Most of us are thrust into the managing partner role in our firms with little or no training or coaching. Who teaches you to be an effective MP? How do you know if you're performing well? Your partners won't tell you. If you're new to the job, do you just do it the same way as your predecessor? Is that the best approach for the firm? Who will mentor you?

The idea that the Internet levels the playing field for business is a bit overblown: there seems little chance that the smallest businesses can serve the largest. Still, cloud-based products do represent the chance for small businesses to significant increase their markets and their capabilities of serving them.

Daniel G. Jackson has joined the Tampa, Fla., office of Cherry Bekaert & Holland as principal. He was previously a co-founder in September 2008 of Barley, McNamara, Wild, Martin, Jackson, which he grew from a start-up to $1 million in revenue and more than 80 clients. Read more...