Business columns from Bellingham, WA

Small Business Advice (SCORE)

Coming up with the right name crucial to business

Question: I'm thinking about some possible names for my new business. Is this a big deal, or not? I guess I could change it, if I misfire the first time. What do I need to know about naming my new business?

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Archive by category ''Small Business Advice (SCORE)

SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Even in the Internet age, business cards still a must-have

Question: I'm concerned that our business cards look outdated and unprofessional. So I'm wondering: with all the current emphasis on Internet marketing, and all of the social media, do we even need cards anymore?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: For businesses, it may be time for a PEST analysis

Question: I just heard about a business technique with a peculiar name. It's called a "PEST analysis." Is this for real, or is it just a goofy idea someone cooked up?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Q&A: At age 50, am I too old to start a business?

Question: I'm coming up on the big-five-oh birthday. According to AARP, I will then officially become a "senior citizen." Is it too late for me to start my own business?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: Putting a stop to local business theft

Question: OK, the last two Ask SCORE columns have helped open my eyes to my store's problem with inventory shrinkage. What more can I do?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: Plenty of ways for people to steal from a business

Question: Last week you made it very clear that I need to be more aware about inventory shrinkage in my retail business. I'm ready, so what else do I need to know?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: Addressing the ugly problem of theft at a business

Question: I think my retail business might have a shrinkage problem. I don't want to think that my customers or employees are ripping me off. How can I get a handle on this?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: Making the holidays manageable for business

Question: I understand that December is a demanding month for managing a business. In particular, I'm looking at staff scheduling issues. I'm also considering having a small holiday party now that my business can afford it. What do you think?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: Workplace bullying can be toxic for a business

Question: I hear that workplace bullying and bad behavior are becoming really big issues now. I have employees who sometimes don't get along, and one in particular who is bossy and demanding of his team. Is this a potential problem for me? What do I need to know?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: Big changes coming when it comes to filing patents

Question: People tell me that I'm very creative. In fact, I have several good ideas right now for products that seem marketable. These ideas are original and I think my designs should be protected in some way. What do I need to know about this?
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE (SCORE)

Ask SCORE: 'Small business' may not seem so small to many

Question: I'm confused about the definition of a "small business." When I read business magazines like Forbes, or see online articles at Inc. magazine's website, they talk about things like your board of directors, or all of your accounting staff, or other topics that have nothing to do with me...