Being an entrepreneur and starting your own business is a rewarding venture, but like anything there are some risks involved. As a fledgling entrepreneur, chances are you’ve heard the oft repeated statistic: more than half of new businesses fail in their first year. While you shouldn’t let these numbers intimidate you and scare you away from pursuing your dream, it is worth reviewing some of the common mistakes new entrepreneurs…
In part one of this series, we learned that workplace conflict starts with you. Some conflict is our own fault due to our own conflicting thoughts and desires. Yet, giving people the benefit of the doubt can help greatly reduce stress in the workplace. In this installment, continue to focus on you. I know you think it is someone else who is causing the toxic work environment. But you must…
Your small business’s hardware includes your desktop and laptop computers, servers, printers, portable storage devices, video cards and telephone systems. Basically, any type of physical tech product falls into this category. Since these items can take up a significant portion of your IT budget, it’s important to consider new purchases carefully. Each item will have its own specific set of features and options. But there are some considerations that apply…
In teams of any size, workplace conflict will most assuredly happen. This conflict, if not handled well, will lead to a toxic work environment, low production and employee turnover. We spend a lot of time where we work, so we should make it the best possible experience for ourselves and others. Disarming workplace conflict starts with you No amount of lectures or workshops on workplace conflict will benefit a department…
Starting a business is one of the most rewarding, but perhaps difficult things you can do. Part of the reason is that there’s an infinite number of ways you can go about it. I always tell would-be entrepreneurs that opportunities are only limited by our imagination. This is great and inspirational, but is usually followed by puzzled looks and questions on how to get started. The answer depends on where…
The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of severe storms and flooding. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4454-DR), workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from flooding may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Individuals affected by the recent severe storms and flooding in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties can apply…
The economy is booming, especially in Texas, and it is creating great opportunities for entrepreneurs. According to WalletHub’s most recent report on the best and worst states to start a business, Texas ranked number one overall. The Lone Star State beat other high-profile states such as Silicon Valley’s California (ranked eighth), Amazon’s Washington (ranked 12th) and New York (ranked 42nd). The results were determined using 26 relevant metrics that focus across…
A virtual assistant is an employee who supports various business operations from a remote location. Startups can use VAs to help with inbox management, social media content, online customer support and basically any task that doesn’t require them to show up in person. Some VAs specialize in a specific task or industry. For example, there are VAs that focus specifically on marketing, and others that work only in the tech…
It’s a simple question, but one that is often hard for people to answer. Instead of asking someone what they do, I ask, “How do you help people?” It may seem confusing because most people assume I’m asking about volunteer efforts, as in, “Do you help little old ladies cross the street?” However, the question is aimed at getting to understand how the work we do helps someone else. Every…
The good news for today’s small businesses just got a little better with a MaTCH. A survey by the National Federation of Independent Business uncovers the single biggest problem facing many small businesses today: finding qualified job applicants. The U.S. Small Business Administration is stepping up to help. SBA Acting Administrator Chris Pilkerton recently launched the Makerspace Training, Collaboration and Hiring Pilot Competition. The MaTCH Competition seeks to address the job…