AvatarJonathan Michael

Jonathan Michael

Jonathan is the Engagement Marketing Manager for Palo Alto Software, and has spent the last 9 years developing and implementing digital marketing strategies. During that time, he has learned that empathy and authenticity are strengths by which companies can effectively engage with individuals at every point throughout the customer journey.

Recent Articles Published by Jonathan Michael

planning

How to Answer Emails Professionally in 6 Easy Steps

Email is one of the best ways to communicate with customers—it's important to get it right. Here's how to send a professional email response. Read more »

starting

Entrepreneur Quiz: Do You Have What It Takes to Succeed?

How do you know if you're ready to become an entrepreneur? Starting your own business is a big step, and it's important to make sure you've got the necessary drive, experience, and support network. Take our entrepreneur quiz to find out! Read more »

managing

Pause: 15 Quotes on Why You Should Take Breaks, Relax, and Play

15 quotes from famous authors, poets, and speakers on why time away from work is vitally important. Here's to time off, relaxation, and a bit of play! Read more »

planning

Mission Statement Examples

Are you writing a mission statement for your business? Sometimes it helps to look at samples of other companies’ mission statements to get a better idea of how to write your own. In 30 seconds or less, a good mission statement should define: What the company does for its customers What the company does for... Read more »

starting

How to Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Whether you're just now starting a business or are a seasoned entrepreneur, it's important to know yourself. Have you taken a good, hard look at your strengths and weaknesses? Read more »

starting

What I Learned from Starting a Travel Company

Are you starting a travel company? It's always smart to turn to those who've already been there. We asked Tara Cappel, founder of For the Love of Travel, to share five lessons she’s learned about what it takes to start a successful travel business. Read more »

managing

How Photographer Joshua Rainey Broke Into the Wedding Photography Business

Over the last decade, Joshua and Rachel Rainey have joined the list of Oregon’s premier wedding photographers. We asked Joshua to share five lessons he has learned over the years about what it takes to reach a level of success in a highly competitive market. Read more »

managing

Master Your Business’s Cash Flow Using Our Expert-Written eBook

Download our free eBook, and you’ll learn cash flow basics, how to build a Cash Flow Statement for your business, and the best ways to manage your cash flow. Read more »

starting

Your 2016 National Small Business Week Read-Along Guide Is Here!

At Bplans, we’re happy to celebrate National Small Business Week by giving you access to the best resources and advice we have for small businesses. Read more »

planning

Episode 12: How to Define Your Target Market, Guest Eric Siu, and the #MinimumWage | The Bcast

Peter and Jonathan discuss how to define your target market, competitive analysis with Eric Siu (The Growth Everywhere podcast), and whether or not the federal minimum wage should be increased. Read more »

managing

The 5 Scariest People to Work With (Plus: The 3 BEST People to Work With)

The Vampire, the Ghost, the Zombie—under no circumstances should you put yourself in a work environment with these terrifying monsters. Read more »

funding

Episode 10: How to Pitch Your Business, and Brand Storytelling with Park Howell | The Bcast

This week Peter and Jonathan talk about how to pitch your business. Park Howell (from The Business of Story podcast) explains how to tell your brand story. Read more »

managing

The 15 Best Business Podcasts for Startups (and Our Podcast Too…)

Whether you are considering starting your own business, or you are already an entrepreneur, listening to podcasts can be a great way to learn from others. Read more »

planning

Episode 9: Lean Business Planning With Tim Berry | The Bcast

This week Peter and Jonathan talk to Tim Berry, founder of Palo Alto Software, about lean business planning, strategy, tactics, specifics, and the forecast. Read more »

managing

Episode 6: Cameron Hates Our YouTube Ad | The Bcast

This week, we talk to Cameron about our LivePlan YouTube ad. Who is Cameron? Well, he hates our YouTube ad. We also chat with our eCommerce expert, John Procopio, about what to do when you get negative customer feedback. Listen to Episode 6: Show notes: The Backstory (with John Procopio) – (:37) Watch our LivePlan YouTube... Read more »

starting

Free Webinar: How to Build Your Brand

Do you want to learn how you can get big brand value on a small business budget? What can you do to increase customer loyalty, and get the recognition your business needs? Discover what a brand is, why it matters, and how easy it is to create one for your business. If you completed our Big... Read more »

starting

The Art of Work with Author Jeff Goins [Free Webinar]

Should you start your own business, or stick to your day job? Is your passion all that’s required to succeed? Join author and speaker, Jeff Goins, on Thursday, June 4 at 12:30pm EST for a free webinar based on his new book, “The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to... Read more »

starting

Episode 3: A Startup Comic Book Company, How to Find a Mentor, and #BigData – The Bcast

Welcome to the Bcast, the official podcast of Bplans.com. Each week we discuss the latest news, resources, and advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Hosted by Jonathan Michael and Peter Thorsson. In this week’s episode, Peter and Jonathan talk about Robot Paper, a startup comic book company founded by Brian Wyrick. We also learn... Read more »

planning

Episode 2: Business Planning, Content Marketing, and 3D Printing – The Bcast

Welcome to the Bcast, the official podcast of Bplans.com. Each week we discuss the latest news, resources, and advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Hosted by Jonathan Michael and Peter Thorsson. In this week’s episode, we use the Bluth’s Frozen Banana Stand to show you how to write a business plan in under an... Read more »

managing

Lara Galloway’s Time Management Tips and Productivity Hacks [VIDEO]

I had the pleasure of co-hosting a free Bplans webinar with Lara Galloway, a business coach and time management expert. In the webinar, Lara offered some excellent time management tips and productivity hacks. She also answered several audience questions, which I’m sure you will find useful for your own situation at home or at work. Lara... Read more »