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1. Ask in Person Ask your client, in person, for a testimonial when the work is done. Ask them to describe the problem, explain the solution, how it helped, and how it was to do business with you. Send a reminder if your client forgets. For credibility, it is best if the client’s personal / company names are included, but testimonials can be anonymous if your client prefers. 2.

We meet so many businesses at ASE. One of their key worry … “running low on cash” Cash in the Bank (and/or availability of credit) is essential to keep the wheels of your business turning. Cash is needed to cover running costs (overheads, supplies, staff etc.) Then of course there is growth. So many get caught out in the enthusiasm of growing their business that they under estimate the

In most businesses, you should be evaluating profitability on a regular basis. This is an extremely important measure. However, equally important, and critical is evaluating cash flow! During a fiscal year, you would be looking at profitability weekly or monthly, but daily you should be looking at whether you are generating enough cash to keep all operations going. As an example, be aware that you have enough cash receivable from the past 30 days to cover

Creating a strong online presence, as we all know, is critical for today’s small business. However, it is daunting to navigate through its unfamiliar terminology and complexities. The following is a simple roadmap that explains the key elements and how your online approach should fit together:  Develop an outstanding website!  This is the hub of everything. Make sure that it clearly embodies the experience you want your customers to have. Make sure

Using a Pro Forma Financial Statement Your financial statements provide a snapshot of your business’s finances and performance at a point in time; they provide information on profit, cost of goods sold (COGS), expenses and earnings before interest expenses and taxes (EBIT) . The foundation for planning the future course of your business starts with your financial statements. To get a better sense as to how your business may perform in

A Succession Plan Although hard to imagine, someday you’ll want to, or need to, sell your business; maybe lack of interest or energy, age or unexpected failing health. You should start thinking about a sale from the day you incorporate. Having a succession plan is critical for an organized, orderly, successful sale. It creates certainty and relieves your stress. Things to think about. 1.    Who? Who do you sell your business

This blog is relating a much appreciated testimonial from a successful client who has been with ASE for over twenty-seven years!   He has recounted well, his ups and downs and how the ASE team helped in supporting, advising, and guiding him and his business over those many years. It shows the importance for any business to have a sage, clear thinking and objective team in its corner. “I first got involved

In last month’s blog (Leadership – Part 1), I identified four key traits great leaders possess; Authenticity, Empathy, Vision, and Resilience. My source of reference is from the book ‘Great Ted Talks – Leadership’ by Harriet Minter.  As with the previous blog, I have ended each section with questions so you use as a planning tool for guiding your business..  This blog addresses: Strategy, Collaboration, and Accountability. Strategy- Whether you have one employee or a team, as leader