Would it kill your small business if you took a vacation? What would happen if you gave your small business employees a vacation too? One of the most challenging aspects of owning a small business is figuring out how and when to take a vacation. And, as hard as it is for you to go …
8 Myths About Small Business
With USA Today’s launch of their new section for small business, USA and Main, I thought it would be good to get some of the most persistent myths about small business out of the way. Having worked with thousands of small business owners over my more than 25 years in business, and owning a small …
Time to Inspire Your Small Business
As a small business owner, have you ever said “I want to quit my job” even though it’s your own company? Every small business owner feels that way from time to time. We need some inspiration to refill our motivation tanks. I’m a big fan of inspirational quotations. Quotations remind me of truths I know …
Net Neutrality Loss Is Loss for Small Business
Last month, during Small Business Week, small businesses descended on US Senators’ offices. They signed petitions, wrote letters and emails, even put up billboards. What was all the fuss about? Small businesses were trying to help save open and equal access to the Internet. The US Senate, in a bipartisan vote, tried to do its …
10 Tips for Small Biz Seasonal Survival
Memorial Day is the traditional kickoff of the summer season, and for many small businesses, that means customers flocking through the doors. For others, it’s the doldrums: customers don’t come, clients don’t call. Whether you sell surfboards or snowboards, picnic baskets or Christmas baskets, the health of your small business may be directly related to …
Become a Delightful Small Biz
In today’s world, a small business needs to stand out. To survive, you need loyal, even fanatic, customers. It’s tough to compete on price, or even convenience, so what’s going to make a difference? Delight and surprise your customers. Customers today spread the word about businesses. When they’re unhappy, they quickly blast you on social …
Best Small Biz Advisors Share Best Small Biz Tips
America loves small business, and next week, April 29 to May 5, America observes “Small Business Week”—dedicated to recognizing the best small business owners and entrepreneurs. I also want to recognize the best small business support in the country: the consultants of America’s Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) network. So I’m hosting a Facebook Live …
Best Place to Start a Business? Check Amazon
As a journalist covering small business, my email inbox is regularly filled with press releases from companies wanting publicity. Often, they’re announcing the result of some survey they sponsored. They’ll hire a polling company, gather some data, and put out a list: Best places to retire, Best places to raise children, Best this, Best that. …
Stop Talking and Start Doing
So, you always wanted to own your own small business? You dream of being your own boss? But you’re stuck in a rut. You’re still in a dead-end job with a boss you hate. Or you’re sitting on your couch at 11 am wondering, ‘What am I doing with my life?’ Well, it’s time to …
