We are extremely excited about this week’s Business ROCKstar, Amy Rueda (nominated by Leanne Refvik). Amy is a true inspiration to the small business community. Following a triumphant battle against Carcinoid Cancer, Rueda was motivated to develop her own organic skincare line. “[After conducting my own research], I discovered many of the products I was
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Owning a business is one thing, owning a recognizable brand is another. And, I think it’s safe to say most small business owners want to build their company into a recognizable brand. Here’s how: 1. Understand building a brand takes time. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. “Building a brand is a multipart
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While the Fourth of July might not be the “biggest” holiday of the year, it got us thinking about how holidays – from Valentine’s Day to Christmas – are amazing marketing/PR opportunities for small businesses. Here are just a couple of marketing/PR tactics you should keep in mind when the next holiday rolls around… The
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The U.S. Small Business Administration recently released the best small business owners in all 50 states, D.C. and three U.S. territories. The business owners were selected to highlight their companies’ outstanding growth and innovation over the past year. “Small businesses are responsible for two-thirds of new jobs created in the U.S. and employ nearly half
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This week’s Business ROCKstar is the definition of daring. Marc Lore, the co-founder of Diapers.com (which he sold to Amazon.com for a meager $550 million), is launching an innovative e-commerce website – Jet.com. Why is Lore so daring, especially when there’s a new e-commerce website popping up at every turn? Well, Jet intends to compete
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We’re excited to officially announce the winner of our “Grand For Your Brand” contest, Takiyah J. Thomas – owner of Ja De’van Fashion Designs & Alterations, LLC. The aspiring (and talented) fashion designer will receive $1,000 to help grow her brand. “It has long been a dream of mine to own a boutique. I come from a long line
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Today marks the beginning of our new Business ROCKstar series. Each week, we’ll take a closer look at innovative entrepreneurs, successful business owners, and “ones to watch” across various industries – from restaurants to e-commerce start-ups. This week, we delve into the restaurant industry and address one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a restaurant
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A solid business plan, motivated employees, a great product/service and, of course, adequate finances are all essential to a healthy small business and its growth. But, as a small business owner, it’s also important to consider your frame of mind. We came across a great article on The Huffington Post about how to “nurture the
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If you have a great business idea – whether it’s an innovative e-commerce website or a trendy barbershop concept – don’t let fear hold you back from making your idea a reality. At the risk of sounding cliché, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and make it happen. Below are our quick tips for finally bringing your business venture
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With Mother’s Day this weekend, we’ve spent the past week focusing in on women entrepreneurs and business owners. The business world has long been dominated by men but, in the last ten years, women (and moms) have been making remarkable headway filling the chair at the head of the conference table and bringing innovative ideas
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