What is your favorite strategy for empowering staff?

Lily Liu is the founder and CEO of Public Stuff. She believes in creating environments that allow employees to feel that they “own their work.” That way, they become leaders in their field of expertise, and they're motivated to achieve success every day. She says: “I strongly believe that truly engaged employees will go above and beyond their duties and produce better work, because they know how important their role is to the company.”

Read the full article at: http://www.contentfac.com/top-10-tips-from-women-business-owners/

How do you help your community?

“Advertising is expensive,” says professional photographer Catherine Fiehn, “but the easiest way to get good PR is by donating your services a few times a year to a charity.” At Halloween, Catherine has the local kids come in for a low-cost photo, and the proceeds are donated to charity. Because it's for charity, the newspapers print the notice for free. The result? A ton of new customers, some of whom are stopping in for the very first time. We recently went to a RAINN benefit and we do pro-bono PR work for Dress For Success Pittsburgh. Not only do we feel good about helping out great organizations, but we've also made some great connections as a result. Check out the awesome professional photo we got for free for attending the RAINN fundraiser compliments of Front Row Monthly.

Read the full article at: http://www.contentfac.com/top-10-tips-from-women-business-owners/

How do you balance your life?

Respect your schedule, says Stephanie Di Biase, owner of Ways & Means, Inc., or no one else will. “If you are too flexible and available, you become a vendor versus a partner with your clients – and you end up working seven days a week. Set a firm schedule where you have some dedicated "unavailable" time. People respect you more when you respect your own boundaries.”

Read the full article at: http://www.contentfac.com/top-10-tips-from-women-business-owners/

Is it time to evaluate your costs?

A business has two types of costs – fixed costs and variable costs. Fixed costs are like body fat. You have to bear the weight whether you make money or not. Instead of buying expensive, proprietary software, try working with free and open source software. Also, try getting a free online phone number forwarded to your cell phone, or try Skype meetings instead of travelling long distance. Maybe try even bartering for much-needed services with professionals (for example, help an accountant with their marketing material in exchange for a free tax return, etc.,). Be lean without diminishing customer satisfaction.

Read the full article at: https://www.waveapps.com/blog/5-financial-tips-for-small-business-owners/

What is the best way to show appreciation?

Sharon Armstrong is an author who owns her own consulting business. “I've had my own business since 2000,” she says. “My best tip for success is to remember to thank those who help you grow your business.

How do you manage your bookkeeping?

It's easy to lose track of your cash reserves and keep funding your business expenses from your personal account. You work so hard on your business, only to find out at the end of the month that you don’t have money left to pay for your living expenses. To avoid this, pay your business expenses from a dedicated-for-business credit card with a fixed credit limit. This gives you the flexibility and control to plan your cash in-flows in order to meet your cash-outflows.

Read the full article at: https://www.waveapps.com/blog/5-financial-tips-for-small-business-owners/