make some suggestions? (more…)

Last week I shared an idea with a new co-worker. She took it to my boss as if it was hers. I’ve also seen this person take credit for work others do and deny blame for her mistakes. I keep getting headaches and losing sleep over this. I keep imagining slashing one of her car tires. Should I quit my job? (more…)

I think my boss is bipolar and it’s making my life miserable enough that I’m ready to quit. He not only regularly screams at me, but does it in front of my direct reports. I admit I make mistakes but sometimes he’s just wrong. He constantly changes his mind which makes more work for everyone. There are several good employees looking for other jobs. Often he forgets what he said. He’s only in his early 40’s so I know it’s not old age. Can you offer any ideas? (more…)

Each December depresses me when I realize I was not able to accomplish my business and professional goals for the year. Is the answer to not make any resolutions? (more…)

My procrastination is definitely affecting my business. Are there techniques to get rid of this bad habit? (more…)

I am a 24 year old woman with a master’s degree in English literature. I’m currently managing a bookstore and contemplating going for my Ph.D. and teaching. My father owns a publishing and marketing company with about $15 million in revenues. My younger brother is 19 and a freshman in college. He says he has no idea what he wants to major in, except maybe partying. Our father is in his late 50’s and had a heart attack last year. Two weeks ago he asked me to come into the business and eventually run it. He feels confident I could do it with the help of management training and a mentoring program over the next 3 or 4 years. I know a great deal about the business having worked in it throughout my adolescence. I’m engaged to be married in six months to someone who is in the publishing industry. I haven’t mentioned it to him yet since I think he might see it as a good opportunity for us but I’m not sure that’s what I want to do. I feel selfish and scared. How should I be thinking about this? (more…)

I have been working for an information technology company for the past eight years. I am bored and tired of working for the man. The money is ok but I keep wondering if I should test the waters of self-employment. How do I determine whether the right move is to take the plunge? (more…)