Articles by K. MacKillop on ArticleSnatch.com

A Good Environmental Strategy Will be Good for Your Business Startup

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:07:27 -0400

Whatever type of business you are starting, there are steps you can take to join the ranks of the environmentally-friendly and energy efficient workplaces. Going green is not just a socially-conscious decision – it can also save your business money and attract customers concerned with environmental issues. A good environmental strategy will encompass all areas of your business, from building your space to incorporating the three Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) into your day-to-day work. If you are building or renovating commercial space, building green means installing energy efficient HVAC systems, appliances and lighting. Many major construction contractors are altering their business practices to go green as well. Ask your contractors whether they are certified in green building and ask for recommendations on how to use green materials to renovate your space. Making sound environmental choices in building products won’t necessarily cost more, and the effort to find green options in building will benefit everyone in the long-term. If you have a home office or standard commercial office space, there are simple improvements you can make to the space to both cut energy costs and respect environmental concerns. **End Summary** Topics: Green business]]> starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and blogs about entrepreneurship . LaunchX is a complete business startup kit including step-by-step startup instructions, software, and tools to turn any idea into a successful business. Over 2,000 hours of research are distilled into an easy to follow roadmap to starting a business .

Starting a Business from Your Home Office Can Have Tax Benefits

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:53:58 -0400

Starting a business from home can be extremely advantageous. In addition to controlling expenses, the allowed IRS deductions can go a long way to reducing your tax liabilities. The eligibility rules are pretty clear and easy to follow, but it is important to understand the limitations on writing off the business use of your home. And, in order to receive the maximum benefit of the tax laws, it is critical to establish a system for managing the paperwork to keep track of deductible expenses. The IRS considers the term home to mean your house, apartment, condo, trailer home, or boat, as well as any structure also on the property, such as a garage (attached or unattached), shed, greenhouse, studio, and the like. Any space you use in any structure on your property counts, as long as the way you use it meets the IRS qualifications. The rules state that “business use” of an area of your home must be exclusive, regular, and for your business. **End Summary** Topics: home-based business]]> starting a business]]> businesss startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and blogs about starting a business . The LaunchX System for Business Startup is designed to give you everything you need to start a business , whether you start from a home office or not. Visit LaunchX.com for a free Business Readiness Assessment .

Going Green is a Great Way to Market Your Business Startup

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:33:41 -0400

If your startup is making environmentally sound decisions, going green should be an integral part of your marketing plan. Consumers are becoming more aware of green standards, and identifying your company as an environmentally friendly resource will enhance your image and, possibly, your bottom line. Recent studies have shown that more than three-quarters of American consumers are very concerned about the environment, and it is estimated that 30% of US adults qualify as green consumers. This trend is particularly evident in the rapid growth of startups focusing specifically on green consumers. These consumers are looking to reduce their own environmental footprint through easy choices -- purchasing organic foods, making small changes (lightbulbs, etc.) -- anything that enhances their self-acknowledged concern for the environment. Given the choice between two similar options, a large portion of consumers will choose the company that is at least attempting to go green. In terms of your marketing messages, green consumers tend to be doubtful about dramatic claims of environmental protection, but are also pretty unsavvy in general about what it means to be green. Both of these tendencies can be to your advantage. **End Summary** Topics: Green business]]> Starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog focused on starting a business . The LaunchX System has everything you need to plan, market, and manage your business startup . Visit LaunchX.com for a free Business Readiness Assessment .

Five Cs of Business Startup Success

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:14:07 -0400

Most people are familiar with the 4 Cs of diamond quality, but are you familiar with the five Cs of business startup success? Keep these five things in mind while starting a business. 1. Courage -- Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to fail, not afraid to learn new things, and not afraid to change direction. Courage is critical every step of the way, because startups don't leave time for indecision or fear. Successful entrepreneurs require the courage to do what needs to be done, even if some discomfort or risk is necessary. 2. Confidence -- Often, the courage found in entrepreneurs is driven by confidence. The belief that one is better, faster, and stronger than all the others is very motivating and makes it easier to deal with setbacks and frustrations. Confidence allows an entrepreneur to quickly become comfortable with new information and new circumstances, and is an important factor in effective marketing. Confidence allows entrepreneurs to be creative in dealing with problems and to avoid becoming discouraged during the darker times inevitable in any startup. 3. Commitment -- Business success doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen for free. **End Summary** Topics: Business success]]> Starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog about starting a business . The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs incorporate the five Cs of business success into their business plan and operations. It includes step-by-step startup instructions , software and management tools.

Five Things Every Entrepreneur Needs to Succeed

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:22:18 -0400

When you get down to it, there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of tools, resources and specific pieces of knowledge every business owner must have to succeed. Once you have a potentially viable business idea in mind, most of the other needs can be put into five categories. 1. Knowledge and Skills Successful entrepreneurs must have (or develop) a broad range of knowledge and skills. From organizational skills to people skills, from business fundamentals to detailed operations, an entrepreneur is responsible for it all. Sure, you will be your own boss, but also your own accountant, attorney, marketing department, production line, salesman and secretary. And you have to play all these roles like a pro if you want to succeed! 2. Information Seasoned entrepreneurs are fountains of information. New entrepreneurs have to learn where to find what they need to know and must be able to retain and synthesize the information they gather. They also need the ability to quickly analyze and assess the data. The internet offers a wealth of free information, but much of it is worth exactly what you pay for it -- nothing. **End Summary** Topics: Entrepreneur]]> Starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and blogs about entrepreneurship . LaunchX is a complete business startup kit including step-by-step startup instructions, software, and tools to turn any idea into a successful business. Over 2,000 hours of research are distilled into an easy to follow roadmap to starting a business .

Take Advantage of Federal Contracts for Your Business Startup

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:44:05 -0500

The American government, at all levels, spends billions of dollars per year on everything from spy planes to pencils. Just about every purchase requires a government contract, and most government agencies require that a portion of these contracts be set aside for small businesses. Getting on board with federal, state, or local government contracts can be a boon to your venture's bottom line. The process to get started on becoming eligible and ultimately competing for these contracts is not too difficult. It just requires a little time and effort to open an entirely new target market -- the government. Before you are eligible to bid on government contracts, you need to register your company as an approved contractor. The first step is to acquire a Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number. This is a 9-digit identification number that can be obtained for free through http://www.DNB.com. Dun and Bradstreet are the credit bureau for business entities. If you plan to seek loans in the future under your company's name, having an up-to-date DNB file is important. However, the full file costs $599 to set up. For now, you can just get a registration number for free. **End Summary** Topics: Government contracts]]> Starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur with a J.D. from Duke University, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System includes step-by-step business startup procedures, small business software & more, to help entrepreneurs start a business based on their idea. Visit LaunchX.com for a free Business Readiness Assessment.

Starting a Business? Understanding Your Estimated Tax Payments

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:53:27 -0500

If you organize your business as a single-owner LLC or elect to have your multi-owner LLC taxed as a partnership, you will have to pay estimated quarterly taxes to the IRS after your first year of business. If you are earning a substantial profit during your first year, you may want to go ahead and begin paying quarterly taxes immediately so that you are not hit with an outrageous bill come tax time. Paying quarterly taxes is the scourge of self-employment -- it can be difficult to write a check every three months for 15.3% of your income. In reality you are just covering what is usually paid through withholding and the employer's share, and paying once per quarter saves you from having to file and pay more frequently. IRS Form 1040ES is used to calculate and file your estimated quarterly taxes. To estimate your payment, you must calculate your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions and credits for the year. If your income is on par for last year, it may be easier to use last year's return as a starting point for estimating your tax bill. **End Summary** Topics: Quarterly tax]]> self-employment tax]]> Starting a business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, founder of LaunchX and authors a business startup blog. The LaunchX System is a complete guide to starting a business and includes the information you will need to set up and manage your finances, including business taxes. Visit LaunchX.com for a free Business Readiness Assessment .

Match the Business You Start to Your Work Style to Maximize Success

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:33:44 -0500

One of the great freedoms of entrepreneurship is creating a job that fits perfectly with your personal work style. If you don't account for your own preferences before you launch a business, you are likely to lose interest in the project and have difficulty keeping yourself motivated. The most successful entrepreneurs are very self-aware and build their business ideas around their own strengths. Your first consideration is whether to launch your business full-time, part-time, or in your spare time. Each option means different things as far as what type of business to select, how much time it will take to plan and launch, and whether you can expect significant growth. Spare-time startups are the natural result of an existing hobby or interest. If this is the case, be careful. If you take repeated deductions of business losses over several years, the IRS may re-classify your business as a hobby, leaving you on the hook for underpaid taxes. Part-time startups are typically intended to supplement income or reduce risk in the hopes of growing the venture to a full-time endeavor. **End Summary** Topics: Work style]]> Starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog about starting a business . No matter your work style, there is a business idea to fit you. The LaunchX System for Business Startup will help you turn that idea into a successful company.

Keys to Developing a Successful Website for Your Startup Business

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:05:59 -0500

Every new business needs a website, and most entrepreneurs will be designing and optimizing their first site for themselves. Driving traffic to your site is a slow process, but steady, dedicated attention to search engine optimization techniques will eventually pay off. Avoid using a boilerplate format for your business website. The look of your site reflects your company image, and you don't want the first impression to be negative. Do not settle for a website through a "free" web hosting service. Not only will your message be lost in all of the advertising the host company will place on your site, but the templates they offer are the tent cities of the internet. The templates offered by even the best web-hosting sites are not great either...basically the trailer parks of the internet. Instead, find an easy-to-use website creator program and take the time to put together a site that reflects the image and culture of your company. For most startups, putting together a decent website will likely take a full week of work (unless you are a master graphic artist). **End Summary** Topics: Starting a business]]> business startup]]> step-by-step startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and blogs about starting a business . Since a successful website is key to a successful business, the LaunchX System includes WebPlus website software and free basic hosting. The LaunchX System includes everything you need to open a business . Visit LaunchX.com for a free Business Readiness Assessment.

Defining the Distribution Channels for Your Business Startup

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:29:11 -0500

Whether you are still developing your business idea or already know exactly what you want to do, it is important to define the best distribution channels for your product, for your customers, and for you. The distribution channel is the way your product gets to your customer. Traditionally, businesses relied on a single distribution channel. These days, the most successful startups use multiple routes to reach a broader customer base. For some products, the route to getting it into customers' hands is self-evident. For specialized, service-only ventures, you or your employees will personally deliver to the client, either on-site or at your place of business. Examples of these types of businesses are cleaning services, auto detailing, personal coaching, consulting, personal training, and training. Restaurants and other food service ventures also fall into this category. Selling retail products, on the other hand, allows multiple options for distribution -- online sales, brick-and-mortar storefront, direct sales through sales reps, festivals or shows, etc. Consider the distribution routes used by your closest competitors. Are they using the most effective channels? Is there any way to modify or improve on the standard methods that will still be appropriate for your product? **End Summary** Topics: Distribution channel]]> Starting a business]]> business startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System includes step-by-step business startup procedures, small business software & more, to help entrepreneurs start a business based on their idea. Visit LaunchX.com for a free Business Readiness Assessment and get on the road to owning your own business today.

Starting a Business from Home -- Balancing Work and Life

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:22:27 -0500

Working from home offers substantial benefits, but can also make it more difficult to successfully balance work and home life. Launching a startup puts incredible demands on your time and tends to be very stressful. It is important to take time away from the work to maintain your mental health as well as to ensure that other aspects of your life are not neglected. Separate Your Work Spaces Separating your work and personal space can be crucial for some entrepreneurs. The best option is to establish a dedicated work space, preferably behind a door. This way, your work time can be focused purely on work, and your personal time can be protected from the distraction of a full inbox. If the space is available to separate your work space, be sure to completely empty the space of personal items. Don't even pay the household bills from the office, if possible. It is far easier to focus on the difficult and boring parts of a startup if there is nothing lying around to distract you. Consider purchasing a separate phone line for the business as well. **End Summary** Topics: home-based business]]> starting a business]]> businesss startup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog focused on starting a business . The LaunchX System is perfect for starting a home based business . Visit LaunchX.com for a list of home based business ideas and a free workbook to help you choose the right business for you.

Startup Partners -- Can You Work With Someone Close to You?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:30:34 -0500

Starting a business with a spouse or good friend can be very advantageous, as long as some basic issues are worked out beforehand. Knowing your business partner very well means it should take less time to hammer out who does what and each of you are already familiar with the other's quirks and habits. It should be easier to provide each other moral support, especially during the dark days of startup (and there will be some). You will be aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses and be in an excellent position to keep each other, and the business, on the right track. On the downside, partnering with someone you are close to can put strain on the relationship, especially if you fail to work out both the personal and practical ground rules for expanding your personal relationship into a successful business partnership. The practical issues are fairly easy to negotiate but very important, especially if you live with your business partner. First, both parties must agree on set work and personal schedules, with time blocked out for focusing on the separate aspects of your lives together. **End Summary** Topics: business partner]]> startup partner]]> starting a business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog focused on starting a business . The LaunchX System works equally well for business partnerships . Focused on planning, marketing and financial planning, the LaunchX System contains everything you need to define your partnership roles and start a business .

Deciding Whether to Start a Business? Take Stock of Your Life First

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:57:27 -0500

The current recession has had an enormous impact on American workers. Job security is quickly becoming obsolete and many are looking to make major changes in both their work and home lives. Entrepreneurship is enticing. Working for yourself means taking more control over your time, your finances, and your activities. Starting a business and making it successful is a tough but rewarding road, and it is important to take stock of your life and your future before you decide whether entrepreneurship is the right option for you. Where You Are Now Before you can decide where you want to go, you must figure out where you are now. Different life stages come with different responsibilities, different priorities, and different abilities. While there is no "right" answer for where you should be to launch a business, these factors can have an enormous effect on how you go about the process. Start by taking a look at how you currently spend your time and money. Consider your absolute responsibilities and those areas you might be able and willing to sacrifice for a startup. **End Summary** Topics: starting a business]]> deciding to start]]> entrepreneur]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. If you decide to be an entrepreneur, the LaunchX System will help you start a business based on your ideas. Read more about becoming an entrepreneur at LaunchX.com.

Hiring Well When Starting a Business Can be Critical to Success

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:19:25 -0500

One of the most stressful roles for most entrepreneurs is that of Employer. Finding the right people with the right skills, personality, and attitude is a challenge, to say the least. The hiring process provides some opportunities to sift through the candidates, but only if you know what you are looking for and how to find it. Before the hiring process begins, it is critical to define exactly what you are looking for in a new employee. General work responsibilities should obviously be defined in each job description, along with any specific skills or experience necessary to successfully fill the position. Writing job descriptions for each staff position should be completed prior to recruiting as this will help you target your help-wanted marketing effectively. In addition, consider the personality traits that will best fit in with the culture your company has developed. New hires do not need to be just like everyone else, but should be able to fit in and complement the staff you already have. The resumes and applications that come in are your first line of evaluation. **End Summary** Topics: small business hiring]]> employees]]> hiring process]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog focused on starting a business . LaunchX has developed an Employer's Manual to help new and existing businesses prepare to hire their first employees . Check out the complete line of business startup kits from LaunchX.com.

Controlling Risk When Starting a Business

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:56:57 -0500

Starting your own business requires some level of risk tolerance, no matter how much of a "sure thing" it seems to be. Like any construction project, a startup seems to take twice as long and cost twice as much as originally planned. In addition, there is no guarantee as to how long it will take to build a sufficient customer base or how quickly the business will grow. Even the best of circumstances won't ensure rapid success...and most new businesses aren't started under the best of circumstances. On the other hand, most entrepreneurs don't actually consider themselves "risk-takers" the way non-entrepreneurs do. Where others see risk, successful business owners see factors that are within their own control. Controlling risk is the key, and before you set out to launch your big idea, it is important to clarify the limits for yourself that will keep you motivated and out of the weeds. Whether looking to replace a current job or grow a thriving company, it is a good idea to get started on startup planning while you are still employed. Developing a business without a safety net often results in knee-jerk responses to problems that inevitably arise during a startup. **End Summary** Topics: Startup risk]]> Starting a business]]> business risk]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a blog focused on starting a business . The LaunchX System can help you control your business startup risk by guiding you step-by-step through the research and planning for your business idea. It everything you need to start a business .

Exit Strategies to Consider During Business Startup

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:10:25 -0500

An important but often overlooked element of planning a startup is deciding how you want it to end. That is, knowing your exit strategy during the planning stage can strongly influence any number of decisions you need to make. The top five exit strategies, which cover more than 80% of entrepreneurs, are: Strategy #1 -- Selling to Outside Investors Some entrepreneurs plan to establish a niche business that can ultimately be sold to a larger company. Serial entrepreneurs tend to just enjoy the startup phase and intend to sell their businesses off to new owners once the venture is afloat. Either way, it is critical to set up and operate the business with the goal of selling in mind. You must understand how valuation (how much a business is worth) works and plan your asset and financial management accordingly. You should be sure all business protections are in order (trademarks, etc.) and do the work to build brand goodwill within your market and industry. About two-thirds of all new startups consider selling to outside investors a likely exit strategy. **End Summary** Topics: step-by-step startup]]> exit strategy]]> strategic planning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System includes step-by-step business plan instructions, small business software & more, to help entrepreneurs start a business based on their idea.

Online Marketing: Some of the Best Tools are Free

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:07:16 -0500

your business for free...if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Job #1: Search Engine Position The primary goal for marketing online is to drive traffic to your website. More traffic equals more sales. The best way to achieve that objective is to show up at the top of the search engines. That is, when potential customers search for a product or service that you carry (your key words), your business should be on the first page, the higher up, the better. Even if your business serves only a local area, your customers need to find you easily on the web. The way this works is people enter, for example, "pest control Las Vegas" and the search engine returns websites that are optimized for those key words. The trick is to get your website to the top of that list. There is not quick and easy way to get there. You cannot buy your way to the top of (or even into) search engines. The search engine companies like Google, Bing, and Yahoo use complicated, secret algorithms to determine which sites rank the hightest. The rules are ever-changing, mostly in an attempt to combat scammers. **End Summary** Topics: online marketing]]> SEO]]> search engine optimization]]> social media]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about creating a comprehensive marketing plan for your business startup .

Serious about Starting a Business? Do it Right Before You Launch!

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:35:50 -0500

Starting a business with plans to grow a company is not a cake walk. You must know every aspect of your business in detail, from marketing to operations to financial management. If you don't, you will end up turning over critical tasks of your venture to an outsider who is far less interested in seeing your business thrive. Successful entrepreneurs have a driving thirst for learning all they need to know to reduce risk and increase their chance of great success. If you are serious about taking control of your work and financial future, it is critical to put in the time, effort and money to launch your startup the right way. There are too many books, articles, and advertisements claiming that anyone can make millions doing nothing, knowing nothing, and paying (next to) nothing. So, thousands of Americans drop their hard-earned cash on MLMs and "work from home" programs that provide no legitimate opportunity to even recoup the purchase price. Serious about taking control of your work and financial future? Don't waste your time and money on get-rich-quick schemes. **End Summary** Topics: Starting a business]]> business startup]]> entrepreneur]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business the right way. Visit LaunchX.com for a free workbook to help you choose a business idea .

Entrepreneurship is Not for Everyone...5 Myths and Realities of Entrepreneurship

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:05:09 -0500

With the economy in shambles, talk of self-employment is on the rise. Americans are beginning to realize that dedication and loyalty to someone else's business is no guarantee of security, and working for themselves is sounding better and better. However, many people harbor significant misperceptions about what entrepreneurship really means. The myths and realities of entrepreneurship should be well understood by anyone thinking about going out on their own. Myth #1: Starting my own business means I will have more free time. Reality: For most startups to succeed, the entrepreneur must put in extraordinary hours, especially during the early stages. Every detail of the business requires attention from you and your to-do list will grow faster than it does at a 9 to 5 job. Carving out time for yourself will be necessary, but difficult because you will forever be thinking of the thousand things that should already be done, but aren't. If you are looking to build a thriving company, don't count on spending lots of time on the golf course, at least not in the first year or two. Myth #2: Owning my own business will solve all my financial problems. **End Summary** Topics: Starting a business]]> business startup]]> entrepreneur]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business without falling prey to these myths. Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about this revolutionary way to become an entrepreneur .

Motivating Employees: Motivating the Purpose-Driven Employee

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:47:10 -0500

Purpose-driven employees take an almost zen-like approach to their work. As long as they believe in what the company is trying to do, the other types of motivators are not very relevant. These are the employees in corporate settings who do the minimum to keep a job to pay the bills but pour significant effort and energy into ideas or causes that they believe in. Not every startup can have an inherent, noble purpose, but there are things you can do to build a sense of purpose into your company culture. Whether your business manufacturers widgets or provides training services, there is an innate purpose -- you are filling a need in the marketplace. The first step to incorporating purpose-driven motivation into your venture is to define and communicate how each staff position contributes to the overall goal. A good job description should include how the assigned tasks fit into the business. Including a flow chart is an excellent graphical tool for showing where each piece fits, and matters, in the overall process. **End Summary** Topics: managing employees]]> motivating employees]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about adding employees to your business startup .

Motivating Employees: Motivating the Reputation-Driven Employee

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:38:29 -0500

A good number of workers are motivated, at least in part, by external approval and reputation. Most people are concerned with how others view them, and positive attention and accolades can go a long way in inspiring these folks to do their best work. Incorporating feedback and appreciation for a job well done is an important piece of your overall motivation strategy. At the core of external motivation is attention. Workers driven by reputation tend to be dependent on receiving attention. Often, if they are unable to earn it in a positive manner, they will become disillusioned and unproductive, and may even act out in an attempt to garner any attention -- even negative. As a business owner, it is important to remember that your employees are the key to your long-term success, so any and all efforts that produce positive results should be acknowledged. To keep reputation-driven workers motivated, it is necessary to provide individual attention and acknowledgement. Successful entrepreneurs make a point of including these factors into the overall culture. Making your support staff feel valued should be a given. Make a point of publicly acknowledging good work but privately dealing with criticism or poor performance. **End Summary** Topics: managing employees]]> motivating employees]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about adding employees to your business startup .

Motivating Employees: Motivating the Team-Driven Employee

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:17:20 -0500

Some employees are motivated to excel simply by contributing their part in a team environment. As long as these workers feel appreciated and an important part of the work group, they will put out their best effort. Creating an environment that feeds contribution-oriented works begins with the company culture. Especially in small and growing businesses, it is important to nurture loyalty. Establishing a culture of teamwork and solidarity will accomplish both -- all staff members will feel more connected to your company and team-motivated workers will have their needs met as well. One of the best ways to develop a truly team-oriented work environment is for the staff (and you) to have shared experiences that build relationships beyond work. This does not mean that everyone must be best friends, but rather that each employee should have the opportunity to be themselves with the rest of the staff. Schedule get-togethers for the staff such as monthly lunches or after-hours social events. Shared experiences, especially fun ones, build bonds among people that make working through conflicts or under stress easier. **End Summary** Topics: managing employees]]> motivating employees]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about adding employees to your business startup .

Motivating Employees: Motivating the Rewards-Driven Employee

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:09:49 -0500

Establishing various types of reward systems can be an effective tool for motivating employees. A base salary is motivational only in the sense that it keeps workers showing up -- reward systems provide the pull to excel at the job once they are there. Like any other motivational tool, not all workers are impressed by rewards. For those that are, it is important to develop a reward system that meets your overall company objectives. If all or most of your employees are assigned the same basic tasks, such as retail associates in a store, then developing a reward system is easy. Set targets for overall sales (minus refunds) or specific items or even amount per transaction and reward individuals who meet the target. If everyone meets the goal, it is too low -- you are trying to motivate excellent performance. Retail toy stores are famous for holding battery sale contests among the sales staff -- and you thought the check-out guy was just being helpful! Keep in mind that people motivated by reward tend to compare their own output, and what they are getting in return, with everyone else. **End Summary** Topics: managing employees]]> motivating employees]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about adding employees to your business startup .

Motivating Employees: Understand the Five Types of Motivation to Get the Most from Your Employees

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:47:54 -0500

Becoming an effective employer is one of the biggest obstacles for most entrepreneurs. Keeping employees motivated and loyal can be particularly difficult during the early stages of a startup. With limited capital and a never-ending to-do list, your staff can end up working long hours for mediocre pay. Still, it is possible to set yourself up for success by building the five primary motivators into your overall company culture. There are five distinct types of motivators. Every employee will be driven by a different combination of these, so it is important to incorporate each of them as you start and grow your venture. The five primary sources of motivation are: 1. Challenge Driven -- The bulk of employees are internally motivated by challenging themselves and improving their own skills, but not all. 2. Team Driven -- A significant number of employees also need to know that they are contributing to the company effort and fit in with the group. 3. Reward Driven -- Offering rewards for a job well done will push many workers to work harder and smarter. 4. Reputation Driven -- Some employees need attention and accolades to stay motivated. **End Summary** Topics: managing employees]]> motivating employees]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about adding employees to your business startup .

Motivating Employees: Motivating the Challenge-Driven Employee

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:45:45 -0500

Most good leaders and employees are motivated internally through challenging themselves to improve their own skills, experience, and productivity. Internal motivation is very powerful when present, and can be easily quashed by micromanagement and ineffective delegation. The key to keeping challenge-motivated workers at their best is to develop your company culture to encourage autonomy and professional development across the board. Building a challenge-motivating culture can be difficult for some entrepreneurs. The same self-assurance and drive to do things right that makes an entrepreneur successful can also make it difficult to trust employees to work on their own. But, if you plan to grow your business, you will have to rely on your staff to do things right on their own. Good employees will not only cover the tasks that you don't have time for, but will also contribute their own knowledge and skills to drive the success of your venture. Good leaders are masters of delegation -- telling workers what needs to be done but not how to do it. Set clear objectives in the job descriptions for each position, clearly communicate those objectives to your staff, then get out of the way and let them work. **End Summary** Topics: Starting a business]]> managing employees]]> motivation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business . Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about adding employees to your business startup .