By Gennifer Biggs, Exigent Technologies
​A new year brings fresh goals — growth targets, operational improvements, and a renewed focus on efficiency. Yet one area many small and midsize businesses still approach reactively is technology. Too often, technology decisions are made in response to problems instead of as part of a broader business strategy. The most successful organizations flip that script. They treat technology as a growth enabler, not just a utility. As we head into the new year, here are four practical business resolutions that can help small business leaders strengthen security, control costs, support their teams, and build a more resilient foundation for growth.

By Cal Thomas, Sandler Northern New Jersey
​Mark walked into his quarterly review meeting confident and optimistic. That confidence faded fast.
His client opened with a simple, alarming statement: “We have been having some real issues with our current service.” Mark kept a polite smile, but inside he panicked. This was a major account. Losing it would hit his numbers, his reputation, and his confidence. Instead of slowing down and exploring what the client meant, Mark leaped into problem solving mode. He talked fast, offered solutions based on guesswork, and outlined upgrades and fixes he hoped would restore confidence.
He imagined he was showing leadership. What he actually showed was that he was not listening.

By Annette Matheney,  Crothers Consulting
​Let's face it, the gift of feedback depends upon how it is given and how it is received. When we reference the word “feedback” it can mean different things to different people. When feedback is presented with respect and consideration, it is genuinely like a beautifully wrapped gift. It is inviting, trust-building, and makes you eager to receive it. Conversely, feedback that is presented without care and/or offensively is like handing someone a dirty laundry bag and callously calling it a “gift.” It is difficult for the recipient to stay open to receiving this kind of feedback. If we appropriately want to offer valuable feedback, it must be looked at from two different but equally important perspectives: the presentation (how we wrapped it) and the contents (what we stuffed inside the box).

By John Allen Mollenhauer “JAM”, Performany and Regenus Center
The Business Case for Energy, Recovery, and Sustainable Performance
December has a certain quiet weight for business leaders. The numbers are mostly in. The pace finally slows—just enough for the body to notice how tired it really is. And while most leaders are looking ahead to Q1, very few pause long enough to ask a more important question: 
Do I actually have the capacity to execute what I’m planning next?

By Lois Manzella Marchitto, Fitness Knocking
​We all suffer from too much work and not enough hours to get it done especially the last two weeks of this month. Doing a time efficient workout needs to include both cardio, strength and stretch to be effective. Nearly every weight training exercise can be made into cardiovascular training by limiting the time of rest in between sets. Here is a great workout for times when you are limited for time. Most people can get this done in less than 24 minutes and possibly less time if you really limit your rest in between sets.  Let's get started!​