Small Business Articles

Small Business - Tips, Training, and News

Learn the three startup criteria you business needs to meet.

The 3 Startup Criteria Your Successful Business Idea Needs to Meet

June 24, 2016

It’s easy to come up with a business idea. You can copy an already successful business. Or, you can build on something you are passionate about. However, it’s difficult to come up with a successful business idea that will lead to a thriving organization. Today, my companies sell recruiting software, payroll software, and accounting software, […]

Use marketing metrics for small business to track the results of your marketing campaigns.

5 Digital Marketing Metrics for Small Business Owners

June 10, 2016

Many small business owners aren’t just the boss. They’re the secretary, janitor, and marketing department all rolled into one. They wear a lot of hats, spin a lot of plates, and juggle a lot of knives—sometimes all at once!

man in workpants and button down crossing a finish line with buildings in the background

Track Your Most Important KPIs for Small Business Success

May 25, 2016

As a small business owner, some days might feel more successful than others. As the owner and CEO of an accounting and payroll software company, I have experienced this first-hand. But, do you use quantifiable data to record your progress? If not, apply your most important KPIs (key performance indicators) to your business practices. KPIs […]

Businessman in a suit wearing boxing gloves.

6 Startup Lessons Learned the Hard Way

May 18, 2016

I started the first of my six businesses 30 years ago. I didn’t have a formal business degree, accounting training, or even an idea for what business I really wanted to start. All I knew was, I wanted to be my own boss and start my own business. Because I was starting at square one […]

5 Tips for Software Entrepreneurs

May 11, 2016

I’ve been a software entrepreneur for over 30 years now. But a lot has changed since my days of staying up all night to write custom code on black and green screens. Today’s software development landscape is vast, with numerous niches to specialize in. If I was going to start a business in the software […]

All small business owners can experience chamber of commerce membership benefits.

What Are Chamber of Commerce Membership Benefits for Small Businesses?

May 6, 2016

You might have seen information about chambers of commerce and wondered if it was worth it for your business to become a member. You don’t want to spend money on a membership that won’t help your business. Joining a chamber of commerce can be a great decision. Below are some of the chamber of commerce […]

Stressed man with hands on his head and chalkboard behind him.

5 Reasons for a Failed Startup

May 4, 2016

I’ve been an entrepreneur for 30 years. I’m the founder of Patriot Software Company, which presently has six companies under its umbrella, all of which I’ve started. With each one of these business ventures, I learned something new about what it takes to get a business up and running. I’ve also learned a thing or […]

Learn about the state of small businesses in the U.S.

The State of Small Businesses in the U.S. [Infographic]

May 2, 2016

Small businesses in the U.S. have a big impact on day-to-day American life. It’s difficult for small businesses not to have an impact when there are more than 28 million of them. With that kind of representation, you can’t miss them.

5 Tech Skills All Modern Entrepreneurs Should Have

April 27, 2016

As an entrepreneur for over 30 years now, I’ve listened to more stories about how to get started as an entrepreneur than I can count. Heck, I’ve even told my fair share of them. (I did get started in the basement of a factory after all.) I’ve learned a lot about recent tech skills while […]

A Startup Is Brewing: The Lamplighter Brewing Co. Story

April 20, 2016

At Patriot Software, we’re committed to providing online accounting and payroll software that lets entrepreneurs keep their time and money for what they love: running their small businesses. Each month, we speak to our small business customers with #PatriotSpotlight. These customer success stories both celebrate and inspire U.S. small business owners. For this #PatriotSpotlight, we […]