Optimism amongst small U.S. businesses rose to its highest level in more than four years in February, data released Tuesday showed, yet business owners remain concerned about future prospects. The National Federation of Independent Business‘s small-business optimism index rose 0.4 point to 94.3 from 93.9 in January. The February figure was its sixth consecutive […]
It’s really easy to find information about raising money from angel investors or VCs, but many people don’t think about another important way to fund a startup: raising money from family and friends. I’ve raised money from friends and family twice, and want to share what I’ve learned — so that you can raise money […]
Small business owners like us need to make sure we run tight ships. Spending less can help us weather slowing cash flow; cutting expenses can help realize more profit. The following are my tips for saving money – I suggest sharing them with key members of your team. It’s not just enough for the owner […]
Probably, every entrepreneur aspires to know how he can achieve success in business and become financial independent. The inner intention to achieve success is the first and most important secret that an entrepreneur should pay special attention to. If you have an intention it means that you are ready to do decisive actions. It’s well-known […]
If an entrepreneur wants his business to become successful, he must realize what benefits his clients expect to get by using the products or services he provides. Some experts say that the most successful companies have been created by people whose needs were not satisfied. Thus, Nike, Inc. is believed to have been organized by […]
In the Economist review of our book, The Innovator’s DNA, the reviewer wondered whether genius-level innovators such as Marc Benioff, Jeff Bezos, and Steve Jobs challenge the idea that working adults can really learn how to think differently and become innovators. We don’t think so. Remember, it was Steve Jobs who jump-started the now-famous […]
Holiday season craziness combined with Dec. 31 year-end (or quarter-end) pressures push many a corporate leader over the edge. Amid holiday travel planning, online shopping, and in-office good cheer, it’s too easy to let the actual work slide until after the holidays. How can you make employees focus on their responsibilities rather than the tins […]
The sun beat down on the back of my neck. It was a scorching heat most people in Brazil have learned to accept, but I couldn’t bare it. I had just finished making a presentation to a room full of executives at an annual retreat. I couldn’t wait to jump into a taxi, rip off […]
As the holiday season kicks into full gear, many business owners’ thoughts naturally turn to their year-end income strategy. Suddenly, there are only four weeks left to book revenue into 2011. Likely, you already have your holiday sales strategy set for the holiday season but, if you don’t, chin up. There’s still plenty of […]
There are lots of ways to boost your sales and grow your small business today. We’ve created a roundup with some suggestions below. Want to add to our list, including Susan Oakes’ 17 ways to boost sales? Please add your comments below and help inform the community. Strategy Ways to increase your sales. That’s […]