Tim Knox

Credit Cards, Merchant Accounts, And Your Bottomline

Q: I'm opening a gift shop and want to be able to accept credit cards. I talked to the branch manager at my bank, but he didn't seem to know much about how it all worked. He did say that I would need something called "a merchant account" and something els... Read >

Writing The Book On Great Customer Service

Q: One of the big chain bookstores recently opened up near my small book store. Already I can see my business starting to decline. Is there anything I can do to compete with the bigger store or should I just accept the inevitable? -- Peter Q. A: ... Read >

There Are No Dumb Business Questions, Not!

Q: I'm curious. What is the dumbest business question you've ever been asked? -- Norris W. A: Shame on you, Norris. There is no such thing as a dumb business question. OK, that's not exactly true. There are dumb business questions and I do get qu... Read >

SWOT Analysis Is No Magic 8 Ball

Q: A key investor in my business has suggested that I hire a consultant to do a SWOT Analysis to help plan for the future. I try not to argue with my investors, but I'm not so sure I need to have this done. What do you think? -- Laurie B. A: Laur... Read >

How To Boost Your Bottom Line With Just Two Little Words

I hate to sound like one of those cheesy get-rich-quick commercials, but this week I am going to let you in on a little secret that is so powerful that it will immediately change the way you do business. In fact, this little secret is so powerful t... Read >

Achievements Outweigh Education And Experience

Q: When it comes to succeeding in business, which do you think is more important: education or experience? -- Regina M. A: Regina, have you seen the television show, Fear Factor? If you haven't seen it you've probably heard about it. Fear Factor ... Read >