Articles by Catherine Oak and Bill Schoeffler

Oak is the founder of the consulting firm, Oak & Associates, based in Northern California and Central Oregon. Schoeffler is an associate of the firm. Oak & Associates. Phone: 707-935-6565. Email: catoak@gmail.com.

State Your Mission, Values and Vision for Success

It’s that time of year again; planning time for a great 2008! The key to effective business planning is to know what the end point will be and to point in that direction. Before any planning gets done the first …

Well-financed Buyers Lead Today’s Agency Value Trends

Fair market value can be defined as the price that a willing buyer and a willing seller agree on for the price of a business. Naturally, there is a lot of room for negotiation based on the circumstances. However, fair …

Five Trends for Agents to Track

In a poem written 2,000 years ago by Horace, he used the phrase “carpe diem,” which is commonly translated as “seize the day.” Although interpretations of this phrase vary, one interpretation can mean to take action and not let time …

Resolve disputes before they get out of control

If you have been in business for more than a few hours, most likely you have had some issue that potentially could have led to a dispute. We are all humans with our own unique experiences. Our thoughts, feelings and …

The good, bad and the ugly on owner compensation

Let’s put all the cards on the table right now. The amount of money one makes is directly proportional to the perceived importance or success of the person taking the money home. Sure, we all know better and there are …

The good, bad and the ugly on owner compensation

Let’s put all the cards on the table right now. The amount of money one makes is directly proportional to the perceived importance or success of the person taking the money home. Sure, we all know better and there are …

Mickey Mouse and the insurance agency

Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character that was introduced in a film called “Steamboat Willy” back in 1928. Walt Disney not only created this memorable character, he also created a new business system that helped launch his business from a …

Mickey Mouse and the insurance agency

Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character that was introduced in a film called “Steamboat Willy” back in 1928. Walt Disney not only created this memorable character, he also created a new business system that helped launch his business from a …

Working ‘on’ instead of ‘in’ your business

At a recent event in Aspen, Colo., Michael Gerber, the author of “The E Myth,” and “The “E” Myth Revisited” spoke about the importance of living our dreams. Gerber, now 71 years old, challenged the audience to release the “work” …

Working ‘on’ instead of ‘in’ your business

At a recent event in Aspen, Colo., Michael Gerber, the author of “The E Myth,” and “The “E” Myth Revisited” spoke about the importance of living our dreams. Gerber, now 71 years old, challenged the audience to release the “work” …