Dr. Merlot Archives

The straight talking alter ego of Loyd Rawls, Dr. Merlot blends sarcasm and truth with heart and emotion. He consults with The Rawls Group and their clients in those hard-to-hear business-succession-planning conundrums. Loyd believes truth without compassion is pure brutality; however, Dr. Merlot believes truth is truth.

drmerlot@rawlsgroup.com

10 Shocking Truths About Managing Grandchildren in Family Businesses (You Won’t Believe #7!)

10 Shocking Truths About Managing Grandchildren in Family Businesses (You Won’t Believe #7!)

2024-12-20T10:54:10-06:00By Loyd Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Manufacturing, Succession Blog|

Running a family business is already tough, but throw in managing your grandchildren, and you’re in for a wild ride. Fortunately, Loyd Rawls, one of the leading experts in family business succession planning, is here to help you dodge the disaster zone. With over 50 years of experience—and a quirky alter ego called "Dr. [...]

10 Must-Know Tips for Hiring In-Laws in a Family Business

10 Must-Know Tips for Hiring In-Laws in a Family Business

2024-10-17T15:56:50-05:00By Loyd Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Manufacturing, Succession Blog|

Hiring in-laws into your family business can feel like juggling emotional hand grenades. After all, blending family and business is already tricky—and adding in-laws into the mix can feel like you're playing with fire. But don't worry, Loyd Rawls, one of the leading experts in family business succession planning, is here to help you [...]

When Is It Time for Me to Give Up Control of My Business?

When Is It Time for Me to Give Up Control of My Business?

2021-12-02T15:40:34-06:00By Kendall Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Succession Blog, Video|

Kendall Rawls is filling in for Dr. Merlot to answer questions he has received from family business owners across the country. Before we get started, you may be wondering who is this Dr. Merlot Dude? The Doc is the straight-talking alter ego of Loyd Rawls, who is the founder of The [...]

How to Create Boundaries Between Family and Business

How to Create Boundaries Between Family and Business

2021-09-22T08:18:49-05:00By Kendall Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Succession Blog, Video|

The focus for this installment of “Dear Dr. Merlot” is Family Governance. Family Governance policies are the first step to create boundaries between the family and the business. The specific question we will cover from Loyd's book Family Business Heartburn Relief: Answers to Gut-Grinding Family Business Questions is: How do the [...]

How Much Should I Pay Family As Employees?

How Much Should I Pay Family As Employees?

2021-12-02T15:06:48-06:00By Dan Schneider|Dr. Merlot, Succession Blog, Video|

Determining how to pay your children, nieces/nephews, cousins, siblings, uncles, parents, etc can be a complex endeavor, but it also can be simple and straightforward. Dan Schneider; a succession planner with The Rawls Group is filling in for Dr. Merlot to answer questions he has received from family business owners [...]

How Do I Motivate My Children, Nephews, In-laws, etc. to Come Into My Business?

How Do I Motivate My Children, Nephews, In-laws, etc. to Come Into My Business?

2021-04-29T11:43:20-05:00By David Weaver|Dr. Merlot, Succession Blog, Video|

Your behavior and attitude towards the business act as role model behavior for your family. Therefore, speaking and showing positive feelings regarding the business is the best way to motivate the family to join. Express how much you enjoy it, the exciting and wonderful career opportunities and prospects for growth. [...]

How Do I Deal With the Petty Crap I Endure as a Leader of My Family’s Business?

How Do I Deal With the Petty Crap I Endure as a Leader of My Family’s Business?

2021-05-07T15:21:39-05:00By Loyd H. Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Succession Blog, Video|

When family members join the business, the emotional landscape changes. Any imperfections in intra-family communication, respect, and/or patience are exasperated by business expectations, nuances, and pressures. Even the closest and most balanced families find themselves struggling with crap from what appears to be never-ending sources. If it’s not concern over [...]

Video: Leadership in Times of Crisis – The OODA Cycle

Video: Leadership in Times of Crisis – The OODA Cycle

2020-04-16T09:45:56-05:00By Loyd H. Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Leading Your Business Through Transition, Succession Blog|

In, "Leadership in Times of Crisis - the OODA Cylce," Loyd Rawls (Dr. Merlot) explains how and why you are a good leader; why you don’t need to worry; why you can project to those that are depending upon you: “We got this!! This is our time to shine!” He also explains how you [...]

Dr. Merlot’s 9 Reminders to Survive and Thrive

Dr. Merlot’s 9 Reminders to Survive and Thrive

2020-04-03T09:05:29-05:00By Loyd H. Rawls|Dr. Merlot, Leading Your Business Through Transition, Succession Blog|

Dr Merlot provides 9 reminders to survive and thrive during tough times like COVID-19. Main thing to remember, is "YOU GOT THIS." Download Dr. Merlot's reminders below, but before you do; it is worth hearing the commentary. Download PDF List of 9 Reminders Contact us and we can help [...]

You Got This!

You Got This!

2020-03-24T13:05:35-05:00By Dr Merlot|Dr. Merlot, Leading Your Business Through Transition, Succession Blog|

Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! In "You Got This!" Dr Merlot (Loyd Rawls' Alter Ego) shares encouragement and reminds us that we have been here before, and the economy and business' have bounced back. With the right mind set anything is possible. Dr. Merlot will not let you leave this [...]

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