Entrepreneurship Archives

How to Start a One-Person Company: 3 Steps for Solopreneurs

Do you have a great idea for a business? Are you ready to get started except for that bit about knowing how to start? According to business consultant Paul Jarvis, starting and building a one-person company entails three steps. He says that you must build your skill set so that you’re prepared to run your own business, set up a strong financial and legal foundation, and develop strong customer relationships. Continue reading for details on how to start a one-person company.

The 3 Characteristics of a One-Person Business (+ Pros & Cons)

What exactly is a one-person business? How is it different from other types of companies? Is it the right choice for you? In Company of One, Paul Jarvis advocates for one-person businesses that limit their growth and focus on creating quality products and services. He argues that, by owning such a company, you can exercise more control over your work and form meaningful, successful relationships with customers. Read more to learn the three main characteristics of a one-person business.

The Top 4 Competitive Strategies in Business—Explained

What are the top four competitive strategies in business? Which of these strategies is right for your operation? A competitive strategy is a tactic businesses use to gain an advantage in the market. Even within a niche market, there may be hundreds or thousands of markets to compete with, so having a good strategy can make your business more attractive to consumers. We’ll look at the four most common competitive strategies in business and explain how each of them can put you on top.

The 3 Essential Leadership Skills for Managers

What’s the difference between a leader and a manager? Should managers bother to develop leadership skills? If so, which ones? Employee experience expert Russ Laraway laments the widespread problem of bad management. But, he has good news. He believes anyone can become a better manager by learning and practicing basic leadership skills: setting and reaching goals, coaching, and helping employees with career development. Continue reading to learn what Laraway thinks are essential leadership skills for managers.

Your Business’s Long-Term Objectives & Its Ultimate Aspiration

How can every employee contribute to an organization’s objectives? Why is it important to set both short-term and long-term goals? In When They Win, You Win, employee experience expert Russ Laraway explains how you, as a manager, are responsible for helping your team contribute to your business’s goals. He divides these objectives into four tiers, starting with shorter-term goals and culminating in the company’s long-term goal. Read more to learn about a business’s long-term objectives and its ultimate aspiration—and how these complement each other.

Why You Should Focus on Your Smallest Viable Market (Seth Godin)

How to Find Your Target Audience and Competitors

Should you try to sell your product to everyone? What’s the best way to allocate your marketing budget? Seth Godin says that, to be effective at marketing, you must first understand what people need and then seek to fill that need. But, you can’t be all things to all people, so you must apply focus to your marketing efforts. You have to identify your core audience and serve them well. Read more to understand what Godin means by your “smallest viable market.”

Differentiation in Business: How to Stand Out From Competitors

Do you want your business to stand out from the rest? How can you practice differentiation in business? To gain a competitive advantage in the market, your business has to offer something unique from other businesses. Additionally, you need to target niche markets that your product specifically caters to. Let’s look at how to make your business one of a kind to draw more consumers in.

How Competition in Entrepreneurship Pushes Business

Why is there so much competition in entrepreneurship? How do competitors pose a threat to your sales? Without competition, most businesses wouldn’t work as hard to keep themselves going. It’s the thought of another business outselling them that keeps entrepreneurs motivated to be the best and win the top seat in the market. Let’s look at how deep competition in entrepreneurship goes, as Michael Porter describes in Competitive Strategy.

Female Networking Is Hard—Here Are 3 Tips for Success

Do you need more friends as a woman? What’s the key to mastering female networking? Having a close network of women is great for support and inspiration. You can learn a lot just by observing or talking to other successful women who’ve been in your position. Below we’ve compiled tips on female networking from Rachel Rodgers’ helpful book We Should All Be Millionaires.

How Asking People for Help Can Lead You to Career Success

Are you hesitant to ask people for help at work? What about reaching out to people who are working in a company or a field that you aspire to? In the process of writing his book The Third Door, Alex Banayan discovered something over and over: To become successful, you need to reach out to others for help. He shares what he learned about this from entrepreneur Elliott Bisnow and director Steven Spielberg. Read on to learn why it’s important to tap into the expertise and connections of others.