March 2014 Features

  • Curt Fowler on 2 Keys to Effective Resolutions

    March 31, 2014

    What are some of your resolutions or big goals that you hope to accomplish in 2014? Considering your track record of goal accomplishment, how likely are you to achieve them?

  • Is America in the Midst of a High Tech Entrepreneurship Boom?

    March 28, 2014

    If you read the business press, you probably think the answer is yes. The popular media is full of stories about start-ups like Facebook, Groupon, Instagram, Linkedin, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp, Yelp, and Zinga. American entrepreneurs are starting high tech companies at a feverish pace, the media experts say.

  • You Should Question Assumptions When You Are Successful

    March 26, 2014

    It’s easy for small business owners to question assumptions and themselves when they are failing. But at that point, it may be too late to fundamentally make changes that can turn their company around. The success rate goes up if the owner questions assumptions when things are going well.

  • Effective Tips to Improve Your Post-Sale Customer Experience

    March 25, 2014

    “I will only focus on getting the sale.” If this is what you think can drive your eCommerce business, you’re on the wrong track. “Customer come back” should be your ultimate goal.

  • Employees to Employers: Mind Your Own Business

    March 24, 2014

    How much can employers inquire about employees or have a say in their actions on and off the job? The staff of a small business can easily grow into a family of sorts, but this doesn’t give the employer the right to act as the patriarch. The trend, as evidenced by laws, court decisions and administrative rulings, seems to be toward less involvement of employers in the lives of their workers.

  • 15 Things That Could Cause Small Business Failure

    March 21, 2014

    It’s sad. 8 out of 10 businesses fail. And many of the causes can be prevented. This list can help you put together a plan to make sure your business is around next year. If you are guilty of any of these, make the necessary changes to get your small business going in the right direction.

  • Don’t Bet on IRS Budget Cuts Lowering Small Business Audit Rates

    March 20, 2014

    After several years of increases, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) small businesses audit rate declined in 2013, data released recently by the tax authority reveal.

  • The Link Between Thought Leadership & LinkedIn

    March 19, 2014

    The topic of thought leadership has been hot and heavy over the last year or two. Often discussed, speculated about and outright claimed by some, it is among the more misunderstood business concepts.

  • Positive Vs. Negative Feedback: Which Would Your Employees Prefer Hearing?

    March 18, 2014

    Maybe you think that’s a trick question. But the results may surprise you. It’s just about even, say leadership consultants Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman.

  • Fewer Students Plan to Become Business Owners

    March 17, 2014

    College students are more concerned with making money now than they were before the start of the Great Recession, research by the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) at UCLA, reveals. Maybe that’s self-evident. But here’s a more surprising finding: The fraction of students intending to become business owners has also declined since 2007.

  • Majority of Businesses in Georgia Plan on Investing in Their Business in 2014

    March 14, 2014

    BMO Harris Bank released a study today that found that the majority of business owners/executives in Georgia plan on investing in their business in 2014. Hiring more employees tops the list of investment plans, followed closely by upgrades and purchases of equipment.

  • Getting New Hires Up to Speed Takes Longer Than You Think

    March 13, 2014

    Do you think your small business does a great job of getting new hires off on the right foot because you provide two or three weeks of intensive training and supervision? That’s a good start, but it may not be enough to create a dedicated, loyal and engaged employee.

  • Outsourced Product Development Gaining Popularity Among Small Businesses

    March 12, 2014

    A great product idea alone is no guarantee of success for an entrepreneur. The time taken to develop a product and take it to market within reasonable costs is a key aspect.

  • 10 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Sales Robot

    March 11, 2014

    “Hi, this is Ted and I’m from X Corporation. Do you have a few minutes?” I’m immediately up in arms. I know he wants to sell me something that I am 99% sure I do not want to buy (for the record, I’ve never made a purchase from someone cold calling me). Can you relate?

  • The Power of Thinking Big, But Starting Small

    March 10, 2014

    How did Google manage to come out of nowhere? And how did it grow to reach$58 billion in annual revenues in 2013 — all in under two decades?

  • Greater Columbus Chamber Hosted Columbus Region Day at the Capitol

    March 07, 2014

    Over forty Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber Members and Young Professionals traveled to the State Capitol Wednesday to meet with State elected officials and the Columbus Region legislators to hear about issues and legislation that could affect the Greater Columbus Georgia Region.

  • Columbus State Announces Honors College to Open This Fall

    March 06, 2014

    At Columbus State, the mission is clear: “Become a first choice institution,” President Dr. Timothy Mescon says. Last year, Columbus State ranked as a top institution on three US World and News Reports.

  • Georgia Manufacturing Activity Reverses its Two-Month Decline

    March 05, 2014

    Georgia manufacturing activity reversed an anemic performance with a strong boost in new orders and production for February, which offset the doubledigit losses in the prior two months, according to a study released by Kennesaw State University.

  • 3 Steps to Setting Great Objectives in Your Business

    March 04, 2014

    A great shooter picks his first target, hits that target and then moves on to the next. We must do the same in our organizations. Pick the most important target, nail that target and then, and only then, move to the next. Georgia CEO Contributor Curt Fowler shares some strategic objectives for success.

  • Customer Service Matters Much More Than You May Think

    March 03, 2014

    Customer service is a big “elephant in the room” for so many businesses out there. It’s really not easy to train yourself or your employees with the virtues required to be a well-rounded, service-minded personality – a person with all the necessary attributes to make patrons to your business happy each and every time.