Business Mentors

Preparing financially for retirement can be complicated for anyone, but for small-business owners, the process often poses even more challenges. Teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other government employees generally receive a pension. The corporate world can offer benefit plans or matching contributions. But entrepreneurs can’t automatically rely on any of those features; instead, they have […]

Watch for the Five Ps in every small-business success story. This will not be the first time you have read about the importance of critical items to startup and early stage, small-business success. After spending more than 10 years mentoring and coaching startups, I am equipped to opine on the most important Ps in early

Some recent tweets that came across the @cnybj Twitter feed, offering various small business, marketing, HR, career, and personal tips. Pink Spaghetti @PinkSpagKatieIn this age of electronic communication, a handwritten note to customers speaks volumes, and makes your #smallbiz stand out from the crowd. Real Marsha Wright| Brand Influencer @marshawright“Do not judge me by my

Any health-care professional knows the importance of bedside manner. It builds a powerful relationship with your patients, instilling trust and safety in a setting where they may feel vulnerable. This relationship is key for delivering optimal care, retaining your patient base, and building your reputation.  However, it can be difficult to extend that level of

In a world where we seem to be inundated with surveys (like purchase-experience emails), which ones are worth completing? Believe it or not, your health-care provider’s patient-satisfaction survey is one survey that’s well worth your time.  Here are three reasons why you should consider taking that survey the next time around. Do you want to

Some recent tweets that came across the @cnybj Twitter feed, offering various small business, marketing, HR, career, and personal tips. Bonadio Group  @bonadiogroupSmall businesses unprepared for tax reform: https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/small-businesses-unprepared-for-tax-reform-impact Sunu Philip @sunuphilipBidding on #Business? 5 #Tips to Beat the #Competition via @Inc #DigitalMarketing #OnlineMarketing #marketingtips https://buff.ly/2HPHyIv Ravi Yande @ravireportVery smart content marketing strategies https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2018/04/26/13-content-marketing-strategies-to-differentiate-your-brand/#61992786605a …

Companies that train their employees in what are commonly referred to as “soft skills” are finding those efforts pay off in productivity and retention.  People with soft skills are adept in areas such as interpersonal communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. But often still missing in the soft-skills department, some corporate analysts say, is the willingness

Here’s a quick question. Where did you have your most impactful learning experience?  A. In a class or a courseB. In a meetingC. At a conference or in a workshopD. In your work, completing a project or task Did you answer D? I’ve asked this same question numerous times to organizational managers, leaders, and at presentations that I’ve given,

Inappropriate behavior toward women in the workplace has sparked a national conversation about sexual harassment. The #MeToo movement exploded on social media, celebrities were embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct, employers were sued, and employees dismissed.  While this tidal wave of public attention has generated some positive change, business leaders and work-culture observers wonder how

Lots of money, effort, and time go into acquiring customers, but not nearly enough thought goes into keeping them coming back. Sure, there’s the occasional offer or the “We’ve missed you” discount. All too frequently, we don’t pay attention unless they’re unhappy or turn up missing. Then, we get busy to try to get them