Categories for Small Business

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Three Mistakes West Virginian Enterprises Make with AI

June 1, 2024 6:00 am

When it comes to incorporating AI into their operations, many West Virginian businesses may find themselves stumbling into common pitfalls that affect their success. As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial for enterprises in the Mountain State to stay ahead of the curve and leverage AI effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore three key mistakes that West Virginian enterprises often make with AI and how they can avoid them to drive better results for their businesses. Not Setting Clear Goals for AI Implementation Diving headfirst into the world of AI can feel like navigating the winding roads of the[...]

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A Step-By-Step Guide to Launching Your Startup

April 1, 2024 9:00 am

Embarking on the journey to launch a startup can be exhilarating, but scary. It requires not only a groundbreaking idea, but also a strategic plan to breathe life into your vision. With numerous factors to consider, understanding how to navigate the business landscape effectively is crucial for budding entrepreneurs.  In this blog post we want to give you a structured path to creating your startup dream and transforming it into a reality. Here’s a business startup checklist and everything you need to know… Conduct Thorough Market Research Before you launch your idea, you’ll want to deep dive into the market[...]

small businesses during rush hour

Navigating the Future: 2024 Trends in Small Business

April 1, 2024 6:00 am

The landscape for small businesses and startups is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging at a rapid pace. As we look toward 2024, understanding and adapting to these changes will be key to success. Whether you’re launching a startup or have an established small business, staying ahead of these trends can help you navigate the future with confidence.  Let’s dive into the trends that are shaping the small business environment in 2024… Embracing the Digital-First Economy In today’s rapidly changing market, small businesses must prioritize a digital-first approach to remain competitive and relevant. This transition involves more than[...]

The Edison Principle: Transforming Inspiration into Perspiration

February 1, 2024 6:00 am

One of the most famous and prolific inventors of all time, Thomas Alva Edison had a tremendous influence on modern life inventing things such as the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera, as well as improving the telegraph and telephone.  Born on February 11th, 1847 to Sam and Nancy in Milan, Ohio, Edison was known as “Al” in his youth and was the youngest of seven children.  In his 84 years, he acquired an astounding 1,093 patents and besides being an inventor, Edison also managed to become a successful manufacturer and businessman.   In honor of his[...]

How Embracing Hobbies Could Be Your Best Career Move Yet

January 1, 2024 6:00 am

As entrepreneurs, we often make ambitious New Year’s resolutions to take our businesses to the next level. While this drive and determination are essential for success, it’s important not to let our hobbies fall by the wayside in the process. In fact, embracing our hobbies can actually increase productivity and spark creativity in our entrepreneurial pursuits.    In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to balance work and play, and how 3 Steps to Startup can help you become a successful entrepreneur in the new year. We will explain how the power of utilizing your hobbies can help you achieve[...]

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Entrepreneurial Alertness: How to Spot Opportunities Hidden in Plain Sight

January 1, 2024 6:00 am

Trivia Day brings to mind the most popular and best-selling trivia game of all time, Trivial Pursuit. In fact, it lands the number seven spot for the top 10 selling board games, with more than 100 million units sold!    Trivial Pursuit involves 2-6 players or teams of players and the goal is to be the first player to collect a wedge from each of the six categories and reach the center of the game board. Players roll a die to move around the board which has colored spaces that align with the categories. When you answer a question correctly,[...]

Breaking through the Ice: Lessons from the Shackleton Endurance Survival for All Business Owners

December 1, 2023 6:00 am

Perseverance is a quality that is often overlooked in our fast-paced world. We are often taught to strive for success and to reach our goals as quickly as possible. But what happens when we are faced with challenges and obstacles? How do we maintain our pace and perspective when the going gets tough?    The story of Ernest Shackleton and his crew’s survival in the face of adversity is a testament to the art of perseverance. Their remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and teaches us valuable lessons on how[...]

Selling Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Unlocking the Marketing Secrets

December 1, 2023 6:00 am

Ugly Christmas sweaters have become a staple during the holiday season, with people eagerly seeking out the most outrageous and over-the-top designs to wear to their festive gatherings. So why and how are these sweaters still so popular? The answer lies in the concept of product market fit – the perfect combination of a desired product at the right price point.    In this blog post, we will delve into the marketing secrets behind selling ugly Christmas sweaters and how businesses can use this understanding to sell any product! So grab your ugliest sweater and let’s explore the world of[...]

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: The Power of Reason, Aspiration, and Endurance

November 8, 2023 4:55 pm

Entrepreneurship embarks on an incredible journey characterized by courage, innovation, and unwavering determination, akin to the adventurer navigating a challenging terrain. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the world of entrepreneurs, much like the hiker embarking on an inspiring trek, to grasp how they employ reason to identify opportunities, aspire to transform their vision into reality and endure the trials and tribulations of the entrepreneurial path.  In this blog, you’ll learn:  How hiking is akin to the journey of a successful entrepreneur The pivotal role of reason, aspiration, and endurance in the entrepreneurial journey, and how these elements[...]

Philanthropy Day: How Can You Create Value Beyond Services and Products?

November 8, 2023 4:52 pm

As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to gratitude, family, and delicious feasts. It’s a time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and to express our appreciation for the people and opportunities that enrich our lives. In the spirit of this season, Philanthropy Day encourages us to look beyond our daily routines and consider how we can give back, creating value beyond the services and products we provide.  In this blog, you’ll learn:  The significance of gratitude and giving in the context of Thanksgiving and how it can inspire philanthropy. How entrepreneurs can benefit from engaging in philanthropic activities.[...]