Grow a Small Business

Downsides of Using AI in Your Open Innovation Solutions

By Keaton Swett

We’ve talked about the benefits of generative AI and how it can help you solve open innovation challenges as a research assistant and brainstorming partner. But there’s a dark side to AI in open innovation. While using AI more extensively in your solving activities might be tempting, this can be a big risk.   3 Risks…

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6 Ways to Stay Competitive as an Independent Contractor

By MBO Partners

In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, finding ways to stay competitive as an independent contractor is more important than ever. More than 72 million Americans report working independently—and companies are relying more on independent talent to fill strategic positions and build out project teams. Discovering your niche and differentiating the services you offer can help you…

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How to Build Small Business Credit

By MBO Partners

Business credit can provide protection, value, and financial security for your company. Here’s what you need to know.

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Scope Creep: Definition, Causes and How to Prevent It

By MBO Partners

It is important to understand how scope creep occurs and how to avoid it to make sure that both parties agree which tasks are expected to be completed and which are considered outside of scope. What is scope creep? Scope creep occurs when a client adds new provisions, tasks, or deliverables to a project that…

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5 Tips for Staying Legally Compliant as a Small Business

By MBO Partners

When starting your own business, there are many factors to consider. There is so much going on that it can be easy to overlook compliance. Compliance can take many different forms, but in general it means making sure your business complies with relevant laws, policies, and regulations. As an independent professional it’s important to protect…

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How AI Can Be a Solver’s Best Friend

By Keaton Swett

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and has been for a while. Recently, a particular type of AI–generative AI–exploded onto the scene. While ChatGPT was the first tool to get headlines, there are now many to choose from. And while controversy swirls around the whole topic of AI, it can be a valuable addition to any professional’s…

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How to Emphasize Soft Skills in Today’s Dynamic Market

By MBO Partners

Not long ago, enterprise talent acquisition focused exclusively on technical expertise—what we call “hard skills” today. Candidate selection was based on level of knowledge in their subject areas, and independent professionals stressed technical experience in their marketing activities. Soft skills—the behaviors and competencies that foster teamwork and collaborative results—were downplayed or ignored. Things have changed….

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5 Big Benefits to Developing Partnerships with Other Consultants

By MBO Partners

Although viewing other independent professionals in your market space as competition is natural, there are business benefits in developing relationships with your peers. Networking with other independents can lead to shared learning, collaboration, and referrals. While differentiating your business is an important way to stand out from the crowd, establishing strong relationships with those in…

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Focus Social Media Marketing for Best Results in Your Independent Business

By MBO Partners

As a large component of digital marketing, social media is a “must-have” in an independent professional’s business growth strategy. Effective social media marketing can build your brand, connect you with peers, and uncover new business opportunities. Business-related social media marketing platforms serve different audiences and comprise different content. The most notable include: LinkedIn, fostering professional…

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3 Steps to Create a Niche for Your Independent Business

By MBO Partners

A lot is going on in the marketplace today. We’re at the dawn of the AI era—or perhaps really at the pre-dawn stage—and many independent professionals are facing a growing need to reinvent their businesses It may be tempting to add more services and target audiences to cope with the fast-changing business environment. In fact,…

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