The room has a cautious, yet optimistic energy as everyone settles into their seats. Family members and non-family members on the leadership team have gathered and are about to have a discussion that most have never been a part of before.

I remember reading about David and Goliath as a child and wondering if such bravery was real. At the time, my world was vast and unexplored… the notion that the impossible could be made possible was motivating and energizing.

However, smart leaders are in the midst of planning for 2021, evaluating the lessons learned over the past eight months and devising strategies to succeed. Here is how small business leaders can plan for the new year.

A recent family business survey conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Family Business Alliance indicates that only 15% of the family businesses have developed and documented anything appearing to be a succession plan. This is troubling because succession of ownership and leadership is a critical issue for the long-term success of a business. 

Even in non-pandemic times, a business’ health can be impacted when workers are injured. Having a balanced workers’ compensation physician panel is crucial to getting employees back to work, but why, and how, should you go about re-examining the composition of your panel?

Unemployment has touched thousands of workers in the Lehigh Valley, thanks to COVID-19. But there are businesses nearby hunting for employees. For those communicating their companies’ job openings, know that effectively connecting with new talent requires clarity, completeness and a dose of compassion. 

America is divided. We see and feel it every day, and one can become discouraged. Then, when we recently marked the 19th remembrance of 9/11, something happened: Americans from all across the nation put politics aside and honored the brave people we lost. We were reminded of an earlier time when Americans came together magnanimously to overcome one of this country's most difficult challenges.

The Coronavirus has quickened the pace of consolidation in one of the last large cottage industries -- dentistry. The intimate nature of the relationship between a dentist and a patient, along with the long-standing tradition of independence in the profession, have allowed solo practitioners, until recently, to remain in the majority.

Unemployment has touched thousands of workers in the Lehigh Valley, thanks to COVID-19. But there are businesses nearby hunting for employees. For those communicating their companies’ job openings, know that effectively connecting with new talent requires clarity, completeness and a dose of compassion.

Sitting in virtual meetings almost every week since March as been quite an experience. I think I’ve learned a few things – a few do’s and don’ts about how to best interact with your colleagues and boss.