How did it get to be November already? And you know what that means – holidays! While you personally may not want to even think about Thanksgiving, for small businesses, the holidays have already arrived. While every season is important, for many small companies, the holiday season can represent half their annual sales. So, there’s …
7 Signs Your Small Business Is About to Die
Every small business owner has good days and bad days, good months and bad months. But how do you know when you’re not just experiencing a temporary downswing but are in serious trouble? Here are seven key danger signs that your business is about to fail and steps you can take to keep your business …
3 Ways to Successfully Pivot
You’ve just launched your startup or small business. You’ve got a great idea. But then, you find customers aren’t really interested. Do you throw in the towel? No, you pivot. You’ve been running your small business successfully for years. But then, your industry changes. Do you look for a job? No, you pivot. You’re smart …
7 Sure-fire Ways To Mess Up Your Startup
Now is a great time to follow your dream and launch your startup or small business. Startup “incubators” and “accelerators”—physical or virtual support organizations for budding entrepreneurs—are popping up in cities large and small, not just across the US but globally, to help you realize your dream. There’s more money available for financing, with crowdfunding, …
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: …
7 Things an Entrepreneur Should Never Say
“Whoops – did he really just say that?” When you’re just starting a small business or launching a startup, it’s easy to put your foot in your mouth. You’ll be meeting many people and telling them about your new entrepreneurial venture. You’ll pitch to investors or try to impress a banker. You’ll almost certainly be …