Organize Your Business
Sunday January 24, 2010
Poor work processes can have a bad effect on efficiency, productivity and profits. As a business owner, you have a daily, overflowing arrival of information from e-mails to an ever-building pile of paperwork. Can organization aid your business? According to a National Association of Professional Organizers survey, over 28% of workers feel organization of their work space could save up to an hour a day.
The biggest time saver can be taking control of your email. Don't fall into the trap of reading emails and thinking I'll respond later. Later never arrives and soon your inbox is full of important and unimportant mail. Scott Allen, Co-Author of "The Virtual Handshake" recommends "Most people configure their email reader to interrupt them every time an email comes in. This means you are interrupted throughout the day. Instead, we suggest keep your email reader closed most of the day. Only check email once a day."
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Sponsored Links
Bank of America® Business
No Monthly Maintenance Fee When Using Business Checking Debit Card.
www.BankofAmerica.com/SmallBusiness
Start an Online Business
Partner Program for International Asian Marriage Agencies Here!
OrientBrides.com
Expanding Your Biz to US?
Let the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority help!
www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org
Flaming Homer
Monday January 11, 2010
Last night aired the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, a mile stone in the show's existence. Besides the entertainment value of the show, Homer and friends offer valuable business insight. My favorite "business" episode is the Flaming Homer. In this show, Homer reveals his cocktail recipe to Moe. Moe steals the idea calling it the Flaming Moe and business booms.
Every good business has a Flaming Homer. A special product or method of achieving great results, a Coca-Cola-like formula. To succeed in business; sharing ideas, and getting feedback is necessary. But don't reveal your secrets to a competitor. When disclosing sensitive information, use a non-compete agreement.
The Simpsons provides many business lessons for any entrepreneur. Here are 5 good and bad business lessons for your enjoyment and education. Woo-Hoo! 5 Business Lessons From The Simpsons
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
A New Plan for a New Year
Monday December 28, 2009
With the end of a crazy year for millions of economic "refugees", it makes sense to start the year fresh and re-visit your assumptions, goals and business plans. A business plan is useful if it's updated and not a forgotten document but a living document. Your business plan will help you look at what worked in the past year, what is outdated, and areas for improvement. Take a look from outside your business with a fresh perspective. What would you do differently if you were to start your business over again? Use the SMART process of business goal setting to make 2010 a memorable year.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Customer Gifts For Tough Times
Monday December 14, 2009
In prosperous times, gifting your customers during the holidays doesn't require a second thought. This year more companies are being conscious of spending money on customer gifts. According to American Express Open Small Business Holiday Monitor, almost 70% of business owners don't believe the worst of the recession is over and nearly six in ten entrepreneurs (57%) say the economic downturn has changed their holiday gift giving behavior. Yet, 10% of those surveyed planned to increase customer gift spending this year.
With less holiday edibles and gifts for staff, sending corporate gifts can be an inexpensive means to stand out from the competition in tough times and show your clients you really value their business.
Comments (2)PermalinkShare
Partner Up to Grow Your Business
Monday November 30, 2009
Resources such as time and money are in tight supply for most start ups and existing small businesses. These constraints often mean the difference between expanding into new markets or struggling to survive. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Small business is a community of like minded business owners. One of the best means to expand your business is to partner up with similar or complementary businesses.
Business partnerships and joint ventures offer a means for businesses to pool resources and grow business. Additional benefits include:
exposure to larger shared customer base
decreased marketing costs
utilize the talents of others
Comments (2)PermalinkShare
What Your Small Business Can Learn From Vampires
Monday November 16, 2009
Vampires have become a pop culture phenomena spanning TV, books, movies and even Vampires on Facebook. The spark for this current craze can be traced to the best selling vampire book Twilight by Stephanie Myers. The author redefined the genre with vampires who could love and created a cultural trend.
The vampire craze provides an interesting glimpse into what drives a hot trend for a valuable lesson to small business. Getting in early on any trend wave requires keeping in tune with pop culture. Best selling books are often the catalyst for movies and the precursor to a large trend. Looking at best selling book lists can provide a glimpse of what is popular in the public conscious. Other media such as magazines can tell you what is up and coming. Many leading visionaries often read all types of media from fashion news to nano technology to see the broader trends in society.
One of my favorite ways to test for trend development is Google Insights. This nifty tool will allow you to enter in search terms and see the trends over time whether consumer search volumes are increasing, decreasing or flat. Tracking trends can provide your business with the opportunity to see the road ahead and possibly capitalize on the trend.
Comments (3)PermalinkShare
Finding Venture Capital or Angel Investors
Monday November 9, 2009
It's no surprise that the capital markets have been running low for entrepreneurs wishing to take their business to the next level with a fresh infusion of cash. According to the University of New Hampshire Center for Venture Research, angel investments in the first half of 2009 were over $9 billion, a drop of 27 percent from the first half of 2008. Venture capital fared no better with only $5 billion in the third quarter, a 6% decrease from the second quarter of the year. The upside is while the total value of angel investing has dropped the number of deals has increased.
The news is less promising for start ups. In the first half of 2009, angel investors have decreased their start up investing, with 27 percent of angel investments in the seed and start-up stage, a decrease of 19 percent over the same period in 2008. This simply boils down to risk.
Investors are less likely to put money into a business early when the risks are greatest. Early stage companies are best to look for funds from family and friends or there is always the "reality VC" route by attempting to get on venture reality shows such as Shark Tank or Dragon's Den.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Home Business Comes of Age
Sunday October 25, 2009
The scruffy haired, unshaven, pajama-clad home business worker is an iconic symbol of the past. Over a decade ago, with the Internet still in its infancy, home businesses based on scams and lowing paying data entry companies; not too many people took home business seriously. Small business magazines and experts featured tips on how you could be more professional by keeping the kids out and the marketplace even had audio recording of office chatter to play while you're on the phone to hide the fact you were at home.
Home business has come of age. According to findings by Emergent Research, Homepreneurs: A Vital Economic Force:
There are about 6.6 million home businesses that generate at least 50% of the owner's household income
Homepreneur businesses employ over 13 million people
35% of home businesses generate more than $125,000 in revenue; 8% more than $500,000
The small business landscape has changed dramatically with a host of low cost technologies (gMail, Skype, BaseCamp, etc.) and a wider acceptance of home business. The timing couldn't be more perfect for many recession strapped individuals looking for low cost ways to start and run a business.
Comments (2)PermalinkShare
Stevie Awards Finalists Announced
Sunday October 18, 2009
Finalists were announced today in the 6th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, business owners, and the organizations they run.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards. The Stevies are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards. This year I have the honor again to be on the Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors.
The final results of the 6th annual competition will be announced at an awards dinner in New York City on Friday, November 13. More than 1,100 nominations were submitted this year for consideration in 54 categories by organizations in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.
Applying for an award is often overlooked as a form of marketing. Yet, business awards marketing can help your business get PR exposure, recognize the efforts of your staff and generate more revenue.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Generating Business with Slides
Monday October 12, 2009
Business presentations are a normal part of generating business. One useful social media site centered around presentations is SlideShare. This is site allows business or individuals the opportunity to upload presentations, share comments and more. With over 23 million monthly visitors, the company has grown a vibrant community.
Now the company has launched SlideShare Business offering new services called LeadShare and AdShare. For small business, these offers provide a low cost way to generate leads or to have ads appear in a sponsored content box next to related slides. This new service seems like another way small business can use the Web to connect with their target market especially those selling to the business market.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Read Archives
Related Articles
Top 10 Home Business Opportunities for 2007
Small Business in the United States
Investing Lesson 1 Intro to the Stock Market
Darrell Zahorsky Small Business Guide
Low Overhead Costs Through Outsourcing - Security Distributor Business
Sponsored Links
Regus Office Solutions
Unrivalled Office Space, Virtual Office solutions & meeting rooms.
www.Regus.co.in
MS Dynamics BI
Business intelligence, dashboards, KPIs, analytics for MS Dynamics.
www.dataself.com/dynamicsgp.html
Starting a new company?
Develop skills to start & manage a new company from SPJIMR, Mumbai
www.spjimr.org
Ontario Business Incorp.
Small Business Incorporation As Low As $99. Incorporate With Us Now!
www.BDC-Canada.com
New re-usable ice
Distributor business opportunity Stays frozen for days
www.techniice.com
source:http://sbinformation.about.com/b/
Sunday January 24, 2010
Poor work processes can have a bad effect on efficiency, productivity and profits. As a business owner, you have a daily, overflowing arrival of information from e-mails to an ever-building pile of paperwork. Can organization aid your business? According to a National Association of Professional Organizers survey, over 28% of workers feel organization of their work space could save up to an hour a day.
The biggest time saver can be taking control of your email. Don't fall into the trap of reading emails and thinking I'll respond later. Later never arrives and soon your inbox is full of important and unimportant mail. Scott Allen, Co-Author of "The Virtual Handshake" recommends "Most people configure their email reader to interrupt them every time an email comes in. This means you are interrupted throughout the day. Instead, we suggest keep your email reader closed most of the day. Only check email once a day."
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Sponsored Links
Bank of America® Business
No Monthly Maintenance Fee When Using Business Checking Debit Card.
www.BankofAmerica.com/SmallBusiness
Start an Online Business
Partner Program for International Asian Marriage Agencies Here!
OrientBrides.com
Expanding Your Biz to US?
Let the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority help!
www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org
Flaming Homer
Monday January 11, 2010
Last night aired the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, a mile stone in the show's existence. Besides the entertainment value of the show, Homer and friends offer valuable business insight. My favorite "business" episode is the Flaming Homer. In this show, Homer reveals his cocktail recipe to Moe. Moe steals the idea calling it the Flaming Moe and business booms.
Every good business has a Flaming Homer. A special product or method of achieving great results, a Coca-Cola-like formula. To succeed in business; sharing ideas, and getting feedback is necessary. But don't reveal your secrets to a competitor. When disclosing sensitive information, use a non-compete agreement.
The Simpsons provides many business lessons for any entrepreneur. Here are 5 good and bad business lessons for your enjoyment and education. Woo-Hoo! 5 Business Lessons From The Simpsons
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
A New Plan for a New Year
Monday December 28, 2009
With the end of a crazy year for millions of economic "refugees", it makes sense to start the year fresh and re-visit your assumptions, goals and business plans. A business plan is useful if it's updated and not a forgotten document but a living document. Your business plan will help you look at what worked in the past year, what is outdated, and areas for improvement. Take a look from outside your business with a fresh perspective. What would you do differently if you were to start your business over again? Use the SMART process of business goal setting to make 2010 a memorable year.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Customer Gifts For Tough Times
Monday December 14, 2009
In prosperous times, gifting your customers during the holidays doesn't require a second thought. This year more companies are being conscious of spending money on customer gifts. According to American Express Open Small Business Holiday Monitor, almost 70% of business owners don't believe the worst of the recession is over and nearly six in ten entrepreneurs (57%) say the economic downturn has changed their holiday gift giving behavior. Yet, 10% of those surveyed planned to increase customer gift spending this year.
With less holiday edibles and gifts for staff, sending corporate gifts can be an inexpensive means to stand out from the competition in tough times and show your clients you really value their business.
Comments (2)PermalinkShare
Partner Up to Grow Your Business
Monday November 30, 2009
Resources such as time and money are in tight supply for most start ups and existing small businesses. These constraints often mean the difference between expanding into new markets or struggling to survive. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Small business is a community of like minded business owners. One of the best means to expand your business is to partner up with similar or complementary businesses.
Business partnerships and joint ventures offer a means for businesses to pool resources and grow business. Additional benefits include:
exposure to larger shared customer base
decreased marketing costs
utilize the talents of others
Comments (2)PermalinkShare
What Your Small Business Can Learn From Vampires
Monday November 16, 2009
Vampires have become a pop culture phenomena spanning TV, books, movies and even Vampires on Facebook. The spark for this current craze can be traced to the best selling vampire book Twilight by Stephanie Myers. The author redefined the genre with vampires who could love and created a cultural trend.
The vampire craze provides an interesting glimpse into what drives a hot trend for a valuable lesson to small business. Getting in early on any trend wave requires keeping in tune with pop culture. Best selling books are often the catalyst for movies and the precursor to a large trend. Looking at best selling book lists can provide a glimpse of what is popular in the public conscious. Other media such as magazines can tell you what is up and coming. Many leading visionaries often read all types of media from fashion news to nano technology to see the broader trends in society.
One of my favorite ways to test for trend development is Google Insights. This nifty tool will allow you to enter in search terms and see the trends over time whether consumer search volumes are increasing, decreasing or flat. Tracking trends can provide your business with the opportunity to see the road ahead and possibly capitalize on the trend.
Comments (3)PermalinkShare
Finding Venture Capital or Angel Investors
Monday November 9, 2009
It's no surprise that the capital markets have been running low for entrepreneurs wishing to take their business to the next level with a fresh infusion of cash. According to the University of New Hampshire Center for Venture Research, angel investments in the first half of 2009 were over $9 billion, a drop of 27 percent from the first half of 2008. Venture capital fared no better with only $5 billion in the third quarter, a 6% decrease from the second quarter of the year. The upside is while the total value of angel investing has dropped the number of deals has increased.
The news is less promising for start ups. In the first half of 2009, angel investors have decreased their start up investing, with 27 percent of angel investments in the seed and start-up stage, a decrease of 19 percent over the same period in 2008. This simply boils down to risk.
Investors are less likely to put money into a business early when the risks are greatest. Early stage companies are best to look for funds from family and friends or there is always the "reality VC" route by attempting to get on venture reality shows such as Shark Tank or Dragon's Den.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Home Business Comes of Age
Sunday October 25, 2009
The scruffy haired, unshaven, pajama-clad home business worker is an iconic symbol of the past. Over a decade ago, with the Internet still in its infancy, home businesses based on scams and lowing paying data entry companies; not too many people took home business seriously. Small business magazines and experts featured tips on how you could be more professional by keeping the kids out and the marketplace even had audio recording of office chatter to play while you're on the phone to hide the fact you were at home.
Home business has come of age. According to findings by Emergent Research, Homepreneurs: A Vital Economic Force:
There are about 6.6 million home businesses that generate at least 50% of the owner's household income
Homepreneur businesses employ over 13 million people
35% of home businesses generate more than $125,000 in revenue; 8% more than $500,000
The small business landscape has changed dramatically with a host of low cost technologies (gMail, Skype, BaseCamp, etc.) and a wider acceptance of home business. The timing couldn't be more perfect for many recession strapped individuals looking for low cost ways to start and run a business.
Comments (2)PermalinkShare
Stevie Awards Finalists Announced
Sunday October 18, 2009
Finalists were announced today in the 6th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, business owners, and the organizations they run.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards. The Stevies are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards. This year I have the honor again to be on the Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors.
The final results of the 6th annual competition will be announced at an awards dinner in New York City on Friday, November 13. More than 1,100 nominations were submitted this year for consideration in 54 categories by organizations in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.
Applying for an award is often overlooked as a form of marketing. Yet, business awards marketing can help your business get PR exposure, recognize the efforts of your staff and generate more revenue.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Generating Business with Slides
Monday October 12, 2009
Business presentations are a normal part of generating business. One useful social media site centered around presentations is SlideShare. This is site allows business or individuals the opportunity to upload presentations, share comments and more. With over 23 million monthly visitors, the company has grown a vibrant community.
Now the company has launched SlideShare Business offering new services called LeadShare and AdShare. For small business, these offers provide a low cost way to generate leads or to have ads appear in a sponsored content box next to related slides. This new service seems like another way small business can use the Web to connect with their target market especially those selling to the business market.
Comments (0)PermalinkShare
Read Archives
Related Articles
Top 10 Home Business Opportunities for 2007
Small Business in the United States
Investing Lesson 1 Intro to the Stock Market
Darrell Zahorsky Small Business Guide
Low Overhead Costs Through Outsourcing - Security Distributor Business
Sponsored Links
Regus Office Solutions
Unrivalled Office Space, Virtual Office solutions & meeting rooms.
www.Regus.co.in
MS Dynamics BI
Business intelligence, dashboards, KPIs, analytics for MS Dynamics.
www.dataself.com/dynamicsgp.html
Starting a new company?
Develop skills to start & manage a new company from SPJIMR, Mumbai
www.spjimr.org
Ontario Business Incorp.
Small Business Incorporation As Low As $99. Incorporate With Us Now!
www.BDC-Canada.com
New re-usable ice
Distributor business opportunity Stays frozen for days
www.techniice.com
source:http://sbinformation.about.com/b/
this is not always true because ongoing companies create business plans, project plans, new product plans, and plans for acquiring and integrating other ventures. General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.” jimmy
ReplyDeleteinfo@ibowtech.com
www.onlineuniversalwork.com