The Thriving Small Business

tips for small business

2020 IRS Standard Mileage Rate

by

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

by

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?

by

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

by

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!

by

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!

by

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 →

How To Handle And Get Rid Of Bad Online Reviews

by

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

by

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?

by

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 →

4 Tips To Keep You Focused On Your Goals

by

I don’t know about you, but I am in a constant battle between trying to get the day-to-day tasks accomplished and working on my annual goals!

Anyone who manages a business understands the unique challenges that come with keeping the vision, strategy, and business goals moving forward.

Our day-to-day issues associated with managing people, processes, facilities, equipment, etc. Read the Full Article →

8 Components Of An Effective Internship Program

by

If your organization does not have an internship program, you might be missing out on some great talent for a low cost.

It is estimated that 20-25% of newly hired employees come from internship programs.

Organizations use internship programs as part of a recruitment strategy that is aimed at achieving business objectives. Read the Full Article →

10 Tips For Soliciting Customer Feedback

by

Customer satisfaction is paramount to the success of any business.

For this success, a business must understand who its customers are, what they want, and have systems and processes in place to, not only meet, but exceed their expectations. 

This simple, yet difficult objective is what sets the successful businesses apart from the rest. Read the Full Article →