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…
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…
Tracking Your Business Progress: How to Measure and Manage Growth Effectively Running a small business can often feel like you’re managing by intuition, reacting to challenges as they arise. However, guesswork and gut feelings aren’t enough to ensure long-term success. To truly grow your business, you need to track your progress through clear processes and…
How to Create a Marketing Plan and Budget for Your Small Business If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely thought about your marketing efforts. But, do you have a written marketing plan? Many businesses approach marketing in a haphazard way—acting on impulse rather than strategy. Unfortunately, this usually leads to inconsistent and ineffective results….
Master Goal Setting: Your Secret Weapon for Unstoppable Business Growth Are you ready to elevate your business to new heights? One of the most transformative tools in your entrepreneurial toolkit is the power of effective goal setting. While it might seem straightforward, mastering this skill can be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential…
Chapter 4, from ” The Small Business Survival Guide” By Ray Silverstein. Creative Collection Strategies-How to get payed, when your client doesn’t want to How do you handle delinquent accounts? If you rely on collection agencies or attorneys to collect on your behalf, you’re probably not getting very much back from their efforts. Plus, you’re…
Unlocking Your Business’s Financial Secrets: The Four Types of Expenses Hey there, fellow business aficionados! Today, we’re diving into a topic that might sound a bit dry at first glance but is absolutely crucial for anyone steering the ship of a small business: expenses. Yes, those financial puzzle pieces that can make or break your…
From chapter one of “Small Business Toolbook” By Ray Silverstein, we learn how to manage your business with insight and vision. Goal: Learn to Manage with Insight and Vision Start by taking stock- conduct a SWOT Analysis… Are you familiar with the concept of SWOT analysis? This is a great offensive and defensive study and…
Market Wisely, and Sales Will Follow, maybe even lead By Ray Silverstein What kind of marketing activities do you do for your business? Do you have a marketing plan? How about a marketing budget? Do you use marketing strategies to focus and support your sales efforts, or do you engage in spontaneous, one-time marketing activities…
How to Sell Smarter: ‘Ditch the Pitch’ Review by Ray Silverstein There’s one subject entrepreneurs can’t get enough of: how to increase sales. Well, here’s a thought. If your current sales pitch isn’t delivering the results you want, it’s time to switch things up. Better yet, why not do something radical, and ditch the sales…
