The 7 Deadly Sins Strong Organizations Avoid
What do bad companies and employees do that causes careers and ventures to fail? As we look a little deeper at those who flounder consistent behaviors appear. See how many of these offenses you recognize:
Understanding the Lending Market for Small Businesses
The lending landscape has changed drastically over the years. The internet is indeed king, and has opened up numerous opportunities for businesses outside of their local banking market. In fact, more entrepreneurs and small business owners today are seeking financing options online than ever before. The boundaries of distance and time have been obliterated…and that means a plethora of options for your clients.
7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers
While the highly effective habits of good managers tend be overlooked, the traits of bad managers are engraved in our memories. Here are 7 habits of the highly effective you can incorporate into your workplace:
Save Time and Money by Managing the Right Way
When I started in business, I didn’t realize the importance of wearing many hats, but today, I totally get it! Whether working the books, or working the sales, or likely working both simultaneously, one thing remains true: Your time is a valuable commodity and must be protected.
3 Customer Service Hacks Your Small Business Can Use
Great customer service isn’t just about keeping your customers satisfied. It’s about making them love you so much that they would never dream of going elsewhere.
7 Signs Your Company Has Made It
How do you know when your company has “made it”? What are the signs that your startup has officially become viable? Or your viable startup has become a mature company? Or your mature company has become the business you always dreamed it could be? You can check metrics, of course. Revenue and profit curves, contract renewals, employee retention and other hard data will quickly reveal if a business is a success by traditional standards.
5 Ways to Make Your Employees Love You
As the U.S. job market springs back to life, small businesses may have a hard time holding on to their best and brightest employees. Those employees may start getting job offers elsewhere or, worse, start actively seeking out new employment opportunities. How can you keep your star employees happy and situated, when there may be temptations to leave?
5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make When Choosing a Location
The number one rule in real estate is location, location, location, and this is especially true for small businesses. Whether you’re looking to open a new store, or moving to a different city, the site you select can either make or break your business. The Small Business Administration (SBA) says choosing a location is perhaps the most important decision a small business owner will make, and that finding an optimal location takes planning and research. To ensure you choose the best venue for your business, avoid making these five common mistakes:
The Simplest, Free Customer Service Gesture That Builds Loyalty
If the best things in life are free why not give your customer the best thing for free? It won’t cost you a dime and it’s likely to encourage your customer’s loyalty. “It” is a smile—a genuine smile. The keyword is “genuine” and we’ll get to that in a moment. I recently read an article in my hometown newspaper about a barber who celebrated 40 years in business. When the reporter asked Cosmo Panetta the secret to his business longevity he said, “The main thing is when a customer comes through the door, you have to smile at them…make sure when they walk out of the door they say, ‘Man, I feel great!’”
5 Must-Watch TED Talks for Anyone Who’s Considered Entrepreneurship
If you’re an entrepreneur—or an aspiring one—you’re probably getting a ton of solicited (and unsolicited) advice on how to create your business, grow your business, hire for your business, market your business, finance your business, tax your business, and on and on. As an entrepreneur myself, I love the “how tos” and the “five tips for” and the “make sure yous”—so much so that I share my own with you here! But what I really need to keep myself motivated, curious, and constantly growing is to make sure that within all that practical advice, I stay inspired. So, this week I’m bringing you five of my favorite TED talks. The speakers all come from different backgrounds and address all sorts of themes and issues, but each has inspired me to approach my life, work, and community with a whole new perspective—and that’s been the source of some of my most successful business ideas.