Planner Reads

According to the most recent American Express Open Small Business Monitor survey (that was a mouthful), 17 percent of small-business owners believe they are at risk of going out of business in the next six months (and that from patently optimistic people). They cite the economy as the reason (no surprise). In addition, close to one third said the recession "has caused them to question their decision to become an entrepreneur."

"The economy." "The recession." "Obama." Whatever? Here's what should have business owners and leaders questioning their business decisions: their intentions and their execution. The days of going into business to making a killing (or simply to make a living) are long, long gone. Today, you do it because you love what you do. And you do it because helping people, making them happy and improving their lives turns you on.

Here's a story that someone recently shared with me. It's long, but an ethnographer's dream (and a cautionary tale for many):

"My day started like any other; I went to the gym and then headed off to the dreaded grocery store to spend yet another few hundred dollars. I approached the pre-made cookie dough aisle and was faced with a dilemma: Do ...