As Washington remains deadlocked on every issue from healthcare to the minimum wage, the economy continues to trudge on like an old mule caught in mud. The DOW and NASDAQ averages look schizophrenic. Every industry that announces gains for one quarter sees losses erase the gains within a few months. How are small businesses supposed to [...]
In this tech-minded world, it's tempting to turn to the IT department to handle every problem that comes along. However, there is still a time in the world when good old-fashioned people-ingenuity out-produces even the most advanced technology. Learn when issues are better handled outside the tech department. 1. Customer Service Concerns Customer service ratings are [...]
Cutbacks are a necessity, sometimes, but willy-nilly cuts can hurt morale, which, in turn, lowers productivity. Happy employees are more productive, because they feel like a part of the company and have a vested interest in its success. Here are some tried-and-true ways to cut that budget while keeping employees satisfied and productive. Offer Training on [...]
In this economy, keeping your business lean and agile means outsourcing many peripheral jobs. For example, hiring a vendor to work your call center means you don't have to employ and train as many customer service staffers. Companies also frequently outsource accounting, housekeeping, IT, and other non-production jobs. How can you assure yourself you're hiring the [...]
Transportation, medical facilities, amusement venues, adult entertainment, tour buses, waste management and recycling, food, water, telecommunications -- there are new regulations for industries all the time. The United States is already one of the most heavily regulated countries in the world. It pays off in terms of safety, but it's hard for most business owners to [...]
Small and micro-businesses want to maintain the same professional-looking image as the big guys, but how can this be done on a tiny budget? As it turns out, there are a few simple tricks to look just as impressive as the big guys, without going over budget to do it. Hire a Professional Answering Service If [...]
According to reports from numerous sectors, the Dallas area is recovering faster from the recent Great Recession than the rest of the nation. In fact, Dallas is out-performing most of the other major cities in Texas. Building is on the rise, including development of both commercial and residential properties. Even more new data centers and call [...]
When companies have to tighten the purse strings (which most must do, as the economy continues to trudge along), employees can become discouraged, frustrated, less productive, and more likely to jump ship. With talent at an all-time premium in most every industry, losing well-trained and highly-skilled employees isn't an option. Here's how your business can trim [...]
Failure to bring in the business isn't always the cause of a small to mid-size business's troubles. Quick growth spurts are sometimes as deadly as a failure to grow at all. When customers are pouring in, business is good, and things look bright -- take some time to examine this growth and protect your company from [...]
Several states, as well as the federal government, have raised the minimum wage, and more could do so in the coming months or years. Studies show that a higher minimum wage impacts smaller businesses more so than larger companies, but all businesses definitely feel the effects. What will a higher minimum wage mean for your business? [...]