Business Articles In the face of economic stress, people react in different ways. Some hunker down, count their dollars, and do everything they can to hold onto what they have. Others do more; they look for opportunities.    More

Business Articles The H-2B programwas designed to legally and temporarily supply immigrant workers to American industries that struggle with labor shortages, especially those in the service areas (hotels, restaurants) as well as seasonal businesses. So now, with a lagging economy and unemployment rates reaching record highs, the need for the programno longer exists, right?Wrong.    More

Business Articles Many busy entrepreneurs get so caught up in day-to-day operations that they sometimes overlook tools that could make running their business a lot easier. Integrated business management software is one of these tools.    More

Business Articles Having been involved in the green industry for more than 30 years, I am hard pressed to remember a time so difficult for our industry. In particular, we are facing a very challenging economy.    More

Business Articles You know the type. Maybe you are one. The manager who arrives in the morning before sunrise, who works through lunch and stays until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m., or longer. As a society, we often marvel at this commitment: “He’s such a hard worker,” or “She’s so dedicated.”    More

Business Articles STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs) are the lifeblood of any successful company and should be developed for every process in your business. You should have procedures for everything from hiring new employees to equipment maintenance, to how to properly install pavers.    More

Business Articles ABOUT NINE YEARS AGO, DALE VON Dohren, owner of San Jose, California- based Landmark Landscapes, had a successful woodworking business. Then he saw an opportunity in the landscaping business and decided to change his focus.    More

Business Articles Publicity can come from anywhere and in many different forms. It can be as simple as having a letter published in the editorial column of your local paper, or as dynamic as having a front-page article with your name and picture splashed across the headlines. But a successful publicity campaign is harder than you may think. It takes huge effort on your part to get your business noticed by the media.    More

Business Articles You’ve probably heard it said that entrepreneurs are “married to their work.” It’s true. Running a company requires amazing quantities of time, energy, and devotion. But there is one big difference: while matrimony is all about maintaining a healthy relationship with another person, being married to a business is all about maintaining healthy (and profitable!) relationships with several groups of people.    More

Business Articles Back in the day, going to school meant walking, and in my case it was uphill both ways. Well, maybe not both ways . . . my point is that going to school may be tough, but the alternative is tougher, for sure. The same logic goes for continuing education in the workplace.    More