You're running your business like a well-oiled machine but don't know where it's going. Or, you know where your business is going but don't know how to get there. Or maybe, you know how to get there but are so bogged down by the daily grind that execution has taken a backseat. 

Think back to the time you got guidance from someone. Maybe it was a report you wrote in college, and you had someone look over it or edit it. You sought an outside perspective because you found it to be valuable. This applies to business as well. 

From a small business to a Fortune 500 company, every organization faces constraints in getting the expertise they need due to limited time, money, other resources, and middle management barriers. Therefore, a Business Advisory Board —comprised of a group of outsiders to the business, who share their knowledge to help guide and grow the business, becomes crucial for companies of all types and sizes.

There is a reason why high performing athletes have coaches. To reach their highest potential, to improve their performance, and to win. With the right coach, you will be a better leader and get better results.

Do you have a marketing plan? Most small business do so don’t feel too bad. Most small business owners, with good intentions, spend money on random tactics but without a plan, are just wasting money.

How often do you conduct an audit of your marketing? Do you know what a marketing audit is?

So, you’re a small business owner wearing many hats, and everything is urgent.  You’re frustrated with your sales, your brand, the lack of quality leads and/or the design of your logo and website.  You know the importance of marketing (you think).  You know you need to be marketing but you’re too busy, you’re not trained and no one on your team’s trained so where do you start?

Being a solo consultant for 4+ years now, anyone who’s doing it knows that there is no playbook. You have to figure it out for yourself.  Having the right tools to increase the quality and effectiveness of your work product is key.  I’m always interested in reading about the tools other entrepreneurs are using.  So, I want to share 12 online tools I use regularly to help me manage my website, help me with blogging, collaborate with clients/colleagues and keep me organized.  

I recently found this business writing guide I wanted to share.  I received it as part of the training at my first job, General Foods (now Mondelez International). While this guide is old and was meant for entry level marketing employees, the content still stands true today!  I am a good business writer and I credit this guide in helping me get there. 

Winter’s here, the 2nd semester has started and colleges and universities across the U.S. are bustling with students returning to campus. The U.S. boasts over 20,000,000 college students. They have a total discretionary spending power of $207 Billion, which makes their impact on the economy unquestionable.

In light of these numbers, it’s no surprise that brands relish the opportunity to activate on college campuses. So, I wanted to provide a quick post on how your brand can win on campus.