Angel Investment vs. Bootstrap: Startup Sweet Spot
Successful angel investment is a win-win for both sides, the startup founders and the investors. And I mean win-win right at the beginning, at the time of the investment, not the obvious win-win later when years have gone by and the business succeeds and investors exit. The win-win sweet spot exists from the beginning, when…
Read More7 Important Customer-Related Definitions You Should Know
If your organization has customers, then it’s important for you and your team to know and understand the most commonly used and important customer-related definitions used today. If you’re a marketing professional, chances are you’re familiar with these terms. But, if you’re not, and you manage marketing without a great deal of background in it,…
Read MoreThe Definitive Guide to Interviewing Candidates
While all company departments are important for success, the hiring department truly is the tip of the spear. Employee turnover continues to challenge businesses large and small and the next generation is ready to move into the workforce. Selecting the best candidates and weeding out the worst ones is more challenging than ever. A Good, Strong Interview Should…
Read MoreFinicky Finances: Make Sure Your Company is Spending Smart
Maintaining good business finances is a necessary part of running any company, but that doesn’t mean doing so is always easy. Many businesses fail to properly manage their money and in a short period of time have to permanently lock their doors. Instead of succumbing to this pitfall, ensure your company is not spending more…
Read MoreHow Startups Can Take Advantage of Pop-Up Shops
You have what you think is a great business idea. You have identified a gap in the market. You have a passion and a belief it will work. It is a story that has been told hundreds of times over. We see it on our local high street, we see it on the web and…
Read MoreThe First Stage of the Website Funnel: Know
Last week we explored how your website should be thought of as a selling tool and with some planning and vision – you can use it to move a prospect through the know • like • trust = sales funnel and earn their business. This week, I’d like to dig in a little deeper and look…
Read MoreUnderstanding Point of Cash Flow and Working Capital Requirements in Franchising
When it comes to starting a franchise, you know you’re going to need to have cash available to invest upfront. How much cash do you need and when can you start seeing some cash come into your business? Those are two of the most important considerations you’ll need to make. Let’s take a closer look…
Read More3 Key Lessons from The Art of War
Ancient China gave the world wonderful and essential inventions, like the art of papermaking, gunpowder, the compass for travelers, and a primitive concept of printing. These contributions and their long, colorful history show that their culture is that influential, even in the modern world. In today’s age, this influence is felt in many major industries…
Read MoreHow to Identify Amazing Talent for Your Small Business
One of the most difficult things to find for a company is a good employee. And this is even more difficult and important for a small business, where one core employee who is not doing his or her job can bring the whole business down. What Kind of Talent to Look For A small, talented…
Read MoreWin Fast, Lose Faster
Inevitably, as I do pipeline and deal reviews, I see sales people hanging onto too many bad deals. The deals are hopeless, the sales person may reluctantly admit it, but stubbornly wants to keep it in their active pipeline. These deals arise for all sorts of reasons, some good, but most bad. There are those…
Read More