HOW TO MANAGE A FAMILY BUSINESS

A popular American tradition is the family business. It gives spouses, parents, children, and others a chance to share a dream that can continue to grow and prosper generation after generation.

But without proper planning and management, family businesses can also be the source of contention, acrimony, and even irreparable harm to once-loving relationships. That’s why it’s important for aspiring entrepreneurs to fully understand the pros and cons of going into business with relatives and in-laws. The needs of the business may not always be compatible with family harmony, resulting in a situation that handled improperly, can jeopardize the survival of both.

The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Even in an age of modern and high-tech communication, the most powerful and effective means of generating new business is word-of-mouth. People turn to trusted friends or colleagues for recommendations regarding product or service providers.  And because word-of-mouth referrals are free, you can’t be the return on investment that a positive referral can generate.

Stand up to an Economic Downturn

Small business owners, including those in stable industries, are feeling the heat of the broad economic slowdowns. Individuals tend to curb their frivolous spending while corporations decrease routine activities, delay major purchases, and shelve new initiatives.

For many small businesses with limited resources, these and other factors often combine to pressure bottom lines past the breaking point, creating a domino effect of other dilemmas such as a credit crunch or layoffs.

Manage Your Time Better with Task Management

One resource that small business owners say they want more of is time. With there being only 24 hours in a day, entrepreneurs must learn how to wisely mange their time.  Fortunately, one of the most effective time management tools is also the simplest—the basic “To-Do” list. Each day, jot down all of the things that need to get done, all on one sheet of paper.

Spring 2013 Series presented by WEDCO and Granite State College

The Purpose.....

This spring cluster includes five three-hour workshops, each covering a critical aspect of organizational development designed specifically to help managers and staff members raise their organization to higher levels of performance and achieve better results. 

Series Includes:

1. Great Customer Service
2. Effective Communication in the Workplace
3. Supervising Difficult Employees
4. Hiring for Success-Employment Interviewing
5. Hiring for Success-Evaluating Employee Performance

For more information & to register:  http://www.wedco-nh.org/business-development-resources/business-development-workshops-and-seminars.html 

"Build Your Online Marketing Machine” Series

10 PART WEBINAR SERIES SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED ONCE A WEEK, STARTING FEBRUARY 26th.  AVAILABLE FOR 120 DAYS FOR VIEWING AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.

WEDCO is partnering with Evolution Consulting to offer an 10 week online marketing class called, “Build Your Online Marketing Machine.”  The class is targeted at marketing professionals and entrepreneurs to help them grow their online presence and generate ongoing leads through the implementation of a proven online marketing system. Barbra Bannon, course instructor calls this online marketing system an “Online Marketing Machine”. 

Local SCORE Counselors from the SCORE Lakes Region Chapter No. 172 are available to provide free and confidential mentoring services to aspiring and active business owners.  SCORE the "Counselors of America's Small Business Owners" is a national association dedicated to helping small business owners form and grow their businesses.  Mentoring services are offered in Wolfeboro and throughout the Lakes Region, for more information or to schedule and appointment call 524-3057.

Business Counseling - NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
When: Monday, April 22nd, May 6th & 20th, June 3rd & 17th.

Free and confidential counseling services offered to aspiring and active business owners for Wolfeboro and the surrounding communities. Sample topics include business planning, financial analysis, marketing, accounting, cash flow projections and new business/acquisition feasibility and evaluation. Whether you are in the early stages of a creating a business or own a well established business you will benefit from the counseling services.
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