As a teacher, consultant, nonprofit board member, and entrepreneur, I've learned a lot about starting and growing a business. I'm distilling the key points into a series of free ebooks for small businesses – that includes commercial businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises.

Small Business Networks Help Each Other and Their Communities

by Geri Stengel on Feb 23, 2010 - 7:00am

Best Practice Motivated by Purpose Small Business small business network small business online community small business support social entrepreneurs triple bottom line

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is a great example of what you, through survey responses, and I have been saying for a long time: Peer support is a valuable asset to small business owners and social entrepreneurs.

Harsh Advice Raises Hackles: Being a Bully Isn't Good for Business

by Geri Stengel on Feb 16, 2010 - 9:45am

Commentary / Opinion double bottom line small business triple bottom line

Fire your relatives? Scare your employees? Stop whining?

Well, your relative may not be the best person for the job so you might look at that, but much of the advice spouted by George Cloutier in the February 10 New York Times article certainly doesn't mesh with good business or good sense.

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It's a Vision Thing: Entrepreneurship Is Seeing What Others Don't

by Geri Stengel on Feb 11, 2010 - 9:45am

entrepreneur entrepreneurship Small Business social entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are people who see the routine and envision change, who see an opportunity where others see a problem.

Tyga-Box Systems is the perfect example of entrepreneurship. Most of us anticipate moving-day by buying cardboard boxes, packing tape, and marking pens, then throw them all away at the other end of the move. But husband and wife Martin Spindel and Nadine Cino saw that routine as environmentally destructive and just plain silly.

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Surprise! Respect for Employees and Fair Pay Are Profitable for Small Businesses ... and It's Not That Hard.

by Geri Stengel on Feb 4, 2010 - 9:45am

great places to work human resources human resources policies Small Business small businesses

Small businesses that win awards for being great places to work range from hardware stores to nursing care, from car washes to tech support; in some respects, they have nothing in common.

But in other ways, they have much in common, including thriving even during tough times, treating employees as assets, paying them fairly, and listening to them.

It's Not a College Degree That Counts, It's Your Experience

by Geri Stengel on Jan 28, 2010 - 9:45am

entrepreneurs Small Business small business owners

Wow! Having a college degree and an alumni network are not as important to successful entrepreneurs as everyone thought. What really counts is hard work – we knew that – experience, and your professional network. Also not so important: investor advice, alumni networks and government help.

Faster, Cheaper Technology Is Key to Small Business Growth in 2010

by Geri Stengel on Jan 16, 2010 - 12:03pm

Small Business small business owners

It looks like my love hate relationship with my computer will only intensify in 2010. New technology and upgrades to old technology mean that more business will be conducted over the Internet. The world has become smaller, markets have become larger and being tech savvy is no longer an option for small business owners or for consumers.

The Power of Peers: A View From a Consummate Pro

by Geri Stengel on Jan 8, 2010 - 11:13am

peer support Small Business small business advice small business owners

Several months ago, Ventureneer undertook a survey that documented the power of peers when small business owners deal with problems. The results were clear: Everybody needs – and wants – support. While survey numbers are great, nothing drives a point home better than an example.

What is Your Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility?

by Geri Stengel on Dec 21, 2009 - 1:42pm

Commentary / Opinion definition of corporate social responsibility How To Motivated by Purpose Nonprofit Small Business Social Enterprise social responsibility socially responsible

Definitions of Phrases Making a Difference – One in a Series

How do you define corporate social responsibility? At the least prescriptive end of the spectrum, corporate social responsibility can be defined as doing no harm, following both the spirit and the letter of all regulations and, maybe, sponsoring a local Little League team.

Not bad, not too hard, but not really doing much to earn your stripes as a socially responsible corporation.

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Entrepreneurs and Nonprofit Execs Have Style, Learning Style That Is

by Geri Stengel on Sep 29, 2009 - 9:26am

adult learners effective learning entrepreneurs learning styles nonprofit leaders Small Business

I talked a bit about learning styles in my recent blog, "A Successful Entrepreneur is a Student Entrepreneur." Let's take a deeper look at that; it's important. To be successful, an entrepreneur or nonprofit leader must keep up with technology, trends, economic fluctuations, etc.