If you have ever had to go through piles of job applications and dozens of interviews, you know what a challenge it can be. You want to find the right person for the position you’re hiring who will fit in well with the team and the company. Things like qualifications are very important, but there are other qualities that may be just as important. If a job skill can be taught, then these qualities become even more important. Some skills can be taught, but other qualities cannot. Here are 6 […]
Although a toxic work environment may mean different things to different people, most people would agree on what defines a positive work environment. A positive work environment in a traditional setting refers to a workplace where the employees feel excited, happy, and empowered to do their best work. It’s a place where people feel professionally, emotionally, and physically safe and supported. When we think about a positive work environment, probably the first thing that comes to mind is the general atmosphere at the workplace. People, general culture, and great work […]
When you first launch your business, your main goal is to establish your brand and start growing. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen overnight. Growth is an ongoing process that requires hard work, patience and dedication. There’s no special step or secret way to surpass other businesses in the industry or achieve immediate success. There are, however, proven ways to reach growth milestones that can catapult a business to success. Here are small business tips for accelerating growth. 1. Hire the right people Before you can even think about your company’s growth […]
Every business should have a written business plan. That plan is your roadmap to the future success of your company. Whether you’re a new business creating that blueprint for the first time, or an existing business conducting a strategic review, you want to create a clear, strategic plan to achieve your objectives. That plan includes building on strengths, minimizing weaknesses, maximizing opportunities and overcoming threats, which are all a part of a SWOT analysis. But how do you determine what opportunities your business should pursue or what threats there are […]
Have you ever read an online review before purchasing something? If you are online, you probably have. Those reviews might range from simply a ‘star’ rating to a few words, to a well-thought-out review detailing the positives (or negatives) of a product or service. Whether a review is complete or lacking in details, it still has a powerful effect on your audience and your brand. Online reviews can provide your audience with reasons to do business with you right now or give them pause to consider a second (or third) […]
Customers are your company’s most critical asset. When it comes to customer service, a positive customer experience can be the key to gaining and retaining a loyal customer. 87% of people say that good customer service changes their buying behavior. In fact, of people who reported having a bad experience, 97% claimed to change their buying decision. This is why it’s crucial that all employees, no matter what their role, are trained in the basics of customer service. Essential Customer Service Skills Active Listening – Customers want to be heard; […]
Twenty years ago, the dot-com bubble was still expanding and social listening did not yet exist. That’s how quickly digital marketing strategies have evolved and will continue to evolve. With so many frequent changes, how do small business owners keep up with social media and various trends? You can start by knowing the difference between social media monitoring and social media listening and how they can be advantageous for your business. Social Monitoring vs Social Listening Most businesses today, regardless of size, do social media marketing in some way. From […]
Annual business planning normally occurs in the third and fourth quarters of the previous year. During that time, business owners and team members reflect on performance and delivery, assess goals and create supporting strategies. Often, that is where it ends. With summer upon us, kids out of school and a sense of relaxation in the air, it may feel like the exact right time to shift focus away from the rigors of business and trust that the business planning that you did months ago has you covered. However, establishing mid-year […]
Currently, there are five generations in the workplace, each with its own set of values, career outlooks and aspirations. The generations in today’s workplace according to Purdue University are: Traditionalists (1925-1945) – 2% of the workforce Baby Boomers (1946-1964) – 25% of the workforce Generation X (1965-1980) – 33% of the workforce Generation Y/Millennials (1981-2000) – 35% of the workforce Generation Z (2011-2020) – 5% of the workforce With these five different generations in play, employers are challenged with learning how to manage a multi-generational workforce. To do so, you […]
Whether or not your business is seasonal, it likely has a busy season. Perhaps your business ebbs and flows with the weather or the holidays. Either way, you’re likely to be familiar with the time when “free time” doesn’t exist for you as a business owner. Once you’re able to establish when that busy season is, you should look at what you need to do to make sure your business and employees are ready for it. Helping your team prepare for the busy times ahead can help reduce burnout, lessen […]