It is critical for businesses to improve communication, both internally and externally. In order to maximize efficiencies, people need to know clearly what is expected and also know that they have the right to communicate alternatives. Business Week has an excellent article on why we fail in our communications:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/07/why_we_fail_to.html
One of the questions that small business owners need to ask relates to how they present themselves and their business to the public. Who or what is the “face” of the business? Here is a great article that outlines some of the pros and cons of being the face of your own business:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/branding/article202664.html
Twitter and Social Media can be great ways to advertise upcoming business events that you are involved it. The principles presented in this article give a great summary of ways to use social media to market many facets of your business, not just events.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/07/how_to_promote.html
The thing that sets apart a successful entrepreneur from a day dreamer is the ability to come up with the RIGHT idea and then do the RIGHT things to achieve that idea. Here are some thoughts on coming up with YOUR big idea:
Today’s tip from Business Week is helpful in business and in life. When assigning blame to any problem, it is best done with a mind to finding a solution to the problem. Read on here:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/07/instead_of_assi.html
One of the things that most small business owners neglect is ongoing business training. Many do not have the time to go back to school and get an MBA or take university courses in business. Even so, it is still necessary for these business owners to get training. That is why this resource from the SBA is beneficial. They have a myriad of different topics that small business owners can learn on their own time. Check it out:
http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html
