Strategic Horizons Blog | Strategic Horizons Consulting

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Business Strategy ×

Lessons Small Businesses Can Take from the Fall of Big Lots

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Lessons Small Businesses Can Take from the Fall of Big Lots

Current Big Lots Situation In late 2024, Big Lots — once a familiar name in discount retail — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after years of declining sales and mounting debt. At its peak, the chain h...

Business Strategy Exit Strategy Financial Health Lessons from Big Brands Retail Insights Small Business Tips

Sep 17, 2025

Steady the Core: 4 Keys That Strengthen and Sustain Profit

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Steady the Core: 4 Keys That Strengthen and Sustain Profit

Some business owners think success is about flashy marketing or aggressive sales. But the truth is, the real strength of a business comes from what happens behind the scenes. What good is growth if yo...

Business Operations Business Strategy Business Systems Customer Retention Financial Management

Sep 4, 2025

Lay the Groundwork: 4 Foundational Keys Every Business Needs

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Lay the Groundwork: 4 Foundational Keys Every Business Needs

Before a business can scale profitably, it needs a strong foundation – one built with intention, insight, and structure. These first four Keys in the 12 Keys to a Profitable Business series do exactly...

12 Keys Series Business Strategy Entrepeneurship Marketing & Sales Small Business Growth

Sep 3, 2025

Innovation Isn’t a Lightning Bolt – It’s a System

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Innovation Isn’t a Lightning Bolt – It’s a System

When business owners hear “innovation,” many picture some game-changing product launch or a mad genius scribbling on a whiteboard until inspiration strikes. The truth? That version of innovation makes...

Business Innovation Business Strategy Leadership Small Business Team Culture

Sep 3, 2025

Why Innovation Isn’t Optional (and How to Make It a Habit)

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Why Innovation Isn’t Optional (and How to Make It a Habit)

If you’re standing still in business, you’re falling behind. That’s not fearmongering – it’s just the reality of operating in a competitive market where customer expectations, technology, and even you...

Business Innovation Business Strategy Continuous Improvement Kaizen Process Improvement Small Business Growth

Aug 25, 2025

How to Choose the Right Tech Tools for Your Business (Without Wasting Money)

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

How to Choose the Right Tech Tools for Your Business (Without Wasting Money)

The right tools can take your business further, faster. But the wrong ones? They drain your time, your budget, and your patience. In today’s fast-moving business world, technology can give you a serio...

Automation Business Strategy Operational Efficiency Small Business Growth Technology Tools & Software

Aug 15, 2025

Is Your Product Still What the Market Wants? How to Stay Relevant and Keep Customers Coming Back

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Is Your Product Still What the Market Wants? How to Stay Relevant and Keep Customers Coming Back

Business isn’t static – and neither are your customers. What they needed (or loved) six months ago might not be cutting it today. If you’re still offering the same thing in the same way without checki...

Business Strategy Customer Retention Product Development Profit Growth Small Business Tips

Jul 14, 2025

Why Cash Flow Is More Important Than Profit (And What to Do About It)

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Why Cash Flow Is More Important Than Profit (And What to Do About It)

You could be profitable on paper and still go broke. It sounds harsh, but it happens to businesses every day. Why? Because profit doesn’t pay the bills— cash flow does . Too many small business owners...

Business Operations Business Strategy Cash Flow Financial Strategy Profitability Small Business Tips

Jul 11, 2025

You’re Not Losing Sales Because You Suck – You’re Just Not Positioned to Win

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

You’re Not Losing Sales Because You Suck – You’re Just Not Positioned to Win

If you’ve ever asked, “Why aren’t people buying?” — you’re not alone. It’s not always your product. It’s not always your price. A lot of the time, it’s your positioning . Most business owners don’t fa...

Business Strategy Competitive Positioning Customer Focus Differentiation Market Research

Jun 16, 2025

Thinking About Selling Your Business? Here’s Why You Should Start Exit Planning Now

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Thinking About Selling Your Business? Here’s Why You Should Start Exit Planning Now

If you're like most small business owners, you've poured years — maybe decades — into building your business. You’ve worked long hours, solved tough problems, and created something you're proud of. Bu...

Business Exit Planning Business Strategy Retirement Planning Selling a Business Small Business

May 27, 2025

How to Build a Thriving Workplace That Keeps Employees Engaged and Productive

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

How to Build a Thriving Workplace That Keeps Employees Engaged and Productive

Employee retention and motivation are critical to business success. In today’s fast-changing work environment, organizations that prioritize workforce engagement see higher productivity, improved mora...

Business Strategy Leadership

Apr 14, 2025

Business Planning Essentials: How to Create a Winning Strategy for Growth

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Business Planning Essentials: How to Create a Winning Strategy for Growth

A solid business plan is the foundation of any successful company. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an existing business, or entering a new market, a well-structured plan provides direction...

Branding Business Growth Business Planning Business Strategy Competitive Analysis Leadership Market Expansion Scaling a Business Strategic Execution

Mar 4, 2025