Modern point of sale systems have evolved substantially since the first cash registers, which were little more than basic adding machines with an internal mechanism to record sales. In today's retail environment, there’s a lot more to consider, including point of sale (POS) software, credit card processing, interconnected electronics such as Bluetooth scanners, and much, much … [Read more...]
When the Dentist has a Toothache, or How to Prepare Your Clients for Emergencies
You are going along in your small solo business, working with clients, dealing with all the little tasks that need to be done to grow your business. Then, BAM! Something happens. It might be something personal, like a breakup or death in the family, or an immediate family crisis, like a babysitter who doesn’t show up or a car that doesn’t work. Or it might be, as happened to my … [Read more...]
How to Become a More Strategic Leader
Great business leaders understand that leading an enterprise in the direction of continuous growth once it has caught fire can take herculean effort. Inevitably, every organization—from startups to the well established—faces the tenuous transition point where it must be willing to untangle from deeply embedded routines and consistently make core decisions that result in … [Read more...]
Unique Challenges of Onboarding for Small Businesses and 3 Mistakes to Avoid
Small businesses aren’t run like multinational companies, so why would they onboard like them? While there are certainly best practices that guide the way new employees are onboarded, the process must ultimately be tailored to meet the size and nature of a business. One thing is for certain, though: all employers should have an onboarding strategy, regardless of the business … [Read more...]
How Emotions Affect Communication, Teamwork and Leadership
Have you ever been part of a winning team? If so, then you probably realize there's a myriad of factors that work together to make it happen. There's unison, communication, camaraderie, passion, and a drive to win to name a few. The bigger question is, have you ever been part of a team that just can't seem to get it right even though there were talented people involved? … [Read more...]
3 Surprising Ways to be Successful in Your Job
If your literature about finding success in your job is more than a year old, chances are it offers such traditional advice as "stand up and get noticed," "knowledge is power," and "strive to take leadership in projects." That was yesterday. Today's multi-generation workplaces mean the rules have changed, and if you still opt to take the traditional route, you may find … [Read more...]
Embracing Your Female Voice
I was once told by an employer that my voice was too high and too loud. Even worse, I raised it ever so slightly at the end of a thought, indicating a question or insecurity. He suggested I take lessons with a voice coach. Eventually, I did reach out to a friend of mine who moonlighted as a voice coach and sent over the same product video that caused the initial complaint. I … [Read more...]
22 Best WordPress Themes for Small Business
If you have a small business, browse these WordPress themes carefully. Maybe you'll find the one you're looking for! One more good reason to read this article from cover to cover is the 15% promo-code you'll get on any template from this collection. The 15% discount code is: WOMENONBUSINESS. Everybody knows that the quickest, smartest, and most cost-efficient way to present … [Read more...]
How Not To Fund Your Startup Using Credit Cards
I attended a startup event the other day. It was a fireside chat with an accomplished business founder who now owns over 350 locations, worldwide. As this founder was going over his entrepreneur journey, he mentioned how he funded his startup using credit cards and how he applied for 15 of them. This is not the first time I’ve heard of an entrepreneur funding his/her company … [Read more...]
Feedback is a Gift – Especially When It Hurts
Few of us look forward to a feedback appointment. Regardless of how solid we consider our work performance and efforts to be, the bottom-line is that we all have professional blind spots and absolutely no one is exempt from negative feedback. We’ve all been there, but ouch! Usually, it comes with a sting, tempting us to lash out in ways that aren’t professional or more … [Read more...]