For the past decade we have been studying employee engagement. We wanted to know why some people work so hard and smart and others, well, don’t. We’ve surveyed more than half a million employees in big companies and small. And after all this research? What we have found about motivation and effective management is actually quite remarkable.
The first learning is about a Carrot. Employee recognition—appreciating the great work of your team members—tops the list of things employees say they want most from small business owners. Simply put, when employees know their strengths and potential will be praised and recognized, they are significantly more apt to produce value.
Yet some will ask, “Isn’t money the most effective carrot? Aren’t the allure of bonuses and increases in salary what really motivate our employees?”
To begin with, the fact is that money is not as powerful a reward as many people think. While compensation must be competitive to attract and retain talented employees, one third of the people you give a cash award will use that money to pay bills. Another one in five won’t have any clue in a few months where they spent the money or even how much they received. Just ask yourself, did you save the bank deposit slip from the last time someone gave you a $100 cash bonus? Is it tucked away in a scrapbook of memories? Of course not. But what about something useful and tangible that was given to you as a reward? Not a t-shirt, sleeve of golf balls, or canvas tote bag, but something useable and valuable. Chances are, even years later, you still own it and can picture the award in your mind.
However, the more prevalent problem with cash is that you don’t have a lot of it to give, and your people know it. If an employee is doing a fantastic job, you might be able to get them a five percent raise at the end of the year. Not much motivation there. As for large bonuses tied to personal performance, they are typically reserved for business owners and a few key managers. Lower-level employees and professional staff typically are out of the bonus pool or receive a very small bonus amount. Not a lot of motivation to excel there. Benefits, too, are locked in. As a manager, you can hardly offer an excellent employee a better dental plan.
The happy surprises of pay and benefits that a motivated employee hopes for are frequently beyond your control to provide. The reality is most workers are locked into a routine of sameness—paycheck to paycheck. So it’s time to learn what you do control: The Carrot supply.
“When people join us, they obviously have agreed on the pay,” one business owner told us. “What they are hoping for is a good environment where they can use their capabilities and talent to good advantage and then be recognized for it.”
A recent survey of 3,000 people asked employees, “What do you really want from your job?” Employees ranked “Pay” number three on the list. Number one was “Career/Learning Development Opportunities.” Number two? “Recognition.” Interestingly, number four was a better “Relationship with my Manager.”
And that leads us to a key finding of our global studies: one key characteristic of truly effective management—an element that shows up time and again in every great workplace—is a manager’s ability to recognize employees’ talents and contributions in a purposeful way. Our study results show that when recognition is considered effective, businesses have lower employee turnover, achieve enhanced business results, and are seen as stronger in other areas of leadership such as goal-setting, communication, trust and accountability.
In other words, employee recognition accelerates a small business’ effectiveness.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:  Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton are the authors of the New York Times bestsellers The Carrot Principle and The Orange Revolution.

This morning I appeared on WFAA’s Daybreak show in Dallas, TX.  As part of my segment I answered questions from viewers posted on the station’s Facebook page.  One viewer asked where she could get money to launch her business venture.

If I had a dime for every time I’ve been asked this question, I’d be wealthy enough to establish my own small-business loan company.  Almost every person with a start-up business wishes he or she had money—or more money to grow an established business. In fact, many people use their lack of funds as an excuse for not starting or expanding their businesses. Here’s what I tell them: You must not really want to make it happen!  Successful entrepreneurs realize there are many ways to bootstrap yourself to success.

One of the most popular ways to find the business funding you need is to ask your family and friends.  However, mixing money and relationships can be a recipe for disaster, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Most of the relationship problems occur because the transactions were handled poorly. Therefore, to avoid a relationship disaster, before seeking funds from family and friends, you have to do the proper preparation—it is vital. You need to approach a family/friend loan as professionally as you would any other source of funding. You need to be prepared with your business plan and a professional presentation. Demonstrate to your potential investors that you have a well-thought-out plan with defensible strategies and projections.

Even before you begin dialing for dollars, make a list of potential investors—people you know, including family, friends, and business associates. At this stage, you don’t worry about whether you think they’ll be interested, you just make the list.

Once you have your list, you can narrow it down. Here are some things to consider:

*  Affluence. Can this person afford to lose the money? Remember, there is a high degree of risk involved in investing in a small business, so consider the individual’s financial well-being.

*  Business experience. The best investor is someone who understands the entrepreneurial process and can evaluate your business prospects. Often successful entrepreneurs are interested in learning about new ventures and helping new businesses succeed.

*  Emotional baggage. Avoid asking someone with whom you have had conflict in the past. A precarious relationship could lead to problems in your business. Additionally, don’t ask someone who may have to deal with repercussions from others in the event he or she loans you money. For example, a spouse who might become angry about the investment could create serious problems, and you don’t need additional issues to deal with when you are trying to get your business off the ground.

Once you have narrowed your list down to the top potential investors, schedule meetings with them to discuss the opportunity. (Don’t ambush them at a cocktail party or family gathering and ask for the cash.) After you meet with them and review your plan, give them time to review the information and think it over. Never put pressure on anyone to make an immediate decision. Ask when would be a good time to follow up.

Be careful about getting your hopes up just because someone agrees to meet with you. People will often say no regardless of their feelings toward you. Don’t take it personally. There may be issues in their lives of which you aren’t aware, and those may make them uncomfortable loaning or investing at this time. Never get angry or make someone feel guilty, and don’t resort to emotional blackmail. Maintain your integrity. Things may change and you never know when you might need to approach someone again in the future.

Happy National Small Business Week to all my fellow entrepreneurs.  This is the week where the entire country recognizes and honors the contributions of small businesses around the country.  Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation declaring the firstNational Small Business Week and every year since then the sitting President has continued the tradition.

Small businesses are the economic engine that drives the U.S. economy.  The more than 27 million small firms provide 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs in our country and more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business.  Yet because of the economic downturn the past several years, this important market segment has struggled significantly.  It’s fitting to have a special week to say thanks to America’s entrepreneurs.

As part of the annual celebration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) selects a small business person of the year from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.  (This year’s state winners can be found on the National Small Business Week website.)  The state winners compete to be named the National Small Business Person of the Year.  That’s how I originally got involved.  My husband was the Missouri Small Business Person of the Year in 1987.  We traveled to Washington DC for the national event and I enjoyed being part of the festivities honoring our country’s entrepreneurs.  Subsequently I returned to St. Louis and founded Small Business Week of Eastern Missouri, a non-profit organization that continues to this day to produce local activities during small business week in the St. Louis area.

In addition to the business person of the year awards, the SBA also recognizes a host of other small businesses and advocates including: Small Business Exporter of the Year; Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Entrepreneurial Success; Family Owned Small Business; Veteran Small Business Champion; Financial Services Champion; Women in Business Champion; Minority Small Business Champion;  and Home-Based Business Champion.

Historically, the National Small Business Week festivities have been held in Washington DC, but this year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary, events are being held around the country and will culminate in Washington DC June 20 – 21.  Other locations include: Seattle, June 17; Dallas, June 18; St. Louis, June 19; and Pittsburgh, June 20.  If you can’t personally attend any of the events, the programs are being streamed live via the National Small Business Week site.

Three days of business matchmaking is part of the year’s agenda too.  Matchmaking allows small businesses the opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with prime contractors and federal agencies to learn about specific contracting and subcontracting opportunities. The first matchmaking event will take place at the Arlington Convention Center in Dallas on June 18 from noon-3pm.  Two more sessions are taking place at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. on June 20 and 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Many local groups, such as the one I launched, host their own activities during small business week.  To find programs in your area, check with your local chamber or media outlets.  Also, the national website lists many local and regional events as well.

It’s no secret that running a small business can be tough, but some small business owners think it’s gotten even harder the past five years.  The good news? The majority of entrepreneurs predict this year’s sales will exceed 2012.

New survey data from Constant Contact®, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCT), found that 59 percent of small businesses believe it’s harder to run a business today than five years ago, with more than half citing an economy that has hit their business hard.  (Constant Contact’s “Small Businesses: Then and Now Survey, May 2013.)  Only 17 percent said the economy is better today than it was five years ago.

What’s Harder and What’s Easier Today?

Of the 59 percent of survey respondents who said it’s harder to run a business today than five years ago:
55 percent said the economy has hit their business hard.
49 percent said it’s harder to keep pace with technology.
40 percent said there’s more direct competition.

What do you think?  Has it gotten harder to do business?  What about your revenue?  Do you anticipate growth this year?  Tell us what you think.

Selecting the right type of company for a new or existing business is a critical issue. The decision helps maximize the chances of financial and operational success. There are many issues that you should consider, and consulting with an accountant, an attorney or a business specialist will help you so that you choose the right structure and make the best decision.

No matter what type of business you start or operate, at some point, as a result of growth or an increase in income and complexity, it makes sense to consider changing from a sole proprietorship to a higher form of structure, whether it be a limited liability corporation (an LLC), a certain type of corporation.

Sole proprietorships have to pay self-employment tax, which is usually one of the higher tax categories in each state. One primary goal of incorporation is to lower this tax liability. Federal and state laws allow for the recognition of companies as legal entities so that that they can enjoy certain benefits and protections. These include: 1. Protection of personal assets; 2. Perpetual existence and name protection; 3. Tax flexibility and expense deduction.

Deciding which business structure is right for you and which location or state to locate in are critical questions that depend on where you are located, where and how your business operates, where your customers are, and many other issues. Each business structure also has legal and tax implications.

Understanding Your Options. With a sole proprietorship you are personally liable for all actions. Corporations allow for greater benefits and provide liability protection. A Limited Liability Company, or LLC, allows flexibility of management and taxes. S-Corporations have restrictions on shareholders and are taxed at the individual shareholders’ rates.

Benefits Aplenty. Corporations and LLCs offer liability protection, tax savings, credibility, legitimacy, the ability to leave a legacy, estate planning and numerous other benefits, but you should know that not all business structures are created equal. Corporations offer greater benefits, while LLCs and S-Corporations are limited in what they offer, especially if you are the primary shareholder.

Understand Your Obligations. When you incorporate or form an LLC you are entitled to many outstanding benefits, but to utilize these benefits and maintain the liability protection these business structures provide, you will need to meet their legal obligations to include but not limited to minutes, resolutions, annual meetings and federal and state filings.

When to Form Your Company. Forming an LLC or incorporating when you start a business is the best way to organize the business and keep personal assets separate from the business and keep them protected from a lawsuit against the company. Protection of personal assets requires you comply with the formalities of operating the company. You must prevent the comingling of personal and corporate assets. The cost associated with forming a Corporation or LLC is minimal compared with a lawsuit.

Picking a Name. When you pick a company name you will have to make sure it’s available in the state in which you are forming the company. If it is similar to another business name or includes certain restrictive words then the state will reject it. Many people form a company and then use a DBA (doing business as) to brand certain products or services, so don’t panic if the original name you wanted isn’t available.

Where to Locate Your Company. Most people choose to incorporate in the state in which they do a majority of their business. Some people choose a state with more favorable case law or tax benefits, like Nevada, Wyoming or Delaware. The important thing to remember is that you are making a decision to subject yourself to the law of the land you choose, and you will need to be vigilant, aware and knowledgeable as to the requirements of that state.

How to Form Your Company. You have three choices when it comes to the official formation of your business: 1. Do-It-Yourself (Filing the documents can be confusing and costly if done wrong.); 2. Hiring an attorney (This can be expensive and will require a high cost to you for ongoing help.); or 3. Utilize a service that specializes in business structuring. (They do it all the time and work with a variety of businesses so they can supply ongoing support and assistance even after the company is formed.)

Decide How Your Company Will Be Taxed. You must study the options and make the decision that makes the most sense for your business. C-Corporations are taxed at a specified tax rate; S-Corporations are taxed at the individual shareholders’ tax rates. An LLC can be taxed four different ways: as a Sole Proprietorship, a Partnership, a Corporation or an S-Corporation.

Incorporating or forming an LLC allows you to conduct your business in ways that protect you and your family from the possible loss of your home, car or personal savings because of a business liability. Choosing the right business structure will help make your business succeed. Be sure to ask yourself the right questions before making your incorporation decision.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aaron Young is an expert with over 20 years of experience in advising companies on which type of business form is right for them. His company, Laughlin Associates, is located in Reno, Nevada. He can be contacted at www.laughlinusa.com

At age 18, he formed a recycling company in Portland, Oregon — before recycling was popular. He grew that business to 5,000 customers before selling it and using the money to become one of the first cellular phone dealers in Portland — a business he built up to include three stores and a large service center, which is still in operation today. He sold the company and became vice president of sales for ITEX, a publicly-traded NASDAQ company with 350 offices around the world. After three years he left the company and formed several small corporate-services businesses before buying Laughlin Associates.

He writes a monthly column in Small Business Today and blogs for Small Business 411. He has also been quoted in numerous publications including Money Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and Success Magazine.

I had the privilege last week to speak at the Sellers’ Conference for Online Entrepreneurs (S.C.O.E.) in Seattle, Washington.  This annual event focuses on Internet retailers who sell their merchandise across multiple platforms (on Amazon, eBay and etsy.com as well as their own websites), but due to the event’s proximity to Amazon’s corporate headquarters, it is widely regarded as “the” annual trade show for people who sell on the Amazon platform.

In last week’s column, I wrote about some of the cutting-edge legal and tax issues Amazon sellers face, such as the proposed tax on interstate sales, “nexus” questions, and Amazon’s dealings with the 20 or so states that have passed “Amazon tax” laws.
Several of you wrote in asking for more information about what Amazon is planning to do to help their third-party sellers.  The short answer is, “we really don’t know.”  Unlike eBay, which depends entirely on third party sellers for its income, Amazon derives much if not most of its income from selling its own merchandise online, and there always seems to be some ambivalence at Amazon about how much support they want to give to their third-party sellers.

I plan to write more columns on this topic, so stay tuned.

The S.C.O.E. conference isn’t just about information; it’s also about resources to help Amazon third-party sellers become more successful.  The event’s “vendorland” space featured exhibits by roughly 30 companies providing tools and resources for Amazon sellers.  Here are some of the more interesting ones I learned about at the conference:

SellersToolbox, an online management software solution for Amazon sellers, has published a pamphlet titled “3rd Party Selling Information: A Quick Reference for Selling on Amazon.com” – for a free copy, contact Robert@sellerstoolbox.com;

Outright® is a bookkeeping and accounting software platform for online sellers who maintain accounts on multiple platforms such as eBay, Amazon and etsy.com (www.outright.com);

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. is a third generation family-owned business (founded in 1915!), that provides customs brokerage, logistics and import/export counseling for international sellers (www.shapiro.com);

Chris Green, a leading Amazon expert , has just published a new book, “Arbitrage,” explaining how sellers can use their smartphones and software applications like ScanPower™ to identify items in their local stores that will resell profitably on Amazon – a process called “mobile scouting” ($9.95 paperback);

NeatOScan offers a “mobile scouting” app that also helps with inventory management not only on the “big three” platforms but on Half.com, AbeBooks and Alibris.com as well;

“Independent Retailer” is a new monthly wholesale purchasing guide, in glossy magazine format, published by Sumner Communications of Bethel, Connecticut – a one-year subscription is $24.00;

FillZ™ is a Web-based inventory, repricing and order management service );

SellerEngine™ offers a feedback manager service that analyzes all customer e-mails, identifies negative trends, reviews all neutral and negative feedback to pinpoint their causes, looks at all claims under Amazon’s “A to Z Protection Plan” for buyers, creates a detailed plan for improving your business containing specific action items, and writes the appeal which will contain a detailed plan that can convince Amazon you are taking the right measures to improve your customers’ experience;

If all that isn’t enough, SellerEngine’s “account rescue” service acts as your advocate with Amazon if your account is ever closed or “frozen” due to a misunderstanding (http://sellerengine.com);

EcomAffluence is a virtual store of home and kitchen products that also assists Amazon sellers on strategies for generating sales in Russia, Ukraine and other European countries ;
Janelle Elms’ Online Success Institute is a combination “boot camp” and network for Amazon sellers who want to make it into the big leagues;

ShipIt! is a multi-carrier shipping solution that uses an intuitive business rules engine informed by Web analytics to help sellers optimize their shipping strategy ; and

Kabbage™ is an accounts receivable and inventory financing firm that offers loans and other financing to online sellers with solid track records and Web traffic but whose credit scores may be an obstacle to traditional bank financing (www.kabbage.com).

At any trade show, you overhear snippets of conversations in the hallways, cocktail receptions and (yes) rest rooms.  Here are two random but thought-provoking quotes from anonymous sources that stuck in my brain:

“Amazon requires that you not sell your merchandise anywhere else at a price lower than you sell on Amazon, but one way around that is to use eBay’s ‘best offer’ feature to allow buyers to offer a lower price than your fixed ‘Buy It Now!’ price”;

“Don’t get me started about 3-D printing!  With the Internet driving margins down to zero and killing jobs, things are going to have to be made very cheaply because nobody will have money to buy things.”
The next S.C.O.E. will take place September 19-21, 2013 in Philadelphia.  I will be there, and if you sell on Amazon, so should you.  For information and registration, go to www.scoe.biz.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Cliff Ennico (www.succeedinginyourbusiness.com), a leading expert on small business law and taxes, is the author of “Small Business Survival Guide,” “The eBay Seller’s Tax and Legal Answer Book” and 15 other books.

There are signs small business owners are becoming more optimistic about the economy.  Over the past 12 months, small businesses across the country have been gaining strength with 29 percent reporting that their business revenue has remained stable and another 44 percent reporting that it has increased according to the 2013 Chase Pulse of Small Business Survey.  More business owners are beginning to wonder, “Is it time to invest in growth?”

None of us can predict or control the economy, but we can control the decisions we make in our businesses.  To succeed in any economic environment it’s important to make well thought-out, smart business decisions.  Accordingly, one of the first steps any business owner should take before launching a new business or expanding an existing one is to research the market.

Your business success depends on analyzing the opportunity to determine whether your business will be viable.  First, you need to know if anyone is interested in your product or service.  You may think offering toast on a stick it’s a great idea, but it’s what the market thinks that really matters.  You simply can’t force the market to embrace your business concept.  If you have to spend a significant amount of time and resources educating the market before you can even make a sale, you may want to reconsider your concept.

Secondly, if you’re thinking about expanding your business to another location or opening in a new market, it’s key to know whether or not the location you’ve chosen is the right one for the demographics of the market.   For example, an upscale, organic restaurant most likely wouldn’t work in a rural Missouri town, but it could be a big hit in the New York City.

Fourteen years ago, serial entrepreneur Nathalie Ekobo, moved from Paris to Phoenix to build her dream — creating a French restaurant and pastry cafe.  She thought she found the ideal location for her new posh eatery in a tiny street mall on one of the most famous streets in the Phoenix area — Camelback Road.  It didn’t concern Ekobo that you couldn’t actually see the restaurant from the road or the parking areas.  From her experience living in Europe, diners would find the location charming.

Ekobo quickly learned what works in Europe, doesn’t necessarily work in Phoenix.    “It’s charming for European people that like to walk and find restaurants in hidden places.  Not charming for people in Arizona, where when it is 110 degrees you don’t want to get out of your car if you don’t know exactly where the restaurant is located,” she explained.

“People had to park their cars and walk a few feet to finally see us.  We got angry cell phone calls from people in their cars saying ‘We cannot find you!’.”, Ekobo explained.

The restaurant managed to survive for four years as a result of major marketing efforts, and it even won a few restaurant awards.  However, after the September 11 attacks, Ekobo couldn’t hold on any longer.

So if you are thinking about starting or expanding your business this year remember to do your homework.  Don’t fall in love with your idea or business location until you have completed your due diligence.  Smart steps help build successful businesses.

I was never a fan of the cocktail party-variety networking scene. I will never be one to dart around a room shoving business cards into people’s hands. I prefer meaningful conversations with people, getting to know them and vice versa.

But social media networking? That’s something different altogether. Done right, it’s never a hit-and-run. Rather, it consists of building relationships over months and even years by sharing information – both professional and personal – through posts, comments and responding to questions in various online communities.

What’s the return on investment, the ROI, for putting that kind of time into social media? Actually, it’s called the RON – the “return on networking.”

And for me, it’s huge.

I’ve been on Facebook for five years; I also have Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn accounts, among others. All totaled, I’m now approaching 100,000 friends, followers and connections. Those followers expose my name and message to their audiences every time they “like” one of my posts or share one of my links. Recently, someone re-tweeted something I’d shared on Twitter – he had 130,000 followers! That’s a potential audience of 130,000 people I likely would have never reached otherwise.

Talk about exposure!

Who knows how many of those people may someday become my clients? Who cares? I’ll still consider the exposure a good return on networking. Here’s why.

The RON of social media isn’t always tangible, not immediately, anyway. By establishing a continued presence online through regularly sharing content of use to my followers, I’m building my platform and my reputation as an expert. That grows in surprising ways – and it lives in surprising places.

A recent case in point: Late last year, I got a call from a prominent New York City hair stylist, the director of a salon in one of that city’s premier department stores. He wanted to talk about some publicity needs and what my company could do to help him.

When I asked how he got my name, he explained he’d written some books over the years with a co-author, and she’d heard me at a speaking engagement.

Well, that made sense. Speaking at conferences is still a great way to get your name out while also building credibility.

But the next thing he said came as a complete surprise.

“So, then I contacted the corporate office (of the department store chain) and asked what PR agency they would recommend.” And they recommended me and my company!

I don’t know a soul in the corporate offices of that high-end retail chain. I can only guess they learned of me through social media.

Just being on Twitter or Google+ isn’t enough, of course. You have to make a diligent effort to regularly post content that people find valuable, including links to informative articles, tips relevant to your topic, and/or informed insights on topics in the news.

You also have to “be a human,” as our lead social media strategist, Jeni Hinojosa, likes to say. She and our other social media producers encourage clients to send photos when they go on vacation, celebrate milestones or engage in hobbies. Posting those photos with a comment adds a personal touch that allows followers to connect on a more emotional level.

Our social media producers also make sure clients’ personalities shine in their posts, showing their sense of humor and letting followers in on the other things they care about, whether it’s victims of a natural disaster or a favorite charity.

Interaction is equally important. Strive to respond to every comment or question posted on your networking sites. Interacting is engaging, and people who are engaged tend to be happy followers. The more you take part in conversations via comments and responses, the more lively and visible your presence becomes.

The RON includes increased traffic to your website; increased trust in your brand and what you’re selling; and greater word of mouth than you could ever hope for by attending a cocktail party or even a speaking engagement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marsha Friedman is a 23-year veteran of the public relations industry. She is the CEO of EMSI Public Relations, a national firm that provides PR strategy and publicity services to corporations, entertainers, authors and professional firms. Marsha is the author of Celebritize Yourself and she can also be heard weekly on her Blog Talk Radio Show, EMSI’s PR Insider every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. Follow her on Twitter: @marshafriedman.

Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside of the United States, so if you’re only selling your products domestically, you’re only reaching five percent of the potential market.  The huge opportunity in overseas markets is causing more and more small businesses to grow from the garage to the globe.  However, during the height of the recession many entrepreneurs  refrained from exporting because of concerns about the risks and costs involved with selling overseas. Also financing for exports became more difficult to obtain along with other types of business loans.

Now the tide is turning.  New research from the National Small Business Association and the Small Business Exporters Association shows export activity in the small business market is picking up.  Some key findings from the survey: more small businesses are exporting today than just three years ago; and there has been a marked increase among non-exporters who said they would be interested in starting to export their goods and/or services from just 43 percent in 2010 to 63 percent today. (2013 Small Business Exporting Survey)  The biggest reason those businesses interested in exporting haven’t started yet is because of a lack of information about exporting — it was cited by 46 percent of the owners.

Exporting offers an excellent expansion opportunity for your small business, but it is fraught with risk.  There are myriad government resources for answers and advice if you are interested in doing business overseas.  For example, the Department of Commerce Commercial Service (www.export.gov) offers information on market research, export finance, trade partners and leads, shipping, and document requirements.  Additionally, the Commerce Department has international trade professionals in 108 offices in 47 states and 150 overseas offices in 80 countries to help U.S. firms sell internationally.

Don’t limit your opportunities.  The world can be your market — grow from the garage to the globe.

Small business owners looking for help in growing their business may want to consider Sam’s Club as a great resource.  The big-box wholesale club recently announced the launch of the Grow Your Business Book Camp Series 25 cities around the country.

The Boot Camp series allows local Sam’s Club leaders to collaborate with community non-profits and organizations to provide small business training seminars. These regional collaborations will empower local business owners—including those owned by women, minorities and veterans—to learn new skills and ideas that can help their businesses thrive.

The events will be designed and executed by local nonprofits dedicated to small business success and selected by the Sam’s Club Giving team. Local Sam’s Club managers will participate in each event, which plans to host up to 50 small business owners and entrepreneurs per session. Each nonprofit will focus the curriculum on their key strengths or the top needs of the business owners in the community. Topics may include financial planning; micro-lending and accessing capital; marketing, branding and merchandising; customer acquisition; networking and growth strategies.

Events will be held in Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis and Tulsa, among others. Sites were selected based on location of local nonprofits serving small businesses, communities where national Sam’s Club grantees such as SCORE Foundation have local outlets and feedback from local Sam’s Club associates eager to participate. You can find more information and locations for on the Sam’s Club website.