MainStreetChamber Minnesota - Small Business Oasis

Are Networking Events Really Worth Your Time?

MainStreetChamber — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:44:38 +0000

Networking is not about handing out business cards and telling everyone what you do. It's about asking questions and seeing how you can help and serve people. When people say "I don't get anything out of networking events, I have gone to them, handed out business cards and I've gotten nothing", we have to go back to the first rule of networking. Remember, it's not about you, it's not about what you get; it is about what you give.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

Legislature Acts to Help Brick and Mortar Retailers

Buzz Anderson — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:16:55 +0000

This could be the most significant bill passed for small business this decade Ever lost a sale to an internet retailer that is not required to collect and remit sales taxes? A lot of hometown brick and mortar retailers have lost customers to out of state online suppliers since they don't include the sales tax in their pricing. Not only are brick and mortar retailers required to charge sales tax, they also have to collect and remit the sales tax at the end of each month which, is costly and...

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

Success May Be Just A Tweak Away

Mike Clough — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:52:57 +0000

In working with numerous business owners and being involved in several turnarounds over the course of my career, I have found that many are seeking a large magic bullet or a major overhaul to turn their business around. In most cases, I have found that major changes are not necessary. The good news is that, in most situations, all that is needed is a simple tweak here and there to turn a business around. Let’s look at a couple of examples.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

Give First; Expect Nothing in Return

Mike Clough — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:29:45 +0000

The vast majority of Americans have lost faith in big companies, the senior leadership of those companies and advertising. It seems the tougher things get, the more people value caring, empathy and generosity. That is why MainStreetChamber's philosophy of giving first and expecting nothing in return has become a best practice for small businesses. Read full article for details.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

SCORE Big In 2012

Mike Clough — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:05:58 +0000

Are you hoping to achieve better results in 2012 than what you experienced in 2011? Although hope and faith are certainly important ingredients for success, they are not a substitute for a good plan. And don’t forget the old definition of insanity: “To continue what you have always done while expecting different results.”

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

Nothing Focuses the Mind Like a Deadline

MainStreetChamber — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:11:38 +0000

Focus is hard to achieve and even harder to maintain. This is mostly because of the tremendous number of distractions we face everyday. Small business owners become unfocused because of the myriad tasks, crises or opportunities that pop up everyday. Throw in a challenging economic climate and the focus challenge gets even worst. To combat this, you can employ one of the most powerful focusing methods I know – deadlines.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

The Power of People

Mike Clough — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:51:51 +0000

As a card-carrying techno geek I own a smartphone, iPod, iPad, HD TV, feature-rich universal remote controls and most of the latest technology. Since I bought most of it online, savvy retailers utilized analytics to profile me as a buyer of all things technical. And they would be right. However, all of this got me thinking. As critical as technology is to building a successful business, it cannot replace the need for the human element. Technology does not purchase products and services; people...

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

Social Media Marketing, Getting Started on Facebook

MainStreetChamber — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:32:44 +0000

Are you ready to start marketing on Facebook but don't know where to begin? Just follow the simple steps outlined in this article and you will be on your way. Also, check out further Webinars and workshops about marketing with Facebook in this article.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

MainStreetChamber Spotlights Small Biz

Mike Clough — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:12:46 +0000

MainStreetChamber is dedicated to helping small business to increase sales, revenue, profits and growth. In addition to monthly networking events, we offer specially designed workshops and seminars delivered by recognized experts to help members gain the knowledge and skills they need to grow their business.Read full article and watch video.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]

How Thick Is Your Corporate Veil?

Ryan Kaplan — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:02:42 +0000

In response to soaring rates of unemployment, new businesses are being started in record numbers. While on the surface, this trend may appear to be good for both the economy and the unemployed, the vast majority of aspiring entrepreneurs rush into business without first establishing the proper business structure to protect themselves from personal liability. This article offers sound advice to avoid courting financial disaster.

[[ This is a summary of the article. Click the title to read full article. ]]