Soliciting feedback from customers often seems like a daunting task. However, Zack Oates and his team at Ovation have cracked the code with a proven strategy that not only encourages guest feedback, but also establishes a personal connection for exceptional results.Zack Oates and the guest feedback platform Ovation have taken a radically different approach to hearing from customers, which stems…
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Shannon Houchin, 54, of Fort Worth, Texas. Houchin and her son Finn Canard, 22, own and operate Roadside Republic, a seven-figure business selling peaches on the side of the road. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Image Credit: Courtesy of Roadside Republic.…
After spending years building a training business to help students pass their LSAT exams, I had a realization: it wasn't my true passion. Turns out I was more interested in helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses, as I had done.My second company allowed me to help infinitely more people achieve their…
Risk is inherent to doing business. As a polymorphic phenomenon with both threatening and beneficial aspects, risk needs to be controlled through a systematic approach.Here, I am going to explain risk management according to the guidelines of ISO 31000.The consequences of risks often extend beyond you as an entrepreneur and…
Entrepreneurship isn't just about knowing your numbers or building a flawless business plan. Often, the qualities that truly distinguish remarkable founders from merely competent ones aren't found in textbooks or startup workshops — they're subtle human skills that define how you connect and communicate.1. Genuine curiosityOne powerful yet underrated trait…
Entrepreneurs are famous for their ability to work long hours as they tirelessly build their companies, especially in the early stages of a startup. Excitement, passion and a healthy dose of caffeine are often enough to keep an entrepreneur powering ahead. While burning the midnight oil might be sustainable for…
I like hiring entry-level people for the companies I manage. We select them to be willing, high-achieving and modest people. Then, we provide continuous coaching and feedback to train them into excellent junior managers. After that, we monitor their progress and promote them as appropriate. It takes time to make…
Burnout is a silent killer in the startup world. The pressure to scale, raise funding and deliver results makes it easy for founders to overextend themselves until they hit a wall. A 2024 survey of 156 founders revealed more than half (53%) suffered from burnout within the past year, The…
At Color Me Mine, painting pottery is more than an act of artistic expression — it offers a rare opportunity to slow down, ground oneself and create something uniquely personal. A franchise system with over 130 locations nationwide, the paint-your-own pottery studio prioritizes self-expression, relaxation and special moments with friends,…
As a solo parent and CEO, balancing family and work responsibilities often feels like navigating uncharted waters. But over the past few years, traveling the world with my daughter has taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped both my personal life and professional leadership. Parenting on the go in unfamiliar…
Starting and scaling a business is thrilling — but also chaotic. Over the past year, startup founders have faced economic uncertainty, rapid tech innovation and shifting customer expectations. While global venture funding inched up 3% in 2024, much of that growth was fueled by AI, which saw an 80% surge…
In a declining economy, startups face an uphill battle when it comes to securing funding.…
With all of the recent news about artificial intelligence (AI), it got me thinking about…
A while back, I took a couple of my grandchildren on a tour of the…
Startups face numerous challenges on their journey to success, and failing to overcome any one…
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