Resources

Insights to help you build a better business.

FROM THE BLOG

Real-world insights for building a better business

A collection of thoughts I've gathered and put to paper over the years - from facing, and sometimes solving, some of the same hard challenges you and your business are up against.

Financials & Profit

Reading your numbers like a CFO and keeping more of what you earn.

Leadership & Team

Delegating, holding people accountable, and getting the right folks in the right seats.

Culture & Purpose

Building a values-driven company you're proud to own.

Manager mediating a calm conversation between two employees in an office
Business Advice

Shut Down Employee Drama Before It Spreads

Every business owner knows the feeling. One employee has a problem with another, and within a week, half the team has picked a side. Productivity dips. Good employees start quietly job hunting. And the owner ends up spending hours playing referee instead of running the business. Drama doesn’t stay contained.

Read More »
Small business owner reviewing growing production line
Business Advice

Steady growth or rapid expansion for small businesses?

When it comes to running a small business, one of the key goals is to achieve growth. However, it’s important to understand that growth does not always mean rapid expansion or explosive success. In fact, steady growth is often the most sustainable and beneficial path for small businesses. Here are

Read More »
Team brainstorming ideas for continuous improvement on a whiteboard
Business Advice

Cultivating a culture of “constant improvement”

In today’s competitive business landscape, small businesses need to stay ahead of the curve to survive and thrive. One key aspect that can fuel their growth and success is fostering a culture of constant improvement. This post explores the significance of cultivating such a culture in a small business and

Read More »
Business owner writing a company mission statement on a whiteboard
Business Culture

Write A Mission Statement That Actually Works

In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, small businesses face numerous challenges in establishing their presence and attracting customers. In this pursuit, having a well-crafted mission statement can be a game changer. Far from being a mere slogan, a mission statement serves as a guiding force, encapsulating a company’s

Read More »
Business coach meeting with a small business owner and team
Business Advice

5 Ways Coaching Changes How Your Business Runs

Over the last several years, companies large and small are increasingly recognizing the power of fostering a positive and empowering culture. One critical component driving this is the emergence of coaching, which plays a vital role in developing talent and enhancing team dynamics. This article explores the effects of business

Read More »
Small business owner reviewing financial records with a bookkeeper before hiring
Business Advice

5 Things to know before hiring a bookkeeper.

Hiring a good bookkeeper is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make. For many owners, keeping the books is a painful and time-consuming responsibility they were never trained to handle. That’s where a qualified bookkeeper can make an enormous difference. Most business owners understand the importance

Read More »
Business owner reviewing a profit margin chart on a laptop
Business Advice

Tracking margin means higher profits!

All businesses have one thing in common: revenue makes the owner happy. The problem is that revenue goals are meaningless if variable costs are rising without you noticing. Here are three ways tracking your gross margin can lead to higher profits. 1. Revenue Goals Are Meaningless Without Tracking Your Gross

Read More »
Business owner reflecting on customer feedback and satisfaction data
Business Advice

Dave Pomeroy’s rule of customer percentages.

Of the many mentors I’ve had along my way, Dave Pomeroy was one of the most insightful and entertaining people I’ve ever met. It was he that helped me accept that I would never satisfy every customer, nor should I try. I get how that might seem strange, but stay

Read More »
Team leader giving advance notice of a decision to the team, avoiding confusion
Business Advice

Use “Turn Signals” To Avoid Disasters At Work

In traffic, when drivers make sudden changes in direction without notice, it creates havoc for those following them. But when those drivers use turn signals, the people around them can make necessary adjustments and avoid potential disasters. The same is true at work. As a leader, your team is working

Read More »
Business owner mapping the customer journey on a whiteboard
Customer Retention

Are you losing customers?

Many businesses today could be losing customers each month without even knowing it. But this attrition can largely be remedied by mapping and testing your desired customer’s experience with your company from start to finish. It would almost seem that many businesses are simply unaware of their poor representation on

Read More »
Anthony Carpenter of Compass Health Consultants standing on a mountain summit at sunset
Featured Case Study · Health Insurance

Team productivity, up 37%.

“Working with Clay has been a game-changer for both my business and personal growth. His ability to quickly identify challenges, provide clear strategies, and hold me accountable helped me gain immediate clarity, confidence, and momentum, my team’s productivity has increased by 37% since we started! He’s taught me how to engage my agents on a deeper level, building their own accountability while still being empathetic. I cannot recommend Clay enough.”
Anthony Carpenter Owner, Compass Health Consultants · Tampa, FL
37% Team Productivity Clarity, confidence, and momentum
Book Your Free Call
Building Better Businesses by Clay Dennis
From the Author

Building Better Businesses

by Clay Dennis

Serial entrepreneur and business coach Clay Dennis tackles the real-world challenges owners face every day, and lays out practical steps to overcome them. From defining long-term goals and building a healthy culture, to reading your financials like a CFO and getting smart about structure and insurance, Clay guides you toward a business built by design, not by default. Ten clear steps that, together, strengthen the foundation of any small business.

Order on Amazon

Available in paperback & Kindle

Hear Clay on these and other podcasts: