by Markey Read

A traditional method of measuring the success of a business is to analyze its growth in terms of gross sales and compare that to other companies in the same industry.  Our dominant market-driven economy expects small businesses to increase gross sales every year forever.  But what if that model does not fit the needs of the owner?

By Markey Read

Interviewing potential employees to determine their qualifications can be one of the most frustrating parts of hiring a new employee. How do you know if s/he is telling the truth? How do you know if s/he really has the skills for the job?

For this reason, we, as business owners and hiring managers, need to stay fresh in our interviewing methods. A simple changes in how you ask a question and observe behavior can make the difference in hiring a good talker and a qualified individual.

By Markey Read

Some would say starting a business is as easy as having a good idea. But, once you have the idea, there are many legal and financial considerations. Talking to legal and financial professionals can help you make some clear choices before you start.

Attorney Karen Stackpole, of Hoff, Curtis, Pacht, Cassidy & Frame, PC, asks clients three basic questions: How much liability do you want to assume personally?, How many people will be owners? and How will you manage the daily operations?

By Markey Read

Vermont is fertile ground for entrepreneurial endeavors and as we have seen with many start-up companies growth can be rapid and take the owners by surprise. Hence the importance of planning for growth through strategic hiring.

When we consider the different stages of growth for a company, we need to look at what kind of people best support that stage. This does not mean that loyal long-term employees need to be replaced periodically, but it does mean they need to evolve with the needs of the company or choose to join a different company.

by Markey Read

Hiring a consultant to help you hire new staff, create a stronger team, facilitate a decision, improve internal systems, or simply get a new perspective is often a difficult decision. Do you really need a consultant? How do you know a consultant will really help your specific needs? How do you find a good consultant?

by Markey Read

Wouldn’t it be great if every person you hired came in fully trained and ready to work inside your company? Gone would be the days of training new employees in basic concepts like quality, productivity, and customer service.

Many employers hope that only the qualified apply for every position. Hiring managers dream of the day when they will not have to weed through piles of untrained, unqualified people.

by Markey Read

The economy looks great and business has never been better.  Maybe its time to reduce your marketing/advertising budget, right?  Wrong!

No matter what the economy is doing and no matter how busy you are with providing services or making widgets, never stop marketing.  In today’s world of media blitz marketing and short attention spans, it is imperative for small businesses to consistently get the word out in order to get the work in.  Remember: a potential consumer will only remember your company name after hearing and/or seeing it seven times.  Yes, SEVEN times.