What stage of your business is it in, and what are your personal goals?
January 25
Managers can serve their employees as a positive guiding influence, or they can function as a source of disengagement and unethical behavior.
January 11
Owners should be certain they understand the consequences before making this major change.
January 4
Consumers help businesses remain strong, and businesses help the community remain vibrant as well.
December 30, 2018
Last of three parts.Q: What methods can I use to resolve disagreements with an independent contractor?A: An independent contractor (IC) is one who agrees…
December 23, 2018
Second of three partsQ: How can I prevent misunderstandings when implementing a contract with an independent contractor?A: An independent contractor (IC) is one who…
December 16, 2018
Q: What should I keep in mind when establishing an independent contractor relationship?A: An independent contractor (IC) is one who agrees with a buyer to…
December 8, 2018
Ensuring everyone knows what constitutes a crisis and when the plan needs to be put into action is key.
November 23, 2018
The outcome that counts is: Did the approach match the real need?
November 16, 2018
Increase your recruiting effectiveness with these ideas.
November 9, 2018
Q: How can I create a culture of organizational creativity? A: Fostering organizational creativity requires making creativity a strategic priority. Making time to generate ideas…
October 27, 2018
Thorough review and testing is worth the time and energy to assure a positive user experience.
October 21, 2018
Q: What is a compliance program and does my business need one?A: A compliance program is made up of company policies and procedures…
October 12, 2018
If you are looking to reduce your stress, a startup is probably not the right place.
October 6, 2018
Performance feedback is one of the most powerful forms of motivation for employees.
September 29, 2018
Most orders further identify to whom these wages should be sent.
September 22, 2018
They enter the workforce as pre-existing considerate, thoughtful, helpful employees.
September 16, 2018
Q: We recently lost an important customer to a competitor, and it's not clear whether we will be able to survive. Short of pouring…
September 9, 2018
Any leader can develop ways to integrate new aspects of a culture, but this process of change will need lots of attention for a while.
August 26, 2018
Working on any team requires a delicate balance of collaborative idea generation and work product while maintaining some individuality.
August 17, 2018
When these factors fall out of sync, things won't work as smoothly as they did.
August 11, 2018
Business owners get the best, most-practical advice from someone who has walked a mile in their shoes.
August 4, 2018
Businesses exercise different levels of control over contractors and employees.
July 28, 2018
The word "ask" in the question poses an interesting ethical conundrum.
July 20, 2018
The fact that today's business outlook is pretty strong doesn't negate the need to follow sound business practices.
July 14, 2018
Q: When dealing with an ethical dilemma in my organization, should I gain input from others first? A: I would highly suggest gaining additional…
June 30, 2018
Before you institute such policies, you should think through several considerations.
June 22, 2018
Q: What are some summer reading suggestions about how to become a more principled leader? A: Most management wisdom about ethics in business will…
June 16, 2018
Developing an organizational structure for the business and a governance structure for ownership helps.
June 9, 2018
You also will need some of your own cash to get started — maybe a substantial amount.
June 2, 2018
This is important to gauge at the outset to set the stage for moving forward with the next steps of any launch.
May 25, 2018
Childhood lessons can help you make the most ethical decisions as an adult.
May 20, 2018
I contract with a marketing firm. They report success using media impressions. What is the value of media impressions?
May 11, 2018
One needs to compare the cost of the bank loan vs. the cost of trade credit.
May 5, 2018
You need to establish the reasoning for the change and the continued value at the new price point.
April 27, 2018
As a small-business owner who employs fewer than 50 employees, does it make sense for me to provide health insurance for my employees even if I am not required to by law?
April 20, 2018
Straighten out differences that can cause issues.
April 13, 2018
Q: How can I better promote strategic innovation in my organization? A: Let’s consider two common places innovations go to die and explore what…
April 6, 2018
A great team starts with the assessment of strengths and needs, so be honest.
April 1, 2018
Q: I'm developing a new business proposal, and mentors have recommended that I use a franchising model. What factors should I consider?A: In a franchise…
March 17, 2018
While MBA programs have made progress, most students still lack opportunities to face complex and ambiguous challenges with no clear-cut solutions.
March 11, 2018
If you don't search and later find that a confusingly similar mark is registered, you can be forced to rebrand.
March 4, 2018
How do leaders find satisfaction in each workday and create an environment conducive to employee satisfaction?
February 25, 2018
I am interested in learning more about how diversity and inclusion efforts can improve my business outcomes. Can you provide some local resources?
February 17, 2018
Meaningful work is storied work.
February 10, 2018
As employees improve their market skills, they develop capabilities that provide higher value to an organization.
February 2, 2018
Everyone in your company must understand what their role is in managing cyberrisks.
January 27, 2018
A brand is more than a name, creating so many associations.
January 13, 2018
Leaders who concentrate their awareness on the situation at hand demonstrate more steady, thoughtful, flexible and creative influence.
January 7, 2018
I am considering a partnership that requires entering a regulated industry with a new product. Should I invest before or after regulatory approval?
December 24, 2017
Q: As a small-business owner, are there steps I can take now to build a good foundation for responding to any tax reform changes? AnonymousA:…
December 10, 2017
How do you address sexual harassment culturally within an organization?
December 2, 2017
The key to success stems from knowing the right elements for the shopper to assess.
November 24, 2017
Get beyond the friendly feedback and always be willing to learn.
November 17, 2017
Unlike public corporations, owners of family businesses seek a variety of outcomes in addition to business profits.
November 12, 2017
Our employees have said that our current employee review process does not provide enough direction on ways to improve. What are some effective ways to uncover and communicate specific improvement areas?
November 3, 2017
Forward-thinking executives are strategically helping new hires deepen and connect their sense of purpose.
October 28, 2017
The newest generation to enter the workforce is very different from millennials.
October 22, 2017
Can you explain the pros/cons for entrepreneurs wondering if a benefit corporation classification is right for them?
October 8, 2017
I am looking at hiring a couple of new employees. How should I set wage levels? What else should I offer in terms of compensation?
October 1, 2017
Q: How do you balance getting the right customers and maximizing profit?Roslyn McKenna, brand managerSH Data CentersA: The well-known rule of thumb is that 80…
September 24, 2017
Q: How do you move from being a solopreneur to growing and managing a team if you don't enjoy managing people?Gina Horkey, founderHorkey HandbookA: Our…
September 16, 2017
Q: As an entrepreneur, what do I need to know about deducting startup costs, and what qualifies as such? Anonymous A: Business ventures generally…
September 10, 2017
Our product has a distinctive American theme; however, we are getting some attention and requests from the United Kingdom and Australia. Can you please share some marketing dos and don'ts for international audiences?
September 1, 2017
The history of business integration has taught us that this process takes a good deal of thought and effort.
August 27, 2017
Q: As an independent consulting firm that has mainly consulted early stage technology innovation, I am looking to build out my client base to…
August 20, 2017
Q: Our business processes hundreds of transactions a day. What is the best way to manage and track inventory for a small business…
August 13, 2017
As a business that is scaling up from a three-person staff, what are some unexpected challenges that we will face? What can we do to prepare for these challenges?
August 6, 2017
The key question to launch your search is, "What is the problem I'm trying to solve?"
July 29, 2017
Q: I need to apply for a line of credit for cash-flow purposes. At what point is there too much debt? Revenue is 20 percent…
July 23, 2017
Is the recent news of IBM calling remote workers back to the office a trend or an anomaly in the future of how and where people work?
July 16, 2017
Q: What tips and advice do you have for small trade businesses to attract and retain great people?Rob Satrom, ownerFeedbackWrenchA: Nearly every organization finds it…
July 9, 2017
When starting a business and working at the same time, when do we know it is time to give the business all our attention and stop working a day job?
July 1, 2017
Q: What is the best way to receive funding to grow my company without losing control of it? Christina Flach, CEO Pretty Girl Makeup …
June 25, 2017
What is the most effective way to reach people over 55 and retirees who may be downsizing? Also, how can we appeal to the children of seniors who are helping their parents transition into retirement communities?
June 18, 2017
As I look to build my business beyond sole proprietorship and bring on other team members, how should I lay out expectations if some tasks might go beyond the usual job descriptions?
June 10, 2017
Q: I am in the start-up process for a nonprofit. What should I consider when forecasting a budget for a 12-month business plan? LaTonia E.…
June 4, 2017
Q: I have an idea for a product, but am not sure how to get started in making the idea a reality. What are…
May 28, 2017
Q: How do I overcome public apathy to internet security, even after revelation after revelation about security failures?Greg Scott, authorA: Step 1 is determining whether…
May 21, 2017
As a social venture start-up, what is the most effective way to incorporate our social mission in our branding strategy and client presentations?
May 14, 2017
Q: What percentage of our budget should be going toward marketing efforts?Vitaliy Vinogradov, CEO, Modern Lighting PlaceA: There are no hard and fast rules regarding…
May 7, 2017
My company is close to launching our own skin care brand. Do you think we should focus on online sales? And would offline sales help support online sales?
April 30, 2017
When thinking about selecting a fulfillment partner, you should start by setting measurable objectives and standards.
April 23, 2017
Q: How can brands stand out among the growing abundance of misinformation that exists on social media sites, like Facebook, today?AnonymousA: Can brands save…
April 16, 2017
Q: Over the past six months, I've been publishing an SEO-specific newsletter tied directly to my name/brand. My employer runs something similar (I'm not…
April 9, 2017
What are your options when a client doesn't pay on time? And if the relationship worsens, what is the best way to fire a client?
April 1, 2017
Ashley Garner, owner and designer, Violet Wears Q: How do you build brand trust with a new business? A: I love this question.…
March 26, 2017
Q: A lot of start-up businesses are not clear whether they need to get an office after working out of their homes. When should a…
March 19, 2017
Q: I'm co-owner of a company that publishes medical guides written by physicians who are also mothers. What are some best practices for…
March 12, 2017
What is the best marketing strategy for a business that requires a high level of trust between client and provider before working together?
March 5, 2017
We currently appeal to baby boomers because they typically have discretionary money, more flexible time and grown children. How can we attract younger clients?
February 26, 2017
Q: A goal for myself personally, and for the benefit of my business, is to be the most productive and effective I can possibly…
February 19, 2017
I'm the filmmaker of an award-winning documentary, "Church of Felons," which exposes the severe drug and alcohol addiction epidemic of Polk County, Wis. How could we better reach over the border into Minnesota to gain support, book screening events and direct attention of influencers toward our project?
February 11, 2017
Q: My company is looking to improve accountability for self-employed agents. What is the best way to set up accountability for independent contractors? Adam Kruse,…
February 5, 2017
Q: I frequently advance expenses to clients that total as much as 25 to 50 percent of their final invoice. These fees are reimbursable,…
January 28, 2017
Q: I want to expand the reach of my consulting business’ speaking platform. What is the best way to reach buyers who are interested…
January 22, 2017
Q: My company sells specialized drones for commercial use. We would like to grow sales in Minnesota and the Midwest. Should we first have direct…
January 13, 2017
Q: How does an entrepreneur or business owner know when it is right to gut it out and self-fund their business vs. when it is…
January 8, 2017
Q: What are some good ways to find corporations who are interested in becoming partners with nonprofits?Hussein Farah, Founder & executive directorNew Vision Foundation A:…
January 1, 2017
Q: What is the fastest way to achieve brand awareness in markets outside of Minnesota?Jess Tiffany, presidentMarketing and Networking UniversityA: First, know what you mean…
December 25, 2016
Q: Marketing on a business-to-business (B2B) level requires a completely different approach from business-to-consumer (B2C) campaigns. Could you advise on ways to pitch to an…
December 18, 2016
Both Subway and American Airlines successfully used loyalty programs to cost-effectively increase brand awareness.
December 11, 2016
As the adage goes, if your company is in a growing market and you are not growing with the market, then your portion of the market is shrinking.
December 4, 2016
Q: We're a small business, but generally become much busier during the holiday period. I've often thought about taking on extra staff during this period,…
November 27, 2016
Motivation can be thwarted in many ways. Fortunately, the research provides some great tools for diagnosing and improving motivation.
November 20, 2016
Q: In today's economy, with very low unemployment rates, it can be very difficult to find qualified applicants for jobs that require a skilled workforce.…
November 13, 2016
Q: What is the most effective and inexpensive way to find new customers?Zondra Wilson, OwnerBlu Skin CareA: Generally, the more effective, less-expensive approach to acquiring…
November 6, 2016
Q: How can I find marketing opportunities? Other than online marketing with search engines, how else can a business owner market their business? Speaking of…
October 30, 2016
Q: As a small company experiencing growth, it has been really exciting and challenging. How do we gauge the decision to hire production work and…
October 23, 2016
Q: In looking at our clients over the last six years, about 40 percent are in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. While…
October 16, 2016
Q: What is the best online channel for us to invest our money in? We can't afford to market across social media, e-mail and search,…
October 9, 2016
Q: What is a proven process to hire top talent? I know you don't want to wait until somebody leaves. Who are some unexpected people…
October 6, 2016
Q: What are the points to consider before scaling the brand? Gaurang Naik, CEO Dollar Rows A: There is certainly not a cookie-cutter approach to…
September 25, 2016
Q: Some investments look attractive, but they also take the company's capital and focus away from its main line of business. How can entrepreneurs stay…
September 18, 2016
Q: We currently have a partnership LLC, but have heard that for tax purposes, it's better to organize as an S-Corp. We've received different opinions…
September 21, 2016
Q: How do I raise financing for a new brand with negative cash flow? Gaurang Naik, CEO Dollar Rows A: When a business…
September 4, 2016
Q: I co-own Momosa Publishing LLC, publisher of the Mommy MD Guides and other books, www.mommymdguides.com and other websites, and the Mommy MD Guide app.…
August 28, 2016
Q: Should I change my company's individualized education program to more group programs for more profits?AJ, Owner, Suprex Private TutoringA: The challenge for Suprex Tutoring…
August 21, 2016
Q: When you're starting a small business, when is the right time to quit your day job — financially speaking? If you're starting your own…
August 14, 2016
Q: How can I generate more sales without spending so much on marketing (advertising and promotion) that I break the bank?Ashley Valencia, ownerThe Printer Depot…
August 7, 2016
Q: They say those first few sales are always the toughest to get. What are some key tips that help small and midsize businesses, and…
July 31, 2016
Q: How do I know whether I need an official human resources department or if I can do everything myself? Is it a matter of…
July 23, 2016
Q: We can do better in social media. Online giveaways and contests seem to be working. We still have a long way to go —…
July 17, 2016
Accessing capital is one of the central problems all ventures face.
July 10, 2016
Q: How can we better target pet parents to use our site?Ashley Jacobs, OwnerSitting for a CauseA: As a socially responsible company, you want to…
July 3, 2016
Q: What are some tips or best practices for recruiting and then supporting a volunteer advisory committee?Jennifer Radke, CEONational Institute for Social MediaA: The purpose…
June 26, 2016
Q: Does investing in public relations make sense for small businesses? Is there a certain size, profitability-wise, that a company should achieve before it makes…
June 19, 2016
Q: How do we get information in front of influential organizations/sites/blogs whose Âreaders would find our service helpful? David Mercer, founderSME PalsA: Getting in front…
June 12, 2016
Q: How do I hire more employees when no one seems to want to sell printers and/or work for a small business?Ashley Valencia, owner,The Printer…
June 5, 2016
Q: Would a smaller company benefit more from having numerous marketing channels or should it just have one or two?Vladimir Gendelman, founder and CEO, Company…
May 29, 2016
Q: Our company is growing a lot, and we are faced with a dilemma: We need another inside sales coordinator to help keep all of…
May 22, 2016
Q: What is the value of a brand? How do we know it's valuable to a business? Alternatively, what does a world without brands look…
May 15, 2016
Q: How do you know when to implement customer feedback vs. ignore it?Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPalA: Customer feedback is an excellent source for ways…
May 8, 2016
Q: We sell laser jet printers and design jet plotters, and parts and accessories to go with them. We also do service on printers throughout…
May 1, 2016
Q: Just under two years ago, I started an e-commerce website. The website has been spectacularly successful, with tens of thousands of sales and a…
April 24, 2016
Selecting a home for your business is a complex decision and depends on a variety of factors.
April 17, 2016
Q: Do you have any advice on how to stay productive and focused when there is so much distraction from social media? How can we…
April 10, 2016
Q: Should we keep our focus on trying to growing our personalized baby business or should we focus on more lucrative jobs, such as acting…
April 3, 2016
Q: How can we get our products seen with a very small advertising budget?The Clean Witch Natural Cleaning productsA: As they say, "it depends." It…
March 27, 2016
Is it better to underbid the competition and not make much money on an account, or price for quality service and be more selective?
March 22, 2016
Q: What factors should a start-up company think about when deciding to hire its first full-time employee, vs. freelance? Scott Gabrielson Founder, Oliver Cabell …
March 22, 2016
Anyone considering a partnership with you will go to the Web to find out more about New Level Seminars.
March 22, 2016
Q: We are a midsize remodeling company that values its workers. Many of the workers are 1099 or open-source labor, and we would like to…
February 29, 2016
I take people on backpacking trips into the remote wilderness and think that school districts would like the extra income from shuttling people using buses that would otherwise just be sitting in a lot.
November 15, 2015
questionI have sunk my entire savings into a great idea and it's launching soon, but I think it could be more successful with more capital…
November 8, 2015
Question As a small business, how should we handle the Fight for $15 campaign (minimum wage), especially if some of our competitors prefer to hire…
October 9, 2015
questionMy company, Access Now, just launched its first guidebook for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility. My question is about marketing. As a small…
September 13, 2015
questionGiven that I have no formal business training, the simple questions in running the show always get me. Is there a ceiling for salaries for…
August 30, 2015
questionI am a solopreneur, wearing every hat from CEO and marketing director to shipping specialist and social media strategist. I spend more hours working in…
August 23, 2015
questionWhen is the right time to expand a business and begin to outsource tasks? How should I decide on the tasks within my business to…
July 27, 2015
question I recently launched an online fitness business that will help mommies lose baby weight from the comfort of their home. What are some ways…
July 12, 2015
questionI run a building maintenance company and would like advice on how to grow my customer base. Ryne Cleaning Rynecleaning.comanswerI would begin by thoroughly understanding…
June 21, 2015
questionMarketing our small business is one of the greatest challenges to allocate funds. What is the most effective marketing strategy for a small business that…
June 17, 2015
questionOther than the "standards" in social media, what are some ways of connecting the new tech-savvy customer of the future to business in a Âmarket…
May 31, 2015
questionOur business has been growing and maturing in the Twin Cities. We're now beginning to consider expanding with additional locations around the country. What…
May 24, 2015
questionWhat is the best way to market a new e-commerce site? How do I get more visitors to my site who will actually…
May 17, 2015
questionWhen hiring, how can you confirm that the person actually possesses the skill set that she/he lists on the résumé, particularly when it is very…
May 10, 2015
questionOftentimes, small-business owners have such a passion for their craft, they try to do everything themselves. How do you know it's time for a small…
November 23, 2014
questionLooking at the full spectrum of advertising mediums available, from traditional print and radio to newer sponsored social media posts, it can be a little…
October 5, 2014
questionI am an entrepreneur who started my own insurance business. I know that branding is important, especially in the age of social media. On a…
September 19, 2014
Q: We run a mostly online business. Do we need insurance that protects online assets as well as offline? Jason Fisher, co-owner, BestLifePlans,
www.bestlifeplans.com…
September 7, 2014
Q: As a start-up founder, what is the best way to develop an equity-based vendor agreement? For example, when working with IT developers, marketing consultants,…
August 17, 2014
questionAre there questions that could be asked during the interview process that would reveal if a potential employee is looking for a long-term job or…
July 21, 2014
question I am part of a small but growing digital agency. As most small businesses know, hiring is a massive expense. We’ve gone through the…
June 30, 2014
questionWhen starting a charity foundation for a business, what are some important factors to be considered and questions to be asked to ensure a successful…
June 23, 2014
question We are a growing New York City-based video production film company that’s on the verge of hiring several employees in a short period of…
June 16, 2014
question Regarding a prospective new hire, is it appropriate to examine the person’s social-media activity? Nathan Munn Mediagrif Technologies nmunn@mediagrif.com answer In this time…
June 9, 2014
question I am the owner of Your Pet Chef, a personalized dog food company. What are some creative ways to thank or reward customers who…
June 2, 2014
Q: What is the future of in-person, face-to-face sales and marketing for the small service businesses, in the era of social media? Demographically? Geographically? -…
May 26, 2014
Question How do we go about finding resources to cover a temporary monthly cash shortfall, before generating revenue? We are a technology platform that has…
May 18, 2014
Question How do you develop a culture that is fun but also demands the most for employees? We strive to create an enjoyable work environment,…
May 11, 2014
Q: While I can certainly appreciate the value of Twitter to a start-up, I’m overwhelmed by the amount of ‘‘noise’’ there is. Are there practical…
May 4, 2014
Question How do I assess whether or not I am overpaying my taxes? Is there a common approach I, or other small business owners, can…
April 27, 2014
Question As a business owner of a career coaching/résumé writing firm, I struggle with knowing when to abandon an idea or a type of marketing.…
April 18, 2014
questionDo you believe that becoming public is a viable step toward obtaining the funding that is much needed by start-up and early-stage growing companies?Stephen ReplinThe…
April 14, 2014
Question I run a blog and a few other online niche sites and have a constant stream of money coming in, sometimes every day. What…
March 30, 2014
Question I design, import and sell market baskets handwoven in Morocco. I think my business is doing well, but sometimes it’s hard to really know…
March 23, 2014
Question I own a tea company in Detroit by the name of Eli Tea. I have been in business for one year and have built…
March 16, 2014
Question Our company, Haydenville Broomworks, crafts handmade traditional brooms. So far we have built a successful online marketplace and have attended small craft fairs. We…
March 2, 2014
Question I’m a real estate agent in NYC. Do you have any advice for how I can generate more leads in 2014? It seems like…
February 23, 2014
Question I work with entrepreneurs who start “free” or “freemium” models before they decide (not with my advice) that a membership revenue stream is a…
February 17, 2014
Question What marketing strategy would you recommend for popularizing a local online business that brings together a community (in this the case dog-owner and dog-lover…
February 13, 2014
Question I have run a boudoir photography business and recently relocated it to a different state. The process of rebuilding the same brand in a…
January 26, 2014
Question Do you think smartphones are helping business owners to better serve customers, or are they causing customers to have higher expectations than what is…
January 19, 2014
Question When examining a potential new market for my products, how do I establish the size of that market? Susanne Riehle, Studio Productions Inc. Creative…
January 13, 2014
Question How do you establish and maintain a company culture when you have multiple offices and some employees working remotely? Karen Eschebach, Co-Founder of Clever…
January 5, 2014
Question: How important is it to trademark my business name? I’ve created a new online presence, and want to make sure I’m taking the right…
