Acey Gaspard

This guide walks managers through practical problem-solving techniques, including the Five Whys, Gap Analysis, Gemba Walk, Porter’s Five Forces, Six Thinking Hats, and SWOT Analysis. It covers how to define a problem, pick a method, and follow through on a solution, with a checklist and FAQ for quick reference.

Buying a business without due diligence is a gamble. This guide breaks down the three types of due diligence, the step-by-step process, and a full checklist for buyers and sellers to use before closing a deal.

This guide covers what active listening means for managers, the difference between active and passive listening, and the most common pitfalls that get in the way. It includes concrete techniques, a checklist, and current tools that support ongoing practice.

SWOT Analysis helps you look at a business from every angle: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This guide covers where the method came from, who uses it, and the steps to run your own analysis. It includes a checklist and FAQ to help you get started.

The Great Resignation saw a record 47.8 million U.S. workers quit their jobs in 2021, driven by low pay, burnout, and a lack of flexibility. This article breaks down the causes, the data, and what small business owners can do to retain employees today.

Closing a business doesn’t mean you failed. This guide covers why businesses close, the exit options available, and the steps to close one properly — from cash flow projections to filing articles of dissolution and closing your IRS account.

A practical, step-by-step guide to organizing a small business office. Covers planning, decluttering, storage, equipment, and labeling, plus habits that keep things tidy long term, with a quick checklist and FAQ.

This guide covers 12 practical, no-nonsense ways to build a more productive team, from setting clear goals to avoiding micromanagement. It also explains how to measure whether your changes are actually working. Written for small business owners and managers who need results, not theory.

Growth brings new challenges for any small business. This guide covers checking profitability, avoiding overtrading, staffing up, and finding funding — plus free advising resources through SCORE and your local SBDC.

Hiring an office cleaning service means weighing trust, cost, and contract terms. This guide covers what drives cleaning costs, what to look for in a vendor, and the questions to ask before you sign. It also includes a hiring checklist and answers to common questions.