Don't settle for second best when hiring people to represent your business to customers. When you have a front-office opening, review the skills and personality needed for the job, take...
As a business leader, you can play four active mentoring roles: formal mentor, informal mentor, mentee, and mentoring supporter. You probably know by now that you shouldn't be a formal...
When contemplating and/or pursuing your entrepreneurial ambitions, there are a plethora of things to consider. The loan officer wants to see your business plan, the community wants to know how...
If an employee is terminated and sues for wrongful termination, an employer will need documentation as part of the legal defense to help show it did not act arbitrarily. Even...
Finding the time, money, and resources to train new employees can be a significant challenge. You want to find someone who can hit the ground running and do the work...
Colleges and Universities can offer a treasure chest of knowledge to the savvy small business owner. Here are five ways to tap into that source: 1. Volunteer your company to...
Having a strong presence on the Internet is no longer optional for today's small businesses. Keep in mind the following as you strengthen your position on the World Wide Web:...
In today's marketplace, it is often the swiftest competitor -- not necessarily the smartest -- that wins. Speed is increasingly of the essence, no matter what business you are in,...
Many family business owners devoted long hours and tremendous energy to their companies to get them off the ground. They were frequently away on business trips, and they worked nights...
Successful next-generation leaders in the family business have to create new relationships with their parents that cannot naturally evolve out of the biological family. There are several factors involved: 1....
Many successful entrepreneurs are reluctant to let go of the businesses they started, but in holding on too long, senior-generation family members inadvertently damage the things they love the most:...
Entrepreneurs must possess a set of core beliefs that cause them to conclude they're not engaged in risky businesses. First, they must adore the idea of being in control of...
Many family business owners think of transition as an event. They associate it with death, retirement, or some other form of departure from their companies. But that shouldn't be the...
Should you include an arbitration provision in a contract? If you include a contract clause requiring arbitration, then any disputes "arising under or relating to" the agreement will be arbitrated....
Don't assume that forming an LLC or corporation will always shield your personal assets. Even if you operate as a corporation or LLC, a creditor can still go after your...
A simple way to relieve stress is to go to extremes. Exaggerate any tension you feel for 30 to 60 seconds. Make it worse. Then let go and relax. When...
Provide resources for future site maintenance. Your site can be your very best employee, and like an employee it should be monitored, reviewed, and invested in on a consistent basis...
No one likes to think about a downturn in business. But if it happens, the sooner you see it coming, the better prepared you will be. Finances: Prepare monthly financial...
Keep in mind the following when looking for state and local funding options to help your business succeed: 1. Consider city, county, or state assistance programs for qualified small businesses....
When you're ready to take your business plan to the bank to apply for a business loan, be prepared. Many people misunderstand what the bank can and can't do for...
Want to improve the way you run your business? Entrepreneurs, academics, and consultants from diverse industries offer practical advice on a variety of topics each business day.
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