Many small-business owners feel that they shouldn't have to “baby-sit” their employees. After all, the people that have been hired are all professionals. They know what has to be done. They don't need monitoring. Is this a realistic or an effective point of view? More
It's not just about brochures or logos ó often the first thing people think of when they hear the word ó but about how well promises are supported by actions. Defining your company's promise takes research to create a strategic framework that can help you understand what your business is all about, who your clients are, and how best to reach them. More
In this traditionally male business, there are a small group of women who are owners or designers doing sales, or even doing straight sales. But in many cases they're outselling their male counterparts. More
Remodeler: Jess Arroyo Company: JFCI Design & Remodel, Boise, Idaho Product: DuPont Tyvek FlexWrap, www.tyvek.com. When DuPont introduced Tyvek FlexWrap window and door flashing, JFCI readily switched. More
Stephen Howell, owner of Howell Design & Build, North Andover, Mass., remembers what it was like when he founded his company six years ago. "I don't know a bonus system that exists that doesn't have the potential to be interpreted as unfair," says David Bryan, owner of Blackdog Builders, Salem, N.H., whose four-year-old bonus system based on gross profit distributes rewards to field crews for productivity. More
Dave Bryan of Blackdog Builders, Salem, Mass., wants to more than double the size of his $4 million company in the next several years. --Victoria Downing is president of Remodelers Advantage, Fulton, Md. (301) 490-5620, [email protected]. More
