Customer service is crucial for small businesses hoping to compete with chain stores, larger companies, and even the small business next door. While there are a number of steps to...
Nine times out of 10, a customer problem starts with a simple issue that can be solved in a matter of minutes. These issues can make the difference between one-time...
As a successful business owner, you may soon find yourself in the enviable position of outgrowing your current office space. Staying put in a cramped office is not a solution....
Buying computers for your business can be a nerve-wracking experience. But before you even get started, you need to answer an important question: Should you buy Windows or Apple computers?...
Customers expect small businesses to provide the best customer service. However, by holding on to the old customer-service strategy that the customer is No. 1, many small businesses have failed...
The biggest mistake in selling is believing that if you can just tell your prospect enough about your product or service, if you just get the chance to "make your...
Most places I go, I'll ask someone in a company, "If you could put one idea about your business directly into the mind of a prospective customer, what would that...
Having bad credit makes it harder to qualify for a franchise loan, but it's not impossible. If you have bankruptcies combined with lots of judgments and tax liens against you,...
When working with a prospective client, it is imperative that you consider his or her ego in the process. As you make the sale, you want to come across as...
If you breathed a deep sigh of relief, believing you escaped financial fireworks set off by the mortgage madness, that relaxing exhale may have been premature. Chances are you will...
Coupons are a proven way to increase sales for small businesses. E-coupons offer online small businesses the same advantage, and are easy to implement. All you need is a shopping...
At times, a small-business owner will notice a recurring pattern of underwhelming results. This pattern could mean that you've got a hidden attachment to the status quo. Asking, "Why does...
A typical venture capital investment is structured so that the venture capitalist gets convertible preferred stock in your company. This stock gives the venture capitalist preference over the common shareholders...
Leadership is about the future, with a solid grasp of the present. The next time you are in an unproductive conversation about business results, a project, or an employee relationship...
No matter how good you are at whatever you do, your small business will die without sales. In today's oversaturated market, you cannot afford to sit around and wait for...
When it comes to breaking a franchise contract, the law usually swings in favor of the franchiser. That's mainly because franchisers are able to limit their liability through UFOCs and...
How do you measure success? If the answer is not crystal-clear to you and your employees, then it's time to take a fresh look at your definition of success. A...
When selling a business you have two options. You can opt either for an entity sale or an asset sale. Making the right choice can help minimize the taxes that...
"Gremlin" is coaching-shorthand for inner-critic, self-doubt, negative, or undermining beliefs. Very few of us can say we don't have them. While the themes are similar—fear, self-doubt, perfectionism, fraud, self-criticism, and...
Studies have shown that an environment that operates on honesty is far more effective than the alternative. Honest feedback is a great starting point. Soliciting and providing actionable advice at...
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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