The Real Life of a Hardware Startup Founder
When does it make sense to launch a hardware startup? For Jason Morlon, it’s when the demands of career overtake the joys of life—and a certain camera mount proves more of a hassle than an asset on the road. The road underneath a motorcycle, that is. Morlon remembers getting frustrated while riding with friends near…
Read MoreHow to Earn Your First Dollar Online
Do you have a job but would like to start something online though don’t know where to start? I run a site dedicated to helping others build businesses anywhere in the world and build lives worth writing about (which is what I did starting in 2009), and after doing a recent survey of my audience and…
Read More7 Things NOT to Do When Managing External Customers
“Without customers, your [small] business would not exist. It’s that simple. Your business success and longevity depend on acquiring and retaining its target customers. You can’t do so without developing and maintaining a customer-centric mindset.” (Beyond Your Logo: 7 Brand Ideas That Matter Most For Small Business Success ©2015) In keeping with a customer-centric theme, here…
Read MorePutting the “B” in B2B with Inbound Marketing
“If you build it, they will come.” Sorry, Kevin Costner, but in the world of online marketing and lead generation, it’s not enough to simply build a website. Yes, inbound marketing delivers a below-average cost per lead versus outbound strategies. However, in order to benefit from these cost savings, your business needs a concrete online lead…
Read More10 Effective Marketing Lessons from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”
Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” was written in the second century BC. He was a high-ranking general in the Chinese military and wrote one of the most influential strategic and tactical military books in history. The book’s influence can be felt in both the East and the West today—not just in the military sciences,…
Read More10 Unbelievable Mobile Marketing Statistics
Mobile marketers need to stay in touch. Mobile strategies adapt, and industry decision makers should be capable of positively impacting consumers with great benefits. A surprising amount of statistics currently support the growing mobile marketing world. The consumer adoption of smartphones has created a fertile ground for firm mobile engagement, and decision makers are taking…
Read More7 Critical Keys to Small Business Employee Loyalty and Retention
There’s a great scene in “Casablanca” where Sam, the piano player, gets the opportunity to move to a rival nightclub and perform for a lot more money: Rick (Humphrey Bogart): Sam, Ferrari wants you to work for him at the Blue Parrot. Sam (Dooley Wilson): I like it fine here. Rick: He’ll double what I pay you. Sam: Yeah,…
Read MoreRunning a Small Business: Cutting Past the Misconceptions
Thinking of starting a business? For many, becoming an entrepreneur represents the epitome of the American dream: freedom, independence and unlimited opportunity. It’s true: running your business can be incredibly rewarding. Though any veteran business owner will tell you that the Hollywood image of being in business doesn’t always match up with reality. Let’s take…
Read MorePatience to Persistence: Make the Switch
Successful entrepreneurs and business owners have certain key qualities that give them the edge over others. Can you define it? Could it be perseverance, problem solving, motivation, or creativity? While these all play an important role in success, persistence is a huge part of building a memorable, quality business. When in the world of business…
Read More4 Warning Signs That Your Small Business Needs an Accountant
Sooner or later, your business will need to take that all-important step from financial self-management to bringing in some expert help. Many business owners choose to do their own accounts for as long as possible, and this can work out just fine. However, poorly managed finances can lead to some nasty surprises, so it’s important…
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