Julee Rachels is the CEO and Founder of Heartisans Marketplace, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Longview, Texas. Heartisans provides underserved women with job-readiness training and essential skills through its Job-Readiness Program, which is funded by sales from the Marketplace and donations.
Read More Texas-based Heartisans Marketplace Is Where the Heart Is![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rachel.jpg)
Rachel Blakely-Gray
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What Is SWOT Analysis? It’s Time to Get to Know Your Business
How well do you know your business’s strengths and weaknesses? What about your opportunities and threats? If you’re coming up short on answers, you need to conduct a SWOT analysis. So, what is SWOT analysis?
Read More What Is SWOT Analysis? It’s Time to Get to Know Your Business![Collage of the Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm](https://smallbusiness.patriotsoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Pumpkin-blossom-featured-image-compressed-768x434.jpg)
Take Time to Stop and Smell the Lavender at Pumpkin Blossom Farm
Missy Biagiotti co-owns the Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm, a scenic place where visitors feel like they’re stepping into a Monet painting.
Read More Take Time to Stop and Smell the Lavender at Pumpkin Blossom Farm![alt=""](https://smallbusiness.patriotsoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/music-in-workplace-1-768x432.jpg)
Music in the Workplace: Can it Help Productivity, or Is it Treble?
Do your employees like listening to music while they work? For many, music helps increase engagement, morale, and overall productivity. But, is music in the workplace actually beneficial to your business’s growth?
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The Bad Review Blues: Do’s and Don’ts of Responding
Great. You got a negative online review that’s now readable by everyone—current and potential customers alike. Before hastily typing out a response you may regret later, learn how to respond to a bad review. You just may be able to turn the situation into a marketing opportunity and keep the disgruntled customer.
Read More The Bad Review Blues: Do’s and Don’ts of Responding![illustration of entrepreneurs sharing their tips for starting a business](https://smallbusiness.patriotsoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/customer-advice-starting-biz-illustration-1-768x432.jpg)
8 Not-so-tricky Tips for Starting a Business, from Successful Small Business Owners
What’s the magic formula for business success? Well (cue incorrect buzzer noise from game show), there isn’t one. But there are tips for starting a business that you can use to reach your unique business success formula.
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Can You Run a Business Out of an Apartment or Other Rented Property?
Maybe you had a commercial property for your business and closed it up to work out of your home and save on overhead. Or, perhaps you’re just starting out and want to set up a home-based business and see how things go. But, what if you rent? Can you run a business out of an […]
Read More Can You Run a Business Out of an Apartment or Other Rented Property?![Collage featuring Crown Community Garden's owner, volunteers, and flowers](https://smallbusiness.patriotsoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Crown-Community-Garden-featured-768x434.jpg)
Crown Community Garden Grows Produce, Flowers—and a Community
For our March spotlight, we spoke with Jon Kehl, owner of Crown Community Garden.
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Texting in Business: Reply “Yes” to Confirm
You’re always on the hunt for new and improved ways to streamline business processes, like marketing and customer service. The next big thing? Texting in business.
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Want Free(ish) Advertising? Consider a Word-of-mouth Marketing Strategy
Hey there, how’d you hear about us? From a friend? Family member? Social media? Great. That’s word-of-mouth marketing in action. And if you want to reap the benefits of virtually free advertising, you might consider putting together a word-of-mouth marketing strategy.
Read More Want Free(ish) Advertising? Consider a Word-of-mouth Marketing Strategy