Mark Richardson, CR, is an author, columnist, and business growth strategist. He authored the best-selling book, How Fit Is Your Business? as well as his latest book, Fit to Grow. He can be reached at mrichardson@mgrichardson.

Content from this Author
Apply your approach to remodeling projects to yourself and your business
You can grow your business in a variety of ways, but you need to define it both for yourself and for your company.
Mark Richardson's list of the 10 most-common mistakes made in remodeling businesses. Avoid them, and your odds for success go way up.
Many businesses suffer growing pains because they grow by accident. But businesses are like children—they need nurturing and guidance to become healthy and successful
You now have the ability to communicate the entire project electronically. While this is highly efficient, don’t assume that it’s always the most effective way.
Not having a business plan doesn’t mean you’re failing. But it could mean that you aren’t being as successful as you could be.
The remodeling sales environment is changing. To succeed in sales in this new landscape, you need to become more masterful at controlling the sale
It is time to expand your thinking from not only your own world but also from different sales cultures.
What do you and your team need to focus on to achieve success?
Today, the better remodeling firms need to make “landing the planes” a top priority.
A detailed list and description of the attributes that are common denominators of leadership greatness
The following are some simple leadership attributes and skills I believe separate average leaders from great ones. As you reflect on each of these, try to think how you might improve in each criteria as well.
Great leaders have great planning skills. They know how to plan and how to execute a plan successfully.
While there are standards in business in terms of conduct and practice, the leader’s motivation varies dramatically.
Your business is a vehicle for your growth and passages. It is a platform for others to create their own future.
If you avoid the speed bumps and potholes, your business can experience a chance for growth.
We're seeing the leads coming in but sales are lagging. Today, the better remodeling firms need to make “landing the planes” a top priority.
While there are standards in business in terms of conduct and practice, the leader’s motivation varies dramatically.