According to James Cameron’s Terminator franchise, 19 years ago to the day (August 29 1997), the computer system Skynet became sentient and triggered the nuclear holocaust known as Judgement Day. Two decades on, we’re thankfully still some way from computers having the technological know-how to wipe out humanity unaided.

So you’ve had the idea that you hope is going to make your fortune - what next? However excited you may be, before you rush into choosing office space and chasing clients you need to put together a business plan – something that sets out your business goals, and helps you assess whether they are actually attainable.

It’s a busy world these days. As a small business owner, it perhaps goes without saying that I’m switched on to work even when I’m at home. But juggling work with all the other things we have to think about - childcare, eldercare and the domestic problems that go hand-in-hand with everyday life – isn’t easy. Even when my business is running smoothly, I feel like I’m failing in other areas of my life and vice versa.

The HR industry’s been telling us for a while that money alone isn’t enough to motivate and engage employees. What works, then? In my experience, it’s about giving your employees a challenge, engaging and empowering them.

Fail faster; succeed sooner, as they say in Silicon Valley. Learning from those who hit the hard times so you can avoid expensive mistakes before they happen is also a good idea when it comes to succeeding in business. Here are four examples of businesses that made it through hardship and came back stronger than ever.

In our increasingly digital world, social media is an important business tool. The far-reaching power of sites such a Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, allows brands to interact with their customers, attract new ones and increase their exposure. However, as much as these sites have the power to build and make a brand, if not used properly, they also have the potential to break a brand. That’s why we’ve created our new infographic, which explores the dos and don’ts of using social media for business.

When you’re running your business on a daily basis, it doesn’t leave much time for finding out about the latest gaming app sweeping the world, right? But that’s where us small business owners (and larger businesses) could be missing a trick.

According to Catalyze Seattle, the Emerald City is a hotbed for tech companies. Yet just 17 percent of all tech companies in Seattle are led by women. While organizations like TechStars Seattle are trying to fix this imbalance, there are women who are leading by example. And there’s no better time than Women’s History Month to celebrate how the city’s tech women are defying all odds.

There are lots of amazing things about being the boss, but it does occasionally come with some downsides and, for me, these include having to have tough conversations with my employees. Normally I’m pretty informal and like to think that I get on with my team really well, which makes it even harder when I have to put on my ‘boss’ hat and have an official conversation with someone.

I’m a huge sports fan. Since I was a kid I’ve loved watching and playing sports. I love the drama, the unpredictability, and the escape from the daily grind it gives me. There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing your team win a big match or being part of a successful side and feeling like you’re part of a larger, shared experience. Every year I look forward to the important tournament dates in the calendar – Super Bowl Sunday, the NBA Finals, the World Series or the final round of the US Open.