Business growth is a dream that sparkles in the eyes of many small business owners. But bigger is only better when your business operations are scalable. Significant growth without proper planning usually comes with extra costs and more work that could leave you and your business vulnerable and unprepared for the challenges of success. If […]
Read MoreAs more banks close local branches and eschew brick and mortar growth, small businesses face uncertain times. With fewer branches in which to form trusted financial relationships, business owners often must rely on online banking for everyday needs. This poses a problem for small business owners who previously benefited from personal relationships with bankers when […]
Read MoreGood business practices like transparency and corporate responsibility can be leveraged to build valuable relationships. But throwing around these buzzwords will only get you so far. If you really want to see results, what you may want to consider is a practice of karma: the idea that helping others become successful—suppliers, customers, even competitors—is the […]
Read MoreMentoring can play a significant role in the success of any entrepreneur. Mentoring takes vision, dedication, and respect, all vital attributes for a mentor to attain in order to contribute positively to the growth of a mentee. Let’s look at a few things you can do to mentor up and coming entrepreneurs and how these […]
Read MoreOne of the most critical components to building a company, as opposed to a solo practice, or even a business where you are managing everyone and everything, is to learn to step into your full leadership. A primary key to that leadership is your ability to train your team so that you can confidently delegate […]
Read MoreYou’ve put in the time to get your business off the ground and now you’re up and running. You have a product or service that’s selling well, team support to keep everyone happy and a proven income model. Congratulations! You’ve overcome the biggest obstacle to business sustainability. Surviving the startup phase is often the toughest […]
Read MoreOpening a new business location is an exciting venture. It also comes with inherent risks. A new site can increase profits and brand exposure, but it also opens up possibilities for failure. Rushing into expansion and opening a new location can do more harm than good if proper preparations are not made. Increase your chances […]
Read MoreIn the past, small businesses relied on bank loans when in need of extra funds. Although new to the scene, microfinance lenders now offer additional flexible funding alternatives for small businesses. Originally used to fund entrepreneurs in underdeveloped countries who lacked the resources, credit history and stability to pursue traditional finance options, microloans are now […]
Read MoreRunning a small business often means you play a jack-of-all-trades. Whether it’s drafting client contracts or taking inventory, it’s likely you have a hand in all aspects of your business. Marketing is no exception. And knowing how to create an efficient marketing plan for your business can be difficult, especially when you might not be […]
Read MoreUp until now, you alone have been running your small business. Now you need help. The moment when a small business owner decides to hire his or her first employee is one of triumph. Conversely, knowing how to start the hiring process can be a moment of confusion. If you’re ready to hire your first […]
Read MoreBuilding a brand can transform your business into an enduring household name. But how do you build a brand when you are starting from scratch? One good place to start is developing a consistent company culture. Company culture can be leveraged to create a unique and memorable company identity. More than just a corporate buzzword, […]
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