What is more believable, an article or an advertisement? Michael Levine, well known Hollywood publicist and author of the bestselling book Guerilla P.R. describes the value of public relations this way. “Depending upon how you measure and monitor, an article is between 10 times and 100 times more valuable than an advertisement.” Today we’re going to … Continue reading "Do Public Relations This Way"

Perhaps the only thing constant in business today is change. As a famous inventor reminds us – “when you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” Ironically this prophetic statement comes from Ben Franklin, not someone in need of a business turnaround today. Change has impacted the printing industry dramatically. Yet Corporate Document Solutions has grown its business … Continue reading "How a Business Turnaround Happens"

As the new year begins, are you thinking about how to market your business? Developing a small business marketing strategy requires an introspective look into your current customers. How did you attract them? Does does that apply to new customer acquisition? According to a Borrell Associates survey of nearly 4 thousand local advertisers, the top six … Continue reading "What’s Your 2017 Small Business Marketing Strategy?"

Eight out of ten entrepreneurs crash and burn within the first 18 months of starting their business according to Bloomberg News. On the other hand, 51% of small businesses are surviving after 5 years.  The federal government’s Small Business Administration says this is the highest rate since 1994. Here’s the difference between business survival and failure … Continue reading "What Accountants Know About Business Survival and Failure"

Cyber crime is an epidemic. Cyber thieves prey particularly on small business because their computer, network and WiFi security measures are often vulnerable. IBM Chairman Ginni Rometty states – “We believe that data is the phenomenon of our time. It is the world’s new natural resource. It is the new basis of competitive advantage, and … Continue reading "Wake Up Small Business – Stop Cyber Thieves!"

What do people fear more than spiders, darkness, heights, flying in airplanes, confined spaces and even death? It’s glossophobia – public speaking or stage fright. An effective public speaker knows how to overcome the anxiety of presenting and deliver the right message.  Listen to how to do it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM SHELLEY BAMBERGER, COMMUNICATION … Continue reading "Turn Yourself into a Better Public Speaker"

PwC the international accounting and consulting firm, projects that healthcare costs in the U.S. will rise 6.5% next year, the same as this year. That is more than 4 times the estimated rate of inflation according to Statistica, a quantitative research firm. Nevertheless, PwC says healthcare cost inflation could escalate further. So what is an … Continue reading "Small Business Healthcare – High Wire Act"

Family business is the bedrock of the American economy. More than half of the national GDP comes from them. However, when the reins are transferred from the first generation to the second, 70% of them perish. How do you make a family business last? WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM DALE & TINA ENGDAHL, OWNERS OF THE FAMILY … Continue reading "How to Make a Family Business Last"

Although small businesses face legal dilemmas or issues periodically, the majority of them are reluctant to contact an attorney. Maybe cost is a perceived problem or they’re unsure as to whether using an attorney is necessary. But as a business attorney reminds us today, it’s often lack of preparation for unanticipated issues that get a … Continue reading "Using Business Attorney Keeps Wolves Out of My Hen House"

From an executive coach, mentor and peer to peer adviser we hear about where business owners, managers and entrepreneurs should focus their energy in business management. Pick up a tip on how to determine priorities and manage time better. Then ponder what is the best thing you can do for your employees and yourself. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN … Continue reading "005 – What’s Missing in Business Management?"