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How To's

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    How to avoid having a board that's a weak link

    Ward Graffam Updated: April 5, 2024

    Guest columnist Ward Graffam, former chairman and CEO of Unum UK, offers advice about how to create a strong board.

    Ward Graffam Updated: April 5, 2024
  • How To's

    How to benefit your business with employee benefits

    Chris Pyne, Unum Updated: April 1, 2024

    Employees are increasingly seeking more than just a standard compensation package, writes guest columnist Chris Pyne of Unum. They want better, more creative offerings that encourage personal well-being and enhanced work-life balance.

    Chris Pyne, Unum Updated: April 1, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What do funders want?

    Michael G. Stair, Practical Decisions Updated: August 21, 2024

    Funders look for a capable and experienced management team, for starters. But this edition of Ask ACE looks at other things investors want to see.

    Michael G. Stair, Practical Decisions Updated: August 21, 2024
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    Want to drive better results? Update your incentives for the era we're in

    Amy Wood and Mary Axelsen, Human-Centered Leadership Updated: July 29, 2024

    According to Gallup, more than half of exiting employees say that in the three months before they left, neither their manager nor any other leader spoke with them about their job satisfaction or future with the organization.

    Amy Wood and Mary Axelsen, Human-Centered Leadership Updated: July 29, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: How do we increase company value so ESOP shareholders benefit?

    Priscilla Hansen Mahoney, Blazing Trails Coaching Updated: August 13, 2024

    Employee Stock Ownership Plans have become increasingly popular among Maine businesses. Now ACE columnist Priscilla Hansen Mahoney offers some suggestions about how ESOPs can maximize returns for shareholders.

    Priscilla Hansen Mahoney, Blazing Trails Coaching Updated: August 13, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What do you recommend to increase market share and avoid missteps?

    Donna Brassard, Strategies+ Updated: April 23, 2024

    Motivating a sales team may test any manager's leadership skills, but consultant and former Mainebiz Publisher Donna Brassard offers some advice on how to avoid three common mistakes.

    Donna Brassard, Strategies+ Updated: April 23, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What are some environmentally responsible energy strategies?

    Sam Milton, Climate Resources Group Updated: July 2, 2024

    Association of Consulting Expertise member Sam Milton offers four tips to help businesses save on their energy bills.

    Sam Milton, Climate Resources Group Updated: July 2, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What is a Beneficial Ownership Information Report?

    Carrie Green, Yardley Esq. PLLC Updated: April 19, 2024

    A contributor from the Association for Consulting Expertise explains what the report is and why it's important. If it applies to you, you'll need to file one with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

    Carrie Green, Yardley Esq. PLLC Updated: April 19, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: Should I raise my rates?

    Priscilla Hansen Mahoney, Blazing Trails Coaching LLC Updated: April 5, 2024

    Everything costs more these days. So however uncomfortable it may be to raise your consulting fees for longstanding clients, it may be time to take the leap.

    Priscilla Hansen Mahoney, Blazing Trails Coaching LLC Updated: April 5, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What do you recommend as a customer retention strategy?

    Donna Brassard, Strategies+ Updated: April 8, 2024

    The personal approach never goes out of style, particularly when it comes to retaining clients, writes ACE columnist Donna Brassard of Strategies+.

    Donna Brassard, Strategies+ Updated: April 8, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: How do I stay profitable despite rising costs?

    Gary Hazard, GMH Consulting Engineering LLC Updated: April 25, 2024

    Finding ways to cut costs is only part of the solution, writes ACE columnist Gary Hazard. He offers other ideas as well.

    Gary Hazard, GMH Consulting Engineering LLC Updated: April 25, 2024
  • How To

    How to make cashless payments work for your nonprofit

    Lucie Hannigan, Machias Savings Bank Updated: March 28, 2024

    Reducing paper transactions should be a priority, a Maine banking leader says. With some best practices, the transition to a cashless system can happen smoothly.

    Lucie Hannigan, Machias Savings Bank Updated: March 28, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What can I do to help employees reduce their stress and have more success at work?

    Francis Eberle, Price Associates Updated: July 31, 2024

    A guest columnist from the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader on what has become an all-too-common business challenge.

    Francis Eberle, Price Associates Updated: July 31, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What regulations and legal issues should I consider when expanding into New England?

    Carrie Green Yardley, Yardley Esq. PLLC Updated: November 13, 2023

    ACE columnist Carrie Green Yardley offers guidance on how to navigate regulations in different states.

    Carrie Green Yardley, Yardley Esq. PLLC Updated: November 13, 2023
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: Resources for family business succession planning

    Priscilla Hansen Mahoney Updated: June 13, 2024

    A contributor from the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader who's beginning to plan for the future of a family-owned business.

    Priscilla Hansen Mahoney Updated: June 13, 2024
  • Ask ACE

    Ask ACE: What are the advantages and disadvantages of online 'plug and play' contracts?

    Carrie Green Yardley, Yardley Esq. PLLC Updated: April 11, 2024

    Guest columnist Carrie Green Yardley writes that the problem is not with the 'plug' feature of online forms, but with how they 'play.'

    Carrie Green Yardley, Yardley Esq. PLLC Updated: April 11, 2024