Busy business owners can benefit from taking the time to develop a marketing plan. Think of the plan as a road map to help get you to where you want to go. The plan can serve as a tool to help you evaluate the potential for products, a guideline for the rational development of new … Continue reading “Developing a Marketing Plan”

While hiring the right individuals for specific jobs is very important, even more time-intensive and challenging is the ongoing task of managing employees and keeping them motivated. Here are some suggestions that may help. Make sure employees know what you expect. It can be frustrating for both the worker and the supervisor if there isn’t … Continue reading “Strategies for Motivating Employees”

Every business faces the risk that a natural or man-made disaster could disrupt normal operations and ultimately threaten the viability of the enterprise. Fires, floods, earthquakes, thefts and terrorism are all potential threats to a business. Having a disaster recovery plan to deal with such threats is critical. You may want to organize the preparation … Continue reading “Organizing Your Disaster Recovery”

Owning and running a business through a franchise arrangement has become a popular way to fulfill dreams of entrepreneurship. Franchise businesses include everything from restaurants to retail stores to auto service centers. When you buy a franchise, you are often able to sell goods and services that already have name recognition. The franchiser typically provides … Continue reading “Evaluating a Franchise Opportunity”