Archive By Section - Business Columns
Ken Keller: In 2013, learn from the movies
Business owners and leaders are busy people. Many of them say they do not have time to read books or articles, attend workshops or watch webinars.
Ken Keller: A 20-day plan to start your new year strong
Leading up to Christmas, business owners and leaders are not in the mood for anything but the essentials.
Miguel Palmer: Manager explains Social Security retirement benefits
For almost every American worker, Social Security is "part of the plan" for a secure retirement. If you are among the roughly 95 percent of workers in the United States who are covered under Social Security, here's a primer on retirement coverage.
Erika Kauzlarich-Bird: Homebuyers optimistic about market, prices
Based on what I see here in the Santa Clarita Valley, I'm unsurprised at the result of a statewide survey of recent homebuyers.
Steven Tannehill: Do you have what it takes to start a small business?
Many people dream of starting a small business. Most have a passion for a product or a vision for a service they would like to bring to the local community that they perceive the community doesn't have, and thus will find desirable, which will bring the entrepreneur satisfaction and success.
Ken Keller: Three recommendations for a planning session
Through the years I have facilitated and participated in many year-end strategic planning sessions. Many meetings of this ilk fail. Let me share with you three suggestions on how you could conduct a successful year end planning session.
Janice France-Pettit: Six considerations when preparing for a loan
If you plan on purchasing a home or car, or paying for college, it is probable that at some point you may need to apply for a loan. Taking out a loan is a significant responsibility, so it's important to follow steps to prepare before applying for a loan, not only to help ensure that a lender will consider loaning money to you, but to make sure that the loan has a positive impact on your finances.
Signal Sales Beat - Dec. 11, 2012
MARIE The holiday season is in full swing and so are the many wonderful opportunities for entertainment. Many of our local churches are having concerts, snow days and a variety of other festive events for the whole family. Starting now, The Signal will be filled with ads for these events; so be sure to check out the paper every day so you don't miss something great. Our December 16th Faith section will have a special ...
Jerry Citarella: Beware of 2013 taxes
There are times in life, when we look at a situation and simply have to ask, "what happened?" Sometimes we were in control of those situations and sometimes we were not. In the "what happened" example that is quickly approaching us, I can't really identify whether we were in control of the situation or not. Either way however, we will all be affected. Many will be affected greatly and negatively.
Ken Keller: My List for the Holidays
This is the time of year when children of all ages create a list for Santa. These lists consist of "wants" and "nice to haves" but not always "what's really needed."
Erika Kauzlarich-Bird: Home equity sales highest in four years
A trend that Realtors first started noticing back in February was confirmed this October as home sales took off statewide, shooting up throughout the Santa Clarita Valley by 23.3 percent compared to a year ago.
Nancy Karas: Christmas cheer for careers
Whether you're job hunting or looking to advance your career, don't stay home this holiday season. Attend company parties and accept invitations from clients/vendors, community groups, associations and charities. All provide ideal opportunities for networking.
Jerry Citarella: Reflections of this year
As we approach the end of 2012, I thought it might be good to review. I was looking at some of my past columns and found some lines I either liked or thought were important. This year went fast, as they all seem to pass quickly lately. In case you missed my columns, here are some excerpts I'd like to share again.
Ken Keller: People fail without clear direction, so be specific
The day after Thanksgiving I visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. I stopped at one of the exhibits where Reagan was quoted as saying, "Trust but verify." At that moment I had a flashback to a meeting I participated in that took place about 20 years ago. A group of five managers were invited to the conference room to discuss how the organization could be more efficient, more productive and reduce costs. ...
Carl Kanowsky: Social media pages and employers: The new reality
George came in for an interview at Hard Bodies, a combo auto body repair/dance revue studio. Mary, head of human resources, checked out George's qualifications for both aspects of the job. In her own words, "He looked good."
Articles by Section - Business Columns
Disaster recovery — is your business prepared?
Is your business prepared for a disaster? While it is not something any of us like to think about, businesses should have a disaster plan in place.
Joe Klocko: The conundrum: supply and demand, wages and the skills gap
Most people understand the basic economic principle of supply and demand and incorporate it into their daily decisions. They may not do it consciously, but economic decisions are made every day by each and every one of us.
Ken Keller: Learning from the Pumpkin Patch
Last week I provided the Pyramid of Business Success, a nine layered structure. Layer seven was the Growth Plan.
Bob Khalsa: State’s pending sales at four-year high, share of distressed sales drops
The recent rise of pending home sales to the highest level in nearly four years supports experts who believe California's home resale market will achieve full bloom this spring.
Ken Keller: The Pyramid of Business Success
I've long admired Coach John Wooden's "Pyramid of Success." In business, whatever blueprint, instructional manual or paint by number kit being used before the enterprise launches is quickly tossed aside once the doors open. After that, it becomes a freelance-thing or a free for all, for those lacking mentors, a Sherpa or the time to figure it out.
Peter Bellas: Now that we’ve been forecasted
Once again we are upon the season of forecasts. A quick perusal of any investment website will turn up some very rosy and optimistic forecasts for the coming year and a least a few doom and gloom predictions.
Ken Keller: Keeping yourself motivated
One challenge of being a business owner or holding a position of leadership is keeping motivated.
Bob Khalsa: Real Estate Talk
January is typically a dormant time of year for the residential real estate market in the Santa Clarita Valley, yet this market recovery is so unusual that no one was surprised when statistics showed January posted the highest sales total for the month in six years.
Buying distressed properties
Real estate development during the Great Recession has proven to be a very challenging endeavor. Even seasoned professionals have found themselves struggling to service debt on projects that are producing monthly net negative cash flows.
Ken Keller: Do the right thing, quickly
Last week I wrote about the 2012 Gallup Poll where only 21 percent of U.S. adults rated business executives with high or very high in honesty and ethics.
Ken Keller: What is it that you believe in?
In the course of working with business owners and leaders, I have observed that the organizations that are the most successful over the long run are the ones that have a strong focus.
