BizTipper

Tag: business

  • Reasons Small Business Owners Fear Hiring Help

    are-you-running-your-businessRunning a legitimate business is no piece of cake. We go in it to satisfy a passion but we don’t count on the many elements that go with that passion. Deadlines, orders, payroll, hiring, vendors, bills, personal life etc. These can all be managed initially by us but as time goes on we have to come to the decision to start hiring people who have the ability to either duplicate us to have strengths where we are weak. Here are some tips to help you along the way. These are the reasons we often DON‘T hire someone and the reasons that we SHOULD.(click “Next” above or below)

    No Budget

    broke Let’s face it, it’s oftentimes hard enough to keep our own heads above water and to pay our own bills after all is taken care of with the business but hiring someone else puts us in even more debt. Or does it? Believe it or not NOT hiring someone will often hurt us more in the long run. Entrepreneurs must learn… WE CANNOT DO IT ALL not matter how hard we try and we may be able to pull it off for a long time but the downside is WE NEVER GROW. So if you want to be in the same place that you were 4 years ago in your business and you want to age 8 years… keep doing it all yourself. If you don’t have the budget, hire someone part time or on a temp basis. This is a great way to check out a future prospect for full time. (click “Next” above or below)

    Afraid of hiring the wrong person

    ResourceThis is entirely legitimate and I have made this mistake several times. People will always be on their best behavior when you are about to hire them then they can flip the script once you do. My suggestion is to put everyone on 90 days of probation like large corporations do. This is an excellent tactic because few people can wear a mask that long and this is a long enough period for you to not only gauge their effectiveness but also their reliability and dedication. I would also suggest giving them very little slack. There are times when employees will be late but if it happens twice within that period or they have excuses for not completing their work, they are out. (click “Next” above or below)

    Wasting time training

    Wasting-TimeThis is another legitimate concern. You take the time from your already busy schedule to train someone who ends up leaving or not working out. That’s time you could have been working. Well all is well that ends well or not so well. At least you tried. However, this is NOT the time to give up and hold off for a few months because of this bad experience, you simply have to do it again or if you are lucky you have an employee who thinks like you who can show them. (click “Next” above or below)

    Not able to keep an eye on the person and run the business

    Man looking through binoculars

    If you make one of the qualifications that the person has to be a self starter you can give them some autonomy and if you can’t keep an eye on them get one of your employees to for you by asking them to help them out if they need it and then have a talk with them to get an assessment.

    Ultimately, as your business grows, you want to have the time to focus on expanding. Who wants to remain in the same position forever? The best advice I can give once again is to find one main employee who can do what you do to help you hire and train. They know what you are looking for and can often be a great asset when it comes to hiring employees. Best in business…

    Kevin Ross

  • Entrepreneur Michael Baisden Offers Excellent Advice on

    Michael Baisden just lost his contract of 10 years broadcasting his radio show on over 20 radio stations nationwide. Baisden owns his own show and used Cumulus media to garner affiliates (stations) to run it. His commentary is below about the situation.

    Michael Baisden Commentary: A Man With A Plan And A Man Of Principles

    I don##Q##t understand why people get so angry when they get fired from a job or dumped in a relationship. Didn##Q##t they see it coming? Or are they so caught up in the “vapors” that they develop a case of selective amnesia?

    The day that someone comes to work for me, I tell them to start planning for life after radio. “What is your plan?” I ask them. And if we##Q##re within 3 years of the end of a contract I have a meeting with my staff and tell them, “Start planning to leave, now!”

    When someone let##Q##s you go in business or relationship, there##Q##s no time for anger, that##Q##s the time to execute your plans. That##Q##s right, I said plans with a capital (S) because you##Q##d better have a plan A, B, and C. And D, if possible.

    Today##Q##s world is not the one our parents grew up in where you can expect to work 20 to 30 years in a factory, get a pension with benefits, and live happily ever after. Those days are long gone! You better start planning for retirement at 25 if you##Q##re serious about having enough money to enjoy your golden years! It##Q##s that serious.

    Life after radio for me is not going to be an issue because unlike many celebrities I did not spend my money on fancy cars, making babies all over town, purchasing big houses, and bling blinging with extravagant jewelry.

    My truck is 5 years old, I have one daughter and she is about to graduate college next month, and instead of buying one of those huge “MTV Cribs” I invested most of my money into rental properties. As the saying goes, “If it##Q##s on your ass…it##Q##s not an asset!”

    We must stop being slaves to our possessions. When we do that we put ourselves at the mercy of those who would take advantage of us. Stop showing off, being flashy is a sign of insecurity. Real wealth does not show off, it moves in silence.

    And above all else, we must set standards and stick to them. Yes, my radio career is over….FOR NOW! And although I may not have the same paycheck come April 1st, I can look at the man in the mirror and be proud of the reflection of the person looking back at me. And that’s what being a real man and woman is all about, having your business in order and standing by your principles.

    Good Night Family – Michael Baisden

  • Blog Business: Making the Most Money with Google Adsense

    making money with adsense

    Making the Most Money with Google Adsense

    CONTENT IS KING but the way you POST the Content is law
    Copying a story for your blog that is already on 10,000 other sites is not going to win over many fans. Why should they come to you when they can get the same information 10,000 other places? If you DO repeat a story, add a twist to is and RE–WRITE the titles. You can check to see how many other people have used your title already by searching for it in Google BEFORE you do the actual post. The title of this story is Make MORE Money with Google Adsense.

  • 30 Days to Two New Businesses

    30 Days to Two New BusinessesFor the past 10 years, I have been unchallenged in my current main business which is a blog for the music industry. It does well and I make a great living from it but I don’t have that leap-out-of-bed-to-face-the-day feeling anymore. True entrepreneurs know what I’m talking about. Those of us who have had success have experienced that feeling of achievement and gratitude with our business, it’s like being head over heals in love but when that feeling is gone it’s up to you to move on or to get others to run your business for you. In my case, since it’s a specialty business it’s not only difficult, it’s almost impossible to find people who work in the entertainment industry who can write. You can find people who are WRITERS in the entertainment industry but it’s rare that you can find someone who has a major skill besides that.

    I’m getting older and the industry will not be the way it is right now for me forever so when you have a few pennies stored, contrary to popular belief that’s not the time to REST… it’s the time to GET TO WORK. Think about how LONG it took you to get to the point where you have extra income!!! Many of us have worked so hard to get here we think we deserve a break and we do, but that’s called a vacation NOT a new car or home yet (unless you have REALLY hit the jackpot)

    The two businesses I am getting off the ground are my art business The Art Dive and my Voiceover business. I have assigned someone to handle my main business while I work on getting these two off the ground. Since I am a full time student, I’m actually juggling 3 balls at once. Stay tuned.

  • Small Business Tip: Five Types of Clients to Avoid

    Small Business Tip: Five Types of Clients to Avoid. In business, there are the clients we love and the ones we’d rather not deal with.

    clients to avoid

    Once you have been doing business for a while, you start to develop a 6th sense when it comes to prospects. In my business, the music industry, after so many years of doing this, there are certain people, I know to avoid right away. I want to share this information with you…

    “The Waiver Client”

    This is the client that wants you to jump through hoops, send them all your data and even ask you for propriety information before they spend their money to support you. NEVER give ANYONE your database. That’s the key to your business and if they have it, why do they need you? The clients that want you to PROVE yourself, especially after you are already established, are on some type of power hunt themselves. They don’t have the money or they can’t afford your services but if they can make you feel the least bit inadequate or brag about “having you on their team” it apparently makes them feel better about their inabilities.

    They are not prepared to do business and they want everything for nothing and they will simply waste your time. It’s certainly OK to send the basic information but keep in mind they came to you for a reason. Someone told them about you or they have seen something themselves that lets them know that you can help them. If you went to them… well, you may have to deal with this situation but there is a 25% chance they will actually do business with you. I call them the “Wavering” client because they often disappear and pop up a few months later with the same bullshit and no business for you. Hit Next above or below for the next segment.

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  • Overcoming Paralysis: Business Strategies for 2025

    Overcoming Paralysis: Business Strategies for 2025

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    Updated for 2025: Practical AI & Business Moves

    Ever get that sinking feeling that disaster is barreling down the tracks and you’re just frozen there, helpless? Yeah, I’ve been there. Life and business constantly throw us warning signs, but the real question is: do we act before the train hits or do we stay paralyzed, waiting for the inevitable?

    A friend recently told me she’s moving back to a city she left seven months ago, hoping to salvage her life and career. No grand plan, just reacting to circumstances she didn’t see coming. She’s caught in that classic trap many entrepreneurs face—clinging to a past version of success that’s vanished, especially in industries like music where AI and automation have radically reshaped the landscape. She won’t admit it, but the game has changed, and she’s standing still on the tracks.

    Not everyone has the grit or stamina to pivot, especially in the creator economy where side hustles and AI tools can either be lifelines or distractions. I tell people all the time: take any job to keep cash flowing—clean toilets, deliver groceries, whatever it takes. Survival is the baseline. But she’s struggling, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. With a kid to support and no steady income for nearly two years, she finally applied for welfare last week. Her ex is unemployed too. The warning signs were there, flashing bright, but she hesitated.

    Here’s what I know after years in business: motivation has to come from within. The hustle never stops. You need a product or service that’s not just good but undeniable—something AI can’t easily replicate or automate away. And you can’t be a one-trick pony anymore. If I weren’t a black entrepreneur right now, I’d still be doing something, anything. Giving up or waiting for the “slow times” to pass is a luxury no one can afford. Turn off the nightly news and ditch the “everyone’s hurting” excuse. Newsflash: not everyone is hurting. There’s opportunity in that disparity.

    I just had a killer week—unexpected clients, new projects, the kind of momentum that feels like a shot of adrenaline. Don’t beat yourself up if things aren’t working. Try something different. Experiment with AI tools that can automate tedious tasks or help you create content faster. Explore niches others overlook. If you feel truly stuck, it might be time for a drastic change: a new city, a new career path, or cutting out the toxic stressors dragging you down.

    Business in 2025 isn’t just about grit; it’s about adaptability. The market moves fast, tech evolves faster, and the creator economy rewards those who innovate relentlessly. So, get off those tracks before the train hits. Your future self will thank you.

    Good luck,
    Kevin

  • Entrepreneurs: Shut up and Listen When you Get the Chance

    ENTREPRENEURS: Shut up and Listen When you Get the Chance

    Entrepreneurs: We Don’t Know Everything But Can Learn More When we Listen. Small Business Advice Can Come from Anywhere

    I don’t care what kind of business you have if you don’t present it, yourself and/or your documents right, you are almost destined to fail. I learned my greatest lessons from doing business with people in New York. I like to call it “Being NYP” that stands for “New York Prepared.” That means whatever you present, it better be undeniable. In New York, most business people will not give you a 2nd chance if you submit something sub-par.

    Small Business Advice Can Come from Anywhere

    They will toss it and not respond to you, for the most part, EVER AGAIN. The first line of presentation is your idea. Even if it’s a good one and you are lucky enough to get a pro to advise you for free, TAKE THE ADVICE and don’t make excuses. I prefer to get advice from currently working pros. It just seems they have their finger on the pulse and they are not teaching because they cannot actually DO. This is the reason that many companies don’t like to hire older workers. Many of us are insulted when someone younger (or otherwise) tells us that we are doing something (that we have been doing for years) wrong. Or that there is a new way to do it.

    Just the other day a gentleman called me with an idea he had for a magazine. He was all over the place. I kept asking him if he had a business plan, you really don’t nee a FULL plan, something I will talk about later but I asked him if he had mapped out anything. Before he could answer that question he was making excuses telling me why he didn’t need one. Mind you, he’s calling ME for advice.  I also asked him about startup capital. He kept skirting around the questions. I asked him about investors and he didn’t trust anyone. As he went on and on about how he was going to get his business off the ground and getting his team in place, I lost interest and unbeknownst to him, I knew he had already failed.

    Small Business Advice Can Come from Anywhere

    It sounded like he was confused…. and if he sounds that way to me, how will he handle the business and how will he sound to anyone else that he presents this idea to? He made several common mistakes potential business owners make. They are as follows:

    • Refused to listen to or even act like he was interested in hearing the advice of a pro based on my experience in already DOING what he is trying to do.
    • Shot down every idea I had for him to get his venture off the ground because he already has it all mapped out.  (Why is he talking to me?)
    • Expressed his lack of trust for everyone which makes me wonder if he trusts me OR can HE be trusted.
    • He already knows it all so I already know this is going to be a difficult situation to work in and usually the way you start out is the best indicator of how you will end up. If he won’t listen to me now, he never will.

    This is his idea, he doesn’t trust anyone, he wants it done a certain way, he needs my help and/or advice FOR FREE and he has no money? This, mind you, for something that it has taken me almost 15 years to learn. If you put yourself in my shoes, even for two minutes, you can see how this is not going to work for me. What is the chance that you think I will advise someone like this? If you guessed never, you are the winner! What are the chances of me taking his call again? Slim to none. This is just a waste of my time.

    Another example: I asked a good friend to write a couple of paragraphs for me for a story. He’s been writing for about 3 decades so he feels, and rightfully so, that he is a professional, HOWEVER, in the entertainment industry, we are driven by yout so someone who may have been a great writer 15 years ago might be IS considered dated today. As an older actor once told me when I was looking for a house to buy and I was looking at his home… “fame is fleeting.” He was right, especially in this industry, but all is not lost if you are an older vet if you are trying to run a young-end business. You have to be willing to depend on the insight of the younger team. At any rate, this gentleman is in his late 50s and I asked him to write a couple of paragraphs about a rap group. I told him I would pay him $150.00. Truth is, I was wrong, I was really doing him a favor and I knew he needed the money. I could have easily gotten a younger person to write it for free.

    Small Business Advice Can Come from Anywhere

    He was absolutely INSULTED. He and his wife felt I should double the pay. Then he went down his list of previous accomplishments and read me the riot act. I told him never mind and got an intern to do it. I will take some responsibility for that because I should have never approached him about it. Nevertheless, I continued to hear about it for months to come. Finally, one day he called me and told me he was working with a rap producer on some songs. I had to pause and look at my cell phone. Did I just hear this right? I am not one to crush a person’s dreams but I’m thinking, you are almost 60 and you are trying to produce rap songs? I knew that he was having a mid-life (industry) crisis. He knew the industry was done with him and he was desperate.  I could only imagine the 30 to 40-year-old record execs laughing their heads off when he called meetings with them to hear what he was working on. I told him to go in as the manager and not as a producer and he didn’t listen to me. He used his industry tenure to call meetings and they were granted based on his experience. Needless to say, he dug himself in a very deep hole as the same record execs refuse to take his calls now. He called me to complain about it and I said nothing.

    To make matters worse….He told me that he needed some “beats” from this 18-year-old kid and he offered him $50.00 for it and the kid laughed. This “kid” is already established and my friend didn’t’ understand why the kid refused to accept his offer when I explained to him this kid was getting thousands from the labels and artists he admitted it was all he could afford and he felt it was all the gig was worth. I then reminded him of our exchange months before and told him that he did the same thing to this LEGITIMATE kid that he said I did to him. He agreed and the issue was never brought up again.

    Bottom line, there are those times when we should simply shut up and listen as black entrepreneurs. As we are managing so many tasks it’s easy for us to actually believe that we have all the answers… but we don’t.

    Wishing you the Best in your business

    Kevin Ross

    blogwallet.com/

  • Beware of the False Potential Customer…

    Wasting-Time

    We have all seen and dealt with potential customers who truly waste our time. Truth be told, they usually catch us with our guard down when times are hard for us. What is a False Potential Customer? Here are some clues:

    1. They want to talk to you but their questions are above and beyond information that you should be providing.

    Minolta DSC
    Minolta DSC

    They ask you questions like, how many people are in your database or can you provide them with numbers of previous clients. This may not seem like a huge request but it depends on how established your business is. See if they ask you these questions as well… The best way to eliminate this is to always be on the run. When they call, tell them you are about to go into a meeting but you have a minute so that they can get to the point.

    2. They ask you to evaluate or review their product..

    free

    BIG NO, this is the BIGGEST sign of a false customer. If you are a consultant then they need to pay for your expert opinion. Who has time to do this? This could be a trick for these people to take your advice and leave you in the dust while they use the information that you gave them to do the work themselves.  They may even be smart enough to brag about how much they love what you do first. I call this “Dangling the Carrot.” It’s an effort for you to think you are may get their business if you help them. Don’t fall for it. Tell them you will be glad to evaluate their product once the account is established.

    3. They ask you for references on competitors.

    shrug-362x224

    Do you see this train coming? Most people will tell you never say anything bad about your competition but in this case it may bite you in the ass. This person is letting you know they are not loyal to your services. This is a great warning. If you say good things about your competitor, it may give them the deal. I play coy in these situations. I act like I just don’t know. Why are you asking me about my competition anyway? Don’t fall for this.

    4. They tell you they have to get back to you after they meet with the other partners..

    Wasting-Time

    You can eliminate this problem IMMEDIATELY by letting your first question be “Do you have budget available now?” If you are not talking to the person who has control of the purse strings you are wasting your time. If they tell you they don’t have their budget ready yet.. kindly tell them to call you when they do. “Why don’t we talk when you’re ready to do a campaign so that I can advise you better?”

    5. They string you along

    Minolta DSC
    Minolta DSC

    If you have an established business and your customers are aware of it, when they call you, they should be ready to do business. Not waste your time. When they say things like, “I will get back to you” chances are they won’t but even if they do (which is rare) don’t wait for the call or pursue it. If they are serious and they have budget they will reach out to you.

    Wishing you the best in business

    Kevin Ross