A business owner can spend a lot of money and time with consultants trying to figure out what the competition is up to. But you don't have to. Last week, I sat down with a business owner and one of the first questions I asked was "What do your competitors do to win against you?" The response? I got a blank stare.

This morning, I was out in our little paradise room with my coffee - a tropical screen room with a bar, kitchenette, seating for a dozen and a stereo.

My ears perked up as I listened intently the song Hearts on Fire by "Scars on 45". My epiphany: This is a great song for an entrepreneur or business owner. This part is the part that got me:

The IT function continues the challenge of becoming a strategic player in small companies. I've been an advocate of small companies using technology for their strategic advantage. However, most small biz owners aren't all that tech savvy, and if they are, they don't hold IT in high regard. Times have changed. Today's IT function no longer consists of young geeks wearing funny glasses and talking a funny language (IT speak).

By Keith McAslan, Partner, CxO To Go

Introduction:
Most CEO’s and small/medium business owners only review the financial position of the business with their Bookkeeper/Controller two to three weeks after the month has ended. This is like driving your car forward while looking exclusively in the rear view mirror – it doesn’t work. Most CEO’s and business owners focus on the “bottom line” (net income, EBIT or EBITDA), and fail to recognize that “Cash is King”! The Dashboard–Cashboard is a simple tool that is forward looking and helps the business understand the drivers of cash and projects the cash position.

The Key Benefits of the Dashboard - Cashboard
The benefits of a business implementing a weekly Dashboard-Cashboard include:

CxO To Go continues to keep on top of the current recovery. We believe, as others do, that the recovery is on its way. Even with a jobless recovery, many signs are pointing to additional growth which eventually means hiring. Take a look at the charts and articles to get an idea of what we are looking at, so you can be well informed, too.

Half of Global CEOs Confident in Revenue Growth

By Marty Koenig, CEO of CxO To Go

The new small business lending bill “Small Business Jobs Act of 2010” got passed today by the Senate (61-38). That shows the federal government got the message: Most job growth is caused by small businesses. The small-business bill provides $12 billion in tax incentives and provides a $30 billion lending fund to help cash-starved businesses. This Act is expected to leverage a total of $300 billion in loans to small businesses.

By Keith McAslan, Partner, CxO To Go

Introduction:

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on August, 17, 2010 released their “exposure draft” requiring companies to record nearly all leases on their balance sheets as a “right to use” asset, and a corresponding “future lease payment - liability”.  What does this mean to your business in layman terms?  This proposal in essence does away with operating leases; all leases (unless immaterial) would be capitalized using the present value of the minimum lease payments.  Therefore, businesses who in the past had off-balance sheet lease obligations, must now record these obligations on their balance sheet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CxO To Go Secures Financing for Two Clients
DENVER, Colorado (July 13, 2010) – CxO To Go partner Keith McAslan (Denver Business Journal 2010 CFO of the Year Nominee) has secured favorable financing for two CxO To Go clients in this difficult lending environment.  Using the BankSell™ package, preferred lending sources and personally representing the Client’s with the lenders, CxO To Go was able to secure the financing.  These successful Client’s include:
A manufacturing client was not only able to renew their $500,000 line of credit with the lender but secured an increase to $700,000.  This client secured the initial line of credit one year ago with the assistance of CxO To Go to fund growth and expansion initiatives.  By working with CxO To Go as the Trusted Advisor to the CEO on an on going basis this client has increased revenues from $2.5M annually to over $3.5M and improved profitability and cash flow.
A virtual business (internet based and executive coaching) Client of CxO To Go was able to close on an unsecured line of credit with a lender to fund new product development and provide liquidity due to seasonality in the business.  Additionally, CxO To Go has been the part time CFO for this Client for over one year, helping to drive strategy and improved financial results.
CxO To Go is national professional services company headquartered in Denver, Colorado that provides on-demand C-Level expertise and best practices to client companies on a part time, flexible, and affordable basis. Contact CxO To Go at 888-745-8516, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss your business needs. ###

George Tyler Nominated as CSIA Champion of the Year

DENVER, Colorado (July 1, 2010) CxO To Go partner, George Tyler, has been nominated as CSIA’s Champion of the Year. CSIA (www.coloradotechnology.org) is Colorado’s Technology Association, serving the software, hardware and IT services industry. Nominee volunteers of this award will be judged on their breadth of involvement in CSIA, impact of their contribution, influence among other volunteers, and their willingness and ability to help CSIA further its mission to advance the technology industry in Colorado. Awards will announced July 15 at CSIA’s APEX Awards.

For the past 4 years, George has volunteered for CSIA’s programs, public policy and member committees. He is active in the technology and business community as a partner of a professional services company, CxO To Go. He is extremely active in CSIA and promoting business growth within Colorado. This past year, besides helping CSIA grow, he was an Ambassador for the Denver Chamber of Commerce, and volunteered for Goodwill Industries, Rebuilding Together of Metro Denver, Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) of Metro Denver and the Vail Valley Foundation. Each spring, George gives his time as a referee for Colorado high school and college men’s lacrosse teams.