Why you need to diversify your assets to maximize return and minimize risk
Diversification is a critical component for any sound investment plan, but it requires regular monitoring to ensure it’s still producing the desired results in good and bad times. “Whether you are managing your own money or working with a financial professional, you need to review things regularly,” says Raymond N. Sussel, CLU, a financial professional […]
Small improvements in the pillars of wellness build into pillars of strength
The successful executive’s schedule leaves no time for illness. Time is money, and illness costs. One strategy for reducing costs across your organization is to put in place a culture of wellness that encourages all employees, from the top down, to protect their health and well-being and reduce their risk of serious illness. What is […]
What Amazon's bold moves in the marketplace can teach you
First, there was Amazon Although founder Jeff Bezos always intended for Amazon to sell everything, he started with books. Once the technology infrastructure was in place, Amazon began to collect customer data and lots of it. Amazon team members became experts at analyzing it, and used it to create personalized product recommendations and email marketing. […]
How to achieve growth much easier by absorbing these valuable tips
When it comes to growing a business, whether strategically or organically, the better informed and prepared a company is, the better its chances for success. But how to become better informed and prepared may be a mystery to some companies. “There are a number of business incentives out there that a lot of companies don’t […]
Ruthless Industrialist and philanthropist both, Rockefeller overcame stress and worry
The name John D. Rockefeller evokes mixed feelings. The man who called Cleveland home was both a robber baron of sorts and a philanthropist. In his book “John D. Rockefeller: The Heroic Age of American Enterprise,” author Allan Nevins says that while Rockefeller may have engaged in some unethical and illegal business practices, this should […]
Mentorships, upskilling may offer hope in manufacturing labor shortage
After enduring a protracted downturn and shedding 5.7 million jobs, 33 percent of their workforce, American manufacturers are leaving money on the table — and it’s ironic that a labor shortage would force them to do that.
What you can learn from Lady Gaga to help build your brand
With more than 42 million Twitter followers, almost 3 billion YouTube views and more than 67 million likes on Facebook, Lady Gaga is truly a media sensation and an audience-building maverick — landing in the top 10 of all digital media channels. But what can you learn from this outrageous pop superstar that applies to […]
How to find alternative sources to finance your real estate venture
There are myriad programs available to commercial and industrial real estate users that provide low cost capital and incentives for new investment. In addition to conventional financing, there are nontraditional sources of financing, tax deferral and tax mitigation strategies that can stretch your equity dollar. Smart Business spoke with Bob Brehmer, CCIM, SIOR, principal at NAI Daus, […]
Becoming more effective and efficient outweighs most fears about the digital world
Even with technology being a part of everyday life outside the office, there are still some companies that balk at upgrading to current technology. “Many traditional business owners will tell you that they prefer face time with their customers and will not adapt to the need of technology until they start seeing customers going elsewhere,” […]
Business owners need to take proactive steps for concerns to be heard
Small business is one of the most trusted institutions in American society. With politics in full swing prior to the 2014 midterm elections, it is becoming clearer that elected officials understand that small business issues are America’s issues. Maybe it was the Great Recession. Maybe it’s the new normal of the 24-hour media cycle that […]