Articles
6 Tips for Productively Running an At-Home Business
With the flexibility wrought by the Internet, business owners in many industries can make the valid and cost-saving decision to run a company right out of their homes. But, as you’ll soon find if you’re new to working at home, the convenience of avoiding a commute can be threatened by the myriad distractions and productivity…
Don’t Think Office Safety Is Your Issue? You May Be Wrong
If you run a manufacturing or construction business, you’re well aware that on-the-job safety is a top priority, and you’ve taken steps to ensure safety and comply with federal regulations. For many other types of small business owners, though, office safety is one of those matters that gets attention once a year, or even less,…
Think Seasonal Business Owners Have It Easy? Think Again
It might seem like seasonal business owners have it easy. After all, they work hard for the few months that make up their peak season, then they can shut down and take a rest. Right? Not so. For those who know what it really takes to keep a seasonal business operating, let alone thriving, it’s…
No Incubator? No Problem. Use These 3 Steps to ‘Self-Incubate’
Incubators have been a secret weapon for hundreds of businesses. They offer a huge promise: take an entrepreneur’s idea, nurture it, support and educate the founders through the early stages, and at the end produce an ideal result: a viable company. Still, receiving the benefits of incubators has a few major hurdles, such as being…
Starting a Small Business? Make Decisions Like a Warrior
Life in the military is strikingly different than that of a startup entrepreneur, but there are many decision-making techniques they use in the military that could benefit entrepreneurs compelled to make decisions with sometimes less-than-perfect information. As we honor those who serve our country this month, let’s take a lesson from how the Marine Corps…
Advice From a Vet that Will Help Your Small Business
For those who have spent time in the military, they know that life in the service is decidedly different than life as an entrepreneur. Nevertheless, many of the skills servicemen and women learn in the armed forces translate very well to running a successful small business. Tom Bernard, owner of ProCraft Interiors, an Army veteran…
10 Tools for Professional-Looking Designs in Your Digital Marketing
No matter the size of your business, the design of your digital marketing materials is a big part of their success in bringing in customers and raising your company’s stature. In today’s competitive environment, if your website, events page, or newsletter doesn’t look polished and professional, it doesn’t put your best foot forward. The good…
Should I Use a Personal Loan for My Business?
There are times when many business owners might be tempted to use a personal loan to pay for business expenses. For example, when a business is still in the idea stage, or otherwise very young (under a year old), it can be difficult to access financing via a traditional small business loan, which is why…
5 Keys to Delegating as a Small Business Owner
Few people know what it’s like to own a small business unless they’ve actually done it. You need vision, passion and optimism to create something from scratch. You must maintain the high level of dedication and tireless work ethic it takes to keep a brand, product, and team continually working and evolving. Because of this,…
How to Run Your Business For the Long Haul…In a Short Term World
You may have heard the phrase, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” For some businesses today however, the intent from Day One really IS a sprint—new companies are launched with the goals of first achieving lightning-fast growth, and then being acquired by the highest bidder. For those who see their business as an extension of…
Use These 5 Steps to Ensure Your Business is Ready for Spring
Spring is finally here, meaning that many small businesses are getting ready for the onslaught of seasonal, warm-weather customers. In addition to stocking up and staffing up, there are steps you can take to ensure that your busy season runs smoothly, and even beats expectations. Audit Your Operating Systems Right now, in the calm before…
The Month-Long Financial Event You Might Not Know About
Did you know that April was Financial Literacy Month? I was tempted to call it a celebration, but admittedly, “celebration” would have been an overstatement. I understand that most entrepreneurs don’t jump into business ownership because they’re excited about the financial responsibilities like doing the books, filing taxes, or financing their businesses—but they are all…
How to do Market Research on a Budget
Have you ever dreamed of opening a bed & breakfast in a particular neighborhood? Imagined running an unusual business, like a greenhouse-meets-coffee shop or a pet playground? Or even pictured becoming part of a neighborhood with a company that’s more mundane, like a mover or an accounting firm for bed & breakfasts? Our imaginations can…
Building a Successful Small Business: Advice From Women Entrepreneurs
We know many small business owners have difficulty accessing capital, but women business owners have particular trouble. While women own roughly 36% of the small businesses in the United States, only 5.5% successfully find financing at the bank, and 50% of those who applied for funding received nothing, according to the National Women’s Business Council.…
Barbara Corcoran Seal of Approval Winners On Track to Meet Their Goals
It’s been over two months since our Barbara Corcoran Seal of Approval contest winners received $10,000 each from OnDeck to grow their businesses and their private consultation Barbara Corcoran. It was fun to meet them at OnDeck HQ in New York City. Our winners gave us an update of their progress in early February, and…