Growing or selling a business isn't just the next step, it's an entirely different game. Discover what it means to become FieldReady™, why investors evaluate your business differently than entrepreneurs do, and how the FieldReady™ Assessment and Scorecard can help you prepare for your next opportunity.

The entrepreneurial journey is one of trial-and-error. If you’re like me and you studied business at a university, it takes about one day on-the-job in the “real world” before you realize that a lot of what you learned doesn't apply to the day-to-day life of most self-made business owners. 

I don’t want to take away from my undergraduate business education. I certainly learned a lot of the technical building blocks, accounting, financing, marketing, calculus, etc. But I really think it was in the workplace where I learned many of the most important lessons for business, and I think most business owners probably feel the same.

In this post, I want to talk about a certain kind of lesson that a lot of us find most impactful: the anti-lesson.

What really drives business owners to keep going through risk, setbacks, and high stakes decisions? In this post, Craig shares three anonymized client stories that highlight the grit, perseverance, and ambition behind remarkable business journeys.

Profit does not always mean peace of mind. Many growing businesses look healthy on paper but still feel constant cash pressure because invoicing lags behind the work being delivered. This is often the #1 Small Business Invoicing Mistake. In this post, Becca explains the operational billing issues that often cause the strain and the simple fixes that can help.

Hiring outside expertise can be one of the highest-ROI moves you make, or a frustrating expense. Here’s how to evaluate hourly, retainer, fixed-fee, and success-fee structures so incentives stay aligned and you pay for progress.

Culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s how you listen, communicate, and recognize progress. These practical tools and habits help you protect your team from burnout and keep momentum strong.

Growing up in a family business, I thought I understood how small businesses worked. But working inside valuation, forecasting, and buyer preparation showed me just how different the owner’s view is from how buyers and bankers see the same business.

Private equity gets blamed for a lot. Sometimes that’s fair. But if you’re not selling yet—and you’re trying to grow—lower middle market PE has a practical playbook worth borrowing.

If you run an automotive tooling shop, traditional P&Ls don’t show you which projects are burning cash. This post walks through a practical, project-based financial model so you can see true margins, plan cash needs, and make smarter decisions about quoting, staffing, and capacity.

What started in 2023 as an experiment of bringing together business owners in a confidential, no-pressure environment has grown into an annual gathering of business owners and their professional advisers seeking to navigate the terrain of building, scaling, and eventually exiting their companies.

We’re thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual Business Owner Forum, happening Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the beautiful Orchard Lake Country Club in Southeast Michigan.

From a one-man band to a full team, Doescher Group continues to grow. With Doescher Advisors joining us, we now offer executive coaching alongside our Evolve and Exit services to better serve self-made business owners.

Traveling just behind the leader offers a unique perspective. From systems to team growth, Sandy shares the hidden trail markers she’s seen that help business owners build companies that run without them.

What can a kid-run lemonade stand teach us about running a successful business? From finding customers to building a brand, making smart investments, and scaling wisely, these lighthearted lessons from my daughters’ summer stand might surprise you with their real-world relevance.

Culture isn’t fluff — it’s foundational. From slashing turnover to boosting valuation at sale, the strength of your company culture has real financial consequences. In this post, we unpack how core values drive performance, retention, and reputation — and why culture should be a strategic priority, not a side note.

Is your business growing fast—but your finances feel chaotic? If you’re constantly troubleshooting cash flow, buried in spreadsheets, or planning a major move like a sale or acquisition, it might be time to bring in expert help. Discover 5 key signs it’s time to hire a Fractional CFO—and how the right financial partner can elevate your business without the full-time cost.

Running a small business means juggling endless tasks, but AI can help you work smarter, not harder. AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about eliminating repetitive, time-consuming tasks so you can focus on growing your business.

Learn how to automate emails, streamline research, and simplify your to-do list with AI—no tech expertise required!

Imagine you wake up and realize you’ve outgrown your house. It was great, but now it’s too small, or too big, or requires too much maintenance. You’re ready for broader vistas and new adventures. It’s time! Today is the day! 

Do you call the first realtor whose number you see on a park bench, sign a contract immediately, and hope for the best? 

Of course not! You do your research.

In today's fast-paced world, high-performing teams rely on powerful tools to stay organized and efficient. Discover the secret weapon that can transform your team's workflow: a Work Management System (WMS).

Learn how a WMS can boost communication, streamline projects, and unlock unprecedented levels of productivity. This blog post will explore the key benefits of implementing a WMS and guide you in choosing the right solution for your business needs.

As a successful business owner, you're wearing many hats - perhaps too many. From managing your team to handling finances and marketing, nearly every task seems to demand your attention. What if there was a way to lighten your load without sacrificing quality or productivity? The answer lies in automation.