Branding is important; it’s how customers perceive your business. It isn’t just a logo either, it’s your entire customer experience. Logo, font, website, social media, even the way you interact with customers are all part of your brand. It can be a little overwhelming at times and that explains why so many companies from start-ups to established companies neglect their branding or fail to rebrand when necessary. Read more
Whether you are trying to raise money for your business or just want to perfect your business strategy, a solid elevator pitch is an essential tool for achieving your goals. An elevator pitch can be delivered either verbally, ideally in 60 seconds or less, or as a one-page overview of your business. Think of the elevator pitch as an executive summary that provides a quick overview of your business and details why you are going to be successful. Read more
Even newbies to the entrepreneurial game are no doubt familiar with the ingredients needed to build a successful business. Perseverance. Decisiveness. Confidence. Passion. Top-notch legal and financial advisors. Seasoned mentors who don’t pull punches. The ability to cultivate lasting relationships and inspire others to support your vision. A willingness to take risks, listen to your gut and, of course, work your tail off. Read more
Starting your own business may sound like an undertaking of epic proportions. The truth is, it’s not. Yes, you’re going to have to work hard, and commit to working on it at all hours of the day, but actually getting set up is simply down to making sure you’ve “checked all the boxes,” which is exactly what this business startup checklist aims to help you do. Read more.
Family businesses account for two-thirds of all companies worldwide and create 50 to 80 percent of jobs in most countries, according to the Family Firm Institute, a global association of family-business professionals. This isn’t just good for the economy. Family founders stand to benefit from a ready-made team of loyal, dedicated relatives, a pool of obvious successors and the ingenuity of the next generation. Read more.
Many companies invest heavily to perfect their product development process, hoping the result will entice customers to buy. But most entrepreneurs overlook market trends that could attract more customers and sustain their sales.
When it comes to business, it’s all about making data-driven decisions and implementing the right strategies to increase your growth rate. First, you must validate your ideas and assumptions through market research outcomes. Read more.
Summer is here which means warmer weather, plenty of pool time, vacations, and, for many promotional products distributors, the dreaded “slow season.” In fact, if you ask any distributor in the industry to pinpoint their least effective selling months, they will likely identify July and August as the culprits. Read more
Mobile marketing is the “in” thing, and more and more companies are taking advantage. If your brand isn’t one of them, you need to get on the bandwagon soon — or you’ll be left far behind your competitors. Here are seven reasons why marketing managers and CMOs must make mobile marketing a priority. Read more
It never ceases to amaze me how much time people waste searching endlessly for magic shortcuts to entrepreneurial success and fulfillment when the only real path is staring them right in the face: real entrepreneurs who start real businesses that employ real people who provide real products and services to real customers.
Yes, I know that’s hard. It’s a lot of work. What can I say, that’s life. Besides, look on the bright side: You get to do what you want and you get to do it your way. There’s just one catch….
In my angel investor mode, I often find myself flipping to the “management” section of a business plan, even before I read the solution description and opportunity. Imagine my lack of excitement if that section is missing, or it’s basically a list of names and titles that I don’t recognize. To win, you need to tell your best story and highlight how the team hits any and all of the following points.
