Strategy

How to Organize Your Business Documents for Better Efficiency

By: Lidia Hartle
Document organization is one of the most overlooked aspects of running a small business. Yet, having an efficient system for organizing your business documents can save you countless hours, reduce stress, and even improve compliance with industry regulations. With so many different types of pape...

Creating a Digital Detox Plan for Small Business Owners

By: Lidia Hartle
In the digital age, small business owners are constantly connected to their work through smartphones, laptops, and other devices. While technology is essential for running a business, it’s also important to take breaks from the digital world to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life bala...

Navigating Business Etiquette Across Cultures for Small Business Owners

By: Zara Haddad
In today's global marketplace, small businesses are more likely than ever to work with international partners and clients. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial for building strong business relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. Why Business Etiquette Matters...

The Art of Underpromising and Overdelivering in Business

By: Lidia Hartle
In the world of business, customer satisfaction is key. One of the most effective ways to exceed customer expectations and build loyalty is by underpromising and overdelivering. This strategy helps create a positive customer experience that can lead to repeat business and referrals. What ...

Turning Customer Feedback into a Growth Engine for Your Business

By: Zara Haddad
Customer feedback is one of the most valuable resources a small business can have. When used effectively, feedback can provide insights that help you improve your products, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. Why Customer Feedback Matters Feedback offers a direct line to y...

Sustainable Business Practices That Don’t Break the Bank

By: Lidia Hartle
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it's a growing priority for businesses and consumers alike. However, many small businesses believe that adopting sustainable practices is expensive. The truth is, there are many budget-friendly ways to go green and make a positive impact. Sustainabl...

Harnessing Seasonal Trends for Strategic Planning in Your Small Business

By: Lidia Hartle
Seasonal trends can have a significant impact on small businesses. Understanding these trends and leveraging them to your advantage can help you optimize inventory, marketing, and sales strategies throughout the year. Why Seasonal Trends Matter Seasonal trends affect customer behavior,...

The Power of Micro-Mentorships: Building Your Knowledge Network

By: Lidia Hartle
For small business owners, mentorship can be invaluable. However, finding the time for traditional long-term mentorships can be challenging. Enter micro-mentorships: short, focused sessions with industry experts or peers that provide targeted guidance without the long-term commitment. Wha...

How Small Businesses Can Leverage Local Collaborations to Boost Growth

By: Lidia Hartle
Small businesses often face the challenge of limited resources and visibility compared to larger competitors. However, one powerful strategy to overcome these hurdles is by leveraging local collaborations. Partnering with other businesses in your community can create unique marketing opportuniti...

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Goals: Finding the Right Balance

By: Ryan Philips
Setting goals is crucial for business success, but it’s equally important to strike a balance between short-term and long-term objectives. While short-term goals drive immediate actions and results, long-term goals provide a vision for sustained growth and success. Balancing these two types of g...

SMART Goals: How to Set Clear and Achievable Business Objectives

By: Ryan Philips
Setting goals is a fundamental part of any business strategy. However, not all goals are created equal. To be effective, business goals must be clearly defined, realistic, and aligned with your overall strategy. This is where the SMART criteria come into play. By following the SMART framework, b...

Scaling Your Business with Propel: How Third-Party Support Can Accelerate Your Growth Strategy

By: Zara Haddad
Scaling a business is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As you expand your operations, enter new markets, and increase your customer base, the demands on your resources and infrastructure grow exponentially. Successfully scaling a business requires more than just ambition—it requires strateg...

Leveraging Propel’s Expertise to Streamline Business Operations and Increase Efficiency

By: Zara Haddad
Efficiency is the backbone of a successful business. In an era where agility and productivity are key competitive advantages, businesses must streamline operations to stay ahead. However, achieving and maintaining operational efficiency can be challenging, especially for growing businesses that ...

The Role of Customer Feedback in Business Development

By: Lidia Hartle
Listening to your customers is one of the most valuable things you can do for your business. Customer feedback provides essential insights into what’s working, what needs improvement, and what your customers truly value. By actively seeking and responding to feedback, you can create a better cus...

The Power of Networking: Why Building Relationships is Key to Business Growth

By: Zara Haddad
In today’s competitive business landscape, networking has become more important than ever. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know that can open doors to new opportunities and drive your business forward. Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, cultivating...

How to Build a Strong Company Culture that Drives Success

By: Ryan Philips
A strong company culture is the backbone of a successful business. It not only attracts top talent but also fosters employee satisfaction and productivity. Here’s how you can build and maintain a company culture that drives success: Define Your Core ValuesYour company’s core values are the pr...

The Importance of Business Planning: How to Create a Roadmap for Success

By: Zara Haddad
Every successful business starts with a solid plan. A well-thought-out business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your company through its growth and helping you stay focused on your goals. Here’s why business planning is crucial and how to create an effective plan: Clarify Your Vision and M...

Essential Business Tax Advice for Entrepreneurs

By: Zara Haddad
Navigating the complexities of business taxes can be overwhelming, especially for entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities. However, staying informed about key tax strategies and requirements can help you optimize your financial outcomes and ensure your business remains compliant. Here’s...

Understanding the Tax Implications of Hiring Employees vs. Contractors

By: Zara Haddad
When growing your business, deciding between hiring employees or contractors is a critical choice that comes with significant tax implications. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and ensures compliance with tax laws. ...

Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Entrepreneurs

By: Ryan Philips
As the end of the year approaches, it's crucial for entrepreneurs to take a proactive approach to tax planning. By making strategic decisions now, you can minimize your tax liability and position your business for financial success in the coming year. Year-end tax planning is not just about redu...

Our #1 Strategy for Small Business Success

By: Lidia Hartle
At Propel, we’re often asked, “What’s the #1 tip you have for small businesses as they look to grow and expand?” The answer is simple: Focus on what you do best and let Propel handle the rest. You have enough to worry about while getting your products and services to market. You don’t need to si...

What Does ‘Back Office’ Mean in Business?

By: Zara Haddad
You may have heard the term "back office" bandied about the water cooler or in discussions about business roles and responsibilities, hinting at a crucial aspect of organizational functioning. But what exactly does "back office" mean in business, and what role does it play in the overall framewo...

The Power of Personalization: Asking Your Customer’s Name

By: Zara Haddad
In the dynamic world of retail, where transactions often occur in the blink of an eye, and customers come and go like a revolving door, the simple act of asking for a customer's name can have a profound impact on the overall shopping experience. Beyond mere formality, this small gesture holds th...

Is Social Media Advertising a Winning Strategy for Your Business?

By: Lidia Hartle
Social media platforms have evolved into bustling marketplaces where brands can directly engage with their target audience. See, hear, watch, learn, chat, sell…all in one place. That’s why social media advertising offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses looking to showcase their produc...

Standing Out from Your Competitors: Strategies for Business Success

By: Lidia Hartle
Why should a customer choose to support your business over another? You better have an answer, because it’s crucial for companies to find unique ways to stand out from their competitors. With numerous businesses vying for customers' attention and loyalty, differentiation becomes a key factor in ...

What Are the Strategies Behind Amazon’s Success?

By: Ryan Philips
Amazon is one of the world's largest online retailers, selling a vast array of products across different categories, including electronics, home and kitchen, books, apparel, and more. As of 2021, the company's revenue stood at $386 billion, with its net income at $21.3 billion. In this article, ...