When Fortune magazine interviewed several leaders of large and small firms, they gave a few eye-opening pieces of advice on how to grow a business. Check these out to determine whether any of their formulas could become growth-growing points in your business. * Find an edge over competition. Look at your industry’s biggest cost and [...]
When office workers around the country were surveyed by Microsoft, they said about 16 hours of their work week were unproductive. Office workers say 5.5 hours each week are spent in meetings, and most of that time is not productive. Some things to consider before setting up your next meeting: * Invite only those who [...]
I love Google Docs as I can work on my projects anywhere regardless of the system I have with me – PC or Mac. With Google Docs, you can now be even more productive as the new documents editor supports editing on your mobile browser. This means that… * You can work on the important [...]
I have discovered lately that several non-profit organizations struggle with new web-based ways of creating awareness and gaining support for their causes. Perhaps a new marketing plan is needed? Here are some tactics to consider: 1. Set up Google Analytics (free web-based tool) to monitor website traffic. Goals: Find out where your website visitors are [...]
I have been researching new ways to manage our company email and therefore took some time recently to review emails we have received as well as messages we have sent to our partners and clients. We are all busy, but do we stop and think whether our emails are clear and informative – add value [...]
Many small business owners still believe in email or phone-centric work flows. Traditional way of collaboration has evolved around emailing documents and spreadsheets in addition to face-to-face meetings where team members can exchange ideas and plans. Project teams can therefore have numerous different versions of documents, work plans and reports that are edited on local [...]
Business owners often get busy and have no time to think about marketing, therefore many small businesses don’t have up-to-date marketing plans. We have decided not to take on new website projects unless business owners agree to discuss at least a very basic marketing plan outline with us. We even fill in most of the [...]
Keeping employees satisfied with their work is becoming increasingly important. We all have more on our plates today than ever before. Some of us have been through tough financial times, others are wearing two or more hats due to increased job descriptions. Researchers say that growing number of workplaces are filled with rude and uncivil behavior among stressed out fellow employees.
The most common problem among many small business owners is “time poverty.” Putting in a lot of extra hours could help a little, but it’s not the answer. Neither is trying to do two things at once. Some ideas that may help: * Become an expert at what you do. Study the workflows of people [...]
Some people say that too much business planning will kill innovation, but you still need a road map to get to your desired destination = reach your goals. Creating a business plan and doing it well can help your new venture raise money, recruit good people, and sharpen your own thinking. Before you begin, talk [...]