Monthly Archives: October 2014

Hiring for Christmas: What You Need to Know

October 22, 2014 | 2,407 views

Hiring for Christmas: What You Need to Know

Hiring for Christmas: What You Need to Know

If you’re bringing extra help on board for the Christmas busy season, you need a strategy. Planning out your hiring needs early will make training and onboarding easier, and make the holidays less stressful.

 

Start Now

Use your typical hiring channels — be that job board, recruiter, or just a Help Wanted sign — to start attracting help for the holidays. Be clear that you’re hiring on a temporary basis so potential employees know what to expect. Also make it clear what days new hires will be required to work, as many people want time off during the holidays — just when you need them most.

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4 Ways to Kick Your Q4 Marketing Plan into High Gear

October 15, 2014 | 2,677 views

4 Ways to Kick Your Q4 Marketing Plan into High Gear

4 Ways to Kick Your Q4 Marketing Plan into High Gear

I’m guessing that for you, the fourth quarter means more activity, anxiety, and income than other times of the year. While you can’t bury your head from what is the busiest retail season of the year, you can be smarter about how you market for it.

 

 1. Start Planning NOW

Really, starting earlier would have been better, but go develop your plan the instant you finish reading this post! The sooner you build your marketing plan for the holiday season, the more time you have to put it into play without stressing.

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The Top 10 Scariest Things About Being a Business Owner

October 8, 2014 | 2,287 views

The Top 10 Scariest Things About Being a Business Owner

The Top 10 Scariest Things About Being a Business Owner

While being an entrepreneur is so rewarding, it’s also scary at times. In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d put together a list of the scary side of business ownership.

1. There’s No Avoiding Risk

You learn to embrace it, that never knowing the future of your business. The economy, clients, illness…all of these things can negatively affect your success, and often come out of nowhere.

 

2.  You’re Not Really Your Own Boss

Most people think it’s great to be their own boss, but the truth is: you’re not the boss. You have many bosses: all your customers. If they’re not happy, you’re not making money.

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6 Types of Employees (and How to Handle Them)

October 1, 2014 | 2,326 views

6 Types of Employees (and How to Handle Them)

6 Types of Employees (and How to Handle Them)

Just like there are different types of managers, there are also different types of employees. Understanding which each your staff is most aligned with can help you better manage them.

1. Guide-Me Gary

Gary isn’t one to take initiative. He needs specific instructions, and will follow them to a T. Just don’t look to him to take on leadership or figure things out himself.

 

How to Manage Gary: Gary is great when you have rote activities and processes. Look for projects he can take on that stick to a prescription.

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