If you think marketing is just for the big players, think again. Businesses of all shapes and sizes can use the power of marketing to enhance their brand, connect with their customers and improve their bottom line.

If you've got a great idea for a business that has the potential to drive profits and generate a customer following, there is still the matter of transforming your idea into reality. There is more to creating a small business than simply opening up shop.

Whether you’re starting a new initiative or taking advantage of a growth opportunity, you’ll probably find yourself needing a little extra capital at some point. But with access to capital still a challenge for many business owners, what can you do to try to maximize your chances of successfully applying for more funding?

Following on from my second post on marketing your business on Twitter, here’s part 3 of the series on social media with some tips for using LinkedIn.

Following on from my original post on marketing your business on Facebook, here’s part 2 of the series on social media with some tips for using Twitter. According to 2015 Social Media Marketing Industry Report by Social Media Examiner, Twitter is second only to Facebook when it comes to social media popularity. The goal of marketing your small business on both platforms is the same: to actively engage current and potential customers. But Twitter requires different strategies.

Every day, billions of people use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, making them essential for reaching existing customers and reeling in new ones. Do it right, and you’ve got an effective tool for engaging customers with your company. Do it wrong, and you lose the chance to connect.

The job interview. I’ve been on both sides of the interview desk a number of times in my business career. But I’m sure we all remember that very first job interview, fresh out of college or school, feeling a little green, nervous and picking at our unusually smart clothes.

As a small business owner, I know it can sometimes be daunting to try and go up against the big boys, especially when it comes to hiring the right people.

I am constantly looking to other businesses for inspiration. Who better to learn from than companies which have faced the same challenges as you and overcome them to become real success stories?

 Collins dictionary describes management skills as, “skills regarding the technique, practice, or science of managing a company, business, etc”. But what management skills do you need to run a small business? And do all small business owners have them?