As a small business owner, the world can seem overwhelming at times. There are so many hats to wear, and so many fires to put out. Sometimes, you have approach things from a different angle. Instead of being reactive, think…
Tough Love
As a biz owner, you have to (or should) make tough choices. Like not assigning work to team members who have no business doing that work. Which doesn’t mean they aren’t a good fit for your team, or that they…
The Bait and Switch Follow on Twitter
The bait and switch method on Twitter doesn’t build your brand, but it does do a great job of destroying your character. Let’s define this for clarity. A Bait and Switch Follower is a person or brand that follows you…
Why Does Tinderbox Exist?
Companies, heck even people, need a mission. Most companies and organizations operate from a mission statement, vision statement, or beliefs statement. According to Wikipedia, a mission statement “is a statement of the purpose of a company, organization or person; its…
Why I Need #SpoBU
Social media has a tendency to drive a wedge between people and, well, other people. It’s why tweetups are a thing. I can be social on social media all day long, but that’s not an adequate replacement for real human…
Hide the Mop Bucket
Your customers are going to be tough on you. You may think it’s personal, you may think it’s unfair. But, as a business owner, you need to accept the fact that your customers are going to judge you, and in…
The Worst Thing Ever Said to My Face
“You’re too busy.” Sounds harmless, right? It could even be construed as positive reinforcement that I’m doing good work. Except, this was said by someone I thought was going to want me to mentor him. “I’d love for you to…
Evidence of Progress
I have the pleasure of having a group of educators as a client. Educators have a fascinating way of looking at the world. Typically, they talk and think about the same things as people in the business world do, educators…
You Can’t Win Them All
You won’t close every deal. You won’t convert every visitor to your website. Not every person that passes your trade show booth will love your product. And that’s ok. I’ve said this before – and it’s an idea I’ve been…
Tips for Buyers at a Trade Show
1. You don’t have to buy, but that doesn’t mean you have to be rude. Look, I know attending a trade show as a buyer can be tough. All the exhibitors are looking for their big break, and when they…