http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433 @BerkshireCountyBusiness Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:09:17 EDT en-us http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=493 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=493 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:14:31 EDT There was an article in the Times-Union yesterday entitled, "Economy looking up in the Berkshires" (Eric Anderson, Business Editor). Mr. Anderson cites "blockbuster events, warm, dry weather, and a recovering economy" as being the reasons for the boost in tourist activity here... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=492 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=492 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:37:31 EDT What Makes a Website Work? When I engage in a website project I like to get a good understanding of the objective of the business and try to translate that into a website. Often times there is a disconnect between business objectives, functionality and design. In other words, most business owners... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=469 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=469 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT My dad and I spend a lot of time fishing on the beach in Rhode Island. Surf fishing can be hard work. The equipment is much larger and heavier than freshwater gear and after a full day of hiking on the beach and rocks in the fresh salt air, sleep comes easy. One simple rule we always try to follow... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=451 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=451 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT Forbes Magazine recently released their Special Report on America's Best Colleges and Williams College topped the list, rising from 4th place last year to the top spot. Rounding out this year's top five were: 2) Princeton University 3) Amherst College 4) United States Military Academy (West... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=450 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=450 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT I passed an appliance center delivery truck on the Pike the other day that had that statement proudly emblazoned on the side. We hear “Shop Local”, “Eat Local” and now “Bank Local” consistently these days. As members of the business community, we don’t... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=439 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=439 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT I read with some interest an article on iBerkshires entitled Economic Expert Says Pittsfield Economy Weakened (Nicole Dupont, 8/2/2010). The picture presented by Charles Murray of the American Institute for Economic Research is not a pretty one. “We look at wages and employment,” he... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=422 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=422 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT You know the feeling. The, "Oh boy ... I hope this works." Or, "Whoa ... we better get this contract." Or any of a thousand other variations of that same sensation. One word. Doubt. The entrepreneur's worst enemy. Heck, our economy's worst enemy. Doubt. Because, doubt is... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=408 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=408 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EDT Massachusetts Ranked #5 in CNBC's Top States for Business 2010! Can you imagine? Massachusetts was ranked #5 in CNBC's recent survey of the top states for business in 2010. While it should come as no surprise that the top four are: 1) Texas (1508 points) 2) Virginia (1477) 3) Colorado... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=409 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=409 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EDT One of my most important jobs as a business consultant is to listen. I go to networking events. I go to seminars. I meet with several different types of business clients each week. In general, I encounter people who seem to fall into two different camps: Camp #1 Business owners who are excited... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=393 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/?user_id=6433&bid=393 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:27:00 EDT Every now and then, I will say something completely inappropriate out loud — and on purpose — and then follow it up with, "Did I just say that out loud? That was just supposed to be my inside-my-head voice." It gets some laughs. Maybe not. I like to think it does. Anyhow,...