The Thriving Small Business

2019 IRS Standard Mileage Rate

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It is hard to believe that we are half way through the first quarter of 2019!

As we settle into 2019, people are starting to ask what the 2019 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 →

7 Tips To Foster And Manage Innovation In Your Office

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Innovation is the golden key to success for business. However you need to know how to manage innovation to set yourself apart from the rest!

Innovative people have been around since the beginning of time. These creative doers have literally change the world.

Without creative and innovative ideas, we would not be where we are today in terms of product development, technology and the way we deliver service to customers. Read the Full Article →

7 Steps to Implementing Business Strategy

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Business success is the result of strategy, planning and management skills.  

Every business should have a strategy and a plan.

However, a strategic plan is only as effective as the supporting goals that are written to implement it.

And goals are only as effective as the people who have responsibility for completing them. Read the Full Article →

6 Tips For Managing The Family Business

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Family owned small business are the engine of our economy and are an important part of our culture.

There are 5.5 million family businesses in the United States.  And, these family owned companies, contribute 57% of the GDP and employ 63% of the workforce.

That means family owned businesses employ over 98 million people and are responsible for 78% of all new job creation. Read the Full Article →

Generate and Retain Leads: 5 Tips for Small Businesses

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Many small business owners have experienced that static feeling after your company has grown so much in such a short time frame.

You feel like you’ve maxed out on your leads, but you’re hungry for more work—and your process feels more refined than ever.

So, what’s missing? You may be in a bit of a customer-rut. Read the Full Article →

6 Things You Might See In Project Based Learning

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One of the great joys of managing people is watching them develop and grow professionally.

For employees whose job performance is managed, opportunities for development and professional growth is a natural outcome.

Developing employees needs to be specific and intentional.

Employees need to be given the opportunity to learn, grow and make mistakes. Read the Full Article →

How to Be a Good Boss – 10 Qualities of a Good Boss

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Not everyone knows how to be a great boss. But most can tell you a story about enduring a bad one.

I’ve heard horror stories of bosses berating employees in front of other people, screaming at workers or throwing temper tantrums.

This kind of behavior affects productivity (at least when the boss isn’t looking) and plays havoc on employee morale. Read the Full Article →

Small Business Growth – How to Get Over the Hump!

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There is not much more exciting than being able to start a new business! But every entrepreneur strives to see achieve business growth!

Once off the ground, small business owners go through many predictable phases of development and growth.

You need to get organized with your finances, set-up product displays or service standards as well as developing internal processes to run the business. 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 →

FLSA Law – Is Your Business In Compliance?

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If you are a small business owner you understand the many hats you need to wear as you get your company off the ground. One hat needs to be understanding FLSA law requirements.

As your business grows, there comes a time that you need to hire employees.

This first hire is always challenging because there are still so many unknowns. Read the Full Article →

Nepotism At Work – 8 Things to Consider

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In the movie “Tommy Boy,” the owner of an auto parts factory gives his dim-witted son (played by Chris Farley) a plush job even though he just graduated college–barely.

The owner’s right-hand man (played by David Spade) doesn’t approve.

When Spade’s character sees Tommy’s new office, he sarcastically quips: “You have a window. Read the Full Article →

5 Common Business Organizational Structures

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Businesses use organizational structures to show a picture of the the chain-of-command and to help employees understand reporting relationships.

Large or small, every organization should operate with a defined organizational structure.

A well thought out and strategic business configuration clarifies reporting relationships and supports good communication. This can result in efficient and effective work process flow and can foster team development. Read the Full Article →