Business columns from Bellingham, WA

Small Business Advice

Ask SCORE: Here are some details about exporting products

Question: In a previous column you mentioned that my business should consider looking into exporting. That got my interest, but what more do I need to know, and how exactly would I find out?

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Archive by category ''Small Business Advice

SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask SCORE: Now is an opportune time to look into exporting

Question: I keep hearing about how exporting is really good for our economy, and that it's easy to do. But I don't have the first clue about how this might work for my small business. What's the deal?

19 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask SCORE: What to do when faced with business burnout

Question: My business is up and running. In a previous column you talked about some very bad consequences of entrepreneur burnout. That sounded really harsh. How would I know if this is happening to me, and what can I do if I think it's coming my way?

26 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Several alternatives for those who want to own a restaurant

Question: In a previous column you talked about how starting a new restaurant is very challenging, but I'm still interested in owning a restaurant. You also mentioned that I have some alternatives. What are they, and why should I consider them?

48 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask SCORE: So you think you can run a restaurant? Read this first

Question: I've always wanted to open my own restaurant, but the high failure rate scares me off. Is this something I should pursue, or should I abandon the idea and move on?

54 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask SCORE: Learn how to predict your product's life cycle

Question: My small business relies on just a few different types of goods and services that we offer. How can I predict how long each will remain viable and competitive? What should I know about this?

62 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask SCORE: The downside to working away from the office

Question: Last week you covered the basics and some benefits of telecommuting, in which employees work off-site (typically from home) some part of the time. Sounds interesting, but what are the negatives, and are there some traps to avoid?

69 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

ASK SCORE: Telecommuting has plenty of benefits for business, employee

Question: It seems like many businesses are allowing their employees to work from home at least part of the time. Several of my employees have asked about this. What are some pros and cons of the telecommuting model, and are there some traps to avoid?

76 days ago
BUSINESS

Ask SCORE: Additional tips on making a business more efficient

Question: In last week's column you discussed how some companies are adopting Lean operating principles. I liked the basics. What more should I know about this?

82 days ago
BUSINESS

Ask SCORE: Delegating is a cornerstone to good management

Question: My small business is growing, but I have only very basic skills at delegating duties to my employees. I want to become a better manager. Is there a new method or technique that I should know about?

97 days ago
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask SCORE: Hiring a critical part of a successful business

Question: I'll need to add some employees soon. I hear that there are some topics and questions to avoid in conducting job interviews. Is this something I should be aware of?

111 days ago