One of the most common questions encountered in regard to new businesses is in regard to what to do with an idea. There is often a misconception among those who have not yet ventured into the realm of starting a business that an idea has value. In truth, ideas are fairly worthless without execution. If [...]
A concern that every business owner or manager should be paying attention to is what drives customers away. As much as attracting customers is important, if other customers are leaving, it’s important to understand why. The best way to understand motivation for customers to leave is to think about what would make you, or someone [...]
Last year, I continued my tradition of posting and reviewing my goals from the previous year, as well as inform you of my new goals. Like last year, I haven’t had a perfect batting average on my goals, but I’m okay with that. First, my goals for 2010 were accurate as of the time of [...]
I was recently given a copy of Stick to Drawing Comics, Monkey Brain! by Scott Adams, the cartoonist who behind Dilbert. In his introduction, Scott discusses why he chose to write a book which has nothing to do with business, at least not in general. He had no experience in the field, and yet he [...]
A recent project was a real learning experience about the risks associated with out-sourcing. Not that it would stop me from out sourcing any other work, but rather it taught me how to manage the risks of using someone outside your company. The project began with everyone positive and upbeat, but then things began ton [...]
There was a quote from Robert Herjavec, one of the Dragons on Dragons’ Den, when asked if he’s ever looked back on his life and came to the realization that he’s “made it”: I believe the minute you begin to think that way is the minute you begin to erode. There’s another saying that I [...]
After having watched several seasons of Dragons’ Den and examining the pitches that landed deals, I started to notice a pattern. That was compounded with my involvement with various social network sites which target entrepreneurs and small businesses, and I started to realize that there are certain patterns in the successful businesses. That’s not, of [...]
I was giving some career advice to my brother, who is thinking of starting his own business so that he could be in control of his own destiny. Since he wasn’t sure what type of business he would like to start, I suggested that he find something he loves, and see if he can turn [...]
Elie Kochman is the author of Advice for Small Business Owners and the founder of Optimal Upgrade Consulting. Using his experience working in the corporate world along with his exposure to the world of small businesses, he writes these articles to assist others avoiding common pitfalls of growing a business. His experience in the corporate world, building his own business, and working directly with other growing businesses has given him some perspective on the trials and pains of running a business.
