Even with the myriad ways to market and advertise your product today, word of mouth is still the best, most reliable way to attract new business. It’s also one of the toughest to create, which is why any business trying to inspire good word of mouth can use some advice regarding the most effective ways to do it. In theory the concept seems somewhat simple but getting current customers to tell other people about your product or service does take some time to naturally happen. Here are 6 pointers that can help you get people talking about your product or service. Some you may already be using, but even if that’s the case, we’re also going to describe the best way to go about them. 1. Excellent Customer Service There’s a reason that this one is at the top of the list because it’s the single most …
How to Ensure Your Remote Employees Are Being Productive
Managing a remote team is tough. It’s even tougher if you’re used to everybody working in the office where you can manage by walking around, pop by people’s desks for informal checkups, and keep your finger on the pulse of your team. But when the whole staff has gone into work-from-home mode, you miss out on that valuable water cooler effect. In a remote setting, business owners carry two burdens — their own work and their team’s performance. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to navigate the remote working environment when you are taking on both responsibilities in a new setting. If some of your team members have never worked from home before, they may not know how to stay focused, manage their time, or communicate with others. That’s why you have to be intentional when managing a remote team. You’ll need to make sure your employees …
Clubhouse: How the Audio-Chat App Founders Created a Hit
With a constant stream of social media apps, it can be hard to keep track of the latest rival to Twitter or Facebook. One app that has managed to stand out from the pack is Clubhouse. The audio-based chat app has quickly captured people’s attention, including some of the most powerful tech gurus and world leaders. Elon Musk recently invited Vladimir Putin to a clubhouse chat. The app launched in April 2020 during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic. By summer, it was valued at $100 million and had just 1,500 users. By the end of January, it was worth over $1 billion and had attracted over two million users. As it prepares to launch support for Android devices, Clubhouse is expected to dramatically increase its user count. So, who’s behind the latest chat app? Clubhouse is the brainchild of Paul Davison and Rohan Seth. Here’s the story …
How to Prepare Your Business for Tax Season
Tax season can be a stressful time for business owners.. and even more so if you don’t have any help to pull all of your information together. Probably the most important point is to make sure you have all your ‘ducks in a row’ as early in the year as possible. There are many things you should keep in mind this year, as the pandemic has posed many challenges for some. Things such as PPP loans that were offered or certain loses you incurred, all are specifics to give thought to. No business owner is obviously particularly thrilled about tax season. It’s just an unfortunate part of the job that has to get done one way or another, hopefully with the help of an accountant, if you can afford one. We find it can be helpful to have a light list of points to remember during tax season. So …
7 Most Common Blunders Made by New Small Businesses
Small businesses seem to pop up like weeds these days, but that doesn’t automatically mean that all of the owners know what they’re doing. There is also a large portion of them who have zero experience with running a business, or who have the necessary skills for making it successful, like marketing, promotion, leading a team, bookkeeping, and many other skills. This is a recipe for a scenario wherein a lot of mistakes can be made—sometimes, very costly mistakes. If you’re starting a business, then do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to look over these very common mistakes that new owners make. There’s no need to feel bad about it when you make a mistake such as the ones we’re going to cite here because we all learn as we go. You might just be able to avoid setbacks and cultivate success for your company much …
Working Remotely: Business Owners Guide to Telecommuting
Working remotely has become a necessity for business owners around the world. Lockdowns have shuttered the doors to millions of businesses, forcing many to adopt teleworking policies. While telecommuting offers many advantages, from flexible scheduling to increased productivity, it also comes with many challenges. Maintaining communication & work relations becomes more of a chore outside of the office. You may even notice a loss of work culture. As the pandemic continues to impact the way we live and work, every business owner should take the time to review their telecommuting policies. Use the following guide to address the challenges of working remotely and reap the benefits! Set a Work Schedule The most important rule for working from home is to set a work schedule. Without a schedule, it becomes much easier to put off work for an hour or two in the morning or at any point during …
Home Business Websites: Your Virtual Storefront
You most likely already have a website for your business, and if you don’t, you probably realize that it’s pretty important. If you’re running a home business, then it’s something that you really can’t do without because it’s going to end up being your primary interface with customers. Don’t underestimate just how much value a good website can bring to your company. Every Business Needs a Website There is sometimes a misconception among small businesses that if they’re not selling any products online, there’s no reason to have a website. The thing is, it doesn’t matter if you sell online or not. First of all, your business probably should sell your product or service online, as it removes a step between someone finding your company, and making a purchase. The point of having a site, though, is not whether or not you’re actually selling it there; it’s …
Looking Ahead: Position Your Business for Growth in 2022
Obviously, I think we all can agree that 2020 & 2021 were bizarre, difficult & uncertain years in countless ways. The pandemic has changed the way we live, how we think and especially how we work. As challenging as it may be to maintain motivation during these times.. It’s important we move forward and choose to focus on positivity. Entrepreneurs and small business owners CAN progress with the right mindset even while navigating difficulties. So how can you ensure that 2022 is a year of success and growth for your business? Here are 15 ways to position your company for business growth in 2022: 1. Reinvent the Wheel (then do it again) Conventional wisdom says “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” It’s a good thing that Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and every other tire company in the world didn’t listen to conventional wisdom. The wheel needed reinventing so we could …
When Should You Incorporate Your Home Business?
The first thing that every home business should understand is that incorporating is not something you need to be afraid of. Incorporation is widely misunderstood as exclusive of average small businesses, when it is actually far more routine and advantageous for small businesses than most of them realize. So, set aside your fears for a moment and take the paradigm leap into the transition between solo entrepreneurship and incorporation. As it may seem overwhelming, once you break it down, it’s not that scary at all.. These factors will help you along in the journey you’re taking from a fresh, new small business, into a mature and solid corporation. Why Is It Good to Incorporate Your Home Business? It’s a good idea to incorporate your home business for the same reasons that it’s a good idea for any other business. There is a reason that it’s a standard …
10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Home Business
More people than ever before are opening small businesses out of their homes, as the pandemic has truly changed the way we work & live. Technology continues to improve as well which makes it possible to buy and sell nearly anything over the internet. As home businesses become more widespread, more and more entrepreneurs are inclined to do this, but there are some misconceptions about working out of your home, not the least of which is that it will be somehow different or easier than working in a regular office. Though it’s obviously a different environment, it doesn’t actually change that much, and in fact, there are unique challenges to overcome when you start a home business. If you’re just getting started as a home business owner, prepare yourself with these ten points to have a better idea of what you’re getting into. 1. It’s Not Easier Just …