Outside Consultant
Innovation requires businesses to test ideas quickly
Q: How can my firm effectively implement our innovative ideas?A: Traditionally, strategic-planning processes have been used to revitalize organizations and develop significant innovative…
Workplace wellness efforts are no sure thing
While more than 60% of U.S. businesses offer such programs, research on their effectiveness is mixed.
Make sure you are communicating with the right social media influencers
If there are a small number of key voices, establish relationships with them all. Otherwise, look to concentrate on the half dozen that have the most sway with your most lucrative customer segments.
How best to manage conflicts in the workplace
Q: Why is it advisable to pay attention to conflict management?A: Customer centricity is at the core of consulting excellence; we wouldn't exist…
When the boss is bad for business, what can you do?
Direct confrontations or accusations toward those in positions of power often don't end well for those with less power.
Rapidly changing retailers reflect changes in the economy
Where 2018 was a difficult year for retail, 2019 is predicted to be a transitional year.
Why your website needs to play well on mobile devices
Q: What’s this “mobile-first” thing and why do we need our websites to be mobile-friendly? A: According to StatCounter, the beginning of 2017…
Why companies need to recognize differences between compliance and ethics
Q: Are compliance and ethics really that different?A: I would argue that compliance and ethics are unique disciplines; however, because both are designed to…
It's essential for businesses to keep pace with retail trends
Q: How is retail evolving right now, and how can businesses keep up with these trends? A: Retail is changing at a rapid pace, making…
Shaping a positive message when company is struggling
Perhaps the most important caveat is to avoid making excuses.
Here's what to expect from a professional coach
Q: What is the difference between a coach and a consultant? Do coaches need to be certified?A: There are no regulations requiring coaches to be…
Oral business contracts can be OK, but it's best to get it in writing
Q: Do my contracts need to be in writing? A: Surprisingly, many oral contracts carry just as much legal weight as written agreements.…
Tax reform shows cuts aren't big job generators
Q: How is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 affecting the economy? A: When the tax cut was passed, President Donald Trump…
Where bosses can find coaching and other leadership education
There are more options than you might expect for leaders looking to improve their game.
How much company profit should an owner pocket?
What stage of your business is it in, and what are your personal goals?
Managers have critical role in setting ethical standards
Managers can serve their employees as a positive guiding influence, or they can function as a source of disengagement and unethical behavior.
How to convert your business to nonprofit status
Owners should be certain they understand the consequences before making this major change.
Businesses need to aim for more than turning a profit
Consumers help businesses remain strong, and businesses help the community remain vibrant as well.
How to resolve disagreements with independent contractors
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…
Making sure an independent contractor agreement works for all
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…
Getting it right with freelancers
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…
Don't wait for a crisis to develop a crisis plan for your business
Ensuring everyone knows what constitutes a crisis and when the plan needs to be put into action is key.
Know what you want before you shop for a business consultant
The outcome that counts is: Did the approach match the real need?
To land top talent, treat candidates as customers
Increase your recruiting effectiveness with these ideas.
How your company can embrace creativity
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…
How to make your digital content more accessible
Thorough review and testing is worth the time and energy to assure a positive user experience.
Why your business needs a compliance program
Q: What is a compliance program and does my business need one?A: A compliance program is made up of company policies and procedures…
Don't start a business just because you want to be your own boss
If you are looking to reduce your stress, a startup is probably not the right place.
How to use 3 approaches to evaluating worker performance
Performance feedback is one of the most powerful forms of motivation for employees.
How child support collection laws affect employers
Most orders further identify to whom these wages should be sent.
Companies shouldn't exploit their organizational citizens
They enter the workforce as pre-existing considerate, thoughtful, helpful employees.
Your company is on the rocks, here is a short term survival plan
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…
How to change a troubled company culture
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.
Did your co-worker just get an award for your idea? Here's how to react
Working on any team requires a delicate balance of collaborative idea generation and work product while maintaining some individuality.
8 key things that need to click as your business changes
When these factors fall out of sync, things won't work as smoothly as they did.
The best outside advisers a business owner can have? Other owners
Business owners get the best, most-practical advice from someone who has walked a mile in their shoes.
Weighing whether your business needs independent contractor or employee
Businesses exercise different levels of control over contractors and employees.
Resist the temptation to ask employees to hype company online
The word "ask" in the question poses an interesting ethical conundrum.
In tough times and boom times, keep business focused on basics
The fact that today's business outlook is pretty strong doesn't negate the need to follow sound business practices.
Does your business face ethics issue? Cast a wide net when seeking advice
Q: When dealing with an ethical dilemma in my organization, should I gain input from others first? A: I would highly suggest gaining additional…
Does a summer Friday policy make sense for your business?
Before you institute such policies, you should think through several considerations.
For books about leadership, consider some literary options
Q: What are some summer reading suggestions about how to become a more principled leader? A: Most management wisdom about ethics in business will…
Family businesses need structure to ease transitions
Developing an organizational structure for the business and a governance structure for ownership helps.
To start a business, SBA-backed loan is common money source
You also will need some of your own cash to get started — maybe a substantial amount.
Whether to add a new product line comes down to a cost equation
This is important to gauge at the outset to set the stage for moving forward with the next steps of any launch.
Let ethics guide your decisions
Childhood lessons can help you make the most ethical decisions as an adult.
For a business, not all media impressions are created equal
I contract with a marketing firm. They report success using media impressions. What is the value of media impressions?
Does early payment discount pay off for a business? Do the math
One needs to compare the cost of the bank loan vs. the cost of trade credit.
Price adjustments aren't a one-size-fits-all proposition
You need to establish the reasoning for the change and the continued value at the new price point.
Should a small company offer health coverage?
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?
How to effectively manage international colleagues
Straighten out differences that can cause issues.
To foster innovation, your business needs a promotional focus
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…
Ready to turn your plan into a business? Some basics on first hires
A great team starts with the assessment of strengths and needs, so be honest.
Consider pros and cons before opting for a franchising model
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…
Virtual reality and artificial intelligence can help improve our business leaders
While MBA programs have made progress, most students still lack opportunities to face complex and ambiguous challenges with no clear-cut solutions.
It pays for businesses to do a trademark search
If you don't search and later find that a confusingly similar mark is registered, you can be forced to rebrand.
Sense of purpose helps leaders create strong workplace
How do leaders find satisfaction in each workday and create an environment conducive to employee satisfaction?
Outside Consultant: Small firm seeks help on diversity
I am interested in learning more about how diversity and inclusion efforts can improve my business outcomes. Can you provide some local resources?
How to become a well-rounded business leader
Meaningful work is storied work.
How businesses can step it up on customer service
As employees improve their market skills, they develop capabilities that provide higher value to an organization.
Small businesses are big target for hackers
Everyone in your company must understand what their role is in managing cyberrisks.
Building a strong brand is a combination of art and science
A brand is more than a name, creating so many associations.
Mindfulness emerging as key business leadership trait
Leaders who concentrate their awareness on the situation at hand demonstrate more steady, thoughtful, flexible and creative influence.
Should you invest in a company launching a new product in regulated industry?
I am considering a partnership that requires entering a regulated industry with a new product. Should I invest before or after regulatory approval?
Small businesses should take some basic steps to prepare for tax changes
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:…
Morally engaged workplace key to addressing sexual harassment
How do you address sexual harassment culturally within an organization?
Mystery shoppers can give retailers better insight into service
The key to success stems from knowing the right elements for the shopper to assess.
Which new products are right for your business? Ask your customers
Get beyond the friendly feedback and always be willing to learn.
Learning the family key for outside executives in family business
Unlike public corporations, owners of family businesses seek a variety of outcomes in addition to business profits.
How to make sure performance reviews will help workers improve
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?
To attract workforce of the future, make your company a cause
Forward-thinking executives are strategically helping new hires deepen and connect their sense of purpose.
Juggling millennials, Gen Z in the workplace
The newest generation to enter the workforce is very different from millennials.
Do benefits of being a benefit corporation outweigh costs?
Can you explain the pros/cons for entrepreneurs wondering if a benefit corporation classification is right for them?
For successful hiring, look at wage data outside your company
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?
To maximize profit, businesses sometimes need to fire a client
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…
Can you manage a team if you don't like managing people?
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…
When it comes to taxes, 'startup cost' is a narrow category
Q: As an entrepreneur, what do I need to know about deducting startup costs, and what qualifies as such? Anonymous A: Business ventures generally…
Outside Consultant: Taking an American-themed product to international markets
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?
Keys to making sure a merger works
The history of business integration has taught us that this process takes a good deal of thought and effort.
To build out client base, focus on what you can offer
Q: As an independent consulting firm that has mainly consulted early stage technology innovation, I am looking to build out my client base to…
Scouting inventory system options for small businesses with a tight budget
Q: Our business processes hundreds of transactions a day. What is the best way to manage and track inventory for a small business…
Small firms that expand face culture, communication challenges
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?
How to generate leads without having to buy them
The key question to launch your search is, "What is the problem I'm trying to solve?"
How much debt is too much for your company?
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…
Flexible work arrangements aren't going away
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?
How small businesses can keep big-time workers
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…
When is it time to drop the day job and go all out in your business
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?
Get your company's story together to land growth investment
Q: What is the best way to receive funding to grow my company without losing control of it? Christina Flach, CEO Pretty Girl Makeup …
Outside Consultant: How to target a slice of the over-55 market
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?
How to move your business beyond a solo act
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?
Ask an expert: Budget basics for new nonprofits
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.…
How entrepreneurs shape ideas into products
Q: I have an idea for a product, but am not sure how to get started in making the idea a reality. What are…
In addressing internet security issues, make sure to provide solutions
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…
The need to be genuine incorporating your social mission with your corporate brand
As a social venture start-up, what is the most effective way to incorporate our social mission in our branding strategy and client presentations?
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to spending on marketing
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…
Launching new brand requires thinking about sales, distribution channels
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?
Key questions to ask prospective fulfillment partners
When thinking about selecting a fulfillment partner, you should start by setting measurable objectives and standards.
Brands that pick targets wisely can connect on social media
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…
Side project is close to something your employer is doing. Now what?
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…
Due diligence key to avoiding late-paying clients
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?
New firms should use advisory board to build brand trust
Ashley Garner, owner and designer, Violet Wears Q: How do you build brand trust with a new business? A: I love this question.…
When does an office make sense for a start-up?
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…
Using social media to increase sales of a niche publication
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…
How to market a professional services business
What is the best marketing strategy for a business that requires a high level of trust between client and provider before working together?
Your business clicks with boomers, so how to target the younger consumer?
We currently appeal to baby boomers because they typically have discretionary money, more flexible time and grown children. How can we attract younger clients?
To boost your productivity, weed out those negative routines
Q: A goal for myself personally, and for the benefit of my business, is to be the most productive and effective I can possibly…
Documentary maker wants to build audience in a new market
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?
Keys to keeping independent contractors accountable to your organization
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,…
Sorting out tax implications of advancing expenses to clients
Q: I frequently advance expenses to clients that total as much as 25 to 50 percent of their final invoice. These fees are reimbursable,…
Outside Consultant: Broadening the reach of your firm's speaking platform
Q: I want to expand the reach of my consulting business’ speaking platform. What is the best way to reach buyers who are interested…
When expanding to new markets, best to bet on direct sales
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…
Deciding when it's time to seek outside investors
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…
Building partnerships between corporations and nonprofits can produce big payoffs
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:…
Some keys to getting your brand known in new markets
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…
How to market to a skeptical online audience
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…
An airline and a sub shop offer good brand awareness lessons
Both Subway and American Airlines successfully used loyalty programs to cost-effectively increase brand awareness.
How to shift a small business into a higher gear
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.
How should a small business approach seasonal hires?
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,…
To get more from workers, focus on factors that drive intrinsic motivation
Motivation can be thwarted in many ways. Fortunately, the research provides some great tools for diagnosing and improving motivation.
Keys to attracting top talent in a tight labor market
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.…
To find new customers for your business, consider 3 key questions
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…
How owners can find new ways to market their business
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…
How to decide if it's time for your small business to hire employees
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…
How to decide whether your company should stay general or go niche
Q: In looking at our clients over the last six years, about 40 percent are in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. While…
Outside Consultant: Where to invest in marketing
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,…
Finding top talent for your business is a three-step process
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…
Key questions businesses need to consider before expanding
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…
Making sure a growth opportunity won't trip up the core business
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…
Weighing the tax implications of LLC vs. S-Corp
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…
Outside Consultant: Financing options when you have negative cash flow
Q: How do I raise financing for a new brand with negative cash flow? Gaurang Naik, CEO Dollar Rows A: When a business…
Making sure your marketing matches up with your target consumer
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.…
Is it time to upend the business model to jump start profits?
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…
When can you quit your day job when starting a small business?
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…
Generating more sales without hiking your marketing budget
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…
Tips for small businesses looking to land those first few sales
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…
Does your company need an HR department?
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…
Company has new product to tout, but little money for marketing
Q: We can do better in social media. Online giveaways and contests seem to be working. We still have a long way to go —…
Sorting out funding options for entrepreneurs
Accessing capital is one of the central problems all ventures face.
Outside Consultant: Pet sitting site wants to better target its market
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…
Outside Consultant: On the hunt for a volunteer advisory committee
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…
Outside Consultant: Should a small business invest in PR?
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…
The right message is key to reaching 'influencers'
Q: How do we get information in front of influential organizations/sites/blogs whose readers would find our service helpful? David Mercer, founderSME PalsA: Getting in front…
Emphasize 'who,' not 'what,' when recruit sales help to small firm
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…
How many marketing channels are right for smaller company?
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…
What's the best sales hire option for growing company?
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…
Outside consultant: What is the value of a brand?
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…
Sometimes you should ignore customer feedback
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…
What are financing options for your business if you have bad credit?
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…
Picking the right growth path for your already successful online venture
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…
Consider several factors when deciding where to incorporate your business
Selecting a home for your business is a complex decision and depends on a variety of factors.
How engaged should your business be with social media?
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…
Small business needs to figure out which business to be in
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…
Making the most of a very small ad budget
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…
Outside Consultant: How to determine if you can undercut the competition
Is it better to underbid the competition and not make much money on an account, or price for quality service and be more selective?
Outside Consultant: Hire full-time help or freelance? What start-ups need to consider
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 …
Outside Consultant: How to find the right partners for your company
Anyone considering a partnership with you will go to the Web to find out more about New Level Seminars.
Outside Consultant: Can a business add benefits for 1099 workers?
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…
Outside consultant: Is renting school-district bus transportation a possibility for my business?
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.
Outside Consultant: For start-ups, not all investors are created equal
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…
Outside Consultant: How to respond to campaigns to raise the minimum wage
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…
Outside Consultant: What's the best way to get media coverage for a small company?
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…
Outside Consultant: On pay ceilings and keeping good managers
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…
Outside Consultant: Can't get to core tasks? Time to hire some help
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…
Outside Consultant: Three things to consider before outsourcing work
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…
Outside Consultant: How to reach a target market
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…
Outside Consultant: To grow customer base, understand your target market
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…
Outside Consultant: Finding a cost-effective marketing plan for a small business
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…
Outside Consultant: Using social media to reach an old media market
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 market…
Outside Consultant: Four key elements to taking your business national
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…
Outside Consultant: Making sure your new e-commerce site gets noticed
questionWhat is the best way to market a new e-commerce site? How do I get more visitors to my site who will actually…
Outside Consultant: Making sure an applicant has the necessary skills
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…
Outside Consultant: Deciding when to hire, when to outsource
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…
Outside Consultant: What's the best low-cost marketing option?
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…
Outside consultant: Where to start a branding campaign
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…
Outside Consultant: Do you need insurance for online assets?
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…
Outside Consultant: Equity-based payments for vendors
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,…
Outside Consultant: Interviewing strategies
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…
Outside Consultant: Recruiting strategies
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…
Outside Consultant: Think twice about a corporate foundation
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…
Outside Consultant: Will new hires fit in?
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…
Outside consultant: Checking an applicant's social-media history
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…
Outside Consultant: Are there good rewards programs for customers?
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…
Outside Consultant: New tools but old principles in age of social media
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? -…
Outside Consultant: Managing cash flow
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…
Outside Consultant: Balancing the workplace culture
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,…
Outside Consultant: Overwhelmed by digital noise
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…
Outside Consultant: Avoiding tax overpayments
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…
Outside consultant: How to gauge success of marketing efforts
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.…
Outside Consultant: Going public
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…
Outside Consultant: Tracking systems for small business
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…
Outside Consultant: Financial statements
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…
Outside Consultant: Reading his tea leaves
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…
Outside Consultant: Go where the fish are
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…
Outside Consultant: Real estate strategies
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…
Outside Consultant: Networking models
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…
Outside Consultant: Developing an online community
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…
Outside Consultant: Setting up a franchising network
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…
Outside Consultant: Are smartphones helping or hurting businesses?
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…
Outside Consultant: Conducting market research on a budget
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…
Outside Consultant: Company cultures
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…
Outside Consultant: Trademark strategies
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…
Latest Business Blogs
Latest Columns
Elsewhere in Business
- 'Burning river' loses sting in Cleveland 50 years after fire
- San Francisco weighs 1st US city ban on e-cigarette sales
- Indiana attorney general's accusers set announcement
- Attorney: Officer attacked without warning in Costco
- Asian markets mostly edge higher ahead of Fed meeting
- Latest: Lawyer says officer attacked unexpectedly in Costco
- Oregon Democrats rally behind cap-and-trade emissions plan
- The Latest: Oregon House approves progressive climate policy
- Fire triggers pollution concerns at US Steel coke plant
- Enbridge to begin rock, soil sampling in Straits of Mackinac
Most Read
- 20-story apartment building one of 7 new projects to reach Mpls. planners this week
- Public company moves headquarters to Minnesota
- Corn and soybean planting wrapping up in Minnesota, USDA says
- In tight labor market, employers hiring more ex-offenders
- With Halloween over, Target and others roll out Black Friday deals