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Grow Your Business Like a Seasoned CEO

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether in business for two years or twenty years, many small business owners are so busy working IN their business, they neglect working ON their business. (What the heck does that even mean? Work IN your business or ON your business??!) When you are working IN your business, you’re focusing on day-to-day tasks and reacting to the daily […]

Are you a Grasshopper or an Ant?

A favorite of mine is the story of The Grasshopper and The Ant. If you do not recall, the premise of the fable is that the Grasshopper is enjoying the summer day, hopping, chirping and singing away when the Ant passes by, working away, storing food. The Grasshopper asks the Ant why it is working so hard when everything is so easy, foods plentiful, and states that the Ant should be enjoying the sunshine. The Ant replies that he is planning for the winter, by continuing to work when everything was going well. Of course, winter comes and the Ant is well prepared while the Grasshopper is out in the cold, starving. The moral of the story is:

How to Work a Trade Show Like a Pro

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every business has some type of association and association’s host trade shows. My experience with trade shows has been that they are an opportunity to connect with people that you may have difficulty setting up an appointment with. Often, decision makers are attending the shows and have more time to meet one-on-one. If you plan to exhibit at […]

Business Essentials Steer Cumming Auto Parts Company into the Fast Lane

Concept One Small Business Development Center

Brothers Kevin and Randy Redd make Ford and Chevy street cars both fast and “fly.” Their uniquely designed Concept One high performance pulley systems mount on an engine and drive all of its belts, improving power and maximizing performance. In 2001 they began selling their systems and other product lines to hot rod muscle car […]

Passion for Pets Pays Off

Pawtropolis in Athens, GA

Crook acquired the loan and opened her business. About five years later, she approached McDonell for help obtaining a $1 million SBA 504 loan, which she used to purchase land and build the first Pawtropolis. Five years after that, with 25 employees and trainers, an award-winning business and a facility filled to capacity, Crook again turned to the SBDC. After attending the GrowSmart™ program, she asked McDonell to help her create projections for a $2.2 million loan she received and will use to build a second, larger facility on land she had purchased.

Times Are Tough-Scrutinize Every Input Choice

Seems like most everybody who retails ag inputs is offering products that they profess will boost yields, even make ‘em skyrocket. Only problem is, claims often aren’t backed up with unbiased data to prove that these materials provide growers with a return on investment–that ROI that should guide every decision.