When the Numbers Lie: Why Small Business Owners Need More Than Just Reports
By Patrick Lee, President of Chesapeake Think Tank and CEO of Spark Business Institute A few months ago, I met with a business owner on the Eastern Shore who was growing increasingly frustrated with their team. Sales were up, marketing was humming, and the staff seemed busy—but the owner couldn’t figure out why the business […]
Expert Training vs. Facilitative Alignment: The Difference That Makes All the Difference
By Patrick Lee, President of Chesapeake Think Tank and CEO of Spark Business Institute There’s a fundamental difference between two approaches to organizational development that most people don’t recognize—and understanding this difference can transform how you approach solving problems in your company. The Expert Training Approach Let’s say you have somebody who really knows DiSC […]
Understanding Your Business Dashboard: Beyond the Numbers
By Patrick Lee, President of Chesapeake Think Tank and CEO of Spark Business Institute I was recently working with a business owner in Annapolis who had been experiencing cash flow issues for months despite showing a profit on paper. When I asked to see their financial reports, they proudly showed me their P&L statement showing […]
The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: Why We Get Stuck in the Cycle of Changing Priorities
By Patrick Lee, President of Chesapeake Think Tank and CEO of Spark Business Institute Let me share something I’ve seen hundreds of times in my years as both an entrepreneur and a business advisor: A passionate business owner sits across from me, exhausted and frustrated. They’ve been working 60+ hour weeks, yet somehow they’re not […]
The Power of Waypoints: Plotting Your Business Journey
By Patrick Lee, President of Chesapeake Think Tank and CEO of Spark Business Institute Business owners often come to me overwhelmed by the sheer volume of decisions they face daily. The constant noise, the pressure to move quickly, the feeling that everything needs attention now—it’s no wonder many lose sight of where they’re actually trying […]
Things Aren’t Working the Way You Want Them To? Look Inward, Not Outward
By Patrick Lee, President of Chesapeake Think Tank and CEO of Spark Business Institute One of the most common phrases I hear when meeting with business owners is some variation of: “Things just aren’t working the way I want them to.” It’s usually followed by explanations pointing to external factors—market shifts, difficult clients, unreliable vendors, […]
Unveiling the Power of Individual Motivation in the Workplace: A Conversation with Jen Miller
In a world where organizations strive to create positive workplace cultures and foster employee engagement, understanding what truly motivates each team member is paramount. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all approaches to management. Instead, leaders are embracing personalized strategies to tap into the unique passions and motivations of their employees. But how exactly does this […]
Expert Insights on Interview Mastery: A Conversation with Zari Davis
Today, we have the privilege of gaining valuable insights into the world of interviews from Zari Davis, a professional known for her adept interviewing skills. Whether you’re a seasoned interviewee or a novice navigating the process, Zari shares her experience to help you master the art of interviews. Cultivating a Comfortable Atmosphere: Zari, could you […]
Feeling the Overwhelm: How Our Executive Assistant Started Winning Her Week and How You Can Too!
An Interview with Kayla Lintz on Transforming Overwhelm into Success. Recognizing the Overwhelm: In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. Many of us have experienced that overwhelming sensation of too much on our plate. Today, we sit down with Kayla Linz, […]
Efficient Email Processing: Strategies for Simplifying Your Inbox
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, managing your email efficiently can be a game-changer. Let’s explore strategies for streamlining your email processing and regaining control of your digital workspace. Calendar Integration for Email Time Blocks Consider integrating your email processing time into your calendar. Allocate dedicated time slots for handling emails, ensuring that […]
