Happy new year! If you are thinking about starting a new chapter in 2016 as a business owner, here are some tips from the many business owners I have had the privilege to know and interview over the years. 1. Plan ahead Take the time to write a plan for your business. It is worth […]

Sometimes the spirit of the season finds you in unexpected ways. For me, it was during a recent shopping trip for wrapping paper and assorted holiday supplies. As I approached my car in the store parking lot, I saw something odd on my windshield. As I got closer I discovered that it was a small […]

Last night I was Christmas shopping for slippers on several websites. Today, ads for slippers from those same sites are showing up all over my news feeds. How does my news feed know?  It’s called “retargeting” and it’s a marketing technique used by companies to increase the likelihood that I will purchase those slippers. How […]

It was late at night when they checked in, a husband and wife who had booked two weeks at my inn in Bar Harbor back when I was an innkeeper. I knew within five minutes of their arrival this was not going to go well. They demanded service that I was not able to provide […]

Tis the season to support Maine businesses with your holiday shopping dollars. By shopping local and purchasing from Maine businesses, you’re supporting hardworking entrepreneurs, artisans and communities. Plus, your gift recipients will be happy when they are presented with something that is uniquely made in Maine.  It’s a no brain-ah. You will find many stores that […]

‘Tis the season to give thanks. If you are an employer, here are five ways you can show appreciation for your employees at Thanksgiving and all year long. Say “thank you” It sounds obvious but a simple “thank you” goes a long way in making your employees feel appreciated, and that is good for business. According […]

If you’re thinking about going into business for yourself, who better to ask for advice than other business owners? They’ve been there, done that, and no doubt have made their share of mistakes along the way. Learning from their experiences can help you make better decisions and might spare you from repeating their errors. Here […]

Did you know that Google offers programs designed specifically for nonprofit organizations? This is worth checking out if your nonprofit organization could use a marketing boost and has a limited budget. The Google for Nonprofits program offers tools specifically designed to help nonprofit organizations promote themselves, reach potential donors and volunteers, and monitor the effectiveness […]

I was sitting at the gate waiting to board a Delta flight from Logan International Airport in Boston to LaGuardia Airport in New York City last week when something unusual happened (at least in my experience). The captain, our pilot, came out to the gate to introduce himself to all of us waiting to board […]

I had the opportunity to interview a panel of economic and business development providers at a small-business conference recently. These organizations provide support to small businesses in the form of access to capital, business planning, marketing and much more. Although their services vary, one thing came across loud and clear. They all work with one […]