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| Index of "Ask SCORE" Akron Beacon
Journal Articles
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1 -- Going to the Bank
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2 -- Preparation Key to Marketing Success
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3 -- Leading often is confused with managing
Guide by being visionary, giving support, direction |
4 -- Structure of board determines how things run
Akron SCORE Vice Chairman Gary Sutherland answered this question |
5 -- Contract workers must fit criteria
IRS says they work own hours, call in others to finish tasks |
6 -- Sometimes math gurus make sense
Accountants, bookkeepers, tax specialists can be allies |
7 -- Uniform retailer puts in extra effort
Akron shop owner finds personal touch attracts customers |
8 -- Avoid the pitfalls of family business
Clarify job roles, treat employees equally, find home-work balance to ensure startup's survival |
9 -- Improper pricing is error that can cost
Finding right balance more art than science |
10 -- Keep the clutter out of the office
Organization aids in productivity and profits |
11 -- Cash flow can put business up a creek
Develop ways to keep company running smoothly; basics just common sense for smaller operations |
12 -- Make sure Web site works hard
Business site can be pretty, but it must produce sales |
13 -- Entrepreneurship Extravaganza rocks on
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14 -- You must keep backups
Someday you will regret not protecting your most important files |
15 -- A business makeover can get things moving
Small businesses have an edge over big because they can change more quickly |
16 -- Protect names legally
Getting trademarks, service marks key to business identity |
17 -- Economic forecast is cloudy
Experts cite variables in region |
18 -- PEOs cover ABCs of human resources
Companies take care of hiring, payroll and benefits |
19 -- Billing requires personal touches
Telephone call is 10 times more effective than any mailing |
20 -- It pays to advertise; first find out how
Media representatives can help with the basics |
21 -- Look at equipment lease to help conserve cash
Move also avoids risk of buying what is quickly obsolete |
22 -- Develop a Business Plan Now; Count on Profits Later
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23 -- Talk with workers to get best results
Motivated staff will provide better service |
24 -- Outsider gets IT done
Leave it to experts if you need systems |
25 -- Make your Web site visible
Great content isn't enough. You must make it easy to find |
26 -- Win clients with a knowledgeable staff
Invest in training so employees know customers' needs better than the competition |
27 -- Will a partner help or hurt when building a business?
Don't get one unless she'll complement you, promote success |
28 -- Routine costs can drain a business
Rethinking a few spending habits on `small stuff' can save some cash |
29 -- Keeping good help is tricky
It can be really tough for small businesses |
30 -- Budget can benefit seasonal business
Create cash reserve account, plan for slow times |
31 -- IRS site valuable for small businesses
Advice, information to make you tax smart |
32 -- Cut costs to find success
Paying only what is needed to run your business adds to bottom line. Look at low-margin areas |
33 -- Need customers? Spread the word
Best, and most inexpensive, way small businesses can get customers' attention is by word of mouth |
34 -- Adjust to keep growth going
Marketplace constantly changing, so your plan needs constant review |
35 -- Minimize possibility of employee theft
Set up steps so cash, checks, inventory stay out of wrong hands |
36 -- Crucial to protect invention before filing for patent
Do your homework, but first keep journal on the idea, ask acquaintances to sign nondisclosure form |
37 -- Branding business essential, beneficial
Online, offline combo proves most effective |
38 -- Gizmos, Web services can bring virtual success
Many companies outsource nearly all that they do |
39 -- Cafe serves more than smiles
Mentally disabled staff takes joy in filling diners' plates while learning new skills at Hattie's in Hudson |
40 -- Always review selling habits
Even in good times things can go wrong, so keep up the effort |
41 -- Try these tips when starting business
New ventures succeed more often than not if resources are well-planned |
42 -- Freelancing skills needed for success
Using the Internet, building your personal brand and other tools ensure that you'll find more work |
43 -- Develop personal niche to go far
Reinventing business, targeting unmet needs boosts company profits |
44 -- Boost image by going 'green'
Making small businesses environmentally friendly can be as effortless as choosing products, services |
45 -- Strong start requires funding
Loans are one way to ensure business has key ingredients |
46 -- Speaking skills are lacking
Businesses need to focus on employees' ability to express themselves |
47 -- Updated Web site attracts customers
Seek assistance of writers, designers, researchers to build online presence, keep page looking fresh |
48 -- Businesses embrace online ads
Low-cost advertising tied to search engines helps attract customers |
49 -- SCORE opens offices in Kent and Orrville
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50 -- Ethics training vital in workplace
Nonprofit organizations offer variety of resources to help create a code of conduct for employees |
51 -- Security breaches are costly
Take steps to protect your computers from threats |
52 -- Family deserves to know loan risk
Give relatives a plan, just as you would bank |
53 -- Some easy steps to save computers
Old machines can be fixed up and useful again if you put them through just a few easy routines |
54 -- It's important to start succession planning early
Being unprepared could put the future existence of the business at stake |
55 -- Branding makes its mark on sales
Distinctive color, shape increase recognition |
56 -- Succeed with mix of workers
To achieve balance, employ people with different strengths |
57 -- Know who's always right
Customers' viewpoint essential for success |
58 -- Diverse workers are part of U.S.
Leaders need to learn, respect key differences |
59 -- Quality personal service difficult
Retailers must train, reward the sales staff |
60 -- Follow six steps to achieve goals
Be honest with yourself about what you want from company when looking at long term |
61 -- Businesses need control systems
Establish specific policies, procedures for tasks to be handled by employees on planned basis |
62 -- Stress can damage business
Learning how to manage it will help protect bottom line |
63 -- 'SWOT' analysis aids entrepreneurs
Consider strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats so that you can make objective decision |
64 -- Franchise is method of business
Formula might ensure success; learn details |
65 -- Starting a firm? Ask questions first
Decide if you have necessary skills to succeed through personal review, workshops, counseling |
66 -- Incentives don't have to be expensive to do the job
For the optimum response, personalize the reward, matching it to the recipient |
67 -- Three basic ways to organize business
Decide whether sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation will fit needs best |
68 -- Training is the duty of bosses
Educated employees benefit the bottom line |
69 -- Extending credit can be risky
Firm controls, policy in writing are essential |
70 -- Plan for natural, man-made disaster
Being prepared helps small businesses stay viable in difficult times |
71 -- Make it a goal to set, write goals
Put on paper what you want to do, or it will remain a dream |
72 -- Time management essential
Written plan aids in organizing and prioritizing daily tasks, allowing for better flow in business |
73 -- Gift-giving guidelines can help
Showing appreciation to clients takes planning |
74 -- Keep customers satisfied or else
Communication with employees, clients important for service businesses. Quality is your foundation |
75 -- Customers return for good reason
Understand needs, develop relationships |
76 -- Take care in taking on new work
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77 -- Book defines what is 'great'
Being large not enough. Accepting mediocrity often limits potential |
78 -- Consider options before saying no
Refusing business opportunities can close doors |
79 -- Mind your business to fight competition
Keeping up with your foes can make you stronger |
80 -- Records end worrying
Good books make tax time easier |
81 -- Shared vision vital for business partnership to succeed
Formal agreement should be drawn up; compromise, understanding, and learning to adapt also essential |
82 -- Preparation is key when starting a business
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83 -- Look at big piqqcture before cutting costs
Inspect business records, especially profit margins |
84 -- Insure only what is needed
But avoid too many risks; it's often a balancing act |
85 -- Slowdown isn't end of the world
Strong financial management practices can help weather storm, prepare for new opportunities |
86 -- Plan can keep you on track
Outline for growth can be your internal compass |
87 -- Positive attitude is key attribute
It's important to emphasize long-term potential and always keep open lines of communication |
88 -- Keep track of cash flow
Take steps to ensure more money comes in than leaves account |
89 -- Attitude surveys identify problems
Employees often afraid to speak their minds |
90 -- Franchising is cool
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91 -- Option offers big shortcut into business
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92 -- Protect your invention idea by taking notes right away
Prove you were first. Prepare a one-page nondisclosure agreement |
93 -- Recession suppression
Changing a few old habits can lead to increased business profits |
94 -- New challenges, opportunities in wings
Business plan, watching numbers, staff investment are among strategic steps you can take for success |
95 -- Business virtues you can count on
Reliability, honesty and trust are just a few |
96 -- Lead or manage: They're different
Both skills needed to be efficient and effective |
97 -- Personal financing has options, risks
Create a small business plan and know pitfalls |
98 -- Outside financial specialists key to success of business
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99 -- Free workshops for entrepreneurs
Business basics, marketing, leadership among topics |
100 -- Service essential for success
Small business has an edge if it connects with customer |
101 -- How to get paid on time
Small business owner needs payment policy in place to avoid collections |
102 -- Networking helps build your business
Making impression on prospective clients important |
103 -- Bosses often not trained to evaluate employees
Learning the basic concepts helps avoid lawsuits |
104 -- Protect your data. Here are some tips
Even small businesses can take security steps |
105 -- Finding financing difficult
Ads can be misleading; government help slim |
106 -- Good on the job doesn't mean good as a boss
Check these skills, characteristics to see whether you're management material |
107 -- Keep disaster coverage updated
Businesses should make sure insurance will fit current needs |
108 -- If you're the boss, take some time off
Train others to handle the job while you are gone |
109 -- Don't put files at risk
Backing up computer can save your business |
110 -- Business can earn customer loyalty
Make an impression by listening, acting |
111 -- Going green pays off
Businesses save money, protect environment |
112 -- PEOs can ease burden
Companies manage hiring process, benefits |
113 -- Business ethics essential
Keeping all promises, treating people fairly can help define success |
114 -- Research options before ad is placed
Consider demographics of your target audience |
115 -- Insurance can protect businesses run at home
But nearly 60 percent don't have coverage for financial losses |
116 -- Business counselors can provide free advice
Akron SCORE advisers have wide experience to aid in difficult times |
