Have you ever heard the adage, “the customer is always right?” Yes? Well, it doesn’t apply to home business owners and entrepreneurs. No, I haven’t lost my marbles. It’s true. This CAN NOT apply for home-based businesses, and you’d better believe I’m going to tell you why.
Your Board: Dynamic, Difficult or Detrimental?
A board can make or break a CEO just as weak internal management can take the CEO down “into the weeds” by having to perform the functions of his/her direct reports. Our experience is that in most organizations the CEO must lead the board AND internal management to understand and effectively fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities. However, an effective board adds real value to strategic leadership and frees the CEO to do his/her job with optimal effectiveness.
Beware the Difficult Client
Most clients are a pleasure to work with. The pains in the derriere are also, when you have enough experience to recognize the type.
I’ve listed several “difficult” types below, so that you can arm yourself against them.
The major weapon in your armory is THE CONTRACT. Always have a contract, no exceptions. Be especially wary of the prospective client who says: “A contract? This will take you what, an hour? Surely you don’t expect a contract for an hour’s work?” (See “The Spider” below.)