While growth often means more financing, that isn’t necessarily the case. Sometimes a strategic alliance can grow your business in ways that money can’t.

Learning to Grow: You Can’t Grow Without Opening Your Mind

by Geri Stengel on Oct 25, 2012 - 12:20am

business growth Commentary / Opinion small business Small Business women entrepreneurs Women Entrepreneurship

Jennifer Adams is a successful interior designer turned TV personality, appearing on the nationally syndicated TV show “Better” and HGTV’s “My First Place.” Her most recent accomplishment is creating a line of home furnishings that is now available at select Costcos. She was also named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 by the Portland Business Journal and recognized as one of Portland’s most successful “Forty Under Forty.”

How Nonprofits Can Improve Their Social Media and Do More Social Good

by Geri Stengel on Oct 23, 2012 - 12:20am

Commentary / Opinion New book helps nonprofits change the world by measuring their own effect. Nonprofit Social Media

Measurement is my thing. I started my career as a TV researcher, moved on to media research then marketing research. However, I know most people don’t love numbers as I do. Getting people to understand the benefits of measurement and to actually delve into numbers is no easy task ... until now. Measuring the Networked Nonprofit: Using Data to Change the World by Beth Kanter and Katie Delahaye Paine takes the snooze out of analyzing numbers.

Merging May be Best Route to Growth

by Geri Stengel on Oct 18, 2012 - 12:20am

mergers nonprofit financial services Profile: Company Small Business small business growth small business management

Back in the ‘90s, Hilda Polanco, a CPA with a staff of 10, had an out-of-the-box idea. She realized that nonprofits had a real need for a cost-effective way to professionalize accounting and financial management but no one was providing that service. It was the perfect way to differentiate her service from other accounting practices.

The Future Is Mobile

by Geri Stengel on Oct 16, 2012 - 12:20am

mobile apps Nonprofit online nonprofit outreach Small Business small business marketing social media Trends

Klunk! That was the personal computer landing in the e-waste recycling bin. At least, it sure sounds like that. Mobile phones are more prevelant than toothbrushes, worldwide and the numbers are growing. Just about every demographic group is turning to mobile for shopping, news, and entertainment.

Flexibility Is Profitable Business Strategy

by Geri Stengel on Oct 11, 2012 - 12:20am

Commentary / Opinion flexible workplaces Small Business small business management women entrepreneurs Women Entrepreneurship work-life balance

Women frequently start their own companies in order to give themselves the flexibility to balance work and family. Giving your employees the same flexibility can save your business money, spur growth, and make your employees happier.

How to Keep that Community Character You Love: Support Small Businesses

by Geri Stengel on Oct 9, 2012 - 12:20am

buy local Commentary / Opinion create jobs shop locally Small Business small businesses

When you think of your favorite store or restaurant, chances are it’s a local independent, small business. It has charm and character that contribute to the distinctive character of your community. Its customer service is excellent and personal: They know you.

Invest in Yourself and Funding Will Follow

by Geri Stengel on Oct 4, 2012 - 12:20am

Commentary / Opinion financing small business financing women-owned business Small Business women entrepreneurs Women Entrepreneurship

Women entrepreneurs have a tough time getting the financing they need to break through the $1 million revenue mark. I’ve talked to a number of women who have rocketed through and far beyond that limit. They have some basic principles of entrepreneurship in common.

How to Make LinkedIn Board Connect Work for Your Nonprofit

by Geri Stengel on Oct 2, 2012 - 12:20am

board recruitment Commentary / Opinion LinkedIn Board Connect nonprofit Nonprofit nonprofit governance Social Media Trends

With nearly two million nonprofit board seats open, good board members are hard to find. Most nonprofits know that looking for board members can be time-consuming and frustrating. I’ve been there, on the hunt for people who have the expertise and passion to make a positive contribution to the nonprofit I care about.