Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs - OKVetWorks Program

Is My Marketing Strategy Working?

When developing your marketing strategies, the first step is to ask “What is my desired outcome or objective?” Your outcome will vary depending on what stage your business is in, but it could include increasing: * Revenue * Units Sold * Market Share * Return on Investment * New Accounts * Awareness or any other measurable outcome (also known as an “objective”), but it must align with your overall business plan and be SMART, meaning specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

5 Leadership Habits for Developing Trust

5 habits that every leader needs to develop: 1. Are you willing to give up power 2. Show remarkable resilience in the face of adversity 3. Are you willing to give trust first 4. Display humility as a leadership strength 5. Are you willing to seek input from peers These factors ultimately lead to a competitive edge and enable companies to quickly bounce back from challenging situations.

Managing Irate Customers

How do you manage irate Customers? I suggest using the LAUGH method.   L - Listen A - Acknowledge U - Understand G - Give Solutions H - Hit Home

How Star Wars Applies to Entrepreneurship

THERE’S NO DENYING THE CULTURAL IMPACT OF THE STAR WARS [https://www.entrepreneur.com/topic/star-wars] SERIES. THE FILMS HAVE BEEN INSPIRING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE FOR OVER 40 YEARS NOW. A large part of their appeal is due to their universality. Despite being set in a galaxy far, far away, the themes they touch on are relatable regardless of where you’re from. They deal with issues such as family ties, friendship, legacy, identity, success, failure, redemption and holding on to hope even in the darkest hour. It’s for this reason that the lessons taught in Star Wars can apply to anyone, including those starting their own business. I’ve got 6 quotes from the Star Wars series that all entrepreneurs should keep in their hearts and minds.

Entrepreneur Tips and Resources for Business Downturn

In this episode I would like to give you a few tips and resources that small businesses face because of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business downturn. A few Loan and Grant Resources: * Facebook Small Business Grants Program  [https://www.facebook.com/business/grants] * James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Scholarships and Grants [https://www.jamesbeard.org/scholarships] * Kiva US Small Business Loans [https://www.kiva.org/blog/support-local-businesses-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic] * Opportunity Fund COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund [https://www.opportunityfund.org/assistance-for-small-business-owners-affected-by-covid-19/] * Restaurant Workers Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund [https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/] * The Main Street Initiative by Mainvest [https://mainvest.com/main-street-initiative] * Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance [https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/] * Verizon and LISC Small Business Recovery Fund  [https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/verizon-small-business-recovery-fund/]