Client Service
“Out of the Box” Client Service
It’s normally easier and more cost effective to keep existing clients than it is to acquire new ones. There are …
Three Holiday Gifts our Clients Raved About
It was important to me to find a great way to show appreciation to my best clients. Each year we …
When You Are Given a Referral How Do You Say Thank You?
Many businesses such as mine have legal guidelines for the amount that can be spent on clients. I always try …
One sign that it’s time to let go of an employee
One way to know it is time to let an employee go is when they have changed to having a …
Marketing
Low Cost Marketing to Get you in Front of a Lot of Potential Clients Quickly
I learned early on that getting in front of one client at a time would not build the business fast …
Free and Low Cost Marketing Ideas for Small Business
There are many inexpensive ways for small businesses to market themselves. Below are a few options that can help you …
Two Strategies For How to Market When you Have a Small Marketing Budget
I learned early on that getting in front of one client at a time would not build the business fast …
Low Cost and No Cost Marketing Ideas That Have Had Extraordinary Results
What I did: I learned early on that getting in front of one client at a time would not build …
Business Money Saving and Advertising “Shortcuts”
1. After researching credit card options, I put all of the business expenses I could on a credit card that …
Tips for Advertising Your Small Business on a Budget
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and industry trade magazines. Give advice, thank people or tell …
A Creative Way To Use a Small Marketing Budget
Attending local charity auctions is a great way to meet potential clients/customers while at the same time purchasing marketing packages …
Systems, Strategies, and Solutions
Providing options for how existing and potential clients can communicate with you.
Many people today are extremely busy balancing work, family, and life in general. It is imperative that you make it …
Strategy for Small Business to Start The Year Off Right
Many small business owners find there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything was done that is required …
I Only Touch Things Once, Whenever Possible
Developing and implementing systems to enable everyone in the business to “touch things only once” whenever possible, is a key …
Business Strategies in a Down Economy
What can companies do to position themselves for success and earnings boosts in the future when facing a challenging economy? …
Three key tips to running a successful business
#1 Mind set is crucial – Have a vision for the future – 1, 3 and 5 years out. Do not …
The difference between a successful business during lean times and one that significantly struggles can come down to a few key issues
1. Is your product or service still a must for consumers when there is a need for people to cut …
Tips for Better Business Presentations
First – Do your research before you pitch Learn all you can about the company or person you are pitching …
Hard habits to break for salespeople
Problem #1 Salespeople often try too hard to sell their product or service, which can turn off the prospective buyer …
How to determine your ideal client
How do you determine your ideal client profile? The answer is dependent on the type of business you have. However, …
When, why and how to say no to potential business
1) When should you say no to a client? Your reputation means everything for the future success of your business …
Maximizing the Value of your Business
How to Build, Grow, and Sell a Business
Check out my radio interview with Dr. Shannon Reece. We discuss how I started, built and then sold a very …
How can your business run effectively without you?
There are many issues to address for a business to work without requiring the owner to be there. A few …
Is your business attractive to a potential buyer?
What would you look for if you were interested in purchasing a business? If you think of it from the buyer’s …
Managing the Team
Employee Reward Ideas for Small Businesses
Here’s an idea for a low-cost way to reward employees. Keep a supply of lottery tickets, movie tickets and gift …
One sign that it’s time to let go of an employee
One way to know it is time to let an employee go is when they have changed to having a …
When to hire staff
Many business owners feel they need to wait until enough money is coming in before they hire staff. If you wait …
When Employers are Unable to Pay a High-Value Bonus, What are Some Ways They Can Reward Employees and Boost Morale?
As a small business owner for over 30 years, I always strived to show appreciation for a job well done …
Finding Co-Workers That Have Very Different Personalities Can Make For a Happier and More Productive Workplace
I believe many people spend more of their awake hours at work than anywhere else. And life is too short …
5 Reasons to Cross-Train Employees
1. In the event an employee is out sick or on vacation, etc. someone else should be able to keep …
How to turn around a team without firing employees
Often when a business is not running efficiently and effectively it is because the wrong people are in the jobs …
How and when to hire your first employee
As a coach to business owners in different parts of the country, there are a few important points I recommend …
Solving the problem of ineffective staff meetings
There are four factors that make an effective meeting: Preparation. By having an outline for the meeting and letting everyone …
How can your business run effectively without you?
There are many issues to address for a business to work without requiring the owner to be there. A few …
What does a small business owner need to know about recruiting their first employees?
Many business owners wait to hire help until they feel they can afford to do so, which for many is …
Boss or Nurterer?
As a female business owner, it was obvious that some people had difficulty working for me. Although no one can …
Benefits small business owners can offer employees for a happier and more “connected” work environment
Birthday off with pay: After being with the company one year, our employees received their birthday off paid each year. …
Saying “This is Not Part of My Job”
Running the business efficiently to assure clients or customers are well taken care of, is an important key to the …
Business Financials
5 Tips for Small Business Owners Regarding Cash Flow
1. Depending on the type of business, you may be able to spread out annual client service more evenly over …
Tips to Help Small Businesses Save on Expenses Without Sacrificing Service, Quality, or Content
If possible, align payroll with business income. For example, if your business typically receives income bi-weekly, change staff payroll to …
When your Business is Struggling and on Life Support, What Can You Do To Help Save your Company?
The most important thing is to really evaluate how money is being sent and how the business is being run. …
Small Business – Keeping Cost In Line With Profitability
I used to feel that every client deserves the same level of service regardless of the amount of income they …
What steps do you take if costs are rising but margins are decreasing?
The answer to this question can depend on the type of business you have. For example for a service business, …
The number one mistake small businesses make when it comes to finances and money
The number one mistake small businesses make when it comes to finances and money is not doing the research before …
Business Money Saving and Advertising “Shortcuts”
1. After researching credit card options, I put all of the business expenses I could on a credit card that …
Tips for entrepreneurs looking for funding/investments to pursue their business
1. Have a written business plan. A good business plan includes the following: Cover Page Outline your contact information so …
Other Business Topics
How to gain maximum benefit from attending a conference
Many people have a tendency when at a conference, to sit in meetings and at meals with others they know. …
What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me When Starting my Business
I wish someone would have told me to think more about “the big picture” and the future of my business …
What Should Be Included When Writing an Effective Business Plan?
It is important to be very specific with what the goals are, the deadline to complete each, how they will …
Should You Bring on a Business Partner?
Pros Share responsibilities Share expenses Someone to run things so you can take time off Cons May not agree on …
Drawing up a strategic business plan
Questions you should ask yourself when drawing up a strategic plan. Is your product or service still a must for …
Should a small business owner attend a business conference?
As a small business owner myself, I attend at least one major conference each year. It is great to have …
What Major Challenge do I see Facing Small Business Today?
Many successful business owners have a written business plan outlining their goals for the current and future years of the …
Is It Ever Appropriate To Publicly Criticize a Competitor? What is the Best Way To Handle the Situation When It Arises?
I believe it is never appropriate to publicly criticize a competitor. It can make both you and the competitor look …
Starting a business on a shoestring budget
I learned early on that getting in front of one client at a time would not build the business fast …
Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?
As an entrepreneur myself for 30 years and a coach to business owners across the country, I believe the answer …
How to Help Keep Sales Calls From Coming to your Phones
The number below is the National Do Not Call number. If you call it from every telephone number you have, …
5 Things to Consider Before Going into Business for Yourself
Have you done your research regarding the need and market for your business at the location you plan to have …