America's Best Business Practices

How Important Is Creativity In Starting A New Business?

Mike Clough — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:58:54 +0000

In the last two weeks, I was honored to post two articles on this blog, one about passion and one about risk. Today, I am excited to share my views on creativity, and the role it plays in entrepreneurship. Previous readers will know I believe that entrepreneurship is not about creativity, risk, or passion. If the average entrepreneur-want-to-be changed their definition of entrepreneurship, they would be more likely to act and succeed.

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If you thought that was crazy, let’s talk risk

Mike Clough — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:54:28 +0000

Joe Abraham wrote a great book called "Entrepreneurial DNA" which argues that just as all dogs are not the same, all entrepreneurs are not the same either. I highly recommend his test at www.BosiDNA.com. He concludes that there are four types of entrepreneurs; builders, opportunists, specialists, and innovators, and that these business types are different as pit bulls and lapdogs. Think about Donald Trump and his multitude of industries and Bill Gates who is been happy in one industry for his...

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Passion is NOT part of the requirements!

Mike Clough — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:18:51 +0000

If you ask 100 people on the street, I think that 99% of them will say that entrepreneurship involves risk, creativity, and passion. I think this connotation is the reason that many people fail to act upon their startup dreams. I believe that none of these should be part of the definition of entrepreneurship, but today I want to deal with only passion.

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Six Successful Entrepreneurs Share Keys to Success In New ‘America’s Best’ Video Series

Mike Clough — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:08:07 +0000

A new video series launched recently by the U.S. Small Business Administration and ADP® offers insight into the story behind the story of six successful American companies. Featuring the individuals who built their businesses from an idea to become industry leaders, the “America’s Best” series shares keys to success, best practices and lessons learned for today’s entrepreneurs.

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Outsourcing with Peggy

Susan Fronk — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:25:17 +0000

Outsourcing can be the most economical way for a company to access capabilities that they lack in-house and/or respond to peak demands. However, it is no laughing matter when the outsourced worker who answers the phone when the company's customers call is a man named Peggy.

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Recipe for Entrepreneurial Success

Susan Fronk — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 05:23:34 +0000

Millions of entrepreneurs grapple with the formidable challenges of starting and growing a successful business. Unfortunately, precious few make it beyond the basic survival stage, let alone find the holy grail of sustained profitability. If only there was a simple, easy to follow recipe for entrepreneurial success that could be handed down to future generations; [...]

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A New Business Model for 2011

Mike Clough — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:20:50 +0000

With only a few days left before the end of the year, I have been wondering what information I could share with small business that would have the greatest positive impact on their business in 2011. Then it struck me. Read full article.

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Twas The (fort) Night Before Christmas…

Mike Clough — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:21:29 +0000

The Holidays have always been associated with giving. In keeping with the focus of this blog (Best Business Practices), I can assure you that giving is definitely a best business practice. Read more about the business benefits of giving.

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How to Become A Millionaire With Just $500

Mike Clough — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:01:23 +0000

Successful entrepreneur and millionaire, Dal LaMagna, recommends that one solution for the millions of unemployed and underemployed people is to start a business. In his new book, “Raising Eyebrows: A Failed Entrepreneur Finally Gets It Right”, LaMagna shares profound lessons he learned from numerous business failures before starting Tweezerman, a global beauty tools company, with a scant $500 and walking away with millions.

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Who do you need to thank?

Susan Fronk — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:45:50 +0000

In America, Thanksgiving is the season for gratitude, goodwill and generosity. Most successful small business owners have had some tough times and were helped by people along the way. Read more to find out what kind of help some small business owners have received.

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