Running your business is more than a full time job – that’s a given, but for many small business owners their lives become unbalanced. They reach a place where work takes over everything. In “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Stephen Covey comments on this very condition and refers to it as, “… the urgent takes over the important.”  If you find yourself stressed out, burned out, or worn out, take a moment to assess your total health picture – the physical, spiritual, s

One of the biggest changes in customer satisfaction in the last 10 years, is the expectation of customers to be included in conversations with the companies they buy from. The advent of social media has catapulted this expectation to the point where many consumers are no longer willing to just spend their money, they expect to be an active part of what your business does, and how it does it. Linda Ireland, global strategy & operational change expert (Aveus LLC) says, “Custome

When starting out a new business we immediately think of the obvious. We focus on issues such as where we source our product, the cost of acquisition, do we need to rent premises, if we need staff how will we cover payroll and so forth. Well down on the list, if at all, some thought might be given as to how we can protect ourselves from unforeseen circumstances. Considering all the things that could harm your ability to manage the business effectively, is referred to as Risk

Taking the time to think about ways to start the New Year off right is never wasted effort. Each new year brings the promise of a brighter future for professionals willing to take stock and make a conscious effort to achieve greater business success, by either increasing revenues or decreasing costs. Below are six tips that will help you launch this year with new energy and positive changes. Sit down with all employees and have an open and frank discussion about suggestions f