Steady leadership is essential when bad things happen to good companies. Public relations expert Julie Ford shares advice on how C-suite executives can be prepared for – and effectively meet – a crisis. 1. Be prepared Even the best…
Question: How do I attract travelers from Asia to my business? Answer: First acknowledge that Japan, China and Korea are culturally unique. Understanding this key principle will enable you to create tailored campaigns that are relevant to the consumer…
Eloquence, confidence and command of material are important characteristics of a competent presenter. But to become a master presenter, you’ll need to pay more mind to an intangible factor that most executives overlook when preparing for public speaking: their image.…
1. Keep It Short People are more likely to read your e-mail if they see a short message, ideally no more than three to five lines. Few have time to wade through a long, dense e-mail and read until the end. …
Question: The Chinese have been investing heavily in the U.S. mainland. Now their interest is spreading to Hawaii. How do I ensure that, once I meet with potential Chinese investors, I can attract them to my local business? Answer: Creating…
1. Target the Trinity Always talk to the most important person in the room, such as the guest speaker. Also challenge yourself by meeting someone who might intimidate you as well as someone you can learn from. Meeting these individuals…
Question: As electricity rates rise, so do operating costs. How do I make my business more energy-efficient? Answer: Invest in energy-efficiency solutions. The savings are immediate and the benefits are lasting. Here are some ideas: Switch to Smart Lighting Hawaii’s…
Question: My family owns a local business. I am a second-generation clan member who helps run it, but I want to change careers. How do I get out gracefully and keep the relationship with my family intact? Answer: Deciding…
Leaders who thrive know the importance of having a strong team. David S. Chang offers these tips to position yourself for success: 1. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. You can’t be an expert at everything, so…
Small-business consultant Patrick Snow is frequently asked for the best way to attract more paying clients. His answer: Write and publish your book and give it away to prospects. This works, he says, because it allows you to stand out…
Question: I’m in the early stages of growing my small business. What are my best loan options if I have limited qualifications for financing? Answer: Securing capital through a loan can be challenging when you are just starting or…
Question: I want to open my own restaurant. How do I pick the right location? Answer: For many people, there’s no more romantic notion than opening a restaurant. While the business is a lot less glamorous than it appears…
Public speaking is a great way to build your business by educating the community on how you can serve it. Motivational speaker and speaker trainer Annette Lynch shares these steps to help you overcome nerves and engage your target audience.…
Question: What are the best retirement plans for the self-employed? Answer: If you are self-employed or have a side business in addition to another job, the best retirement-savings options are solo 401(k) plans (either Roth or regular) or a…
Question: I heard the National Flood Insurance Program is moving away from “subsidized” rates. What does this mean? Answer: Due to the catastrophic nature of flooding, most private insurers exclude flood damage from their property insurance. To fill this need,…
Increasingly, small-business contracts include arbitration clauses that seek to limit potential lawsuits. Mark Davis, a partner with Davis Levin Livingston, offers these tips to help you understand arbitration clauses and avoid potential pitfalls. 1. Know the purpose of an arbitration clause…
Question: My business is successful in the Islands. How do I know when I’m ready to franchise on the mainland? Answer: Here are the main factors to consider when deciding if you are ready for franchising. Built for Other…
Time is the raw material of our world. Use it wisely and you can manifest your highest goals and leave a powerful legacy, says executive coach Nina Cherry. She says once you have a vision for your life that includes…
Question: I feel like my business is far behind the new media and social media marketing trends. What can I do to keep up? Answer: The best thing to do is start. New media is constantly evolving, so there’s…
You have a business idea and are mapping out your business plan. Heather Moir-Dangler, chartered life underwriter and chartered financial consultant with Moir Financial & Insurance Services, suggests these five steps to ensure that appropriate risk management is included in…
When properly done, mission statements inspire people by giving their work meaning and proclaiming the organization’s purpose. However, there are fundamental flaws in most mission statements: Too many words. Too many concepts. Addressing only the mind and not the heart.…
Question: Delinquent accounts are hurting my business. What can I do to get this problem under control? Answer: Delinquent accounts are an unfortunate part of any business that extends credit. Effective collection efforts can help reduce your losses, but the…
Question: I have six salespeople: four veterans and two who are quite new. While they are all selling, I know they could be selling more, and I’m amazed that the new ones are outselling the experienced ones. Any suggestions? Answer:…
Conflict negotiation arises in many contexts, both business and personal, but successful negotiation does not just happen. Sharon V. Lovejoy, litigation attorney with Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher, offers these tips to help you negotiate a successful resolution. 1. Improve your…