Getting real with expectations during tax season
It’s tax season, and if you’re working in the finance or accounting field, managing expectations becomes incredibly important this time of year.
Latest Viewpoints
3 ways today’s health care CFO is no longer a traditional CFO
Though health care CFOs still occupy a traditional role in many organizations, the role has significantly expanded in recent years.
Statewide innovation evident in Tech Summit, Business Plan Contest
Few are surprised to learn that Madison and Milwaukee are hubs for tech-based innovation involving young companies. What may be surprising to some people is the extent to which young companies are springing up in places outside the state’s largest urban centers. Two statewide events illustrate the point.
Selling change in a world that’s constantly changing
With all that has happened since early last year, the need to pivot, to sell new ways of doing business, and to survive and thrive has never been greater.
Why we like State Street, why we fear it at times
When I got to town in the ’70s, the larger-than-life characters downtown included the ethnic restaurateurs — the Gargano brothers (Italian cuisine), Gus Paras (Greek), Nate Balkin (Jewish deli), and Suey Wong (Chinese). You always got the sense that their roots weren’t too far away from the boat that brought them or their parents to the U.S.
4 techniques to manage work overload
We all have stressful times in our lives when it seems like we have more to do than we can possibly get done. Over time, I have found some techniques that help me deal with these situations.
Here’s how a planned $100-million state venture investment can help Wisconsin
Leading up to the news of a proposed $100-million state investment in a venture capital fund, the Wisconsin Technology Council informally surveyed a small group of early-stage investors about the “demand” side of the equation.
Educational diversity is a key element of a strong organization
Funny story: My dad told me I could study anything except business. Now, I’m a banker. Believe it or not, I agree with his reasoning. At the core of his argument was the idea of educational diversity.
Economic metrics chart Wisconsin progress, or lack of it, since 2000
As 2021 unfolds, it’s time to draw some conclusions about how the state has performed over time — and what that means for a future temporarily sidetracked by COVID-19.
Why steamy office romances heat everyone up and threaten value
Vault.com reports that 58% of adults have engaged in a workplace romance. On one hand, this statistic doesn’t shock me in the least as work is where we spend the majority of our waking hours. On the other hand, it presents an HR landmine for everyone involved — and I mean everyone.
Some glitzier cities get ink, but Madison, Milwaukee gaining tech workers
“Go Toward the Heat” trumpeted the Feb. 2 headline in the New York Times business section, which led into a story about Miami, Florida’s success in luring tech companies and investment firms migrating from New York’s Wall Street and California’s Silicon Valley.
A reflection on Black History Month
Madison College President Dr. Jack E. Daniels III recently answered questions on MadisonCollege.edu about the significance of Black History Month and discussed the ways Madison College is working to improve equity and inclusion for Black students.
As businesses grapple with vaccine mandates, at least vaccine safety isn’t a concern
If you’re a business owner wondering if you can require employees to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, the answer is a qualified “yes.”
How financial blind spots are killing you
Accountants and CPAs are often ranked as a business owner’s most trusted advisor — over their attorney, banker, and yes, even spouse. Yet there is a common misconception among business owners about their accountant and what he or she “does” for them.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans: Round 2 update
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently released more information regarding the second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, as the application process opened Monday, Jan. 11 under the $284 billion program authorized by the $900 billion stimulus relief bill signed on Dec. 27, 2020.
California and bust? For those fleeing Golden State, Wisconsin offers silver lining
From tortuous rents to government over-reach, from wildfires to poor public transit, and from chronic homelessness to high taxes with little to show for it, California has become a place some companies want to put in the rearview mirrors of their moving vans.
How to make your company vision magnetic in the new year
Sound goal setting always starts out with an almost magnetic vision of what the future should look like. When I say magnetic, that future vision should be powerful enough to pull you in its direction, in spite of whatever obstacles present themselves.
Pieces falling into place to improve Wisconsin’s high-speed broadband access
When Gov. Tony Evers declared 2021 to be the “Year of Broadband Access” in Wisconsin, that line in his annual State of the State speech likely resonated with people statewide, especially those living and working in rural Wisconsin.
Do men and women build wealth differently?
As co-host of State Bank of Cross Plains’ new podcast, Wealthways, I get to talk to a lot of professionals about building wealth. One of the questions we ask every guest is, “What does wealth mean to you?”
Business in the United States: Are we coming or are we going?
Did 2020 leave you wondering whether you were coming or going? If so, you aren’t alone.
