Archives: June 2008

Keeping Business Information Safe When Using New Technologies

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 30

With the arrival of a dizzying array of Web 2.0 technologies (Facebook, iGoogle, etc.) for businesses both large and small, there come new security challenges that must be taken into...

Using Colleges and Universities to Help Your Business

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 27

Is your small business in a college town? You might be surprised how many resources are available to you. You can start by volunteering your company to be a business...

Making a Small Business Move

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 26

Moving is never fun, but moving a small business—be it across town or across the country—can be downright disastrous if you don't prepare well. Here are some things to keep...

Electronic Contracts

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 25

Take note: Federal law now makes electronic contracts and electronic signatures as legal and enforceable as those on paper. Consider what advantages e-contracts might have for your business. Some companies...

What Is Your Corporate Culture?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 24

Even small organizations have a workplace culture. Is the office laid back? Is it a family-like atmosphere? Perhaps it's got a survival-of-the-fittest feel. As the business owner, your personality and...

Rallying Resources to your Business Idea

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 23

Every year, the executive team at Grow Utah Ventures reviews over 300 business plans. Traditionally, entrepreneurs have focused on making sure they have a well-written business plan. However, we've found...

The Key to Marketing Any Product

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 20

Whether you are marketing an existing product or introducing a new product into an existing space, you need to present the "whole product." Not just the primary product offering, but...

Advertising Basics

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 19

If you're spending money on advertising, you need to have a compelling offer. Even though they've been around for decades, "X% off" coupons are still an effective advertising tool. However,...

Planning for Greater Growth Rates

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 18

If you plan to sell your small business someday, you need to make growth and success a habit, starting now. Over half of the companies I look at each year...

Using Customer Relationship Management Software

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 17

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) plays a critical role in any industry. There are a number of software options to help manage CRM functions, but traditional versions are not always suitable...

Your Growth Rate Is Key to Selling Your Business

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 16

Buyers are demanding greater growth in the companies they consider acquiring. Your company could have 85% profitability, but if your growth rate is anemic you will still probably get passed...

Why Call Tracking Makes Sense

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 13

I often hear small business owners ask, "How can I best use call tracking?" and "How will it help my business?" One key benefit of call tracking is that it...

Social Networks and Your Business Goals

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 12

By now most people are familiar with some form of social network or another, whether it is LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, or the new FriendFeed. Nevertheless, navigating them can still...

Setting Up a Virtual Help Desk

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 11

Economic instability is leading companies to look for cost-conscious ways to ensure and build their businesses. A critical but often overlooked area for growth is a strong technical support program—since...

Putting an Innovation Strategy in Place

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 10

In baseball, everyone wants to hit a home run. In the small business world, many owners have the same goal when it comes to their innovation strategy. Innovation is sometimes...

Build Creativity into Your Culture

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 09

Innovation, creativity, and divining what's next are challenges for businesses of every stripe, particularly small companies vying with industry leaders. Here are several ideas that have worked well over the...

Recognizing Mistakes Shows Strength

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 06

Recognizing and admitting your mistakes strengthens your ability to lead your employees. To err is human, and is therefore a mandatory part of being a credible leader. Those who deny,...

Assessing Your Own Performance as a Leader

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 05

Realistically assessing your own performance as a small business owner is an excellent practice. However, being overly critical of yourself is distracting, and over time can undermine your effectiveness and...

Listening with Heart

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 04

The heart is an amazing compass for what is important and true. When you listen to someone in a wholehearted way, you tap into a much broader spectrum of information....

Letting People Know You

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 03

It's critical for small business owners to understand the pitfalls of keeping too much emotional distance from their employees. When you are too aloof, people tend to fill in the...

Balancing Feelings with Facts

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 02

Small business owners need to make a deeply personal investment to guide others to phenomenal results. In fact, great leaders inspire others to do their best work when they operate...