The Thriving Small Business

8 Types of Customer Payments — and What Your Business Should Accept

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If you are a first-time small business owner, you might be tempted to say that you’ll accept any type of payment, as long as you get paid.

However, that’s a dangerous precedent to set. Payments come in all forms, some less valuable and some less than trustworthy, and by accepting some types of payments, you might be layering unnecessary risk onto your already risk-filled small business. Read the Full Article →

5 Things Your Organization Can Do To Improve Employee Well-Being

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We recently received an update from our insurance company informing us of some added services to our plan.

The informational brochure shared some added services that deal with what they call ComPsych which includes services for counseling, financial issues, legal support, work-life, guidance and will preparation – many of which are at no or little cost. Read the Full Article →

3 Reasons You Should Be Using Blind Hiring Practices

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I don’t know about you but I love watching talent development programs that display raw talent and allows you to watch a very real transformation of a person’s natural ability.

One such program is the Voice and one of the most fun parts of watching this program is the blind auditions. Read the Full Article →

10 Things You Can Do To Get In Front Of Customers on Facebook

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Small business depends on marketing to get the word out on the products and services its provides consumers.

And, social marketing has become a tool of choice for many organizations because of the personalized approach there can be when interacting with (potential) customers on social platforms.

One platform that has exploded with advertising is Facebook. Read the Full Article →

Can Your Business Survive Without Social Media?

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Ok, so you’re skeptical whether or not social media really works to drive customers to your business.

Is it really worth the investment of your time and money?

The real question is, how can you have a truly successful business and NOT be on social media?

Small businesses are learning that having a relationship with customers is critical for survival in today’s market. Read the Full Article →

5 Tips for Avoiding and Resolving Conflict in Your Small Business

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Small business owners understands the challenge of finding qualified employees.

In a recent recruitment survey, Forde HR Cloud found that as many as 69% of businesses find it difficult to recruit.

Small businesses struggle to find candidates with the right skills and experience, or suffer from a lack of applicants. Read the Full Article →

17 Ways Managers Can Show Employees Appreciation

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It is a sad truth, but all too often employees hear only from the boss when they mess up or when it is time for the dreaded performance appraisal.

Employees should receive feedback more often about what they are doing right, than what they are doing wrong.

Emphasizing positive behaviors can reinforce them, and in doing so can minimize negative behavior patterns.

Read the Full Article →

4 Benefits of an Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program

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I have spent most of my career working for nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on volunteerism.

Because of this, I understand the importance of everyone getting involved in helping our communities and the nonprofits of the world fulfill their mission.

Volunteers help bridge the gap in human capital and bring valuable skills to the organization.  Read the Full Article →

5 Types of Leaders That Every Business Needs

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When it comes to hiring new employees, and expanding your growing business, leadership is one of the most desirable qualities.

A strong leader can make unpopular but essential decisions, is driven by results, and can exercise strong self-control to ensure the end-goal.

It should come as no surprise then that it is these people who are most likely to succeed in business, often achieving higher salaries and positions of responsibility as compared to other personality types. Read the Full Article →

8 Dos and Don’ts of Recognizing Small Business Employees

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According to a recent Gallup poll, effective employee recognition can be a cost-effective way to boost productivity and morale.

When employees feel like their hard work is noticed and their contributions are valued, they’re more likely to keep working hard and to remain loyal to the company.

But it’s one thing for a big company with lots of resources (read: money) to implement a comprehensive employee recognition program. Read the Full Article →

Two Reasons Pursuing That MBA May Make You a Better Leader

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I was an adult student and didn’t attend graduate school until I was in my early 40’s.

The reason was because it took me that long to realize the importance of going to that next level of my education.

It was at that time that I realized that the great leaders I admired had that educational advantage that I did not.  Read the Full Article →

25 Interview Questions To Ask A Job Candidate

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Anyone who has ever interviewed a job candidate understands that it can be a daunting task.

Knowing the right questions to ask is critical to identifying the right fit for your organization.

Interviewing is a skill that is developed with practice and being prepared for the interview is an important first step. Read the Full Article →