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How To's
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How ToSecure a non-bank SBA 7(a) loan
September 4, 2017Every week at CEI 7(a) Financing LLC, known as C7a, a wide variety of small business loan applications arrive on our desks. Most would present challenges to conventional lenders, but as a mission-oriented, non-bank SBA 7(a) lender, that's what we
September 4, 2017- Ask ACE
What should I do before hiring my first employee?
August 21, 2017Hiring your first employee can be greatly rewarding if done correctly, but it pays to take the time to do due diligence, set expectations and share your vision and business mission with your new employee.
August 21, 2017 
How ToDo a 7-step cyber health checkup
June 12, 2017Cyber security is top of mind in businesses of all sizes.
June 12, 2017- Ask ACE
How do I write a proposal?
June 12, 2017Q: I'm in charge of human resources at a growing company that wants to formalize recruiting procedures. The CEO and the board told me to write a proposal, but I'm no writer. Where do I start?
June 12, 2017 
How ToDevelop a workforce from an early age
June 12, 2017Schools serve an increasingly large role in society. It's no longer just reading, writing and arithmetic.
June 12, 2017
How ToLeverage your options
June 12, 2017Good or bad, there is no denying that in today's fast-paced, short attention span society, we have a lot of options. Options for television shows. Options for news sources. Options for dinner. Every day we make dozens of decisions.
June 12, 2017- Ask ACE
How do you stop workers from bickering?
May 15, 2017Q: My employees do good work, but they waste a lot of time bickering and complaining to me about each other. I feel like a kindergarten teacher sometimes. How can I make them stop?
May 15, 2017 - Ask ACE
Here's how to make sure critical instructions stick
May 1, 2017Q: How can I ensure accurate understanding of instructions? Even when communication seems really excessive, it's hard to get the right result.
May 1, 2017 
How ToAdapting your company to the demands of a millennial workforce
April 24, 2017Successful businesses in Maine and around the country are seeking out bright young minds who can bring innovative ideas and fill the labor void left by retiring baby boomers. In 2015, Pew Research Center reported that millennials surpassed the so-
April 24, 2017
How ToHow to: Count steps and create a healthier, happier workplace
April 24, 2017Keeping track of exercise and activity levels using fitness trackers has become immensely popular over the last few years. Harnessing this popularity in the workplace has benefits that reach far beyond physical fitness.
April 24, 2017
How ToHow to: Manage passionate and emotional employees
April 24, 2017When I was in my 20s, fresh out of Colby College, I was even more full of ideas and energy than I am now. I came to work every day brimming with new ideas on how to make things better, sell more and do more.
April 24, 2017
How ToHow to: Navigate the new minimum wage law
April 17, 2017There has been a lot of concern expressed lately about the effect of Maine's new minimum wage law on tipped service employees and employers in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
April 17, 2017- Ask ACE
Ask ACE: How can we strengthen our team without engaging in partisan politics?
April 17, 2017Q: Our business doesn't take political stands or engage in partisan politics. However, we've noticed an increase in employee distress and concerns in this moment.
April 17, 2017 
How ToHow To: Diversify your investment portfolio
March 20, 2017Many of us today can expect to live many years in retirement.
March 20, 2017- Ask ACE
What’s the best way to get a new leader up to speed?
February 20, 2017Q: What's the best way to get a newly hired or promoted leader up to speed?
February 20, 2017 
How ToHow to: Protect your brand by trademarking
February 6, 2017Many business and service providers operate for years without considering whether they should trademark elements of their business. The most common way people think of (and see) trademarks are through logos. Think: New England Patriots or Apple
February 6, 2017
