Five Things To Know This Week:
1) What is Mastodon?
2) Inflation-Fighting Tips
3) 4 Google Search Tricks
4) Shopping for Holiday Bargains
5) Resource of the Week: Zoho Finance Plus and Zoho Books
Hello Small Business Edge Readers,
Most days, I absolutely love what I do. I often get to speak with business owners around the world about their obstacles and opportunities. They tell me what keeps them up at night and drives them daily.
Judi Henderson is one of those business owners. She is the founder/CEO of Mannequin Madness in Oakland, CA, and was my guest on a recent Small Business Edge podcast. Here are just a few of the gems she shared with my listeners and me:
- When I found out how many retail stores threw out perfectly good mannequins because they were last year’s style, I saw an opportunity. And this was way before people were talking about sustainability.
- I called my company ‘Mannequin Madness’ because, when I started the business, everyone thought I was a little crazy for doing it.
- We have 55,000 followers on Pinterest. There’s a big DIY market where people turn mannequins into Christmas trees and mailboxes.
- The biggest mistake I made was not seeing myself as an entrepreneur.
- I’m 65 and not even close to retirement. I have new and bigger dreams today than I had 20 years ago. I’m much more comfortable when taking risks.
- There is always something you can learn from other entrepreneurs.
Below is a link to listen to the full podcast. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording it. America could use more business owners like Judi!
Brian Moran, CEO
Small Business Edge
Brian Moran & Associates
brian@smallbusinessedge.com
What is Mastodon?
If you’re a Twitter user, you may have noticed quite a few mentions of a social media site named Mastodon and wondered what people are talking about. Many Twitter users are looking for a new similar social platform in case they decide to leave Twitter.
But it’s all a little confusing. Here are a few articles that may help solve the mystery.
Learn more at Tom’s Guide, CNN, and CNET.
Inflation-Fighting Tips
If you’re like most small business owners, you’re struggling with inflation. Whether you’re buying gas, taking clients out for lunch, purchasing inventory, or paying rent, chances are it’s costing you more than it did a year ago.
You are not without recourse, however. There are ways you can fight inflation. My friend Rieva Lesonsky got some inflation-fighting tips from Ben Johnston, the COO of Kapitus, including how to negotiate with your landlord.
Learn more about fighting inflation.
4 Google Search Tricks
Searching for something on Google can be straightforward and quick or a laborious, frustrating undertaking.
This quick read on Fast Company shares 4 Google search tricks that will make searching quicker for you. For instance, I didn’t know it’s possible (and simple) to exclude specific topics from your search results.
Read more about how to simplify your Google searches.
Shopping for Holiday Bargains
As I noted a few weeks ago, we’re already in the midst of the holiday shopping season. And if you’re like most consumers, you’re looking for bargains and deals.
MUO (Make Use Of) says that while you can still find great deals on eBay, better bargains can be found online at other shopping sites.
Read more about 15 retail websites that are cheaper than eBay.
Resource of the Week: Zoho Finance Plus and Zoho Books
Entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon, with small businesses opening up in huge numbers worldwide. To help those business owners, Zoho Corporation announced that its Zoho Finance Platform now supports more than half a million businesses in more than 160 countries.
The impetus behind this growth is Zoho Books, the cloud-based accounting application, which now supports 180 currencies and 17 languages and features a comprehensive global tax engine that solves country-specific tax compliance challenges. And today, with the launch of the accounting app in Mexico, Zoho Books boasts 14 editions and a global version.
The comprehensive Finance Plus platform offers solutions for accounting, inventory management, travel and expense management, billing and subscription management, and payroll management.
Learn more about Zoho Finance Plus and Zoho Books globally and in the U.S.
Listen to my podcast with Judi
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