How do you reach a large audience for little investment? Consider a customer newsletter or e-newsletter. Hard copies are relatively inexpensive if you outsource them to a digital printer; and electronic newsletters cost very little—only the time it takes to produce the piece.

How to hire the right person Nov 1, 2006 By: William J. Lynott

It has all the appearances of a routine business chore. You have a job opening, so you interview applicants and select the most promising. In truth, however, interviewing job candidates today is anything but routine.

When a client relationship turns sour or a client no longer fits your business model, it's time to say: You're fired!

What do snow services have in common with landscaping, parking lot sweeping, home building or paving? Not much, other than many contractors who have a primary line of business also choose to provide snow services. In many cases, it makes sense for contractors to provide snow services, because there are some synergies, such as existing equipment (trucks, rubber wheel loaders, etc.) available, willing labor and a customer base willing to pay for the services. However, adding snow services to an existing business can be problematic for operations and a drag on the bottom line without careful advance planning and an understanding of what it costs to run a snow business.

The saying goes that experience is a great teacher; however, it can be very expensive. Over the years, I have invested many dollars in experience. While I'm thankful for the learning opportunities that mistakes, failures and successes offer, there are much more efficient ways to learn.

The relationship between you and the person you choose to do your accounting and taxes is far more important than you might think. In a small business, the right accountant functions almost like a partner. Chances are that you look to your accountant for advice and help with business and management decisions, so it's crucial that the relationship be comfortable and trusting.

The upfront investment of hiring a consultant isn't always easy. However, it is a decision that can make or break your business.

Although the arrival of snow flurries is a sure sign that summer's long days are giving way to winter's long nights, don't wait for an icy onset to start thinking of creating a profitable season. Whether your company consists of you and your truck, a couple of guys and a small convoy, or an entire fleet of plows and drivers, this is the time to set goals and prepare for a rewarding winter's work. Start working smarter instead of harder, and you can begin to ensure a profitable winter season, no matter how long and cold those nights might get.

Today, more than a billion people worldwide surf the Web. For snow professionals, the numbers signify an enormous potential to increase business—the customer base is already there 24/7!