You run your own business, so you know how important customers are. But if your customers don’t pay you on time, your business won’t last very long. Try these tactics to ensure you receive the money you’re due: Send bills promptly. Don’t wait until the end of the month. If customers get an invoice while the purchase is still fresh [...]

Steve Jobs was a controversial figure throughout his life, but few can argue with his impact and success. Whatever your ambitions, his approach to work can help you find your own path to the top. Here’s some of what he believed: Find your passion. Jobs once offered this advice to would-be entrepreneurs in search of something to focus on: “I’d [...]

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a pill we could take to make ourselves immune to all potential unpleasantness with our clients? There isn’t, but we have something almost as good: we can take steps to manage the client’s expectations. Managing client expectations can be a little tricky. It’s a balancing act of sorts. On one hand, we want [...]

Like scientists and detectives, business owners need to know how to ask questions that produce results. Keep these three types ready at all times when talking to employees: Repetitive questions - Sometimes you have to keep asking the same question to find the answer you need. For example: “When can I expect your report?” Next week. “When next week?” Probably [...]

Change may be constant in life and business, but resistance to change is pretty constant, too. Whether you’re replacing the key to the front door or acquiring an entirely new business unit, your employees want to know what they can expect. Be ready to address these basic questions: What is changing? Employees want detailed, definite answers— not vague descriptions or [...]