IASourceLink Blog

Calling all inventors, entrepreneurs, start-ups, small business owners, non-profits, and corporate innovative teams! Applications are open for the Fall 2020 Venture School Cohort. If you are looking to test a product, solidify a business model, or expand on an idea, this program provides a supportive and innovative environment to do so.

Were mastering the art of virtual meetings with the help of Stephen J. Dubner from Freakonomics Radio. Here's how you can too:

One of the most crucial components of leadership is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes. The ability to understand how others work together. Creating an atmosphere that is inviting of all ideas will show that you care for others. Showing empathy will show others that you are passionate about not only the mission of the company but also your fellow co-workers and the market you serve. You do not need a prestigious degree in order to show empathy. Empathy can be achieved though just simply taking a step back from the situation. Look at the bigger picture and remember the reason why you are with this organization.

The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Author Annie Dillard famously claims, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Using your space as a tool to foster productivity and innovation can produce powerful results. So, what can you do to enhance your workspace? Start by sprucing it up with some greenery.

Facebook is becoming the go to way in order to learn about a business and what they do. Be sure that your small business has a healthy and mission focused brand on social media. Use Facebook to place your brand in front of the right people at the right time and in the right ways. With the use of Facebook marketing you can reach your audience in a personable and creative way. How can you get creative and take advantage of marketing through Facebook? Find a few tips below!

As you may have noticed, women of all backgrounds have been flooding the Instagram feed with a black and white selfie challenge accompanied by captions about “supporting women,” as well as the hashtag #WomenSupportingWomen. So, what sparked this movement?

Shop Iowa brings together retail businesses from across the state into one online marketplace. Browse and buy online and feel good knowing that every purchase you make on Shop Iowa goes to a local business in Iowa. Shop Iowa is a program that connects small businesses to the right consumers. Getting their products in front of those who need it most via a convenient online marketplace platform. Find everything on Shop Iowa including delicious flavored popcorn, clothing, decor, games, and even pet supplies! Support Iowa small businesses by browsing the endless selection on Shop Iowa.

Governor Reynolds has allocated federal CARES Act funds to assist small businesses and nonprofits who have been economically impacted by COVID-19. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program will provide short-term relief to eligible small businesses and nonprofits that face significant hardship in the payment of utility bills for service provided during the months of disruption to their business.

Working from home is the new normal. How can we make this adjustment while staying productive and maintaining positivity? Find a few simple tips and insights below on how to make working from home bearable and maybe even enjoyable!

Your brand's voice is received and interpreted through the language, images, and content you share on your businesses’ social platforms. Establishing your voice in the early life of your social presence is imperative as it should remain steady and unchanging. Not only will this help you better connect with your audience, but it will also allow you to build a consistent and reliable direction for your social content. Below we have provided a few helpful tips for developing your brand's voice as you navigate through the challenges of small business social media.