» Doing Business

May

The Things You Learn on the Job!

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business Tags: fire, fire safety, smoke damage, Tim Doucette, Worry Free Restoration

Meeting Tim and Pauline Doucette would give any struggling small-business owner a shot in the arm. The owners of Worry Free Property Management are so good at what they do, and so confident about the future of their business, their energy is infectious. Find your niche, that skill or talent you have better than anyone else in your market – …

Mar

How Fast Can you Bounce Back? Why Even a One-Woman Operation Needs a Disaster Recovery Plan

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business Tags: business, computer backup, disaster recovery, emergency preparedness, small business

Blizzards. Tornados. Hurricanes. Floods. Riots and acts of terror. The unexpected can leave small-business owners floundering – often for much longer than necessary. In fact, many businesses forced to short their doors temporarily during such times of crisis never reopen. From dealing with simple hurdles (cell phone dead and power out) to major problems (“I’ve been meaning to start regular computer …

Jan

Think Outside the Starbucks

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business Tags: business, business accelerator, business fads, business incubator, PivotDesk, shared space, small business, Starbucks

Sometime last year I heard about a new “fad” with entrepreneurs, specifically in the biotech industry – incubators and accelerators. At the time, I remember thinking, “Wow, what a neat investment idea.” Too bad I didn’t have the capital myself to invest in this little windfall. Turns out more than just scientists are looking for space to test out their …

Dec

Year-End Promotions a Good Idea for Small Business

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business, Marketing Tags: Erik Sherman, marketing, mistakes, small business, year-end promotions

The title said, “Don’t Make This Common Year-End Mistake” – and the first thing I see is a pair of holiday socks that eerily resemble a pair I’m fairly certain I own. Uh-oh! Was I relieved to see the writer was talking about promoting your business and not questionable taste in footwear. But Erik Sherman (whose Inc. article I tweeted …

Jul

Should Small Businesses Do Pro Bono Work?

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business Tags: Holly's Hope, Make A Wish, pro bono, pro bono work, small business

When people ask if their small business should do pro bono work, I say YES! No business, big or small, can afford to give everything away all the time. But the occasional bit of free work offers so many benefits. People argue that “you get what you pay for” – and that free work tells others that it’s worth very …

Feb

Business Advice from Ansel Adams

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business, Marketing Tags: Ansel Adams, business, Facebook, marketing, portfolio, selling, small business, target marketing

There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept. ~ Ansel Adams I came across this great quote recently – and it reminded me immediately of some of the initial conversations I’ve had with people who eventually became regular clients… and a few who didn’t.

Jan

My 2012 Game Plan!

By: Heather Clifford Category: Doing Business Tags: business calls, Mark Twain, New Year's resolutions, sales pitch

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. ~ Mark Twain Did you get through all the names on your Christmas card lists – personal and business? Me neither. But this time, I’m turning that minor failing into a game plan for the New Year! While holiday hellos to your grandparents and Great Aunt Mabel are a must, business acquaintances …