For more than a decade, I ran my small business from my home. I loved it. I’d boast about my “one room commute” to friends when they’d complain about being stuck in commuter traffic. My business eventually outgrew my home office, but I still work from home regularly, so over the years, I discovered a …
Time to Celebrate Immigrants
It’s the Fourth of July, and as you head to a holiday beach or barbecue, look around your town. Take a moment to notice—and appreciate—all the many small businesses—and large ones too—started by immigrants. As we celebrate America, we also celebrate what America has meant—and continues to mean—for immigrants from throughout the world. A few …
Tell Your Small Biz Employees to Get Lost
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 …
A Small Biz Needs Values, So Does Our Country
On Tuesday, June 19, President Donald Trump spoke before an organization that often purports to represent small business, attempting to gin up support of the small business community for his policy of separating immigrant families. As someone who has worked with small businesses across the United States for more than two decades, I know this …
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 …
