August, 2013

How To Make Your Small Office Work When It's All You Have

One of the challenges in the world of business is to find a way to make due with the resources that you have. A small office can be inconvenient, but it may be all that you have to work with. Renting a bigger space is not in your budget and you just do not have the time to go looking for a better situation.

If a small office is all you have, then there are still plenty of ways to make it work. Becoming an expert in office space utilization is not nearly as difficult as you may think.

Mastering the Art of Marketing: Five Tools Every Executive Needs

Today, there are more people running their own businesses than ever. That's why it's becoming more important to master marketing. It is the most impactful area of business, especially for small businesses. To help you master marketing, here are five essential tools that you'll need.

Can My Business Benefit From Radio Advertising?

Radio advertising is one of the oldest forms of advertising, but that doesn’t mean it still isn’t used.

In fact, in Australia, approximately 80 percent of the population still listen to the radio. Regardless of where your business is located, there are a lot of people to be reached through radio advertising. Of course it shouldn’t be your only form of marketing your business, but it a viable option. 

Canadian Small Business Owners: "Lacking in Financial Literacy"

There is both good news and bad news when it comes to the level of small business financial literacy possessed by the average Canadian small business owner. The results of a recent small business financial literacy quiz conducted by Intuit Canada show that more than 8 out of 10 respondents failed to achieve a score of “good or basic knowledge” or better. Nearly half of these respondents revealed “well below basic knowledge.” 

Explore Unmet Needs For New Business Ideas

There used to be a longstanding belief that 90 percent of new firms fail within the first five years, but statistics tell a different story. A 2012 survey by the Small Business Administration found that 70 percent of new businesses with employees last at least two years, and a little more than half last five years. These success rates are primarily due to savvy entrepreneurs knowing that the online marketplace has given consumers more choices than ever before. The days of applying for an American Express business credit card, renting office space and expecting customers are over. 

How Small Businesses Can Use Social Media to Level the Playing Field

Social media is the best alternative to the high cost and limited reach of traditional marketing for small businesses. Free from the restraints of ad page space and broadcast time, social media levels the playing field for businesses of all sizes. Now, it’s much easier and more effective for small businesses to tell their stories, promote their brands, connect with new prospects, and deliver great customer service online. When done well, social media drives loyalty, sales, and ultimately, revenue.

Five Tips For Creating a Successful Business From The Ground Up

Starting a business is a complex endeavor that requires attention to detail and dedication, and with proper research and preparation, anyone can survive that difficult first year in operation and create a successful company. After formulating an idea for a new business, consider the following tips, tools, and resources for ensuring success of the fledgling operation.

5 Ways A Small Business Can Succeed In This Economy

While many business experts would profess that now is not the best time to start a small business, in many cases, they couldn’t be more wrong. Countless companies are opening their doors, thriving and most importantly growing in a somewhat volatile environment. Here are 5 ways a small business can succeed in this economy.

5 Signs I Have Lost My Employees

Keeping your employees engaged in their work while also maintaining their respect can be a tricky balance. The success of any small business is dependent upon employees.

Therefore, it’s essential to be able to identify the  signs that indicate you’re losing your employees so you can take swift steps to fix the problems.

I Just Made a Bad Hire, Now What?

Choosing the right employee for the right job can be tough.

Maybe he or she looks great on paper and interviewed astoundingly, but then when they get in the position – it just doesn’t work. Now you need to figure out what to do. The good thing is, you’ve got some options and it may not be all bad news.