Step 1 – Target Your Market No matter what size your business is, the key to growth is working smarter, not harder. That means focusing your resources—time, money, personnel—on those activities that deliver the greatest return. Follow the 80/20 rule of productivity: just 20% of our customers, products, and activities generate 80% of our business…
Embrace Your Role as Company Leader As their small businesses grow, many owners struggle to define their shifting roles within the organization. It is a given that many business owners are great “doers.” After all, they’ve built successful businesses from the ground up. But as a business takes off, owners are suddenly confronted by tasks …
Many entrepreneurs don’t set specific goals for their business, but studies show that goal setting really does drive higher achievement. According to small business peer board members who’ve embraced this technique, goal setting forces you to focus your energies effectively and develop real, viable action plans. It isn’t hard if you follow their lead. Here’s…
GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A POWER CHECK The key to growing your business is to keep evolving. To do that, you have to step outside your daily business and see where you fit in the big picture. You give your business an unbiased power check. Immersing yourself in new ideas is one way to broaden your …
Goal: Get Your Finances in Order Get on Track with Financial Tracking Your business can’t grow—not to mention survive—unless your finances are healthy and sound. Getting Your Finances in order is crucial. Don’t limit your focus to the top of your profit and loss statement. The true test if your finances are healthy is your…
The world around us is changing and if you don’t want to be left behind, you need to change, too. You can’t afford to hold onto your old ways. (The dinosaurs refused to change, and look what happened to them, and also Sears & Kodak.) But changing is easier said than done. How do you…
SWOT Analysis: Learn to Manage with Insight and Vision Conduct a SWOT Analysis Are you familiar with the concept of SWOT analysis? This is a great offensive and defensive study and activity. Large corporations and progressive small businesses (such as PRO, President’s members) use SWOT—an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—as a strategic planning…
How Small Businesses Can Sleigh the Holiday Season: Practical Tips for Success Ah, the holiday season: a magical time of joy, giving, and … stress for many small business owners. While others are stringing up lights and sipping hot cocoa, you’re likely juggling inventory, marketing campaigns, and employee schedules, all while wondering how to keep…
Why Every Small Business Owner Needs a Mentor (and How It Can Transform Your Business) Running a small business is a rewarding but challenging journey. At times, it can feel like you’re wearing every hat in the office, from CEO to janitor, while trying to figure out marketing strategies and balancing the books. It’s no…
Holiday Cheer and Financial Growth: How Gratitude Fuels Business Development The holiday season is here—a time for reflection, celebration, and planning for the future. For business owners, it’s also a golden opportunity to ignite financial growth and development. This festive period offers unique chances to connect with customers, boost revenue, and set the stage for…
