We're at the halfway mark of 2011. How's your business doing? This month, we've got great tips on what NOT to do with social media, how to use some social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to improve your visibility, and, in honor of Father's Day, a piece on what Brandon Yanofsky learned from listening to his dad talk to (or yell at) Customer Service. We hope you can pick up a few useful tips, and share some too!
These days, all it takes is a computer and internet connection to run a virtual business. You can work in your pjs from home and you don't have a morning commute! What could be better?
As the economy worsens and unemployment remains high, many college students are starting their own companies instead of looking for jobs. I recently had a chance to sit down and have a conversation with one such recent graduate. His name is Sean Goldfaden and he runs Playfarer, a brand that offers Wayfarer style sunglasses with mass customization. He had tips for first time entrepreneurs, advice on branding, and much more...
We humans love physically interacting with our environments. It’s in our DNA. In fact, we can’t truly understand something unless we’ve “felt” it with our senses, whether it be visual, auditory, taste, smell, or touch. That’s why we are so hesitant to buy new products unless we’ve experienced them. Rarely will we buy a fragrance unless we’ve smelt it. Rarely will we buy clothing unless we’ve tried it on. And rarely will we buy food unless we’ve tasted it...
What tops your list when you think about developing competitive advantages for your business? Better products? Better services? What about company culture? Is that one even on your radar? It is for companies like Softchoice, who are proud to claim their culture as one of their top competitive advantages. The Canadian-based provider of IT solutions and services is one of those companies who just gets it...
Recycle your paper, turn off the lights and encouraging telecommuting when possible seem to be the most talked about efforts when experts talk about making your small business greener and earth friendly. Although seemingly small gestures, each makes a huge difference when everyone chips in...
Your business is your baby. You’ve poured yourself into it over the years – given it your time, attention, love, money, and pretty much everything else you’ve had. You’ve had your ups and downs, but this… this is different. This is more than just a “down” period. You’re in real trouble now. Your business is drowning...
What does it take to be named the best small business in America? I recently had a chance to find out. I placed a call to Red Frog Events, a $60 million Chicago company recently named the 2011 Dream Big Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I was curious how a company gets singled out as the cream of the crop -- what have they got going on that most of American business doesn't?...
Do you enjoy traveling for business? It may surprise you, but it’s one of the things I love the most. I love taking a plane up to San Francisco for a conference, or flying out to Boston for a summit, or even taking a red eye to New York City for a business meeting. Over the years, I’ve found some great tips and tools that have made traveling much more enjoyable...
Whether you already know it or not, your company has its own company culture. And you’ve helped to shape it. The question is: Are you helping to develop the right culture for your organization?