It’s Small Business Week—the beginning of May—and you know what that means: summer is around the corner. For many businesses, especially women-owned businesses, summer is either their busiest or slowest season. Businesses located in tourist locations, in hospitality industries, or in the wedding business, may see the bulk of their income in the next few …
If I’m Making a Profit, Why am I Broke?
You’ve filed your taxes, right? Or at least filed for an extension? Either way, you had to somehow come up with money to pay the IRS. Ouch! That hurt. Here’s the good news: You run a profitable business. That’s why you owe taxes. But why was there no money in your bank account? Here’s a …
Small Business Manifesto
It’s National Small Business Week, so you’ll hear a bunch of platitudes about small business: “Small business is the backbone of the economy, creates new jobs, is the American dream, yada, yada…” All true, but how does that help you? I’ve been involved with the small business community for 25 years, and it’s time for …
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 …
9 Small Business Facts to Knock Your Socks Off
It’s Small Business Week in America, time for the country to recognize the many contributions small businesses make to our economy, our communities, and our fellow Americans. Now, if you own a small business–especially if you work from home or have just a handful of employees–acquaintances might not give you much respect. When I started …
Go Mobile
Just a couple of years ago, I advised small businesses that their future was mobile. Customers would reach them on mobile devices, and they’d run their companies on mobile devices too. Well, the future has arrived. This week – Small Business Week – I’m helping you “Make this Your Year to Grow.” If you want …
Build Your Team
Where do you see your small business in a year? Five years? You almost certainly want to grow. But if you want to grow, you can’t do it alone. The theme of my special Small Business Week series is “Make this Your Year to Grow.” Today we’re going to focus on a fundamental growth strategy: …
How to Reach Your Small Business Customers
You’ve got a killer idea for your small business. You’ve created a great new product or service, set up operations, raised sufficient money to get out of the gate. But where are the customers? It’s time to pay attention to marketing. During Small Business Week, I’m devoted to helping you “Make this Your Year to …
Plan for Growth
“You can’t reach a goal you haven’t set.” During Small Business Week, I’m helping you “Make this Your Year to Grow.” If you want to grow, one of the most important steps is to develop a plan for growth – and then make planning an ongoing process of your company. Now, don’t get worried that …