Business Insider Offers Treasure Trove of Tips

If you're not aware of Business Insider by now, we recommend you check it out. It is often filled with great, ready-to-implement tips for small businesses. Gone are the long-winded theoretical posts and here are quick ideas you can capture AND USE.

In true BI fashion, here is a great post that culls some of the best-of-the-best in seemingly offbeat-yet-common-sense advice from the net for Small Business. We've captured the concepts below, with link to full article at the jump.

On Leadership:
Enforce vacations!
Stop selling to yourself!

On Strategy:
Stand out in the online world
Study your taxi driver

On Marketing:
Learn the basics of bootstrapping
Don't just create a brand!

On Communication:
Create a powerful message
Deal with picky customers

On Branding:
Make yourself more trusted

Now we're sure if nothing else piqued your interest, you're a little puzzled by studying your taxi driver. Check out the complete post for elaboration!

Building (Business) Relationships Takes TIME

A major skill often requiring some fine-tuning with most entrepreneurs is the process of building relationships with prospective clients and future business associates BEFORE asking for the sale or discussing business participation specifics.

Most entrepreneurs are taught to talk to anyone and everyone they know and meet as soon as they can, about their new business BEFORE someone else gets to them first. This goes against all good business logic.

People do business with those they know, like and trust. New prospects need more than a first meeting to know, like and trust you. In all businesses, it takes time to build relationships that are mutually beneficial.

Be professional, focus on your goals and create a reason for people to do business with you – PERSONALLY!