Tips for keeping your business data secure

It’s no secret that data loss can be a costly nightmare for a small business, with recent estimates citing the total cost of data breaches exceeding $2.1 trillion by 2019. Unfortunately, cyber attackers increasingly target small businesses because they are less likely to have security protection in place. Accidental loss or loss due to a natural disaster can be just as harmful to a business, with recovery efforts and delays…  Read more

Improving your business with better time management

When things are hectic, most small business owners wish they could find a way to get more than 24 hours into a day. Often, your ‘to-do’ list can get so long that you feel you never get to put as much attention into every task as you would like. It can also mean more time in the office or dealing with work issues after-hours – cutting into your free time…  Read more

5 Environmental Conservation Tips for Small Businesses

While major companies create powerful green initiatives, many small businesses use the excuse of “no resources” to do nothing. However, everyone plays an important role in protecting the environment, and small businesses have a unique opportunity to involve their community of employees and customers. The most effective environmental conservation projects need not cost much more than a collective effort. If you own or work in a small business, here are…  Read more

5 reasons to join a franchise

If you’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit but aren’t ready to start up your own business, you might want to consider a franchise. A franchised business can offer the best of all worlds: the opportunity to work for yourself, earn a profit quickly, and enjoy a high long term success rate. Read on for 5 more reasons a franchise may be right for you. 1.Cost savings It’s expensive to start up…  Read more

Combat interest rate rises in three easy ways

Rising interest on debt can be a curse when running a small business. However, there are some quick and easy policies you can start using to combat interest rate rises. Individually, small steps can add some value to a business, but when combined they can make significant differences. Think of your business like a car in development. Improved aerodynamics, fuel injection and weight loss might separately increase fuel economy, but…  Read more

The True Value of Networking

There are all kinds of groups dedicated to networking. Some are highly structured with performance requirements, exclusive membership, and the payment of dues. Others are free form, come as you please and no charge. Not every group is right for every kind of business. You will find that some groups may simply not have connections in the market you are seeking to attract. You will find some groups have rules…  Read more

Preparing an exit strategy

Research has repeatedly shown that businesses that have been prepared for the owner’s exit are significantly more likely to endure than unprepared businesses. These guidelines around an exit strategy can help your business legacy live on – and get you a satisfactory result. Preparation delivers the best results The key message to take away is this: start your exit strategy now – don’t wait until that ‘later time’. Life is…  Read more

Do you share this habit with the world’s most successful business leaders?

What do Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, and Arianna Huffington have in common? All of these smart, savvy, successful business leaders share a passion for self-improvement through reading. If you want to improve your skills as a business owner, why not spend a bit of time each day reading books that guide you to greater success? This reading list of 4 inspiring business books will help you get started:…  Read more

From Apple to Avon: six inspiring marketing successes

From Mac computers to make-up, here are six examples of super-strong brands that cornered their markets using different marketing strategies. If you look at their histories and analyze the pivotal moments, you’ll find parallels and pick up tips on how your company can follow in their footsteps and stand on the shoulders of giants. Apple’s call to arms Anyone who remembers Apple’s computers from the 1980s knows its brand loyalty…  Read more

Lessons from three pricing stories

Times were tough, so John decided he had to drop his prices below his competitors. The results seemed gratifying. Business picked up quickly and when John looked round his shop he could see his sales staff were always busy with customers. Then came the call from his accountant. “Aren’t the sales figures great?” said John, getting his bit in first. ‘Yes”, said the accountant, “impressive sales indeed. That’s the good…  Read more

Corporate gift ideas

As a small business owner, you may know the importance of recognizing your clients’ ongoing patronage—but you may not have a large budget to support high end gift giving. Your clients will love these four simple and unique gift ideas. The best part? They can be personalized to suit the recipient’s tastes, and customized to fit any budget. Subscription memberships Designed to surprise and delight, box subscriptions are the gift…  Read more

10 tips to reduce debtor days for small business owners

Steady, reliable cash flow is crucial for the survival of any small business – so taking steps to ensure your customers pay promptly should be a key priority. When your clients consistently pay on time, you’ll avoid the dreaded “feast or famine” cycle. You’ll be able to pay your vendors, suppliers, and employees on time – and not least of all, yourself. Implement these ten tips now to start getting…  Read more

Choosing your business name

One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in business is your choice of business name. A good name can create the perception of integrity, professionalism, or value-for-money. It could be your business’s biggest asset. A poorly chosen name can discourage potential customers by making your business appear farcical, or even offensive. What’s in a name If you haven’t thought of any names yet or the names you’ve come…  Read more

Becoming a Better Leader by Developing Humility   

When you are a leader, it is obvious to you that the success of your team can increase your own success. People often confuse having a sense of humility with being insecure. But in truth, being a humble person is simply about considering others more and thinking of yourself less. By being humble and thinking of the people you are expected to lead more, you can increase their confidence, security…  Read more

Strengthening your balance sheet

Your balance sheet (now more correctly called a Statement of Financial Position) reveals a great deal about your business, including the total value of your assets – the things you own; how much you owe to others – your liabilities; and the level of your solvency. These three aspects will be studied carefully by lenders and investors − and by buyers if you intend to sell your business. But they…  Read more

Eight Characteristics of successful small businesses

We now look at eight characteristics important to successful businesses. International researchers who have studied many small businesses have found that these characteristics consistently play a part in the success of small companies. The eight characteristics are: Owners leading by Example Having a simple business structure Information sharing among employees Staff are carefully chosen Staff commitment and loyalty A unique product or service A specific Customer focus Prompt follow up…  Read more

What is your succession plan?

According to recent research, a staggering two thirds of US millionaire-owned businesses are operating without a succession plan—and even fewer small business owners around the globe are prepared for their CEO’s eventual exit. Recent stats from PWC Global show that family owned businesses are no more prepared: 43% don’t have a succession plan in place, and only 12% survive to the third generation. No matter whether your company has one…  Read more

Encouraging word of mouth

If you have any doubt that word of mouth referrals are important, consider these recent stats: According to Neilson, 92% of shoppers trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional advertising 20% to 50% of consumer purchases are made because of a word of mouth recommendation 81% of buyers are influenced by their friends’ social media posts. So how can you encourage positive word of mouth for your small…  Read more

Common Homeowner’s Insurance Terms That You Should Know

While homeowner’s insurance isn’t required by law, it is often required if you are taking out a mortgage in order to purchase your home. There are a lot of things that you need to think about when purchasing homeowner’s insurance, including what types of coverage you think you need. This can be a challenging task, especially if you are not up to date on your homeowner’s insurance terminology. The following…  Read more

9 Things You Need to Remember While Negotiating Contracts

There are several aspects of business that can only be learnt through actual experience. One of them is negotiating contracts. Several people fear the negotiation process because it is an intrinsically uncomfortable process. Asking for more money or making personal demands doesn’t come naturally to everyone. But with the right toolkit, you can breeze through contract negotiations. And you’d better get used to it, because you’ll have to handle a…  Read more

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