RECENT ARTICLES
Developing a One-of-a-Kind Brand: James Hill and the Story of High Cotton
Several of our past Smart Hustle interview guests have spoken on the topic of developing a niche – not trying to be everything to everybody and instead focusing in on that one special thing that only you can offer. Of course, developing your one-of-a-kind brand is challenging, so I’m excited to share my recent...
Be Passionate and Humble: Business Advice from Dr. Alvin Perry of P5 Designs
What kind of introduction do you give a man whose client list includes NASA, State Farm and several boards of education on the East Coast? Dr. Alvin Perry is a veritable renaissance man. He’s earned his DBA and his MBA. He also has 10 years of entrepreneurial experience, 20 years of consulting experience and...
Following Your Vision & Knowing When to Pivot: Dawn Dickson Shares
I met my latest interview guest in the green room at MSNBC, and I was drawn to her confidence and high energy. As it turns out, Dawn Dickson, the founder and CEO of Flat Out of Heels and Solutions Vending International, exhibits many of the characteristics I see in successful hustlers: namely, she is...
Using the Power of the Internet to Build a Manufacturing Business: An Interview with Laina Gossman
Getting a product-based business off the ground has unique challenges compared to service-based businesses. Not only do you have to deal with marketing, branding, finding leads, and growing customers, but you also have to handle the designing and manufacturing of a physical product. Not knowing how to convert the idea into a mass-produced product...
Boosting Your Biz Through Content: An Interview with Julie Tupler of Diastasis Rehab
If there is one thing that my Smart Hustle interview series proves, it’s that entrepreneurs can come from all walks of life. Can an artist be an entrepreneur? Yes! Can a personal finance expert be an entrepreneur? Yes! Can a nurse be an entrepreneur? Yes! For proof on that last point, let me introduce you to my...
Do Entrepreneurs Need a College Degree?
Growing up, most of us heard from our parents, “go to college and get a good job!” Sounds like a good plan, right? However, have you ever wondered if there was a better way? Alternatively, have you been curious how the greats like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Mark Zuckerberg created their empires –...
The Working Artist, Crista Cloutier, Shares Business Tips for the Creative Industries
For most people in the creative industries, business doesn’t come naturally. Their passion lies in their artwork, whether it is a beautiful painting, a stunning sculpture or a piece of decorative jewelry. That said, for artists to make it in today’s competitive environment, they must be able to create and run a successful business....
Tips on How To Build a Tribe and Successful Business from “The Budgetnista”
List building is the marketing method of choice for some businesses, but is it appropriate for every business? Should the owner of a landscaping business try to build a list? What about someone who runs a bakery or a laundromat? If you’ve taken a pass on list and tribe building or aren’t putting much...
The Importance of Color and Design When Branding Your Business
99designs CMO Pam Webber Discusses the Importance of Color and Design When Branding Your Business As a small business, your marketing will only be as successful as your branding elements. These visual representations of your business (found on your logo, website, social media, business cards, and so on) communicate vital information about your business and also...
Why Small Business Needs to Rethink Pricing Strategies and the Lean Startup Model
Growing a profitable business is tricky. You start out with a great idea but how do you take it from there? In a recent interview, my guest Lisa Hendrickson (founder of Spark City), shed light on some of the many complex decisions small business owners have to make. Her insights will make you take...
6 Tips to Differentiate Your Business And Stand Out From Contango IT CEO Danny Mizrahi
What makes you better than the competition? Why should a customer choose you instead of another company in your industry? Learning how to differentiate your business is important for all small business owners because not only are you competing against other small businesses, but you also have to fight well-known national and global companies...
3 Team-Building Tips to Create an Active and Innovative Team
To whom do you owe your success? While some business owners credit mentors, advisors, or their own hard work, others say they have triumphed thanks to competent and trusted team members. As I was going through my personal interview archives, I rediscovered this interview with Erin Walter of Nuphoriq, who thanks her team for...