BizOp Blogs

OpenForum: The smartest investment you’ll make in this economy is your investment in your employees. Companies that plan to survive, even thrive, in this economy should increase their investments in their employees. That’s right. Companies should invest more in their employees during this challenging... More

Unusual Business Ideas That Work: Renee Wood says she’s used to weeping at work. She runs an online bereavement-gift outfit, Comfort Co., from suburban Geneva and gets calls all day from people who want to buy something special for someone who has just lost a loved one. Compassion comes naturally... More

Business Edge: Jody Steinhauer’s small business has come a long way since she started it from her apartment with $1,000 two decades ago. The Bargains Group, a Toronto-based discount clothing wholesaler, sells about 5,000 clothing products to retailers, as well as providing branded promotional items... More

Entrepreneur.com: Entrepreneurs often live with the hope that if they build it, customers will come. But in today’s economy, it takes a lot more than hope to get people to purchase your products or services: New business-building practices are a must if you want to expand. Another necessary element... More

PRLog.Org: No matter what type of business product or service you choose to participate in, there is one and only one starting point. The only place to be starting your new home business is, in your mind, more importantly your mindset. It is imperative for you to know the Who, What, Where, When and... More

Seattle Post Intelligencer: · Seek more customers. In the spirit of the rig operator, now is the best time to go out and pitch new customers. So what if the sales cycle (the time it takes to solicit and receive a first order) may be longer than in years past. Also, nothing can inspire employee confidence... More

4hb.com: 1. Internet Access – Every online business owner must have access to the Web. But consider this. The market is so flooded with ISPs that you have a lot of room to dicker. Start by searching the Internet under keywords like “cheap internet access” or “discount isp”... More

Inc.com: Captive insurance companies have been growing by leaps and bounds. A captive is an insurance company that insures the risks of its parent company. It is owned by a parent or, at times, by the shareholders of the parent company. The operating entity insures all or part of its risks with its... More

StartupNation: 1. Writing a business plan before a life plan This is a fast track to having your business own you instead of you owning your business. Instead, do the important self-assessment process to ensure you really have all your ducks (and bucks) in a row, then write your business plan. 2. Buying... More

Diversity Inc: Make it a part of your company’s culture When a company creates a culture of inclusion, people pay attention–and everyone benefits. “Our culture is constantly evolving, but some things never change, and the inclusion [of people with disabilities] is something that has... More

smSmallBiz: Slash Expenses Streamlining your business can help you stay in the black even when customers make fewer purchases. Be sure to call in overdue accounts receivables, sell off unsold inventory and analyze expenses such as office space, supplies and even your company’s phone bills. “Cut... More

PR-Inside.com: EWS is now accepting inquiries from those entrepreneurs (and ecopreneurs) who are interested in learning more about how they can benefit from this lucrative green business opportunity. No one can predict the future, but you can prepare for it. By embarking on a new venture as an Affiliate... More

The Wall Street Journal: It’s not the nicest thing to do. But for small-business owners who are having difficulty collecting receivables from their customers, especially in this tight business climate, this is an extreme option that just might work. They’re turning to a complaint-and-resolution... More

1888 Press Release: Team members from ActionCOACH, the world’s number one business coaching firm, emphasized the importance of a business plan for owners of small-to-medium sized businesses. Founder and CEO of ActionCOACH, Brad Sugars, agrees and adds that there is also merit in remaining flexible... More