5 Things Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know and Do to Build a Sustainable, Profitable Company
Separate Personal and Business Finances What to do: Open a dedicated business checking account and get a business credit card immediately. Why it matters: Mixing personal and company funds makes tax time a nightmare, creates legal risks (like piercing the corporate veil if you have an LLC or corporation), and makes it impossible to accurately […]
The Invisible Business: Why Marketing Is Essential to Small Business Success
When a business is brand-spanking new, relying purely on hope or foot traffic is one of the most dangerous risks an owner can take. Many new owners believe that if they build a great store or offer a stellar service, consumers will automatically find them. But the reality is harsh: if they don’t know you […]
You Built the Business. But Did You Train the People Representing It?
Frontline employees must be trained and empowered to make everyday customer service decisions. Many business owners invest thousands of dollars in an attractive storefront, inventory, and a professional website, only to place customer experience in the hands of employees who have received little or no training. Hope is not a business strategy. When owners take […]
What to do if you have been a victim of Identity Theft
Get your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com. Check your report for accounts or charges you don’t recognize. Consider placing a freeze. A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. If you decide not to place a credit freeze, at least consider placing a fraud alert.” File your […]
Giving Referrals Is A Good Thing
By Dr. Sinclair N. Grey III How do you feel when someone gives you a referral? If you’re like me, you’re overjoyed because it saves you money on marketing and advertising. As the saying goes, ‘word of mouth is the best marketing tool.’ Getting a referral helps to ease the sales process because you’re coming […]
5 ways technology can help your small business grow
Many people assume that only big, international companies can gain something from new technologies. But in reality, even a small business can find the right solution to grow and expand into new markets. It could even be easier than you might think. After all, most of us use the internet all the time in our […]
Let’s Talk About Marketing To Women
Beyonce once asked, “who runs the world?” And answered with, “Girls!” Given that women influence over 83% of all consumer spending in the United States, we wouldn’t say she’s wrong. So let’s kick off Women’s History Month by opening up a dialogue about connecting with and marketing to women. The conversation has come a long […]
Business Plan
A good business plan is like a road map by which you out line your plans, directions and the method by which you are attempting to reach your targets/goals. It is an autobiography of your business. It will tell the story of “Why” you are in business and where you want to take your business. […]
What is Mystery Shopping?
Some retailers hire companies to evaluate the quality of service in their stores; they often use mystery shoppers to get the information. They instruct a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, and then report on the experience. As a small business owner you want to know how well your […]
Networking
Small businesses that support each other do better. Are you active in your local Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber of Commerce is also a goldmine of information about local economic development, trends, and policies. If you have the space to accommodate the meeting, offer to host a meeting so the members get to see your […]