Arlene Soto is the director of the Small Business Development Center at Tillamook Bay Community College. She is the former director the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center Director. She is responsible for outreach to Coos, Curry and Western Douglas Counties in Oregon to provide small business development services through free, confidential business advising and low-cost training programs. Arlene has been working with businesses in the accounting field since 1976 and in management since 1988. She is a Certified Management Accountant and a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional with a Master’s degree in Management from Marylhurst University and a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Portland State University.
Every product runs through the same product life cycle. Read on to learn what each stage is and how it can affect your business. Read more »
When it comes to managing cash flow, seasonal businesses have unique challenges. These techniques will help you manage your cash flow, and adapt to changes within your business. Read more »
Many scholars and researchers have studied the benefits of having a positive attitude. Athletes focus on winning as well as skill development. Optimism leads to more creative thinking and the energy to accomplish goals. A positive attitude reduces stress and leads to better health according to the Mayo Clinic. Operating a business successfully requires energy, health and creativity as well as many other skills and resources so a positive attitude is an asset that can benefit any business. Read more »
How do I decide if a business idea is likely to be successful? What is meant by “company culture” and how is it important to my business? Do I need to hire a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for my small business? How do I sell my products to the federal government? What's your question? Read more »
Industry associations, also known as trade groups or business associations, are organizations founded and usually funded by businesses in that specific business or industry. Thousands of industry trade groups are in existence worldwide, and every industry has at least one trade group. Industry associations often provide access to certification, education, information, trends, political lobbying, group... Read more »
Inventory is generally defined as the raw materials a business has available to manufacture finished goods or merchandise available to sell to customers. Too much inventory uses cash ineffectively, while too little inventory holds up production in a manufacturing environment or gives customers a reason to shop with the competition. Additionally, having the wrong inventory... Read more »
There are many reasons businesses fail: lack of money, changes in the economy, ineffective management, employee turnover, theft, illness, or death of the owner are just a few. According to SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), the main reason businesses fail is ineffective management, whether it be poor planning or not understanding all that is required... Read more »
Hiring professionals for a small business is an important process. The best attorney for your business will depend on what the legal needs are for your company. In fact, there is a good chance there is no one attorney who can handle everything, so the best attorney may actually turn out to be a law firm... Read more »
I have so many new ideas for my business. How do I determine which ones are the best to pursue? Most business owners want their business to grow, and often growth includes consideration of new products or services. Sometimes, though, brainstorming new possibilities interferes with maintaining the core business by distracting the owner from focusing... Read more »
Why is it important to set business goals? Goals are powerful—they can focus attention on achieving desirable outcomes. In business, one desirable outcome would be profitability. Profitability does not happen without making sales, plus correctly managing expenses. Employees prefer to know what management expects them to accomplish, and goals provide that direction. The human brain... Read more »
How can I feel more comfortable delegating important tasks to my employees? Delegating tasks to others allows time for you to manage your business, and relieves the pressure of having to do everything. Effective delegation increases the productive output of the company, and allows the organization to prosper. It also helps motivate and develop leadership... Read more »
Return on investment (ROI) is a financial concept that measures the profitability of an investment. There are several methods to determine ROI, but the most common is to divide net profit by total assets. For instance, if your net profit is $50,000, and your total assets are $200,000, your ROI would be 25 percent. A... Read more »
The best way to know what customers want is to ask them. Some of the things you hear might surprise you. The main question will be, are you willing to implement the ideas your best customers provide? Let’s explore some of the feedback you may hear: 1. Provide better product selection You’ll need to ask... Read more »
Top sales people are the ones who listen to customers and partner with them in finding the right solution. In the interview process it’s important to ask questions that address these desirable characteristics. Read more »
At this time of year, retail problems abound: unsold inventory, too few customers, unprofitable pricing, shoplifting, employee theft, bad checks, and on and on. Read more »
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