9 Transaction Models Shape Your Customer Experience

Focus is everything in a business, whether it be a new startup or a large enterprise. In my role as a business advisor, I often see well-meaning entrepreneurs try to be everything to everyone, which results in many things done poorly, and few totally delighted customers. People are confused by multiple messages, and employees are…

Read More

5 Pros and Cons of Specializing in Your Industry

Your company can choose to do it all. It can handle every responsibility. However, the less your business chooses to specialize, the fewer advantages your business will receive from specialization. There are several pros and cons of choosing to specialize. Specialization Isn’t Difficult One way to avoid specialization is to outsource those aspects of your…

Read More

3 Important Multi-State Tax Facts Companies Need to Know

What do software companies need to know about when it comes to multi-state tax issues? Last year we shared an overview of nuances many in the field don’t think about, but need to consider when it comes to their organization. As a large portion of the technology industry, it is important that software companies are…

Read More

6 Tips for Being Fascinated, Not Frustrated in 2017

2017 is your year—not just for health and productivity, but also for happiness and growth! We’ve got a few resolution ideas to ensure you keep a positive perspective as challenges arise throughout the year. 1. Stay curious. When faced with a difficult situation and a frustrated customer, it will serve you best to stay curious about…

Read More

Small Business Health Check: Are Your Finances in Order?

The success of your small business hinges on the health of your finances. Every business faces hurdles and unexpected expenses—but when properly prepared for, these are just minor inconveniences. Financial security when it comes to small businesses has little to do with gross sales and everything to do with how money is handled. Are your…

Read More

Top 10 Tips for Business Planning

I was asked once again for my 10 top tips on business planning. I can’t do that without noting the different uses of business plans in different situations. I ended up with more than 10 tips, but they are more specific to context. 5 Major tips for all business planning Form follows function. Like anything…

Read More

Make the Switch to Cloud Communications

These days, it seems that everyone is talking about how great the “cloud” is. After all, the cloud can help connect your employees over a range of devices, anytime, anywhere. But what is cloud-based communications exactly, and why should you consider cloud-based communications for your business? Here, we will explore the top five reasons why…

Read More

Small Biz Interviews: Half a Century at the Drive-In

Dick’s Drive-In is no flash in the proverbial frying pan. A Seattle staple since Dick Spady, Warren Ghormley, and “Tom” Thomas opened their first outpost in 1954, Dick’s has been serving up old fashioned milkshakes, fresh-cut fries, and, according to Esquire magazine, America’s single most “life-changing burger.” Their customer base, understandably, is a loyal one. (So loyal,…

Read More

5 Smart Ways to Make Your Fashion Blog Trend

Having a fashion blog requires a lot of time planning with content and editing photos. If you already have your blog up and running and ready for a steady flow of content, your next goal is to make sure it is exposed. It might sound easy as ABC, but just like any other blog type,…

Read More