News, tips, resources, and advice on business operations.
The Power of Flexible Work Schedules
At the Red Barn, we have a standard 8-4 schedule, but we still consider it a flexible work schedule – meaning Jenn and I will typically log in to Skype around 8 am EST to connect and Jenn usually checks out around 4 pm to head to the gym but that’s about as structured as […]
by Cindy Donaldson
in Featured, Fun Stuff, Operations
Want to be more efficient? Block your Time.
If I want to get something done and be efficient – it needs to be in my calendar, that’s how I block my time. If it’s not there it doesn’t exist. I take my calendar to the next level and use the Time Blocking Method. I learned this little trick over a decade ago from […]
by Jenn Donovan
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Small Business, Uncategorized
Social Media – How to Manage the Different Platforms
We work with a lot of small business owners – some have been in business for decades and others we’ve helped recently launch – and one of the questions we ALWAYS get asked is, “Do I really need to be on social media and what platforms should I use?” We get it, Social Media is […]
by Jenn Donovan
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Small Business, Uncategorized
Solopreneur or Entrepreneur – what’s the difference?
When you hear about people starting their own business, they are often referred to as an entrepreneur. But there’s another term that although it’s not new, it’s become more popular as of late – solopreneur. Many entrepreneurs start out as solopreneurs, meaning they are the only “employee” of the company, but if you plan on […]
by Cindy Donaldson
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Fun Stuff, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Small Business
From Employee to Consultant – the Transition
There is so much damn talent in the Boomer pool. As part of that generation, I’m continually fascinated by the number of us who have zero interest in really retiring. Sure, most want to get out of the structure and politics of Corporate USA, but they aren’t ready to drive a golf cart around the […]
by Cindy Donaldson
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Fun Stuff, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Small Business
It’s all about taking ACTION
I’m a huge fan of self-development books, podcasts, workshops – in fact, I’m probably a little addicted. I’m fascinated by what makes successful people tick. I guess I’m a bit of a voyeur. I’m curious, I’m questioning, I’m a dreamer. All of that is well and good, but the only way to accomplish any type […]
by Cindy Donaldson
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Fun Stuff, Marketing, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Sales, Small Business, Uncategorized
Is Face to Face Networking a thing of the Past?
I’m a huge fan of social networking and platforms such as LinkedIn to make new business connections and garner new clients. The internet has shortened my sales cycles, opened me up to opportunities I once would never had – but what about old school connecting? Has face to face – “Hey, let’s meet for a […]
by Jenn Donovan
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Fun Stuff, Marketing, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Sales, Uncategorized
“ME” Time – You Need It!
It’s SOOO easy to get caught up in the demands of everyday life – working extra hours to meet a deadline, rushing to get the kids off to school and activities, keeping up with household chores, and if there’s any time or energy left, a social life. But the madness must stop! Taking time for […]
by Cindy Donaldson
in Entrepreneur, Featured, Fun Stuff, Marketing, Must Read Blogs, Operations, Sales, Small Business, Uncategorized
What’s it REALLY like to be an Entrepreneur?
Funny story. For several years I was a teacher for the YEA! Young Entrepreneur Academy. It was an amazing experience – I helped middle school and high school students launch legitimate businesses. After 9 months, they created a legitimate DBA in the State of CT, asked for money from investors and launched. On the first […]