Each new year, at least for a short time, we get to press reset and express wild optimism that might otherwise be tempered. Like many of you, I have numerous goals for 2012 and other outcomes I would like to see that I have no control over. Here are a few of the latter: I […]

For the third consecutive month, the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Economic Trends report, a key economic benchmark used by Federal Reserve officials and congressional leaders, showed an increase in small-business optimism – a leading indicator of economic growth.? ? While this news gives a glimmer of economic hope, a closer look at […]

Here’s your sign. While it is a well-known “redneck” comedian punch line, it’s also something you should be looking for. Some signs you must seek out, while others have been right in front of you all year long. Many of those signs are buried in your existing business data. Habits Your business data illustrates your […]

Christmas season offers joy, a time to reflect on our lives, and a resolve for the New Year. To people worldwide Christmas miracles are everyday possibilities. Miracles grow from natural dirt. Dr. Terry Wahls is a professor of medicine in Iowa. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a decade ago, for which there is no […]

Well, it seems like the fat lady has sung and 2011 won’t be the year that Montana finally breaks through the old timber war political log jams. Regrettably, we will have to wait until at least next year to see Sen. Jon Tester’s forest bill become law. Unfortunately, we have our lone congressman to thank […]

While struggling to find a perfect gift for my dad, I stumbled upon the water-powered “dolphin jet pack” built by France-based Zapata Racing. It was far out of my price range and weird imagining my father strapped to this machine and hovering above the water. But it was desperation time. A statue of a Hawkeye […]

This Jesus statue business is such a shame. An outside group from Wisconsin is creating hoopla over a memorial to our Montana WWII veterans? What business do they have coming to Montana and telling us what to do? Thank God we have a congressman with a backbone who will stand up and fight for our […]

It is that time of year again, when millions of Americans are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. Some trek into the woods seeking the tree and outdoor experience. Others make their selection from a local Christmas tree farmer and some simply unpack the Christmas tree storage box from the attic or garage. […]

Every year, in fact – every month, I have some formal solo time set aside for putting thought into where my business is, where it’s going and what adjustments it needs to zig-zag its way to where it belongs. Ultimately all of that relates to where it leads you, how it changes your business and […]

Am I the only one who gets just a bit humbugged when I hear someone chirp “Season’s Greetings” or see “Happy Holidays” banners strung across Main Street or Central? Or feels like a dinosaur on learning that “Merry Christmas” generates 110 million Google hits, while “Happy Holidays” scores 296 million? How come people who have […]

Much of the problem with the U.S. economy is that the Federal government has too much power. It has the ability to choose the winners and losers in the market place, and as we witnessed in Libya, in the international arena as well. This is the reason corporations and other special interest groups, like unions, […]

With 15 million Americans out of work, record home foreclosures, the largest number on food stamps and 25 percent of our school children living below poverty level, one might think it’s a good time to end foreign aid and instead concern ourselves with our own country. But no, foreign aid has become such an ingrained […]

In the waning days of 2011, Congress is doing its best to reaffirm the perception that it is wholly incapable doing anything, at all. The debate over whether to extend the payroll tax cut no longer just involves the merits of its extension (the economy is awful and increasing taxes is a bad idea), but […]

I read with interest Tom Crimmins’ guest column (Nov. 16 Beacon: “Release Inventoried Roadless Lands”) and would like to commend him for 32 years of service with the U.S. government (Forest Service). But he has several opinions that are unsettling to me. The Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE) and RARE II were good for […]

“Our clients are so stupid!” Is that your company’s vibe? If you aren’t sure, ask the people who staff your front desk, sales department and/or customer support/service positions. At one time, the majority of my software customers were studio photographers. Their industry was making the massive shift from film to digital. Prior to that, many […]