RECENT ARTICLES
Business Strategist Lisa Hendrickson Speaks at the 12th Annual Smart Hustle Conference
Lisa Hendrickson is a business strategist and serial entrepreneur with years of experience in building and scaling companies. Lisa will share her insights on setting the right price for your business (and more) at next week’s 12th Annual Smart Hustle Small Business Conference, taking place on November 1st, in mid-town Manhattan. Lisa’s experience spans from...
Developing a Leadership Philosophy
This article on Developing a Leadership Philosophy is published in partnership with Aurora University. At the beginning of each advanced leadership workshop session, business thought leader John Spence asks attendees how many currently have a written list of their key leadership values. Much to his surprise, only one or two out of 100 to 150 executives raise...
3 Ways To Expand Your Company to a New Market
It’s every entrepreneur’s dream to start a successful and innovative company, be profitable and expand their vision and company into other markets. However, expansion can be challenging for new business owners who may be unsure of where to focus their efforts. Successful expansion requires entrepreneurs to identify which markets are in need of solutions...
What the Shifting Playing Field Means for Entrepreneurs – Augusto Carrizo
Entrepreneurs know there is a lot to learn—and to always be learning—if you want to be a successful business owner. Sure, you can read blogs and listen to podcasts (ahem). You can take online or local courses, too. But every now and again an event pops up on your radar that makes you stop...
The Pros and Cons of Having a Business Partner
Antwon Davis and Eldredge Washington are co-founders of Spendefy – a tech company with a digital platform that makes it easier to find black-owned businesses in your city. The idea behind Spendefy developed when Antwon and Eldredge were discussing the lack of economic structure in the black community. Spendefy hosts thousands of black businesses on its...
How to Engage, Motivate and Retain a Remote Team
With the rise of remote workers and the growth of the gig economy, small business owners have the flexibility to employ the talent that best fits their needs – regardless of whether that person is located in the same office or around the world. While this dynamic creates new possibilities for staffing a business,...
Why Businesses Need Human Customer Service Workers – Not Robots
Customers seek small businesses for the individualized and attentive service they don’t always receive from large corporations. While this personal touch is a competitive advantage, it’s under threat. 32 percent of organizations are shifting customer service from live assistance to automated service, likely as a long-term cost cutting measure. Robotizing customer interactions has hidden and...
Ed Marsh from American Express: 3 Myths About Exporting You Need to Know
Are you thinking about selling your products or services overseas, but aren’t sure how to go about it? I recently had a chance to speak with Ed Marsh, Export Advisor for American Express, about this very subject. He cleared up a few of the myths about exporting products and services, which I’m very happy...
How Leaders Can Build a More Collaborative and Productive Virtual Team
Virtual teams, or flexible work, is one of the biggest drivers of transformation in the workplace according to a forecast of employment trends by the World Economic Forum. Because of this, today’s leaders will need to figure out how to most effectively manage their remote teams to ensure that the level of productivity and...
How To Start and Grow Your Subscription Business
How familiar are you with the concept of subscription businesses? Many entrepreneurs are unaware of this intriguing lifestyle business example, that has experienced some significant growth as well. This perfect tongue twister (if you don’t believe me, try repeating the words “subscription business” as fast as possible for 4-5 times) also represents a rapidly...
5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Business
Establishing your own business is an enthralling experience, wherein you can make your own rules, and unleash your full potential towards your own idea. Many people are lured by the idea of starting a business, but there are certain pitfalls that you need to overcome. Starting a new business requires careful planning and practicality, among...
5 Things that Happen when You Unplug and Delegate
The best way to test your company’s preparedness for succession is to take unplug and delegate. Go on a vacation somewhere with poor or non-existent cell-phone service. If some of your operations prove themselves shaky while you’re away, you’ll get a good picture of where improvement is needed. More likely, though, you’ll discover that...