Dear Business Owners: It's Time to Work on Your Business, Not in It

Dear Business Owners: It’s Time to Work on Your Business, Not in It

It’s really easy for business owners to get lost in the day-to-day of running a business. If that’s you, here’s why you need to take a step back and work on the big picture instead. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. As an entrepreneur, you’re inherently always busy . You’re constantly on the go, whether you’re trying to spark new business or putting out fires for your company. Even when you come home tired from a busy day, you’ll check your emails again and work a little more. Then you get up and do it again the next day. Over the years, surveys have shown that business owners put in much more than a 40-hour week — often 50 or 60 hours. And while you may have lots of great ideas to grow your business, it’s likely that you have a lot less time to execute them. While it’s a true labor of love, it often feels like being on a hamster wheel. Unfortunately, these are all symptoms of being lost inside your business. It’s something all entrepreneurs feel at one point or another, but it’s a sign to stop getting lost in the day-to-day hustle and […]

Lack of convention space — again — concerns Sarasota business leaders

Lack of convention space — again — concerns Sarasota business leaders

With the pending demolition of one major property, a go-to ballroom spot for Sarasota events is being taken off the board. Kolter Hospitality intends to demolish the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota and rebuild it into a Thompson-branded hotel. The lack of a large, or even mid-size, branded convention center and meeting space in downtown Sarasota — long an issue for business and civic leaders — is inching closer to an inflection point. The crux of the issue: the new owners of the Hyatt Regency, at 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, plan to demolish the hotel and rebuild it into a Hyatt-branded Thompson Hotel. A timeline for that project, originally set for summer 2024, isn’t definitive. But whenever the Hyatt goes, a 10,000-square-foot ballroom that can seat some 750 people will go with it. “The Hyatt has been our meeting lifeline,” says Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County, the county’s tourism marketing arm. VSC works with dozens of groups and associations globally to hold and host meetings and events in the region. The Hyatt is in the upper end but still reasonably priced sector of the market, and a popular spot for both out of town groups and local […]

Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the Frisky Business Cat Café: a win-win

Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the Frisky Business Cat Café: a win-win

I’d like to express my gratitude to the Palm Springs no-kill animal shelter and the Frisky Business Cat Café for their help with three kittens I rescued along with their mother off Clancy Lane in July. We had them tested, spayed and got their shots but had no luck finding homes for these beautiful kittens. In January, we took the kittens to Palm Springs Animal Shelter (PSAS) to get them adopted. One, Dusty Rose, was adopted and her sisters, Rainbow and Raven, were taken to the Frisky Business Cat Cafe for adoption. All the people volunteering at PSAS are so kind and helpful. The young couple who owns the Cat Cafe are delightful and very intent on the cats’ welfare. These two groups run on donations and if you can drop by and donate food, toys and/or money to the PSAS and funds to the Cat Cafe, it would help so many cats and kittens abandoned who deserve a good life. And who knows? One may steal your heart and be your best furry friend. Claudia Ferguson, Cathedral City Is there no end to the outrageous utility bill insanity? With the economy out of control, affordable housing nonexistent and […]

New podcast to feature Penn State Smeal alumni and faculty researchers

New podcast to feature Penn State Smeal alumni and faculty researchers

The Better Business podcast from the Penn State Smeal College of Business pairs research faculty with Smeal alumni who are industry leaders. The discussions reveal unique perspectives on trending business topics. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Smeal College of Business has announced the introduction of a new podcast series that will offer research-based insights and industry perspectives on the issues and trends shaping the world of business. Hosted by award-winning financial journalist and Smeal alum Farnoosh Torabi, the “Better Business” podcast will feature Smeal alumni and faculty members as well as other high-achieving thought leaders in the world of finance, accounting, supply chain, marketing, management, real estate and international business. The 10-episode season will begin the week of Feb. 27. “We regularly engage with our alumni around the world and, in doing so, we frequently hear about the challenges they face as leaders,” said Charles H. Whiteman, John and Karen Arnold Dean of Smeal. “From disruption in the supply chain, to climate change, social activism, the Great Resignation, and international relations, the issues and opportunities confronting business leaders today have never been more complex. This podcast offers informed perspectives on those challenges.” Each episode of “Better Business” […]

BBA's ReStart Initiative Promotes Economic Development for Memphis Business Owners This Black History Month

BBA’s ReStart Initiative Promotes Economic Development for Memphis Business Owners This Black History Month

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Black Business Association of Memphis (BBA) remains committed to cultivating and growing their Memphis ReStart Initiative, a Black business initiative designed to promote economic development within the Memphis community. This Black History Month, it’s important to not only acknowledge Black contributions to American culture, but to take actionable steps towards Black economic prosperity. Continue Reading Black Business Association of Memphis (BBA) Black Business Association of Memphis (BBA) Founded in 1974, BBA is missioned to help Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and executive-level candidates in Memphis succeed through education, advocacy, and business development. Now, that mission has expanded to include the Memphis ReStart Initiative, a program focused on advocating for and uplifting the Black business community and providing Memphis business owners with the guidance needed to overcome barriers to success. This ReStart Initiative is built on three pillars: Next Level Leadership, Succession Solutions, and Talent Connect. These pillars are designed to help Black business professionals gain insight, develop relationships, and access the resources needed for success. Next level leadership provides business owners with the skills to take their businesses to the next level. Succession solutions help business owners understand the best practices of succession […]

Meta is launching a paid verification service

Meta is launching a paid verification service

Trump is returning to Facebook and Instagram after 2-year ban New York CNN — Meta is testing a subscription service which will allow Instagram and Facebook users to pay to get verified, Mark Zuckerberg announced on Instagram Sunday. “Meta Verified” will start at $11.99 a month on the web or $14.99 a month on iOS, and the company will begin releasing it in Australia and New Zealand this week and “more countries soon.” The service also comes with other perks: extra protection from impersonation accounts and direct access to customer support. Meta shares surge nearly 20% as Zuckerberg pledges to make 2023 a ‘year of efficiency’ To avoid fake accounts, customers who want to get the blue badge would need to provide a government ID which matches their profile name and picture. Users must also be above 18 to be eligible. “This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services,” Zuckerberg wrote in an Instagram broadcast channel. In a statement, Meta clarified there will be no changes to accounts that are already verified. Verification was previously for users who are “authentic and notable.” “We are evolving the meaning of the blue badge to focus on authenticity […]

Wanted, ASAP: One affordable commercial kitchen for popular West Fargo baking business

Wanted, ASAP: One affordable commercial kitchen for popular West Fargo baking business

Michele LaHaise-Bates of Michele’s Table has built a loyal following with her sweet treats — many of them French-inspired — which she sells at places like the Red River Market in downtown Fargo. She takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, like Irish butter or Guittard chocolate, in all of her baked goods. WEST FARGO — When you visit Michele LaHaise-Bates’ business, Michele’s Table in West Fargo , the spirit of France is everywhere — from the mini Eiffel tower in her bright pink office to the madeleines, macarons and creme brulee scones on the menu. But after spending thousands to establish and renovate a commercial kitchen and office here two years ago, LaHaise-Bates finds she will soon have to bid adieu to this space at 2111 Main Ave. E. On Jan. 31, the long-time baker and former restaurateur received notice that she would need to vacate her space by March 31. She is one of a handful of commercial tenants who now must find office space elsewhere because property owner, Five Star Storage, intends to demolish the business complex here to make room for more storage units. Although her lease agreement states that the company is only required to […]

Black business owner at Ashland Amazon facility talks leadership, inclusion

Black business owner at Ashland Amazon facility talks leadership, inclusion

Rosser was looking for a change in career and in June of 2022 she started her own business with 10 employees and partnered with the new Amazon facility in Ashland. (KRCG 13) ASHLAND — Ida Rosser, an Amazon Delivery Service Member, has worn many hats throughout her professional career. She is a St. Louis Native, graduated from Lincoln University, and was a former state government employee in two separate roles. Ida Rosser, an Amazon Delivery Service Member, has worn many hats throughout her professional career. (KRCG 13) Rosser was looking for a change in career and in June of 2022 she started her own business with 10 employees and partnered with the new Amazon facility in Ashland. "Now here we are in February with 100 employees, I think 110 to be exact. So in as little as 7 months, we went from 10 to 100 employees," Rosser said. Amazon Delivery Service Partners primarily work in logistics, and receive extensive training from the company including getting assistance from a business coach. They help coordinate delivery drivers as they load packages into their vehicles and deliver them to customers’ homes and businesses. Rosser’s main motivator is her employees, and in order […]

What is a bad credit business loan and how it works

What is a bad credit business loan and how it works

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here’s an explanation for . Getting approved for a business loan when you have bad credit can be challenging. Lenders typically want to see a good-to-excellent credit score and a solid track record of responsibly managing debt repayment. But even with a credit score that is less than ideal, it’s still possible to obtain a loan for your business. The catch is that it will likely be more expensive and you may need to provide an asset that acts as collateral. Here’s everything you need to know about bad credit business loans , including how to find the best, most affordable one for your business. What is a bad credit business loan? A bad credit business loan is any loan product designed for business owners with poor credit. They have lower credit score requirements and more relaxed eligibility requirements. Since the lender is taking more risk to lend money, bad credit business loans come with higher interest rates and fees and may require more assurances that you won’t default on the loan. […]

Why a major Milwaukee-area employer decided to reverse a $43B acquisition

Why a major Milwaukee-area employer decided to reverse a $43B acquisition

One of the Milwaukee-area’s largest employers, Fidelity National Information Services, said it plans to spin off the Worldpay business it acquired for $43 billion in 2019, the company announced Feb. 13. Jacksonville, Florida-based FIS (NYSE: FIS) has a local presence with around 3,000 Milwaukee-area employees , according to Milwaukee Business Journal research published in August 2022. It has an office in Brown Deer and also occupies space in other Milwaukee office complexes. FIS is a competitor of Fiserv Inc., which has its headquarters in Brookfield but is relocating its headquarters to downtown Milwaukee . FIS completed its purchase of Worldpay in July 2019 just days after Fiserv (Nasdaq: FISV) wrapped up its $22 billion acquisition of First Data Corp. while another competitor, Global Payments, reached a deal in May of that year to acquire Total System Services in another $22 billion deal. The decision to spin off Worldpay comes after a year in which FIS revenue grew by only 5% and a few weeks after FIS initiated a "comprehensive assessment of the company’s strategy, businesses, operations and structure," looking to drive more value . The spinoff of what FIS internally called its "Merchants Solutions" business will drive value by […]