I recently conducted a survey of small business owners on what challenges they foresaw in the coming year that could adversely affect their business. Here is a compilation of the most common results, along with suggestions on how to prepare.
While none of us has a crystal ball, we all have the ability to be prepared. In my experience over the past 7 years as a consultant to countless businesses, 90% of you…
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
There’s more support for small business out there than most would think, in the form of business organizations and agencies.
Some small-business organizations offer general information and support, while others provide more specialized insights, such as how to apply for a small-business loan or track expenses. And many of these groups have a presence on the Web.
If you own a small business or are considering creating one, you might find some helpful tips at one of the following sites: read more »
OLYMPIA — The Employment Security Department has expanded a popular service that allows Washington residents to learn computer software programs for free.
For the past two years, the department provided free access to online Microsoft courses. Now, under a contract with Skillsoft, the course selection has been broadened to include software by Adobe, Apple, IBM, Intuit, SAP and others.
In addition, users no longer are limited to taking courses only for software they own. As a result, the entire collection of Web-based courses is available to every registered learner.
“This represents an exponential increase in the size and value of the service we’re offering,” said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause. “Good computer skills are essential in most jobs these days, and these courses will help thousands of workers improve their chances of getting good jobs and advancing their careers.” read more »
While most retailers are focused on extracting every bit of revenue from the current calendar year, industry analysts are already looking ahead to identify the trends that will take root, the technologies that will be judged “top priority” and other changes in store for the retail landscape in 2013.
What follows is a compendium of educated guesses and forecasts, and the editors at NRF Stores would like to think that most of them have value. Still, if we had to sum up our expectations for 2013 in one word, it would be “convergence” - tying together the web, Big Data, analytics, mobile, social and all things digital to deliver a seamless experience to shoppers. read more »
“A joke is a very serious thing,” warned Winston Churchill, two or three ticks before reminding his listener, “I’m just preparing my impromptu remarks.”
Wit is not just a hook, nor is humor a ruse. When it comes to selling products online, entertainment is a powerful tool that’s capable of transforming mundane and ‘ordinary’ moments into memorable, addictive experiences. Beauty and sex might be powerful drivers of desire — as are ego, insecurity and the creation of need. But laughter is a woefully underutilized differentiator when it comes to brand, content and sales. That’s why e-commerce businesses stand to learn just as much from watching The Daily Show as they do from monitoring Fab.com. read more »
Now that 2012 is drawing to a close, you may want to review the progress you’ve made this past year in many areas of your life — including your financial situation. By going over your investment portfolio and other key areas related to your finances, you can learn what moves you may need to make in 2013 to stay on track toward your important objectives, such as college for your children, a comfortable retirement and the ability to leave the type of legacy you desire.
To get a clear picture of where you are, consider asking yourself these questions:
Am I taking on too much risk? Although 2012 has generally been a pretty good year for investors, we’ve certainly seen periods of considerable volatility. read more »
I’ve always thought the Grinch got a bad rap.
Here’s a guy who was determined on ruining everyone’s holiday by stealing all their gifts and decorations, believing that they would all crumble in a heap of despair and agony. SPOILER ALERT — it didn’t work! The townspeople still rejoiced and in so doing, eventually turned the heart of the green goblin and everyone lived happily ever after.
Too bad that the same jubilant ending doesn’t always happen for us in business. Why? Because the Grinch trying to ruin our joy is really ourselves, manifested in our own business and careers.
The hard part is we are often in denial about this issue. We allow the stress and strain of money, time, family business friction, employee dilemmas, holiday parties, and unrealized goals to steal our joy during a time when we should be rejoicing. read more »
The Bremerton office of the Washington State Department of Revenue is hosting a free workshop for new and small business owners on Dec. 6 from 9-11 a.m. at the Sheridan Park Community Center, 680 Lebo Blvd. in Bremerton.
Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection, and record-keeping requirements. All receive a workbook and helpful reference guide to Department of Revenue rules and regulations.
To register, visit the Department of Revenue Web site at www.dor.wa.gov or call (800) 647-7706. Space is limited. read more »
The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance will host a free training workshop on Dec. 11 for small businesses interested in expanding their business through government contracting.
Participants will benefit from the experience and insights of Greg Mowat, project labor agreement (PLA) specialist and owner of GTM Transformations. He brings a wealth of experience regarding labor relations, labor law, PLA administration, and alternative dispute resolution processes. His background includes numerous large public works projects such as implementing and monitoring the Sound Transit PLA covering all light rail and Sounder station construction.
Mowat will be joined by procurement technical assistance counselor and 30-year Navy contracting veteran Mary Jo Juarez. read more »
