Here you will find articles on various aspects of owning a small business, and running and managing a small business.
Are You In Business or Enslaved to Self-Employment?
Oddly, the ultimate goal of self-employment might be to work yourself out of a job. Many people start businesses simply to create jobs for themselves. Self-employment offers many benefits, not the least of which is the opportunity to develop basic business trade skills, while getting paid for work you love to do. Self-employment is everything some owners want, while others use it as a stepping stone to build sustainable, stand-alone businesses. Read the full article
Basic Skills Ease Start-Up
A few years ago you could elbow your way into business with a sharp pencil and a calculator. Technology has changed all that. Now it’s hard to imagine writing a business plan or running a business without a computer, email, and the Internet. Read the full article
Business Is Like Fishing
A memorable fishing adventure begins with a good plan. Planning will take you to a certain point and then it’s time to get out into the current and fish. Once in business you will have plenty of opportunities to learn the business trade skills of attracting, engaging and keeping customers. Read the full article
Business Killers – Part One
In starting a business, you’ve achieved something that many people dream about but never do. But are things as rosy as they seem? As a business owner and coach, I am privileged to meet many good people building bustling businesses, but unfortunately too many struggle or fail due the following deadly traps. Here are the most common pitfalls that, if left unattended, will knock your business off the rails and into the gutter. Read the full article
Business Killers – Part Two
In the previous article we published the first of a series of articles on the common issues that bring small business to its knees. Here is the second part of the series, with 4 more business killers including cobwebs on accounts receivable and persistent low bidding. Read the full article
Business Killers – Part Three
The simple things that kill small businesses. The preceding article covered such challenges as not staying on top of accounts receivable, falling behind on paying the bills, persistent low-bidding, and getting buried in debt. Here are four more business killers including financial illiteracy, fumbling the hurdles of growth and burnout. Read the full article
Business Killers – Part Four
The fourth and final installment in the business killers series with four more business killers, including fingers in too many pies and trying to be all things to all people. Read the full article
Business Might Fail But a Learner Will Always Win
You’ve probably heard this shocking statement many times – “95% of small businesses fail within the first 5 years.” It’s often cited in well intentioned business talks and articles designed to impress listeners about the challenges of owning a small business. Read the full article
Business Needs More Than Passion
If you’re starting or buying a business, I hope it’s one you’re passionate about. But passion alone will not keep your business alive. It’s a myth to think that a business will thrive just because the owner is enthusiastic about it. Sales and cash flow are the lifeblood of any small business. Read the full article
Business Owners Befriend Change
Adaptability is an attitude and key to an entrepreneur’s survival. Successful business owners navigate rising and falling economies much like skilled swimmers playing in the surf. Read the full article
Business Owners Go the Extra Mile
When it comes to starting or growing your business, the “extra mile” can be the difference between success and failure. Business owners are often compelled to do important tasks after the regular workday and beyond the realm of normal energy outputs and expectations. Read the full article
Dan’s Business Playground Nuggets
How Business is Like Kayaking
In kayaking, you must challenge hydraulics, risk and fear. In business you must do the same. The marketplace has its own version of hydraulics. You will do well to learn as much about them as you can through your business planning. However, once you’re in business or on the river, your background learning will take second place to pure instinct and sharp reflexes. Read the full article
Isolation Not Always the Entrepreneur’s Best Friend
Running a small business can be a lonely trek. Isolation can be a challenge for new business owners working alone. This can come as a shock to anyone who gives up their day job to run their own business. Isolation can be powerful enough to send some early-stage owners scurrying back to work for someone else. Here are a few suggestions for dealing with isolation . . . Read the full article
Pros and Cons of Being Self Employed
Thriving businesses are sometimes started when employers offer to contract work to their employees. If you are motivated, enjoy working independently, and are willing to shoulder the responsibility of running a small business – self-employment might just be the best option for you. Read the full article
SoHo So Lonely
Isolation is one of the biggest challenges facing the small, home-based business owner. Those who dump their “day jobs” and start their own business usually overlook the reality of this force. Read the full article
Ten Ways Entrepreneurs Can Embrace the New Year
Riding change is like playing in the surf. It’s thrilling when you’re ahead of the game and on top of the wave; it’s not a lot of fun when you’re feeling overwhelmed and battered by the surf. One of the biggest challenges we all face is dealing with ongoing change. Read the full article