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Owning a family business can be a great way to make a living for one’s parents, spouse, children, and other relatives. Hopefully, the business will grow and thrive enough to provide a good living for all these people now and in the future. However, in addition to all the usual challenges that accompany the start-up, operations, and growth of a business, family owned businesses have some unique ob Read More

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” ~ Warren Buffet. Every business must manage their reputation because in the end, what else is there? Yes, a business with a great reputation can fail, but it is far more difficult for a business with a poor reputation to succeed. It really isn't difficult or time consuming Read More

Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur and for those that are not, trying to be an entrepreneur can be the worst experience of your life and almost always ends in failure. So how do you know if you are cut out for this? Are you prepared to make the necessary sacrifices? Do you have the knowledge to get across the finish line? Read More

As if small businesses don’t have enough to worry about, in a tough economy, they are being victimized by a new twist on fraud. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has received several complaints about firms making false claims, engaging in abusive marketing practices, scams, and charging exorbitant fees to small businesses to help them apply for funds available through SBA programs. Read More

Ignoring or mishandling customers who complain can be the downfall of your company. Yet, unsatisfied customers, when satisfied, are ten times more loyal to the company than happy customers. In fact, they often become vocal brand ambassadors for the company. Includes Video and Top Ten List to capitalize upon this opportunity. Read More

Most small business owners do not think they can afford big marketing plans. To them, marketing is advertising, and everyone knows that advertising is expensive. Of course, advertising is an important element of marketing strategy. But, there are numerous low-cost tools and tactics that a small business can use to increase their visibility and attractiveness to potential customers. And, all tha Read More

Two new tax benefits are now available to employers hiring workers who were previously unemployed or only working part time. These provisions are part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act enacted into law today. Read More

The best way to learn how to start and run your own business is through “OPE” – other people’s experiences. It certainly beats the “School of Hard Knocks” where you have to experience everything first hand. With all of the resources available, only a fool with a death wish would want to go it alone. Read More

Some days, I wonder if business owners really think about the basics of how they operate. Consider what messages we give our customers or potential customers each day. It would be fair to assume that a business is closed if the lights are off or there is a sign that says “closed.” However, sometimes a business just appears to be closed when it is not. Read More

Tough times usually spell trouble for small businesses, including those in relatively stable industries or geographic locations. Here are Ten Top Tips for Tough Times to help small businesses survive our current economic climate. Read More