Only about half of all new businesses survive five years or more, and only about a third survive beyond 10 years, according to the Small Business Administration. From not having enough startup money to trying to do it all yourself to not investing in marketing, common errors in planning and management can provide challenges for...
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Research shows small business charitable contributions can help companies connect with their customers and their community. According to a 2010 study by Cone Communications, 85% of consumers have a more positive image of a company when it supports a cause they care about; 90% of consumers want companies to tell them how they’re supporting charitable...
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Have you ever had an idea for a small business? Maybe it’s a unique product you believe would be a hit, or a brick-and-mortar storefront that would provide a needed service to a neighborhood. For those would-be entrepreneurs who actually take steps to realize their business idea, however, many eventually hit a brick wall. Financing...
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Choosing the right contractor for your renovation or building project is one of the most important construction decisions you will make. A good contractor can ensure quality work and a smooth renovation, while the wrong one can trigger nightmares. Here are eight tips to help you make the right choice when hiring a contractor: 1....
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The cardinal rule about displaying the American flag is to do it respectfully. In 1924, a committee of Army and Navy representatives met with other nation groups to work out a code of flag etiquette, establishing a set of rules for displaying Old Glory. The code, was approved by the committee on what became Flag...
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As a boy, Brendan Droppo loved watching NASCAR races with his dad. He was mesmerized by the many different colors and paint schemes; after the races, the young artist would spend hours drawing pictures of the winning cars. “Then I’d draw a second version with my own paint scheme,” he says. “I fell in love...
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A plate of cookies can go a long way. “Getting to know people is a peacemaking strategy,” says Laura Jeffords, an Asheville, N.C. community mediator who is on the board of the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM). Starting off as a friendly neighbor Making friendly overtures to newcomers sets the tone for your own...
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Whether building a new house or simply remodeling, being your own general contractor is tempting. Homeowners who take on that role can save as much as 35 percent of the project costs when things go smoothly. But even for weekend handymen, there’s a steep learning curve. 1. Have the right skillset General contractors have specialized...
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Sheds need not be mere storage space for garden tools and bicycles. They can be an extension of the homeowner’s living space. In the right hands, 120 square feet will never look so good or add so much. “A shed is that vacant space outside your house that can be used for pretty much anything,...
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Once the kids fly the coop, it’s a time of change for parents. For many it can be a time to do things they’ve dreamed about doing – traveling or resuming a sport or hobby they’d set aside. While some might dream about what they’ll do, others dream about what they’ll drive. A family car,...
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Terrance Williams EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Nationwide Nationwide, a longtime sponsor of Latina Style and NASCAR, recently brought together two great organizations for one tremendous outcome. On October 19, Alba Colon, one of the most powerful women in sports and a top female NASCAR engineer for Chevy Racing, joined attendees of the Latina Style...
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Keeping a racecar in prime running condition is no easy task, especially when you only have seconds to do it. Every week, NASCAR pit crew members work tirelessly in the background to make sure the race goes smoothly. We got the chance to sit down with two such pit crew members to find out more...
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Ladders are a common part of home repair and maintenance. They enable homeowners to complete tasks that would otherwise be difficult to reach. But as is the case for any tool, it’s important to use ladders safely. Ladder-related injuries send more than 90,000 people a year to emergency rooms throughout the United States, according to...
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Next to your home, your car is probably the most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. So it makes sense to want to protect it. For many consumers, that means buying an extended warranty – but it might not always be your best value. What is an extended warranty? An extended warranty is designed to provide...
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Most kitchens in older apartments leave a lot to be desired – old cabinets and appliances, scuffed up floors and insufficient cabinet and counter space. Here are seven ideas for making your rental kitchen more welcoming and useful: 1. Revive your cabinets Few landlords allow renters to paint their kitchen cabinets, but there are other...
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