While the U.S. federal government remains the largest buyer of goods and services in the world, doing business with the “feds” – particularly for small businesses – can be an unwieldy and regulatory-laden process. A more manageable alternative, however, might be in the state and local government marketplace. State and local government contract opportunities are abundant and, since most states “set-aside” a certain... 

While the U.S. federal government remains the largest buyer of goods and services in the world, doing business with the “feds” — particularly for small businesses — can be an unwieldy and regulatory-laden process.  Read More →

Part of your business brand is your company name. The right company name can help you attract business. The wrong selection may actually hinder your growth. So it is worth the time and effort to think about a name that is more than just a name — it is part of your marketing strategy.  Read More →

During the first few years of being a start-up, perhaps more than any other time in your working life, you’ll need someone to turn to for advice, guidance, and support.  Read More →

Today’s economy is extremely competitive, as I am sure all of you will agree. Luckily there are numerous free or inexpensive marketing tools to help small businesses level the playing field. However, you may be overlooking one of your best marketing tools. Curious to know what it is? Look in the mirror. That’s right. Your best marketing tool is you!  Read More →

Despite the sluggish economy, small businesses are picking up the pace of business travel. We all know it’s good to be able to meet face-to-face with our customers, but business travel can be a major hit to our cash flow. Therefore, it is important to make sure you get a strong return on your travel investment.  Read More →

Starting and operating a business is no simple feat. From the moment you become a business owner you are required to navigate a wide-ranging series of confusing and ever-changing legal and regulatory hurdles. For start-ups in particular, keeping your legal butt covered, so to speak, is essential to reducing the risk of your venture, especially when outside financing is involved. And while a lawyer will always be willing to help – it can get... 

Starting and operating a business is no simple feat. From the moment you become a business owner you are required to navigate a wide-ranging series of confusing and ever-changing legal and regulatory hurdles. For start-ups in particular, keeping your legal butt covered, so to speak, is essential to reducing the risk of your venture, especially when outside financing is involved. And while a lawyer will always be willing to help – it can get... 

I recently spoke with young serial entrepreneur Gary Whitehill about whether or not the seed funding phenomenon is a “bubble waiting to burst,” or whether it really is a viable way for small companies to fund their startup costs.  Read More →

This week is Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week when representatives from the public and private sector come together in Washington D.C. to share information and resources for growing and expanding minority businesses domestically and globally. If you can’t be there, don’t worry, many government agencies are using the month of August to showcase the wealth of resources that they offer to help minorities get started and succeed... 

This week is Minority Enterprise Development Week when representatives from the public and private sectors come together in Washington, D.C., to share information and resources for growing and expanding minority businesses. If you can’t be there, don’t worry, many government agencies are using the month of August to showcase the wealth of resources that they offer to help minorities get started and succeed in business. Here’s a... 

This week I was invited to make a keynote address at my undergraduate alma mater. The Dean of Students asked my husband what I like to do for fun so he could say something personal about me when he introduced me to the student body. Without hesitation, my husband answered, “Work. She works for fun.” Do all entrepreneurs work for fun?  Read More →

There are many reasons why a business needs to keep an eye on the competition. From pricing your products competitively, to gauging how similar businesses are reacting to market forces, to understanding where you stand in the highly competitive space of online search rankings. But how do you effectively sneak a peek at the competition, or even snuggle up to it? Here are five tips for researching and getting to know your competition.  Read More →

There are many reasons why a business needs to keep an eye on the competition. From pricing your products competitively, to gauging how similar businesses are reacting to market forces, to understanding where you stand in the highly competitive space of online search rankings. But how do you effectively sneak a peek at the competition, or even snuggle up to it? Here are five tips for researching and getting to know your competition.  Read More →

A partner gives you a shared responsibility for the company so you don’t have to bear the entire weight yourself. Sometimes, two people together are greater than the sum of the whole (if they have a synergy of skills). Just as often, two people together are less than the sum of the whole (if they fight all the time). Unfortunately, you  Read More →