Avoid these mistakes that business owners often make: 1) Ignoring your brand You put a lot of effort into your branding. Your social media efforts should carry the same message and branding. Inconsistent branding may confuse or turn off customers. 2) Putting in minimal or inconsistent effort Your social media efforts must be consistent and timely...
Seeking an answer to a question, what can a community do to draw young people to relocate and live in their community, I did some research. Though it is not comprehensively exhaustive, I did find some clues: Kiplinger, in its April 2013 publication, 10 great cities for new grads, enlightens us that...
Back by semi-popular demand (thank you to my 4 loyal readers, ok 3), we present the latest in our award winning Seinfeld on Startups column. Which award it was really isn’t important right now – instead let’s keep the focus on growing your firm. Today we are going to take...
By Dan Beenken, Advance Iowa, UNI Center for Business Growth and Innovation Family business issues. Employee compensation programs. Bankruptcy. Background checks – or lack thereof. Lloyd Braun. The 3rd episode of Season 9 had it all. It was like a Perfect Storm of business metaphors all crammed into a sweet little package...
By Dan Beenken, Advance Iowa Orginally Published on IASourcelink Blog Feb 14, 2013 Even if you haven’t seen every episode 2 or 3 times (there can’t be many of you), everyone knows the Soup Nazi. I’m not going to encourage you to take on his customer service skills. But I love...
Having the right connections and resources, as well as financial backing, is crucial when bringing a business idea to life. Unfortunately, this keeps many ideas from success. That’s the reason the Center for Business Growth and Innovation (CBGI) at the University of Northern Iowa is hosting its first annual statewide...
Dan Beeken, UNI Center for Business Growth and Innovation The 60th episode of Seinfeld was instant Gold – ""Gold Jerry, Gold!” to channel my inner Kenny Bania. “The Junior Mint” ran during season 4 and put an Emmy in the hands of Michael Richards. Elaine’s latest boyfriend, Roy, is a chubby “starving artist.”...
By: Lea Hensel, UNI Business and Community Services When you think of company culture, what comes to mind? Big employers like Google, Facebook or Zappos? Companies that have ping-pong tables in the rec room, outdoor basketball courts or a coffee barista on-hand to keep employees caffeinated continuously throughout the day. Or...
By Lea Hensel, UNI Business and Community Services Holiday season is here. There is no denying the holiday music in the store or the twinkling, sparkling decorations beginning to take over. And in just a few short weeks, Black Friday will be upon us. But, following Black Friday and gaining steam...
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Join the ranks of over 200 startups that have participated in Venture School, the state of Iowa’s premiere entrepreneurial training program. Learn the Lean Startup process and follow the official National Science Foundation Innovation Corps model. Increase your likelihood for success and reduce the risk of starting your...
