Becoming a small business owner is a stressful prospect. Even the most experienced in their field struggle when they go from being under the safe gaze of a corporation to being completely on their own. Double that stress when it comes to financing their venture. Even bootstrap startups are going to struggle with funding after […]
Risks
The 3 Most Powerful Words for Startups
If you understand them, you can help any size company succeed. In my last article, I spoke about a growing and costly language gap between big businesses and startups and why bridging it is critical. The reason is simple. Large and small businesses need each other. Startups need large businesses because they have the systems, brand awareness, distribution and expertise […]
The 3 Words That Matter Most to Entrepreneurs
There is a growing and costly language gap between big businesses and startups, and the stakes have never been higher. News flash #1: Startups could really use the help of large businesses. Established companies have the systems, brand awareness, distribution and expertise to turn the seeds of ideas into flourishing gardens of possibility. #JustwhatIneed News flash #2: Established businesses […]
How to Be Innovative after Years of Doing the Same Thing
In today’s crowded marketplace, innovation is a key factor for any self-respecting company that wants to constantly evolve and achieve new things. But the reality is that there are plenty of obstacles along the way, including boredom, restlessness and an understandable amount of fluctuation in the enthusiasm department. So how should a business go about […]
4 Ways to Give Your Small Business More Online Security
Picture this: you just started a small business. You’re growing your company, adding new contacts, new customers, and increasing your profits. You’re busier than you’ve ever been before. But then something happens. Your website gets hacked. Highly sensitive information is exposed. There are liabilities, legalities, and you’re at a loss. You’re devastated. Your once-beautiful dream […]
A Brief Guide on Workers’ Compensation
From incidents such as a fractured bone or arthritis to the most unfortunate cases, up to and including death, both employees and employers should know the basic information and tools regarding employee claims and workers’ compensation. Can Incidents Be Avoided? Below is a list of accidents, injuries, and conditions that employees may encounter during the […]
10 Strategies to Minimize the Perils of a Startup
There is an old saying that good lawyers run away from risk, while good businessmen run towards risk. Entrepreneurs see “no risk” as meaning “no reward.” In reality, all risks are not the same. Many risks can be managed or calculated to improve growth or provide a competitive edge, while others, like skipping quality checks […]
Comfort Zones Aren’t All That Comfortable
The origin of the phrase ‘comfort zone’ is a tricky one, mostly because we all have a personal definition and understanding of the term. But when it comes to performance, it’s relatively straightforward: the comfort zone is a behavioral state in which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviors to […]
4 Incidents That Could Torpedo Your Business
You had a vision, and you’re now up and running, but you’ve been running on a tight shoestring budget for a few years. You’re still well within the make-it-or-break-it five year period, but business has grown steadily, and there’s good reason for optimism. Don’t get torpedoed by any of these incidents that can sink you […]
You Need a Contingency Plan for Every Part of Your Business
When you’re dying of thirst it’s too late to think about digging a well. ~Japanese Proverb I was dealing with a business that relied on a single supplier for products that represented the majority of its sales. When I asked the owner what he would do if the supplier folded, he answered, “I just do […]
