With a ride home at our fingertips, we now expect food, accommodations, even dates via the swipe of a finger, and hundreds of companies around the world have attempted to capitalize on a generation of consumers willing to pay a premium for "right here, right now" service. But after billions of dollars were poured into this hyper-growth industry, we are beginning to see some of these companies surrender. Here's why.

My bookshelves were heaving with the weight of a ton of new business books on operations, marketing, hiring, and relationship management. When I wasn't teaching or taking care of my mom I was preparing the business and hiring documents and researching ways to automate the scheduling, reporting, and invoicing. Preparing for day-to-day operations will keep a business running, but to prepare it for liftoff, long term planning is key.

With many functions to attend and restaurant options during business travel, I need to be wary of over-consuming. If I'm at a hotel for more than two nights, I ensure there is an in-room fridge or mini-kitchen so I don't have to rely on restaurant food and large portion sizes. This works well for me.

A client has referred you to someone who you think is an ideal prospect. Conversations have gone very well and they made a Request For Proposal (RFP). But somewhere along the way, something changed. Here's why.

In a buyer's market, job seekers have to be the world's best salespeople. You have to spark an interest, craft your pitch, and prove the worth of your top product: you. If you can't sell yourself as the best and brightest for the job, you'll never close the deal. Not a natural sales person? That's OK.