Small Business Blog

In today's digital age, email scams have become a prevalent threat to small businesses. Cybercriminals use deceptive tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds. Recognizing the signs of an email scam is crucial for protecting your business's data and finances. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips to help small businesses identify and avoid email scams. The Threat of Email Scams Email scams, or phishing attac

In the bustling arena of business, competition is inevitable. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, navigating the competitive landscape can be both challenging and rewarding. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies to not only cope with business competition but to rise above it and carve out your niche in the market. Embrace Your Uniqueness Every business has something special to offer—whether it's a unique product, exceptional customer s

Embarking on your business journey is like stepping onto a digital stage where your online presence takes center spotlight. For beginners, navigating the world of websites and social media can be a daunting task. Fear not! In this blog post, we'll break down the essentials of setting up a website and social media profiles to ensure your business not only enters the digital arena but shines. Building Your Website 1. Choose a User-Friendly Platform  For beginners, platforms l

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, your online reputation is akin to a digital storefront. It's the first impression potential customers have of your business. Managing this virtual image is not just about survival—it's about thriving. In this blog post, we're delving into the art of building a robust online reputation through savvy management of online reviews and strategic public relations (PR). The Impact of Online Reputation Your online reputation is the echo of you

If you own a small business or are planning to start a business, you need to be aware of a new law that will require you to report information about your beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN: fincen.gov ) starting on January 1, 2024. Why is the Government Starting to Gather This Information? The government is starting to gather beneficial ownership information to help combat financial crimes such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and t

Starting a new business is like embarking on a thrilling adventure, but it's not without its share of challenges. As a new entrepreneur, it's only natural to encounter obstacles along the way. However, you don't have to navigate this journey blindfolded. Seasoned entrepreneurs have trodden the path before you, and their experiences are a treasure trove of wisdom. In this blog post, we'll dive into the insights and strategies that successful entrepreneurs use to overcome commo

In today's digital age, online customer reviews have become an integral part of the decision-making process for consumers. From choosing a restaurant for dinner to selecting a product to buy, people turn to reviews to get insights and recommendations. As a small business owner, you might wonder, "How can I use customer reviews to my advantage?" The answer lies in understanding the power of customer reviews and learning how to manage and leverage them effectively. The Impact o

In the world of small business, networking and collaboration are powerful tools that can open doors to new opportunities, growth, and success. Building a strong network of connections and fostering collaborative relationships with other businesses can have a profound impact on your business's trajectory. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of networking and collaboration for small business owners and how they can harness their power to thrive in today's competitiv

Starting a small business is an exciting journey filled with dreams of success and growth. However, for many small business owners, budget constraints can pose a challenge when it comes to marketing their products or services effectively. The good news is that with a little creativity and strategic planning, you can still make a big impact even on a tight budget. In this blog post, we'll explore ten powerful marketing strategies tailored specifically for small business owners

Running a small business is a challenging and rewarding experience. However, it can also be incredibly stressful and overwhelming at times. Achieving a sustainable level of well-being and avoiding burnout as a business owner is an important challenge. Here are some strategies that can help: * Set Boundaries One of the biggest challenges of being a small business owner is that work can easily spill over into your personal life. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to

In the world of AI-powered chatbots, Chat GPT stands out as a powerful tool for small business owners seeking to enhance customer interactions and streamline communication. With its ability to generate human-like responses, Chat GPT has the potential to revolutionize customer support, marketing, and sales. However, to truly harness its potential, it is crucial to understand and effectively utilize prompts. In this blog post, we will explore how to use prompts to receive the b

Josh Baker & Sue Pitts – Iowa Western SBDC We talked to Robyn Porter, Director of Human Resources at Iowa Western Community College regarding Small Businesses Human Resources issues. Prior to her position at IWCC, Robyn was an HR practitioner in the small business space and has a great understanding of the struggles of small businesses and their HR practices. Small businesses often don’t take the time to learn proper HR practices that can help protect them from future lawsui

If you're starting a new business or organization in the United States, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This unique nine-digit number is used to identify your business for tax purposes and is required to open a business bank account, apply for loans, and hire employees. If you go to Google and type in “how to get an EIN number for my business” You will get a few sponsored posts from companies that offer to obtain a

The Covid-19 Pandemic has forced restaurants and retailers to shift their business model very quickly. In a matter of days, businesses started offering curbside pick-up, online ordering, in-store pickup, and delivery (to name a few). Unfortunately, some businesses were not ready to respond to this need with the available technology or knowledge to effectively communicate their new business models to customers. It is especially important now, and going forward, to offer both i

There is a video of Simon Sinek and his team on YouTube where he talks to his team about pivoting their roles in his business. He talks about how COVID-19 is NOT unprecedented. That although very sudden and devastating, Covid-19 is not the first-time businesses have been challenged. The Internet changed the way we shop, and when retailers didn’t respond, they closed. Streaming services changed the way we watch movies, and when video stores didn’t respond, they closed. Uber

The Iowa Small Business Relief Fund provides grants and tax deferrals to eligible Iowa businesseses. Another federal program announced eariler this week is the SBA Economic Impact Disaster Loan program (EIDL) that provides long term, low interest loans to eligible businesses. The Iowa Western Small Business Development Center can provide assistance and insight into these programs. We are a no-cost service and can provide application guidance as well as assistance gatherin

During this unprecendanted crisis, it is imperative to keep in contact and communication with your customers. Here is a customizable flyer that you can brand and fill in as needed as work to adjust your policies and plans during this time. Customizable Coronavirus (COVID-19) flyer

It seems like every topic these days is ultra-polarizing. Views on the Coronavirus COVID-19 are no exception. Social media comments and posts range from paranoia to annoyance and disregard. With recent cases in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area and with rumors spreading faster than the virus itself, make sure to look for reputable resources for facts The CDC recently launched Coronovirus.gov with extensive information for all U.S. residents, not just including business ow

America's SBDC Iowa (SBDC) Announced that The Hub of Council Bluffs, Iowa is the winner of the SBDC's statewide Business of the Month Award for November! We are so proud to have worked with The Hub and Brooke Hubbard during her start-up process! What a great addition to our community. Read the entire press release here: The Hub

What a way to begin the new decade! Get out there and finally start that business you have been dreaming about. The Iowa Western SBDC has free Smart Start Workshops in January and February. These workshops cover the essentials to help you get started and answer those daunting questions. The SBDC is a free service and will work with you one on one after the workshop to help you through the process from planning to managing and marketing your business.