Maryalene LaPonsie

Your workers undoubtedly have long to-do lists and, unfortunately, there’s no magical way to extend the number of hours in the day. Instead, you need to find ways to help them make the most of the time they do have. Here are three inexpensive ways to boost worker productivity and get more done. Small Business […]

As customer expectations and technology evolve, so too must your business. To remain competitive, creating a business culture that fosters innovation can be imperative. While you can’t force creativity, you can apply a few easy changes in your workplace that shift your company culture. Here are three ways to go from responding reactively to market […]

Every businesses owner loves it when customers walk through the door ready to buy. Buy why do some of these seemingly solid prospects end up fading away? If you have trouble getting previously-interested customers to return your calls or commit to a purchase, it’s possible that you need to overcome one of these three problems. […]

When it comes to lead generation, where do you spend your time? Are you busy polishing your Facebook page? Do you have a blog that you update regularly? Are you expanding the subscriber list for your email newsletter? These are valuable activities, but don’t neglect your offline options. In the 2012 Lead Generation Benchmark Report […]

Finding the right leads for your business can be daunting. Sure, you could buy a list and start sending mass emails or cold calling prospects. However, this scattershot approach may not be the most efficient method for securing new customers. Here are three ways to improve your lead generation results. 1. Remove Barriers to Opt-ins […]

New business owners are understandably concerned with finding the start-up money needed to get their enterprise off the ground. However, some entrepreneurs and small business owners make the mistake of neglecting to consider the working capital they need to grow. You spend working capital on initiatives such as product development and new market penetration. Integral […]

Traditional advertising on employment sites or in newspapers can attract a variety of job seekers, but hiring from these sources can be something of a crapshoot. Rather than sorting through a stack of resumes and trying to divine someone’s actual abilities, here are three better ways to find your next stand-out worker. Offer an Internship […]

The customer is always right. You’ve heard it said so many times that it seems like the gospel truth. But is it? In reality, good businesses don’t need to perform back flips every time a customer complains. Here are three situations when the customer may not only be wrong, but when it’s in your best […]

Customers can be fickle creatures, and figuring out what they want can vary depending on your particular industry or product. However, customer turn-offs are pretty much the same no matter what type of business you own. We look at three biggest mistakes that drive away customers, and we offer tips on how to stop the […]

It’s day eight with your new hire, and you are quickly becoming aware of major problems. Perhaps he is turning in incomplete work. Maybe she is taking 90 minute lunches. Or it could be he/she has managed to offend everyone in the office with extreme views. Before you beat yourself up too much, take comfort […]

Franchising allows budding or entrepreneurs to invest in an established or promising business. McDonald’s, Subway and other fast-food restaurants serve as industry stalwarts, but franchising exists in just about every sector, from financial planning and wealth management to convenience stores and beauty salons. 3 Pre-Franchise Questions Of course, your business is the greatest thing since […]

As a small business owner, you have to wear many hats. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the minutiae of your business — should you opt for the blue uniforms or the green ones — and miss the major problems that can cause catastrophic damage. Here are two fatal errors that […]