May
31
2018
May
29
2018
5 Organizational Apps To Make Your Days That Much More Effective
Apps these days are a dime a dozen, so we wanted to assemble some of our favorite apps for organization. From file storage to organizing trip details to content management, these apps have the power to make your work life that much easier, and more effective.
- Evernote
Take notes in meetings, and attach documents, articles, and presentations to these notes. You can also record meetings as a part of the note so that you can stay focused on what a client is saying, or doing your best in a presentation. Evernote is available on Android and iOS, and also has a desktop version to sync to a tablet.
- Dropbox
Dropbox is great for file storage, especially files that are too large to attach to an email. Keep both business and personal information in your Dropbox account. The great thing about this app is that it offers a free 30-day trial for a relatively inexpensive cost of $12.50 per month. It also has a snazzy camera upload feature where your pictures automatically upload to your account.
- TripIt
Keep your flight confirmations, restaurant reservations, and hotel information in this app. For many business owners, travel is a given whether for business or in your personal life. Keep photos and information about cherished destinations—where to dine again, for example, or an article about a particular workspace. The premium version also gives access to frequent flyer miles.
- HabitList
If you are a person who wakes up at 5am, you likely understand the benefit of forming good habits. And HabitList is one way to form even more habits. It allows you to proactively decide which things in your life you’d like to be more consistent so that they, in fact, become habits. Do you want to schedule small meals throughout the day? Or do your most difficult tasks first? HabitList tracks progress and offers positive reinforcement along the way to make forming habits more achievable.
- CoSchedule
This app is available via desktop, not smartphone or tablet yet. However, it is excellent with content management. Schedule your blog posts and other social media posts through this program which offers more organization. CoSchedule also integrates seamlessly with Google Docs and Evernote.
These apps will make your work life more efficient. And of course, chances are you already have a great organizational app that you already use that isn’t on this list. Don’t hesitate to try something new to make the most out of each day.
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Apr
30
2018
6 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
We’re going to switch it up a bit today and explore a topic we think is simultaneously fun and informative. We know that you’ve probably heard of podcasts. The question is, which ones are you listening to? These podcasts are a few among many that we want to recommend for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Let’s start with the short list.
- The Business of Story
Learn about the power of story and how you can use it to connect with your customers. The shows, hosted by Park Howell, include guests who are leading storytellers across industries. Each episode also has at least one actionable tip to make your content stronger.
Click to visit The Business of Story podcast.
- Restaurant Unstoppable
Independent restaurant owners can find motivation on how to run a restaurant, which we all know if no easy feat, but if you scale the mountain, well worth it. Hosted by Eric Cacciatore (yes, like the chicken as the website states), listen to restaurant owners who have been through the trenches and come out alive, and profitable, on the other side.
Click here to visit the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast.
- Entrepreneur on Fire
Entrepreneur On Fire is one of the hottest podcasts streaming right now. It was also recognized as the Best of iTunes in 2013. Its strength lies in the fact that it hosts a guest each and every day, seven days a week, a successful entrepreneur.
Click here to visit the Entrepreneur on Fire podcast.
- The B Cast
Hosted by Jonathan Michael and Peter Thorsson, learn what’s trending in marketing, sales and entrepreneurship, and tips for running your business. Get the education without the cost of an MBA to learn how to grow your business.
Click here to visit The B Cast podcast.
- Small Business Advocate Radio
Small Business Advocate Radio has aired for more than two decades, since 1997, and runs everyday. Host Jim Blasingame interviews experts and thought leaders in small business and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs today.
Click here to visit the Small Business Advocate Radio podcast.
- Startup
Summary: Startup approaches starting from a business from a real point of view. The podcast began as a day-in-the-life of entrepreneur Alex Bloomberg as he started Gimlet Media. Now the podcast shares information about the stories of different entrepreneurs as they build their businesses. Startup is unique in its ability to follow a business owner from just the idea to its inception.
Click here to visit the Startup podcast.
These are only six, but you can find even more here. What are your favorite podcasts at the moment? If you don’t have one, we hope one of these can be the start.
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Feb
15
2018
New Year, Newer You: 4 Things To Remember As 2018 Moves Along
As we find ourselves in the second month of 2018, we at COCARD would like to do a quick check in for any New Year’s resolutions you may have made this year, or things that you’d like to improve on for the upcoming year. From money management skills to planning, how have you been doing with these things since January 1st?
- Managing cash flow
How do you manage the money that goes in and out of your business? Money is the lifeline that keeps your doors open, and your business running. Without it, you and your business will have a difficult time existing. Did you know that 82% of startups and small businesses fail because of a lack of cash flow, according to a study from U.S. Bank, a financial services company? So take stock of where your money is coming from, and if needed, take stock of tip #2, reviewing your rates.
- Reviewing your rates and charging your worth
It is one thing to charge one rate as you start, but another thing to keep the same rate as you’ve gained more experience and can prove the value that you bring to another business or company. So look at rates in your industry, and make sure that you are charging a rate that fits your experience and worth. Anything less would be criminal, and would hinder your ability to bring in the right amount of money for your business and livelihood. So do your research, and even write down the value that you’ve provided to customers. Then set new rates.
- Staying on top of your industry-game
As a professional in your field, you should continue to learn. Learning doesn’t stop after you make a certain amount of money. It also doesn’t stop after you’ve reached a certain professional marker. To stay current and at the top of your game, you should read books, take courses, and attend events that will help you to keep developing your skills. In this way, your business will continue to evolve for the better, and can continue to compete in the marketplace.
- Focusing on what works
If you come up against obstacles or questions, you should focus on the things that work for you. If something isn’t working, toss it aside, and continue moving forward. This method allows you to make room for something else in the future, something potentially much better than what you had before.
As the year progresses, it is important for us as business owners to take stock of the roads we are taking and how we will get there, to our destinations. For all of us, “there” often means profitability along with a strong bond with our customers.
What else have you taken stock of as a business owner since this year has started?
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Sep
28
2017
Restaurant POS Systems – What is the difference?
This question was posed to me when I met with the owner of two Italian restaurants this past Friday. What is the difference in all of these systems now?
My response was “All of these systems, what do you mean?”
I learned first hand from a very savvy business owner that there are a lot of companies reaching out to him to offer him a POS System. I also learned that they were offering one single solution, be it a tablet or a traditional solution – and pushing what they offered hard.
None of the companies took the time to talk to this business owner about features, and features are what make the biggest difference.
These two restaurants needed reservation tracking, table clearing features, kitchen messaging, market price item setup, and much more. I learned this because I sat and asked to be taught about the business.
Twice this business owner has purchased solutions that were not a fit for his business.
I can tell you, that wont happen again. Now he will have a solution that does what his business needs, and nothing that it does not.
Would you like to talk about your business needs with me, and learn about the Restaurant Solutions my team has to offer?
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Sep
26
2017
What POS System is Best for MY Store??
Have you looked into buying a new POS System and thought to yourself “I wonder what system is best for my business”? If so, you are not alone. Nearly all of the business owners I talk 
to want to buy a system that is going to have the right features to support the business. Unfortunately tons of businesses either over-buy or under-buy when it comes to their POS Technology.
Before making a decision, talk to an expert – call me or email me for a free consultation/discussion about the Point of Sale market and the best solution for your business!
Don’t make a mistake and get a system that won’t work for you and your business.
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Sep
22
2017
Preparing Your Business for an Emergency
Small business is the life-blood of our country and we want to help you prepare your business in the event of an emergency. Of course your safety and the safety of your family and employees is the highest priority in an emergency however, if you have time to prepare your business here are a few tips:
- First and foremost, close all open batches.
- Write down the phone number of your processor so that you can call for any assistance you might need processing transactions or closing batches
- Power down and unplug your processing system be it a counter top terminal or point of sale system.
- If possible move your processing unit to a safe location along with cables and accessories.
Keep safe and please let our office know if we can assist in any way
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Aug
29
2017
The Big Idea!
I hate meetings, I know they are necessary but I hate them. My time is stretched so thin, wife, business person, Mom, caregiver for my 87 year old Father, who needs another meeting? What I do love and make time for are Ted Talks, short, long whatever I have the time for I try to fit them in, there are thousands and I found this one today about meetings. Check it out, let me know what you think and let’s talk, not a meeting a conversation, an email or just make a comment. Tell me how you feel about a meeting! Click on the Link below and happy Tedding……
The big idea: Meetings, the ultimate time-suck, and how to fix them
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Jun
07
2017
FREE POS Software For Your Business!
Yep, FREE! Give it a try or give us a call if you have questions, here is the link: http://cocard.info/sircle-pos/
May
19
2017
REVONU POS for Windows, that’s right Windows!
Manage your restaurant, retail and salon business with REVONU POS!
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