More and more of us are working from home, and will likely need to decide where to set up a home office space. There should be several criteria to follow: Have it near a window (we're more productive and happier if exposed to natural light), away from distractions (so you can focus on your work), in an inspiring space, in proximity to amenities (it just makes your life easier), and lastly, … [Read more...]

Some digital marketplaces can really explode, and become worth billions of dollars, like Ebay, Uber, Craigslist, and Airbnb, to name a few. So how can you use their strategies to build up your business? First, they often start small (Craiglist started with just one email and Ebay started with selling only collectibles), and gradually expand into new markets, add new products and price points, … [Read more...]

Good software is essential for businesses to achieve and maintain any sort of competitive advantage over their rivals. One area where software is just as effective and cost saving, yet still underrated, is the area of human resources and management. Software can be used to optimize the processes of hiring a new employee, reporting on insights, basic administrative processes and tasks, performance … [Read more...]

Advertising is a key tool for growth of small businesses, and a necessary element for success. However, it usually does not come cheap. Luckily, there actually are some inexpensive ways that small businesses can market themselves. One of the most cost effective forms of marketing comes in the form of word-of-mouth advertising, which occurs when happy customers spread the word to others about your … [Read more...]

Catching the attention of a top business executive is a challenging task, but it is not an impossible one. In order to get personally in touch with the highest levels of leadership at a company, there are a few specific steps you can take to maximize your chances of success. It’s important to take the entire team into consideration rather than focusing narrowly on just one specific position. Some … [Read more...]

There are ways small business should use big data to improve, and here are 9 tips to do just that. First have a plan and know what questions you need answers to. Start small when analyzing data and use the info to customize offerings. It is important to understand the competition as well, find out how they spend their capital. Another tip is to identify beneficial supplier relationships and to … [Read more...]

The person-to-person relations that you build between yourself and prospective clients will be an important part of closing a deal. There are a few tricks businesspeople can take advantage of in order to foment a stronger connection. Try using provocative questions to spark conversation, and keep your enthusiasm levels restrained. Place the prospect at the center of your interactions, and make it … [Read more...]

In the world of business, cognitive transformation refers to the need for modern companies to reorient their approach to reflect the new centrality of consumer data. In order to achieve this transformation, and mature digitally as a result, companies can implement a few changes that will put them on the correct path toward a 21st century approach centered around digital and mobile. First of all, … [Read more...]

Being an entrepreneur is understood to have good ideas, talent, and good work ethic. However experience is a key quality of entrepreneurship that is often forgotten. Where education may be an important factor for some companies, it can be argued that business experience gives entrepreneurs the ability to understand how to deal with difficult situations. Business experience can foster success for … [Read more...]

Marketing is a key ingredient in the recipe for a successful business, and the specific marketing techniques a company employs must be chosen thoughtfully and carefully. One marketing method that cannot be overlooked is good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Also important is the core foundation that underlies your brand and the products or services you sell. Additionally, generating attention-grabbing … [Read more...]