Small Business Advice Blog

“Much of the perceived wisdom about business growth is mythology, says Edward D. Hess, professor of business administration and Batten-Executive-In-Residence at the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business. The former executive has spent years studying the concept of business growth and written myriad articles and books on the topic, including Smart Growth: Building an Enduring Business by Managing the Risks of Growth (Columbia Business School Publishing, 2010). He spoke about his latest research with Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein. Edited excerpts of their conversation follow.”

Read More: Business Growth

Check out this great post from Jay Goltz @ the NY Times:

“One of my businesses, Chicago Art Source, calls on design firms, architects and other companies to sell art and framing. We have been in maintenance mode for the last year and a half as projects have been canceled or put on hold and new activity has slowed because companies have been under no-capital-expenditures orders. But I am happy to report that business seems to be picking up in the corporate furnishing world.

Now I have a new problem. A good one, actually. I need to hire one or two more salespeople. While I have years of experience in successful retail management and running a factory, I am less confident that I know the smartest way to find the right people to both acquire and service accounts. There are several things I have learned…”

Read More: How Do You Hire Salespeople?

“Social media is fast becoming an essential part part the marketing mix for brands. Companies are increasingly using social tools to monitor conversations about their products, competitors, and industry, and engaging with their customers to build strong relationships. According Forrester Research’s most recent Interactive Marketing Forecast, social media marketing will grow at an annual rate of 34% -– faster than any other form of online marketing and double the average growth rate of 17% for all online mediums.”

Check out this new post from Pam Dyer @ Pamorama: