Growing My Business

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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Are you an Open Innovation Novice? Here Are Some Tips for Beginners

By Keaton Swett

Adding open innovation to your independent business might seem daunting if you are just starting down that path. It can even be scary. While you may be an expert in your field, brilliant at writing winning proposals, and have mad marketing skills, open innovation solving requires that and more. With all your professional accomplishments, stepping…

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mbo referrals

8 Ways to Get Client Referrals

By MBO Partners

Word-of-mouth can be a powerful marketing tool for independent contractors. When potential clients hear about your qualifications directly from people they know and trust, it lends credibility to your reputation. However, there’s an art to asking for and receiving referrals. Follow these eight tips to get client referrals and recommendations in the right way. 1….

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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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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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The Role of Patrons in the Creator Economy

By MBO Partners

Content creators, one of the fastest-growing independent work segments in the US, monetize their knowledge and skills by creating and publishing online digital content. They are writers, artists, entertainers, videographers, social media influencers, educators, pundits, and thought leaders who publish across a range of online channels. Because digital content creation tools and distribution platforms are…

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Online Learning

Education Options to Grow Your Skills and Your Business

By MBO Partners

Continuous learning is important for any professional. For an independent professional operating a solo business, it’s a must. In addition to continuing to hone skills in your area of expertise, and even expand that area, you must understand how to operate a company, including how to market, how to budget, and how to manage finances….

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consultant working

6 Tips for Open Innovation Solver Success 

By Keaton Swett

As an independent professional, being an open innovation solver can be fulfilling. It helps create a new revenue stream and the satisfaction of contributing to a company’s strategic direction.   You know how to write a winning proposal and you understand the importance of cultivating a good relationship with a client or prospect. This means…

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8 Tips to Make Your Small Business Stand Out

By MBO Partners

As a small business owner, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd—especially if you are just starting out. Giving an identity and voice to your company is the first step to land those initial clients and build your reputation. As your small business grows, so can your efforts to build a visible…

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7 Best Practices for Becoming a Successful Consultant

By MBO Partners

Whether you’re a new member of the independent professional workforce or a seasoned veteran, operating a successful solo business can be an ongoing challenge. In the beginning the challenge might be securing clients and generating revenues, while later down the line it might be adjusting your services to meet market changes, and, of course, securing…

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