Features
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Mercer University Beats Duke; Prepares for Continued Growth
April 10, 2014
The past few years have been all about growth for Mercer University—especially in the medical sector--with a continued effort to double the number of medical students by adding more programs for aspiring medical professionals, such as their Ph.D. in Clinical Medical Psychology degree and a four-year program added at the Savannah campus. The Mercer Health Sciences Center, which opened in 2012, is another piece to help "address the shortage of healthcare access in our region," President Underwood says.
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Savannah Author & Social Media Professional Debuts at #1 on Amazon in Category
April 10, 2014
Savannah writer and social media professional Shawndra Russell released a new ebook yesterday filled with tips for how business owners can step up their social media game.
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Is 100% Customer Satisfaction Achievable? For This Company, Yes
April 09, 2014
Simplicity Sofas is a furniture manufacturer in High Point, NC. and an eCommerce retailer specializing in furniture for small spaces. After more than six years in business and $4 million in sales, the company has never received a negative review on their website – not one. We share 10 Tips For Achieving 100% Customer Satisfaction.
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The $7,000 a Month Intern: How Can Your Company Compete?
April 08, 2014
Spring is here and summer’s not far behind—which means businesses that use interns are starting to think about their summer needs. Qualified interns can be tough to find, and now the competition is getting even stiffer.
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Business Ethics 101: Care, Deliver and Do The Right Thing
April 07, 2014
This starts with our personal fundamentals, values and ethics. This is the foundation for a solid brand and reputation in the business space. If you want to be respected, taken seriously, referred and enjoy long term success, high business ethics must be our priority. Ethics are the values, company morals and culture in all your interactions and relationships. It’s your moral compass.
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Finding Manufacturing, Logistics Sites in Georgia Just Got Easier
April 04, 2014
The Georgia Ports Authority has updated its search engine for manufacturing and logistics sites to make it more comprehensive and easier to access. The GPA’s web-based Commercial Corridors Tool now works on all platforms, including mobile devices.
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2WR+Partners • Architects & Designers • Projects with Purpose
April 03, 2014
In 2001, Sam Andras, Scott Allen and Michael Starr opened a Georgia office as a branch of a Montgomery, Ala.-based architectural firm, 2WR Architects, Inc. In 2010, Andras, Allen, and Starr bought the Georgia office and restructured to a Georgia based corporation as 2WR of Georgia Inc.
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Why the IRS and BLS Disagree on Self-Employment Trends
April 02, 2014
Are more or fewer Americans engaged in self-employment than a decade ago? While you might think that this is a simple factual question, its answer depends on which federal government agency’s numbers you look at.
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How the New Overtime Law Changes Will Affect Small Businesses
April 01, 2014
President Obama recently signed an executive order calling for new rules on overtime pay. Currently, salaried workers in executive, administrative and professional positions aren’t eligible for overtime pay if they make over $455 per week. The President suggested $600 or $640 as the new threshold – the current standards for New York and California.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.