All business owners want to be successful, but the statistics are high for failure in the first five years. Not understanding customers, differentiating the business in the marketplace or leveraging future growth are some of the top reasons businesses fail. So, what makes business owners successful? It takes a lot of time, effort and planning … Continue reading Top Three Characteristics of a Successful Business Owner
What exactly is social engineering and why should you be concerned about it? Social engineering is a very popular form of hacking that’s been called the greatest security risk in the decade ahead. It can be done by email, phone or text messaging, and usually the hacker is someone trying to trick you into giving … Continue reading The Threat of Social Engineering: What owners need to know to keep their businesses and clients safe.
Most times small businesses are focused on customer retention, but the reasons for losing a customer can be just as valuable. With so many online tools and the popularity of social media, customer competition is more aggressive than ever before. Customers want you to go above and beyond their expectations because, if you don’t, they’ll … Continue reading 10 Ways to Lose a Customer
All businesses want to grow. The big question is how much. Even modest growth is required for a small business to stay viable, but sometimes small businesses are ready to make the leap to large business. If you’ve decided the time is right to significantly grow your company, there are few things you should know. … Continue reading The Five Ps of Surviving the Leap from Small to Large
After developing your business plan, a mission statement is often viewed as next most important step in launching and sustaining a new business. Without an overall goal or philosophy, it’s easy to lose focus and forget why you established your business in the first place. While serving as a reminder to you, a mission statement … Continue reading Writing a Mission Statement that Inspires
A new year brings new opportunities and also new challenges. Being open to change is vital to success in business. Opening your mind to new ideas, processes and customers can take your business in directions you never thought possible. According to a 2016 survey by global consulting firm Deloitte, executives “recognize both that the future … Continue reading Grow Your Business
Sometimes business is slow. Depending on your type of business, there could be downtime as the end of the year approaches. Your customers and clients prepare for family gatherings, shop for gifts and take vacations. Downtime doesn’t have to be bad for business though. If you plan for slow periods, then you can use them … Continue reading Taking Advantage of a Slow Period in Business
Giving back is a valuable part of any business year-round, and it is especially important during the holiday season. By supporting a local charity, collecting donations or participating in an event, you’ll not only be supporting the community your business serves, but also setting an example for your employees to do the same. Participate in Holiday … Continue reading 8 Ways to Give Back During the Holidays
Are you doing all you can to get new business and retain longtime customers? MidSouth Bank teller Patsy Poirier keeps the “Four Rs of Referral” taped to her desk. She received them during a training seminar and knew the information was something she didn’t want to forget. Recognize an opportunity. Respond to a need. Review … Continue reading The Power of Referrals
How can listening to your customers but not truly understanding what they’re saying hurt your business? Professional speaker, author and trainer Dr. Dennis Rosen tells a story about an interaction between his father and a bank teller that illustrates just how important understanding can be. Dr. Rosen’s father worked two jobs and was proud to … Continue reading Know Your Customer
