How important is having a good plan? Are business plans overrated? Are plans, especially for the small business owner, overrated? We hear about success stories and how many of these entrepreneurs not only did not have a business plan, they didn't even know where to begin! The had an idea, a product or service and simply marketed it. Most experienced setbacks, financial issues, and various frustrations, but they prevailed and eventually made it. There are always those that can rely on gut instinct, those that have a vision, 02/13/2019
Are business plans overrated? Are plans, especially for the small business owner, overrated? We hear about success stories and how many of these entrepreneurs not only did not have a business plan, they didn't even know where to begin! The had an idea, a product or service and simply marketed it. Most experienced setbacks, financial issues, and various frustrations, but they prevailed and eventually made it. There are always those that can rely on gut instinct, those that have a vision,
Know Your Competition How well do you know your competition? If you are like most small businesses, not very well. Sure, there's the one rival that's outbid you before, or the competition down the street, but for the most part, your competitors are the last thing on your mind. Better to focus on sales and delivery than to worry about possible competitive threats. Besides, you've been in business for a while and there hasn't been a problem before. Or has there? How do you know when sales aren't materializing 01/10/2019
How well do you know your competition? If you are like most small businesses, not very well. Sure, there's the one rival that's outbid you before, or the competition down the street, but for the most part, your competitors are the last thing on your mind. Better to focus on sales and delivery than to worry about possible competitive threats. Besides, you've been in business for a while and there hasn't been a problem before. Or has there? How do you know when sales aren't materializing
To Partner or Not To Partner Most businesses, especially smaller ones, will find themselves at some point considering a partnership with another person or business. The nature of the partnership may range from a one-time contractual agreement, to sharing resources and clients to merging existing businesses. But, in all cases, many factors must be considered. It's critical to know if the partnership makes sense, legal liabilities, roles and expectations and, in the event of disagreements, how to end the partnership as 01/09/2019
Most businesses, especially smaller ones, will find themselves at some point considering a partnership with another person or business. The nature of the partnership may range from a one-time contractual agreement, to sharing resources and clients to merging existing businesses. But, in all cases, many factors must be considered. It's critical to know if the partnership makes sense, legal liabilities, roles and expectations and, in the event of disagreements, how to end the partnership as
Tired, Frustrated and Overwhelmed? If you're feeling frustrated with your business, you're not alone. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. Small business owners work long hours and often for less pay when it's broken down by hour. Add in that there are few resources available, having to work multiple jobs - that is, wearing many hats - you are in charge of sales and marketing, operations, finance, bookkeeping, customer service, etc. and it's not hard to see why you're feeling overwhelmed. It's hard at the best of times running a 11/13/2018
If you're feeling frustrated with your business, you're not alone. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. Small business owners work long hours and often for less pay when it's broken down by hour. Add in that there are few resources available, having to work multiple jobs - that is, wearing many hats - you are in charge of sales and marketing, operations, finance, bookkeeping, customer service, etc. and it's not hard to see why you're feeling overwhelmed. It's hard at the best of times running a
What Makes Your Business Stand Out? Trying to stand out, to differentiate yourself in a sea of competitors is difficult at the best of times. But, when you are also competing for eyeballs - consumer interest - in a crowded environment filled not only with competitors, but with endless entertainment, news, politics 24/7, it becomes a near-impossible task to get noticed. However, despite the 'noise' one can still be heard. People can be reached but the message must be clear, concise and, especially, targeted and designed to 03/12/2018
Trying to stand out, to differentiate yourself in a sea of competitors is difficult at the best of times. But, when you are also competing for eyeballs - consumer interest - in a crowded environment filled not only with competitors, but with endless entertainment, news, politics 24/7, it becomes a near-impossible task to get noticed. However, despite the 'noise' one can still be heard. People can be reached but the message must be clear, concise and, especially, targeted and designed to
Why Do So Many Small Businesses Fail? It has been claimed by none other than Bloomberg that 80% of all businesses fail within the first 18 months. While this figure is disputed (it is almost certainly less than this according to Ethan Vanderbilt), it is nevertheless sufficiently high enough to be a cause for concern. There are numerous reasons businesses fail including poor products, poor management, limited resources, ineffective strategy and so on, but one of the major reasons, especially for the small business owner is 02/05/2018
It has been claimed by none other than Bloomberg that 80% of all businesses fail within the first 18 months. While this figure is disputed (it is almost certainly less than this according to Ethan Vanderbilt), it is nevertheless sufficiently high enough to be a cause for concern. There are numerous reasons businesses fail including poor products, poor management, limited resources, ineffective strategy and so on, but one of the major reasons, especially for the small business owner is
