March, 2014

Don't Make Budgeting Mistakes on Day One

Bloomberg found that 8 out of 10 small businesses fail within the first 18 months of starting out. That means that 80% of all small businesses will not make it.

Finances can be tricky - both personal finances and the finances regarding your small business.

Make It Your Business Not to Be a Fraud Victim

Occupational fraud exacts a frighteningly high toll on small businesses every year, according to data from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. With more than 70,000 members, ACFE is the world's largest anti-fraud organization as well as a premier provider of anti-fraud education and training.

In ACFE's "Small Business Fraud Prevention Manual," the median annual loss to fraud among small businesses -- defined as those with less than 100 employees -- is estimated at $155,000.

Why Startup Companies Need Financial Models

In a world that is essentially run by money and numbers, we have seen an increase in the number of new businesses in the past few years. As we see how developing countries emerge and come to play in the global business arena, we also see local startup companies mushrooming from everywhere. There seems to be a boost in the entrepreneurial spirit in these countries. But more than just being part of the startup craze, the most important thing is to survive the competition. Ideally, new companies have to realize the importance of having a financial model.

5 Secrets to Successful Real Estate Marketing

With the housing crisis still being felt today, many real estate agents are trying their best to market their services to as many clients as possible. By successfully running a good marketing strategy, many real estate agents or companies can win clients. Here are 5 secrets to a successful real estate marketing strategy.  

How to Keep Your Small Business in the Competition for the Best Employees

While it may seem that many big businesses out there are always grabbing the best employees, it’s important that small businesses do their part to attempt to lure in people who can help their business. After all, the employees are the foundation of business and can often mean the difference between success and failure. This is especially true for businesses that are smaller in size. Here are some tips for keeping your small business in the competition for the best employees to try and increase the odds for your business being a success. 

Are Your Communication Needs Your Top Business?

All small businesses need to communicate.

After all, communication is what keeps you in business and helps boost your sales. It also is vital in maintaining employee morale and letting your employees and customers know of any changes or upcoming promotions within the company.

Face-lift: How to Turn your Company Facebook Page into Something Worth Visiting

It isn’t the early 90s anymore. Today, if you run a company and want to make a decent profit, you definitely need to have an Internet presence with a strong marketing strategy. To do this, you should use a multi-faceted approach and have an SEO, advertising and social media plan. In fact, with a solid social media strategy, you can increase conversions quickly. With this in mind, here is a quick guide on how to turn your Facebook page into something that customers will be excited to visit.

Trail Blazing in 2014: Mary Barra's Plan to Drive GM into Profits

When Mary Barra was appointed CEO at GM, the story made waves. She is the first female automaker CEO, and unquestionably one of the most qualified, having worked her way up the ranks since the age of 19. What is her agenda for GM? Barra herself has defined it this way. "There is no left or right turn," she has said. "We want to accelerate."

Does Your Small Business Have the Right Investors?

Having the right investors can help small business owners build a strong foundation for success.

Besides providing additional capital, investors can offer useful ideas and resources that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your business activities.

Five Industrial Safety Measures For Your Company

Every type of business has workplace safety issues that are unique to its particular industry. But despite differences in workplaces, most employers do have safety issues in common that they all need to address.