The things involved in starting and running a successful small business are not secrets, but so many small business leaders struggle. Why? Why do 50% of small businesses fail in the first 5 years? If you can begin to understand and put a name to the important pieces of a business and name the challenges, this will be a good start to the future of running a small business. A great investment to running a business for the long haul!

You just lie there wide-eyed at night and think about what this can become. This can become something big. This can become the kind of something big that can put the kids through college, create your retirement, give you financial freedom and actually be fun. This is the kind of thing where you can work on projects that YOU think are amazing and that you couldn’t work on when you were working for someone else.

We know that you have the passion for your business. Right now you eat, sleep and breathe your business. But guess what? So does every other CEO who wants to be a successful small business owner. Let’s look at where you stand in the race to find out what you can improve to get back to that #1 spot.

You’re an entrepreneur. You have to focus on what needs to be done now so that you can achieve your dreams and have a dollar sign attached to them later. In order to do this, running a successful small business includes two things: passion and provision. If you start focusing today on having both as part of your business you'll actually enjoy going to work. When you’re passionate about what you do it spills over into other areas of your company and helps fulfill the reason you started a small business in the first place: to have more freedom and opportunity.

Have you ever watched a TED talk? If not, you’re probably now asking, “What in the heck is a TED talk?" TED is a non profit that is devoted to spreading information and knowledge through powerful talks that are usually 18 minutes or less.

So you think you have a good idea? Sure, you might. But, have you thoroughly thought through everything you need to make a good business idea actually successful? Here are 6 factors you need to consider and make sure you have in order to make your good business idea actually work.

So I am not here to tell you that creating a marketing plan is so easy that anyone could do it. But there are steps that you can learn to create a plan you can implement to market your small business and increase your profits.

We know Inbound marketing is a very effective long term marketing strategy for small business to use when marketing online. Building your online presence with customers who rarely turn off their electronic devices is a smart marketing plan.

But where do you start? How do you reach all those googlers?

In the wonderful age of technology your customers have access to the internet in the palm of their hands. This means that your traditional marketing strategy isn’t the only top dog any more. Internet marketing, also known as online marketing or e-marketing, is becoming more popular in the world of marketing. But why?

Systems. Processes. Details. This is what organizational development is made of. It takes a certain type of personality to naturally be good at and even joy these processes and systems. Finding the right person will make your small business successful. The key to this is establishing a business culture as your putting these processes in place. What does that look like?

We know it’s hard. Owning or managing a small business in a time where people are struggling for money is difficult. You’re already a small business, fighting to stay alive amongst all the big box stores. The last thing you need is a failing economy. We feel your pain. Just like you, we are a small business and understand the daily struggles. We’re here to help you and give you tips that will allow you to see the light at the end of the tunnel and ensure your small business continues to thrive.