If you build a website for your business, will more prospects automatically come to your door and use your services? I contend they will not. Sad but true. If all you have is a weak, ineffective, boring website that fails to compel your prospect to read on and take some action steps, then your time, effort, and dollars have gone right down the drain.

One of the largest mistakes I see well-meaning startups and organizations make is the lack of a magnetic brand story to fill the gaps in marketing and sales plans. You may have the best idea in the world, but if you aren’t communicating it through an engaging and memorable story then you’ll likely see more failure than success.

While the process of closing your business may not be as complicated as starting your business, there are still important steps to consider so that your clients, suppliers, and creditors aren’t left wondering where you’ve gone to! Businesses may differ in their needs related to discontinuing service, but the following steps are typical to ensure you are closing your business the right way.

As I near a decade of life and work in Northern Nevada, we continue to see significant shifts in who we are as a community. We’re not quite to a point where we can fully appreciate both who we were and who we are going to be. Working sports and entertainment gives us a unique perspective on the needs, wants, and challenges of our community.

Power listening is NOT about reaching agreement. Power listening IS about understanding and showing that we understand. Listening comes in two flavors: understanding facts and understanding feelings, also known as empathy.

Once you have obtained your business license and permits, it’s time to create a simple and effective accounting system. Your first step is to open a business bank account so that you can separate your personal money from your business money. It’s easier if you open a new account where you currently bank, however, be sure to take your personal and business ids with you.

As business leaders, we know the value of the ROI (Return on Investment) metric to help us make decisions. It’s probably safe to say that it’s one of the most straightforward and most-used decision-making tools available, and we all are hooked on ROI. But today, I want to suggest that you don’t want to be hooked by ROI.

Homelessness, addiction and mental illness are not only increasing in our region, but all over the nation. It seems pretty overwhelming but the good news is there ARE things that you can do right now, and it doesn't take much.

With all that we’ve experienced over the last two years, I don’t think anyone would deny that we could all use just a little more laughter in our lives. But what about more laughter at work? I think most of us would agree that laughter feels good and is good for us. So why shouldn’t it be part of our daily work life?

One of the quieter social channels is LinkedIn, which has earned its reputation as a business platform, and a distinguished one at that. Unlike the bevy of other, more gregarious, social media platforms, LinkedIn provides stately social engagement in three primary areas.

Business-to-business partnerships run off the strength of relationships. Especially in a tight-knit community like Reno-Tahoe. What type of environment is better than a sporting event that allows people to be themselves and enjoy the company of others? Not many.