Author Archive
Small Business Owner Success Traits
Some of the necessary traits of the person who is pursuing a small business startup are passion, attitude, character, willingness to learn, their skills and talents and adhering to test key business principles. You must have a strong combination of these traits. If you don’t, failure is more likely. ... Read More
Creating Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
I talk a lot about the nuts and bolts of starting or buying and running a small business. In my coaching and consulting business, my clients and I work together a lot on streamlining their systems to allow them more personal freedom and increased income. But there is much more to understand. ... Read More
Powerful Writing Tips for Your Business
If you are a business owner, you may not be able to outsource your copywriting. Your marketing plan should include a lot of content and much of it may be self-written. Whether it is your company newsletter, a blog, direct mail pieces or sales letters, you know you must be continually reaching out to your customers to stay on top of the competition. Making your writing more powerful is one way to do this. ... Read More
Managing Relationship Issues in Business
All businesses, large and small, at their core are really built around relationships. Your relationships as a small business owner include those with customers, vendors, employees, mentors and your friends and family. Where people are involved, there are always unique challenges and being successful requires that you manage these relationships well and identify and solve problems early. ... Read More
Videocasting 101
Business owners have always had many avenues for communicating their marketing messages to clients, but the newest avenue is videocasting (online video). This method is inexpensive, easy and helps quickly build rapport with current and potential clients. The only expense is a handheld video camera, which you may already own. With a little bit of practice, you can be adding this high-tech feature to your website or blog. ... Read More
Business Writing Improvement Tips
Writing is a critical business skill but we didn’t take in that message during our school years. Even in college, I’m betting you didn’t realize how important your writing skills would be as a business owner. Writing is required in marketing, customer relations, human resources, and all other facets of business. There are some simple things to watch for that will improve your writing. ... Read More
The Power of Mastermind Groups
I often recommend that small business owners and entrepreneurs have three key tools in their “success toolbox”: a coach, a mentor and a mastermind group. I’ve covered coaching and mentoring in another article and on my web site. Let’s explore the role of mastermind groups in helping you to set and achieve your goals. ... Read More
Business Coaching Versus Mentoring
Coaching is a fairly new phenomenon in business. Over the past twenty years, however, it has become a thriving industry. I, myself, am a coach, mentor and trainer. It isn’t uncommon to function in these roles separately or in a combined role, but it is important that people understand the difference. ... Read More
Be a Debt-Free StartUp
For many people who have an entrepreneurial dream, there is no established nest egg or savings to start a small business. Don’t be discouraged! Many people before you have started a business through “bootstrapping”. You can get plenty of businesses started with very little upfront cash, and the cash you do need can be sought in unique, non-traditional ways. ... Read More
Reduce Payroll Costs, Save Staff
The economy has caused many small business owners to examine their expenses. We are trying to do more with the money we have because there is often less income than before. Increasing revenue in this economy is a challenge so the only other option is to reduce expenses. Payroll is one of the largest expenses, but how do you cut it without losing employees? ... Read More
