Developing your value proposition is critical to successfully moving forward with your business. By learning how to create a value proposition you will be making a commitment to appeal to your target audience and draw in new customers. These customers will help ensure you are reaching profit goals and seeing the results you desire.

We get it, not all companies can be Google, offering complimentary laundry services, haircuts, gourmet meals, nap pods, swimming pools... We can go on but you get the idea. Google discovered early on that a happy employee is a productive employee. When you can hold on to great employees, it means less time and money spent on recruitment and training. And keeping those employees happy? That will translate to your bottom line. Read on to discover why company culture is MUCH more than just a mission statement.

Updated Feb. 15, 2022

There’s something exciting about starting your own business, especially if it’s something you’re truly passionate about. Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of the American economy, and many people rely on small businesses to provide the goods and services they need, as well as to create jobs for the local economy.

That’s the precise reason that we celebrate National Entrepreneur Week, because it celebrates the benefits of being an entrepreneur. There are numerous reasons it's great to be an entrepreneur, and that’s why we’re celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week. Below we’ll discuss the top ten reasons why being an entrepreneur is so great:

As an entrepreneur, there are many considerations in opening a new business. Considerations may include funding, developing of your product or service, marketing including website development, finding the right location for your business or digital storefront, attracting customers/creating sales and many more. Of course, it’s important to also consider challenges related to the psychology of entrepreneurship. Today’s article provides a snapshot of the top five psychological considerations you could experience which can help to reveal some insights and tips for ways to overcome each.

With the proliferation of smartphone devices and apps like Yelp and TripAdvisor, review sites are a powerful driving force for consumers’ decision making. These local listings sites, along with location-based listings like Google My Business, are critical for small business success in today’s competitive, digital landscape.

Taking a holistic approach to improving pollinator health, Emily Parker, Rebekah Golden and Emma Egstad promote sustainable, bee-centric beekeeping and native bee awareness in the Portland area.

In today’s digital world, social media is an invaluable - and indispensable - tool for most small businesses. Most consumers are checking apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on a daily basis. As a small business, you’re able to interact and engage with consumers on a personal level, as well as brand your business in general. And you’re able to do so without spending a fortune on an advertising agency.

How many times have you heard someone say that they have a “million dollar idea” that actually sounded like it could be turned into a viable business plan? Some of the best entrepreneurs were observant of a problem that needed to be solved, or a demand for a product or service, and decided to take the leap to create a business out of it.

An important ingredient for small business success in today’s digital environment is visibility in search engine results. When someone searches for a product they need, will it be your business they find or one of your competitors? Think of your own practice when you’re searching for a website. Do you ever click over to the second page of results? If you’re like most consumers, you probably click on one of the first two or three results. So, how do you increase your chances of showing up in one of those top positions?

When it comes to starting a business, there are few roles as important as your bookkeeper and accountant. Sound bookkeeping and accounting are vital for small businesses to get up and running, and to maintain their financial stability.

Bookkeeping and accounting professionals perform a number of tasks that are essential for your business, including having your books in order, staying in compliance, filing taxes on time and correctly, managing payroll, and more. If you’re considering starting a new business or are already in the beginning stages, you might be concerned that you don’t have the right professional to manage them. Do you need an accountant or a bookkeeper to take on these crucial functions?