Selling Your Business but Want to Retain Its Talent?
When you decide to sell your business, be aware that your managers and skilled employees—along with lower-ranking workers who contribute to institutional memory—may represent a large portion of the company’s value. But during the due diligence phase of the sale, fears your staff may inevitably have (Will my job be safe? Will I like my […]
3 Tips for Cultivating Mentor Relationships
When I founded a manufacturing tech company 15 years ago, I was entrenched in a male-dominated field. I was a female entrepreneur launching a Silicon Valley company that specializes in onshore contract manufacturing for medical, biotech and other industries. Back then, I benefited firsthand from the assistance of mentors throughout my career who were generous with […]
Top of Mind: Get Your Creative On
Trying to spark creativity is a little like trying to meet your future partner: It tends to happen when you’re not looking for it. At MakeWorks we say, “Be unintentional.” Rather than trying to solve your own problem directly, help others with theirs. We do weekly demos, and all of our startups share their wins […]
Why the “PayPal Mafia” Worked
He’s one of the most notable members of the so-called “PayPal Mafia.” Peter Thiel, who co-founded PayPal, recently announced its split from parent company eBay, and shares his expansive insight in his first book, Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future. “The first team that I built has become known […]
4 Ways to Increase Online Reviews
Internet shoppers closely watch reviews and are reluctant to commit without them. Here are four low- to no-cost ways to encourage more of those reassuring reviews and generate more online buying for your business: 1. Send a timely review request. Be sure the shopper has already received the product and had some time to use […]
Top of Mind: On Selling Yourself
Confidence is everything when it comes to selling yourself. Knowing who you are and how you can add value is invaluable in any workplace. And it doesn’t mean you are everything or know everything. Confidently admitting you don’t have the answer, while outlining a plan to obtain it, demonstrates a true level of belief in […]
Top of Mind: What Is Leadership Really?
I’ve learned that leadership comes in many forms. It doesn’t always have to mean power or a big title. In my case, a promotion meant making an untraditional move. That experience was the turning point that led me to where I am today. Now I try to give my team members the experience they need […]
Did You Know a Hot Drink Can Affect Your Decisions?
Getting ready for a challenging negotiation? Offer a hot beverage and a comfy chair to the other person—but pour a cold drink for yourself (to literally soften up your adversary while you remain steadfast). Trying to sell yourself with a résumé? Make sure the paper isn’t too thin (lest you be taken lightly). Editing a […]
The Do’s and Don’ts of Mobile Billboards
Get the most of the medium to help build your small-business brand.
Top of Mind: Bootstrapping a Startup
Being a serial entrepreneur I feel a kinship toward those looking to own their own businesses, and I know firsthand the trials and doubts that plague those trying to turn their ideas into reality. Because of this, I support the new concept of micro-credit loans for those in emerging markets looking to provide a better […]
The 5 Habits of Highly Addictive Brands
My wife and I go for a walk most evenings, and the neighborhood Starbucks is a frequent stop. When I want to order books, Amazon is my first, and usually only, choice. For air travel around the western U.S., Southwest has been my favorite airline for 30 years. In our personal lives, we are all […]
An Entrepreneurial Approach to Giving Back
When you see an unmet need, you don’t have to be an expert to make a positive difference. “As an entrepreneur, I’m constantly learning as I go. If I waited to plan everything, I would never get ahead. This has also been my experience in philanthropy,” says Michael Ross, a business consultant who received the […]