Category Archives: business

A simple approach to any endeavor

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Tom Bengtson

I want to share something I learned recently in a class I took at a local university. It is the four “R”s for approaching a project. They are: Read, reflect, respond and relax. Let me explain. Read – When you … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, education, reflection | 1,497 Comments

Know your strengths

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Tom Bengtson

If you work in a small shop like I do, you know you spend most of your time putting out fires – that is, handling day-to-day obligations. It is very difficult for leaders in smaller enterprises to make time for … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, education | 2,346 Comments

Reflections six years after the financial crisis

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Tom Bengtson

It was six years ago that the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Department of the Treasury helped to facilitate the acquisition of Bear Stearns by JP Morgan Chase. The deal was sealed on a Sunday, March 16. JP Morgan Chase … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 1,323 Comments

A look at the qualities of success

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Tom Bengtson

While economic growth in the United States has been slow since 2008, some businesses have done very well in the last few years. Consider the 250 businesses that are finalists in Ernst & Young’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year program. … Continue reading →

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Posted in business | 1,549 Comments

Hire for success

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Tom Bengtson

Walter Bond is a former NBA basketball player who speaks to groups about what it takes to succeed on the court and in the office.  When Bond played college ball at the University of Minnesota, he won the most improved … Continue reading →

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Posted in business | 1,538 Comments

Note to Minnesota lawmakers: Business-to-business tax proposal should be dropped

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Tom Bengtson

As the legislature considers a variety of tax reform options, I urge lawmakers to reject the implementation of a business-to-business sales tax. In his tax reform proposal, Gov. Dayton advocates for a reduction in the state sales tax rate but … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 1,307 Comments

Micobusiness entrepreneurship is key to job growth

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

The “micro” end of the small business sector offers valuable opportunity for employment growth; policymakers interested in expanding employment in Minnesota should do everything they can to encourage microbusinesses, also called SOHO (small office/home office) businesses. Use the term “small … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 415 Comments

Speaker shares leadership message: engage those around you

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

My professional colleague and friend Rich Chapman delivered an excellent leadership message to a group of managers I recently brought together. Rich is a consultant with an investment banking firm that does a lot of work with churches and non-profit … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, Inspiration | 57 Comments

Take time to live in the present

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

One of the things I have always appreciated about privately-held or family-owned businesses is that their management can think long term. They don’t have quite the earnings pressure which managers at publically held firms face. When your stock is widely … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, reflection | 1,699 Comments

Tax policy clarity would give economy a boost

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

Planning is essential to good business management, but lately it has become very difficult for most business owners to plan out very far.  I am convinced the inability to plan is preventing many small business owners from expanding. Economic, political … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 8,980 Comments