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How To's
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Ask ACEAsk ACE: How do I communicate to my clients to keep a project moving?
October 12, 2022"Creating a clear agreement is a challenge that has vexed small businesses and consultants for years," writes Matthew Opuda, a board member for ACE. He offers a simple framework for businesses to follow.
October 12, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: What can you tell me about B Corp certification?
Updated: October 3, 2022B Corp certification has become a hot topic. But, as an ACE consultant suggests, it requires companies to meet high standards of verified performance.
Updated: October 3, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: How to brand yourself as a great employer
Updated: September 19, 2022ACE columnist and career coach Holly Smevog says the tight hiring market demands that employers "re-evaluate wages and develop a workforce plan that adds marketing to the budget."
Updated: September 19, 2022
How To'Step back, engage a coach': How to manage startup stress and encourage employee well-being
September 5, 2022"When we launched Great Diamond Partners, the most significant stress we faced was a result of a difference in perspective," says Steve Tenney, co-founder and CEO of the Portland-based wealth management firm.
September 5, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: How do I spend grant money well?
Updated: September 5, 2022ACE consultant Carrie Yardley recommends that you "keep reading and writing until you understand what you’re paying for. Professional services agreements challenge a business owner to grasp unfamiliar technical concepts and language."
Updated: September 5, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: How do I prepare myself financially to start a business?
Updated: August 8, 2022A contributor from the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader who's looking to shore up finances before taking the big plunge as an entrepreneur.
Updated: August 8, 2022
How ToHow to create an in-depth cybersecurity defense system in 4 steps
Updated: August 18, 2023The chief technology officer of Unitil explains why better cybersecurity is important for all businesses, and what they can do to achieve it.
Updated: August 18, 2023
How ToHow to earn B Corp certification for your business
Updated: July 31, 2022In this guide from the 2022 Mainebiz Fact Book, an expert lays out the benefits and steps to becoming a B Corporation — an increasingly popular mark that says a company is working to make the world a better place.
Updated: July 31, 2022
How ToHow to create a business plan using 3 key steps
Updated: September 21, 2022Guest columnist Chris Abbott of Camden National Bank offers a three-step process for drawing up a business plan.
Updated: September 21, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: How do I develop a business strategy that contributes to my community?
Updated: July 11, 2022A member of the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader looking for a business strategy that balances profit with social purpose.
Updated: July 11, 2022
How ToHow to navigate federal and state laws to insure a cannabis business
Updated: June 27, 2022An expert writes about the complex laws and regulations that can determine how, or if, a cannabis business obtains the insurance it needs.
Updated: June 27, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: What actions can I take to successfully operate a cannabis business in Maine?
Updated: June 27, 2022A member of the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader on how to make sure a new cannabis business complies with the industry's complex regulations.
Updated: June 27, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: Technical assistance grants are available in Maine
Updated: June 13, 2022The president of the Association for Consulting Expertise shows a reader some of the funding that's available to obtain technical help, even for startups.
Updated: June 13, 2022
How ToHow to navigate the product shipping process as a small business owner
Updated: June 13, 2022Getting products to customers may not be the first priority for a small business, but is a key function that can be managed effectively if you understand the available options.
Updated: June 13, 2022
Ask ACEAsk ACE: How are companies balancing profits and corporate responsibility?
Updated: August 3, 2022A member of the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader whose business wants to take on more community leadership, but must also pay attention to the bottom line.
Updated: August 3, 2022
How ToHow to develop a skills inventory and talent development plan
Updated: September 26, 2022A former Unum executive and chairman of the Maine International Trade Center writes about why businesses of all types need to take stock of talent and plan accordingly. In cybersecurity and elsewhere, it's important to know what you know.
Updated: September 26, 2022
