article thumbnail

Artisans Must Balance the Books

Harvard Business Review

As more people depended on him, he spent his working capital, and the business failed. When artisans have no understanding of their cash flows, they fail prey to spending a big percentage of their working capital, without meaning to, on non-business issues that usually cripple their operations. Eventually, most collapse.

Books 14
article thumbnail

Why Multinationals Are Doubling Down on Russia

Harvard Business Review

Multinational leadership teams should instead clarify their long-term objectives in the market – for example, whether they want to focus on maintaining margins or growing market share – and align execution accordingly. Russian executives have experienced multiple crises and high volatility, as well as returns to strong growth.

article thumbnail

A Playbook for Making America More Entrepreneurial

Harvard Business Review

The Main Street business owner needs a different kind of capital from the high-tech entrepreneur. For each city or region the right mix of programs depends on what outcomes the leadership of that area is trying to achieve. A supplier might need a working capital loan to finance a big order.