The Unhappy Worker Effect is Slowing Down Your Business
In today’s business world, there seems to be a revolving opinion that all employees are unhappy with their occupation. It is heard so often that people will not even ask each other how their day at work was, because they are worried they will receive the candid Napoleon Dynamite quote, “Worst day of my life,…
Read More5 Important Online Security Tips for Small Businesses
You probably hear about a major data breach in the news at least a few times a month, and they rock some of the world’s largest corporations to the core. Yet large corporations are not the only targets for hackers. The information you have on the computers in your office is often just as valuable,…
Read MoreAre You Creating Value or Cost?
There are thousands of posts and hundreds of books on Value Creation. I’ve, in fact, written 285 since starting this blog and dozens of others at other sites. The themes in all of this stuff usually follow a similar line of thinking: Customers define value in their own terms. Sellers have to create value aligned…
Read MorePros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
Businesses looking to expand often find themselves at a crossroads: franchising vs. traditional expansion. Despite experts trying to sway you one way or another, there’s no cookie cutter answer. It boils down to your specific business model, your vision for your business, market trends and ability to franchise. Not every model should, or can be,…
Read More10 Sources for Brainstorming Content
Content is at the epicenter of inbound marketing strategies. If you want to build thought leadership for your brand, capture the interest and imagination of your target audience, and build a steady and loyal following, you must produce enticing content that bestows value for your audience. Creating something utterly valuable and enduring goes beyond just…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Difference Between an LLC and an S Corp
You have many options when it comes to choosing a structure for your business. Two of the most popular options include the limited liability company (LLC) and the S Corporation (S Corp). These two business entities have many similarities although it’s important to understand the differences and how they will affect your taxes, business management,…
Read MoreDollar Cost Averaging Equals Marketing
If we’ve learned anything over the last decade it’s that the stock market is volatile and difficult to predict with precision. Even Warren Buffet can’t tell you exactly when a stock will go hot or drop like a rock. Which is how the whole concept of dollar cost averaging came to be. According to Investopedia.com, it’s…
Read MoreThink the Economy’s Headed South? 10 Recession-Proof Small Businesses
I don’t like to be an alarmist, but I continue to believe that we live in very unsettled economic times. There are some major unknowns that could push the economy south quickly and in a major way, such as: The price of Apple stock. If it tanks, it might be like a second Internet bubble…
Read MoreMore Than Just a Lemonade Stand: How to Scale Your Small Biz
Scaling up your business is one of the hardest things to do, no doubt about it. Not only can it be hard to decide what areas should receive the most attention, but ensuring there are enough resources to grow is even more troublesome. Ideally, a growth strategy is prepared before the business has even launched.…
Read MoreNo Blunders! Avoid These 5 Startup Mistakes
Why do startups fail? Is there a recipe for success for your new and exciting business venture? Unfortunately the answer is no. There is no way to guarantee success in your new business. While there may be recipes (or templates) you can use to help you on the path to success, it’s also useful to know…
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