Sometimes complicated situations are actually quite simple. We show how a seemingly difficult business can be modeled in one line.

How you present yourself will make or break your chances with investors. Everything you do sends a message. Be sure it is the right message.

Understanding the range of likely outcomes is critical to running a business. Companies need an accurate model of their business dynamics.

Expensing inventory is only permitted if you are doing the same in your accounting system. You can’t tell the IRS one thing and do another.

Even more than gross margin, investors are looking for experienced, competent CEOs.

Sources of financing depend on the maturity of your business.

ERP systems combine many different functions under one roof, for a steep price. If you can cobble together the functions you need and connect them, that may suffice.

Companies appreciate knowing if they will run out of money.

Legal basics for founders.

The purpose of accounting is to provide an informative picture of the profitability of the business for investors. Arranging income and expenses in a helpful and accurate way is the key. This is particularly difficult in the CPG world.

This blog entry discusses the most critical business metrics for success in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) businesses: Gross Profit Margin, Trade Spend, and Gross Profit. Controlling these are a requirement for investor interest and for a healthy business.

The most important things about building a CPG business.