It’s a remarkable statistic: people 55 and older own at least a percentage of over 50% of America’s small businesses. As many as 10 million companies – about 65-75% of all small firms – will likely be on the market in the next decade as baby boomers retire. Economists and the press refer to the coming…
Whether acquiring an existing business or buying out partners from your current one, a Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan could be an excellent option, offering competitive interest rates and longer repayment terms to qualifying buyers. However, while the SBA guarantees a significant portion of the loan, collateral is usually required of the borrower. Here…
Have you been considering financing to purchase a business or perhaps to grow your present one? A lot goes into securing a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. However, approved borrowers can get their financing faster by taking a few proactive steps: Have your historical and current financials ready – along with your seller’s – and…
Most of us use a credit or debit card multiple times a day for business or personal reasons. That makes it vitally important to be aware of what “skimming” is and how you can protect yourself from fraud. Card skimmers gather data from your card’s magnetic strip when you insert or swipe it at point-of-purchase…
It wasn’t all that long ago that new (or fairly new) businesses had few options when it came to being seen by potential customers. Direct mail was, and remains, an option, but the return on investment has historically been frustrating. And, of course, there was traditional media: newspapers, magazines, tv and radio, but relatively few…
Do you have a big idea? Or, better yet, THE big idea? It just might be the way to kick off your best year ever. Maybe it’s a brand-new product or service that you’re certain your target market needs and wants. Perhaps it’s a line extension that will further enhance your present offerings. Whatever it…
When you’re a business owner, meetings can be either the most valuable part of your day – or a complete waste of time that keeps you from more important tasks. Well-run meetings provide an opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another, but when they start to feel overwhelming or pointless, it can negatively impact…
As a business owner, understanding cash flow is critical to the success of your operation. So, what exactly is cash flow? Here’s a brief description of what it is…and what it’s not. What is cash flow? Simply put, cash flow is the amount of money coming into and going out of a business measured and…
Effective copywriting is at the core of any brand and marketing strategy. Clear, crisp copy attracts attention, supports your key message and supports your brand identity. While many people use these terms interchangeably, content and copy are not the same: Content is informational, used to reach customers through blogs, social media, eBooks or email. Copy…
It can happen to any business – the teamwork and enthusiasm that helped your company grow has seemingly slipped away, leaving behind a group of less motivated employees. Slumping morale can be a real productivity killer – particularly for a small business. Searching for morale boosters that work? There is no one “sure fix”, but…
