Cover Story
Upsize Business Builder Awards
The Upsize Business Builder Awards, presented by Winthrop & Weinstine, is an annual contest designed to recognize Minnesota entrepreneurs for driving smart, sustainable growth. From nominations, Upsize selected three finalists: Bob Hildreth of ESP Systems Professionals; Melanie Nelson of Learning ZoneXpress; and Craig Kruckeberg of Minimizer. They presented their stories in a private session in […] Continue reading →
Business Builders
‘Sweet 16’ tips will save money, time in tax season
As the accounting year-end approaches, many business owners ask how they can lower their accounting and tax prep bill. The quick answer is: do as much as you can before you send the info to your tax accountant. Many business owners would do this if they knew where to begin. Here are some insider tips. […] Continue reading →
Why your firm needs to be on Google+
When Google dove head-first into social networking last year with the launch of Google+, pundits were quick to compare it to Facebook and declare Google+ too little, too late. “No one’s using it,” they said. “Facebook’s got too big a head start. Google+ is doomed.” These pundits forgot one thing: Google+ is owned by Google, […] Continue reading →
Is an ESOP right for your small business?
If you are the owner or co-owner of a business and are looking for a way to convert your ownership into cash proceeds, perhaps to fund retirement or to invest in something else, and you want to maintain the status quo, operationally and with current management and workforce, the answer is a qualified “yes.” At […] Continue reading →
How to induce employees to do what you want
According to Robert Kaplan and David Norton, creators of the Balanced Scorecard, on average, 95 percent of a company’s employees are unaware of or do not understand its strategy. Furthermore, only one in five sees a clear connection between his or her tasks and the company’s goals, according to a Harris Interactive/Franklin Covey poll. Consequently, […] Continue reading →
How smart banks evaluate risk when you’re seeking a loan
Most banks still make the majority of their income from interest paid on loans, so their ability to grow depends largely on their ability to bring new borrowing customers into the bank. How they evaluate risk in your company can change depending on the type of loan you are looking for. In the business banking […] Continue reading →
