Grow a Small Business

How AI Can Be a Solver’s Best Friend

By Keaton Swett

Used in the right ways, AI can be a huge help to any open innovation solver who is looking to get more out of the experience. Used as a productivity hack, including AI in your solving activities can: Make you much more efficient Streamline the solving process Help uncover new angles that you wouldn’t have…

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3 Benefits to Joining an Independent Talent Community

By MBO Partners

If you’ve ever applied to a job through a marketplace, you’re probably familiar with the process of creating a resume or profile detailing your experience, providing onboarding information, and getting to know a new manager and team. Many independent professionals will return to work with the same company for another contract if they’ve had a…

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Top Open Innovation Solvers Offer Practical Advice

By Keaton Swett

Stepping into the world of open innovation can be a novel experience, even for seasoned independent professionals. Success in this arena requires high levels of creativity, along with patience and the ability to roll with rejection. Top open innovation solvers have learned a lot on the way to success. Many have found that they need…

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tiktok

Harnessing the Power of TikTok for Your Small Business: A Beginner’s Guide

By Zanaba Hudson

As a small business owner in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses of all sizes. While TikTok might be synonymous with dance challenges and viral memes, it also offers a goldmine of opportunities for consultants to engage with their audience and showcase their expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned…

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5 Ways to Diversify Your Small Business

By MBO Partners

Diversifying revenue streams for your small business can be a helpful way to prepare for uncertain times. Rather than putting all your eggs in one basket, a diversified business is more likely to withstand a cash shortage, economic downturn, or a dry spell of client contracts. Here are five ideas to consider when thinking of…

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open innovation

5 Best Practices from Top Open Innovation Solvers  

By Keaton Swett

If you have the characteristics of a successful open innovation solver, this world of solution crowdsourcing could be just the ticket. In addition to taking on new and exciting challenges, your participation (and winning solutions) can help you get noticed by potential employers, network with other solvers for business opportunities, and further establish your credentials…

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9 Growth Strategies for Your Small Business

By MBO Partners

Owning a small business means your day is filled with a seemingly endless number of tasks. From maintaining a pipeline of projects, running your back office, and drafting proposals, to holding client meetings and managing finances, the life of an independent professional is both busy and exciting. The continued growth and development of your business…

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These Attributes Make a Successful Open Innovation Solver 

By Keaton Swett

The world of open innovation is ready for more solvers to join in. If you have wondered if this is a world where you can be successful, here are some of the attributes that can lead to wins. With input directly from some of the top solvers in open innovation, they break into two categories:…

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2 Back Office Management Tips for Consultants

By MBO Partners

Whether you’re just starting your small business or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll quickly learn that there’s a lot of planning involved. Initially, this planning will focus on choosing the services you will offer, finding and securing clients, and deciding where and how you will run your business. These are all important first steps and…

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website

8 Essential Elements of a Professional Website

By MBO Partners

A professional website is a great way to spread brand awareness, boost your credibility, promote your services, and generate new client leads. As a small business owner, most of your competition is likely bigger businesses that have the marketing capital to advertise and reach out to more people. But a professional website can help even…

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