The Thriving Small Business

tips for small business

2020 IRS Standard Mileage Rate

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It is hard to believe that we are in the first quarter of 2020!

As we settle into 2020, people are starting to ask what the 2020 standard mileage rate will be.

The gas and wear and tear on a vehicle to make a simple trip to the hardware store, print shop, or neighborhood bakery adds up for employees making a modest salary. Read the Full Article →

3 Reasons to Pursue BBB Accreditation

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We are beginning a new year and it is a good time to evaluate our reputation with customers.

We have all heard the horror stories, and even the news documentaries, about businesses that scam the public or fail to follow through on promises made to customers.  

We go to a business for a product or service and have a basic expectation that what was is promised will be delivered. Read the Full Article →

Are You Aware of Negative Customer Reviews?

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Successful business owners understand the importance of keeping customers happy.

Many use innovative approaches to creating a culture that focuses on customer service and has a strategy for customer satisfaction.  

However, many organizations are disconnected from their customers and are often unaware of unresolved customer issues.

The internet has changed the game in customer satisfaction, and understanding how your customer uses the internet to share their experiences, is an important part of a customer service strategy. Read the Full Article →

4 Reasons Conducting A Background Check Will Improve Your Hiring Process

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Hiring is time-consuming, expensive, and at the end of the day, a risk for your business.

But what if there was a simple solution that could help cut your problems in half?

Much like having an informative job posting, running a background check before you hire can significantly improve the effectiveness of your hiring process.  Read the Full Article →

Office Christmas Party – 10 Tips To Help Make It A Success!

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It is hard to believe we are knee-deep into the holiday season! And with the holiday season comes the annual Office Christmas party.

Many organizations use this festive time of year to reward employees for all of their hard work and to reinforce efforts to maintain an engaged workforce.

Most of us have been to an office Christmas party that, well, got a bit out of control. Read the Full Article →

6 Ways to Show Employee Gratitude This Thanksgiving!

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I don’t know about you, but this time of year really energizes me.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to enjoy great food but also to be thankful for family, friends, and even employees!

Employees go to work with the intention of doing a good job.  

Oftentimes that is hindered by the way employees are managed. Read the Full Article →

Do Your Employees Know How To Answer The Phone?

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At the risk of dating myself, I have to say things have changed.

Back in the day, we were taught the importance of answering the office phone with the customer in mind.

We were held to very high standards for meeting those expectations because of the direct effect a phone call can have on how well a customer’s needs are met. Read the Full Article →

How To Handle And Get Rid Of Bad Online Reviews

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Business owners have the misconception that if you don’t have a robust online presence that internet reviews don’t matter.

Well, think again. A new study shows that 67% of consumers make decisions based on online reviews.

If you think about it, this is probably true for you also. It is for me. Read the Full Article →

10 Primary Functions Of Managing A Small Business

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Most entrepreneurs go into business because of a specific passion, product idea, or marketable skill set, but most entrepreneurs don’t know how to start a small business.

There is a lot of excitement that goes with starting a new business.  The dreams are big, the passion is real, and there is a drive to succeed. Read the Full Article →

Does Your Organization Evaluate Managers?

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Conducting an annual evaluation of employees is an important part of managing performance and how work gets done.   

Employees need to be coached, mentored and managed in an effort to help them achieve work goals and desired results.

However, it is also important to evaluate the people who manage and supervise employees. Read the Full Article →