4 pillars of a solid sales process
Is your sales process getting off-balance? Sometimes it can be hard to tell. Fluctuations in the economy, changes in customer interest and dips in demand may cause slowdowns that are beyond your control. But if the numbers keep dropping and you’re not sure why, you may need to double-check the structural soundness of how you […]
Keeping a king in the castle with a well-maintained cash reserve
You’ve no doubt heard the old business cliché “cash is king.” And it’s true: A company in a strong cash position stands a much better chance of obtaining the financing it needs, attracting outside investors or simply executing its own strategic plans. One way to ensure that there’s always a king in the castle, so […]
3 steps to a more ethical organization
Whether it’s in the business, government or not-for-profit sector, ethics seem to be on everyone’s minds these days. To ensure your supporters and community understand your nonprofit organization’s values and the policies that uphold them, a formal code of ethics is essential. Here’s how to create one. 1. Identify rules of conduct You probably already […]
Make the most of your fundraising with simple metrics
The amount of money your not-for-profit raises in fundraising campaigns is meaningful, but so is how efficiently you’re able to raise it. Such costs can be measured using two metrics: Cost ratio and return on investment (ROI). Let’s take a look. Find a formula These two metrics can be used to evaluate both fundraising activities […]
Get SMART when it comes to setting strategic goals
Strategic planning is key to ensuring every company’s long-term viability, and goal setting is an indispensable step toward fulfilling those plans. Unfortunately, businesses often don’t accomplish their overall strategic plans because they’re unable to fully reach the various goals necessary to get there. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, trace your goals back to […]
Data analytics can help solve your nonprofit’s biggest challenges
If your not-for-profit wants to improve its budgeting, forecasting, fundraising or other functions but is having a hard time identifying both problems and solutions, data analytics can help. This form of business intelligence is already considered invaluable in the for-profit world. But it can be just as useful to nonprofits. Informed decision making Data analytics […]
More employers are telling workers: ‘Bring your own device.’
Increasingly, employers are telling workers, “Bring your own device.” Often abbreviated as BYOD, the term means that workers can use personal mobile devices — such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets — at the office. Already, it’s estimated that four in 10 workers use their own smartphone or tablet each week for work-related information or applications. […]
Three tips for small business cash flow problems
No matter what type of business you own or operate, there is one essential that is common to all—cash! That’s right. You need a dependable cash flow to keep your business operating smoothly, efficiently and at a profit. Here are three tips you may find useful as a small business owner to manage your cash […]
Small business optimism is climbing
Optimism among small business owners is reaching new highs. According to a recent USA TODAY/Allstate survey, 64 percent of companies with 100 or fewer employees say their businesses are doing well, up from 61 percent in late 2015. Looking forward to the future, 72 percent of the respondents believe the next year will be a […]
A fundamental business decision
If you are considering starting a new business, one of the first and most important decisions you will make is business entity selection. There are many types of business entities with advantages and disadvantages to each. Business entities are subject to the laws of the states where they are established, but there are some general […]