Part of the Business Most business owners second guess themselves, especially when business slows down or unforeseen events occur. Instead of stressing over it, you have to keep moving forward. Find new ways to retain customers/clients, expand to meet increasing demands, and get additional training if you’re lacking in any areas. Only after you do […]
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Going Above and Beyond: Good for Business or Waste of Time?
Overpromising Does this scenario sound familiar? To impress a new client, you promise to fulfill an order or provide a service in less time than it would normally take you. While this may make you look like a real go-getter, now you’re stuck running around scrambling to get things done. This will affect the overall […]
Landing New Clients (Less About You, More About Them)
Understanding Client Needs When meeting a new client for the first (or second) time, it’s important to first get a sense of what the client wants. Start the conversation by asking why the client contacted you specifically. This allows them to explain what they’re looking for. Ask additional questions as the conversation progresses to learn […]
Risky Business
Risk Taking: A Double-Edged Sword To grow your business you must take on a certain amount of risk. Unfortunately, those same risks could cause you to lose everything. Luckily, some risks are less risky than others. Refer to your business plan to see how new business ideas fit. Will these new ideas really help your […]
Do You Lack Inspiration?
Look to the Past What first inspired you to start a business? Consider these reasons when planning for the future. Are there unexplored areas you meant to cover but haven’t yet? Expanding or building on current business services may be just the thing to inspire you. In many cases, business owners become bored or dissatisfied […]
Are you a Good Listener?
Schedule Specific Meeting Times – Scheduling meetings allows you to block off specific pockets of time to focus solely on the needs of clients and employees. Regardless of whether you meet in person or via teleconference, turn off your cell phone and shut your door so you can dedicate all of your attention during that […]
3 Important Financial Steps for New Small Business Owners
Create a Savings Buffer Having a few months’ worth of income in your savings account can really help reduce financial stress when first starting out. Because your income may drop in the beginning (not to mention the security of having an employer provide both work and steady paychecks), try to save at least six months’ […]
Ways to Use Business Down Time to Your Advantage
Reorganize, Update, and Refresh Go through piles of papers, files, magazines, books, and other clutter traps in your office and discard or file to create a better work environment. Go through financial records, books, and other documents and update accordingly. Paint your office a new color or buy some new office storage and decorative items […]
Small Business Financials – Are You Paying Attention
The Importance of Reviewing Your Books Set aside an hour or so each week to review your books. Learn how money flows in and out of your business. This data can help you make important decisions concerning expansion and help you determine ways to cut back. Compare past financial statements year-to-year, or quarter-to-quarter to see […]