Money Management

True to its origins in the marking of property, most people associate a brand with the visual sign or symbol a business uses to identify itself. Developing a brand identity can often seem like the preserve of big companies with large marketing budgets — and the consultants and agencies on whom they spend them.

In fact, an organization of any size can and should enjoy the benefits that a good brand identity brings to business. At its simplest, a well-expressed brand can give you the same kind of advantage a well-cut suit might present at a sales meeting. Read entire article.

Posted in Leadership, Money Management, Planning & Strategy, Sales & Marketing

While you can’t add more hours to your day, there are a few changes you can make to your daily routine that can help you reduce stress while getting more done.

1. Stay ahead of the curve — There’s nothing quite like arriving prepared. By getting up just a little earlier, you can spend half an hour or so in the calm of the early morning thinking through what’s coming up and how you’re going to react. Doing so will pay dividends later.   Read entire article.

   Posted in Leadership, Money Management, Planning & Strategy, productivity

Current customers can tell you what you’re doing right and ex-customers can speak about what you’re doing wrong. If you listen carefully you’ll learn what each group needs and how they make purchase decisions; information you can use to your advantage.

To get this valuable information on a budget, consider building low-cost “listening posts” on the Internet. Ask customers to take a Web-based survey or visit a chat room where they can discuss their needs. Use these forums to start an open and honest dialogue with, and between, customers. Read entire article.

Posted in Money Management, Planning & Strategy

As with any other aspect of your business, choose your tools carefully for the long-term management of your finances. Of course, credit and deposit accounts in the name of your business will help build the company’s credit rating — and likewise prevent a problem at the company from affecting your personal credit.

If monthly expenses tend to be up one month and down the next, a credit card with a revolving balance feature can help you manage cash flow and deal with the fluctuations.  Read entire article.

Posted in Money Management, Planning & Strategy