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A good CFO is the fulcrum of every company, regardless of size. Their shoulders bear much of the responsibility for the viability of the business. Not only can a CFO make or break your brand, but they also have the power to resuscitate a dying company and bring it back on course. It is not an exaggeration to describe the CFO as the next most-powerful leader of a company, right after its owner or CEO.

The pandemic apparently has not troubled the course of venture funding as a slew of private companies in the Bay Area have ballooned in value since January. In 2021's first quarter, California's Silicon Valley marked 25 private companies that topped $1 billion in valuation, meeting the de facto definition of a unicorn, per PitchBook Data. This year's quick pace has in just three months surpassed 2020's total of 46 unicorns over 12 months.

When we get stuck, we look to others for advice on tackling issues. The same is true for top leaders in need of reliable business advice. However, the number of colleagues at their level whom they can trust to offer savvy business guidance is usually limited.

LinkedIn is commonly thought of as a platform for individual networking, but did you know that it also has several features that can boost your company's visibility? Business owners can capitalize on LinkedIn tools to enhance their reputation and improve their users' experience.

Whether you are an established entrepreneur or just starting a new business, having a strong presence in the market with top-of-mind brand recall is crucial for success. Marketing raises brand awareness and generates leads that convert into sales, ultimately leading to business growth. In other words, a marketing plan is a universal must-have for every business.

Entrepreneurs are fueled by a desire to do something worthwhile but one that also provides income. Nowadays, old-school vocational jobs are making a comeback, as consumers are increasingly looking for products different from factory-produced lookalikes, and they are willing to pay a premium. This trend has prompted some entrepreneurs to turn their attention to cabinet making, carpentry, metalsmithing, ironwork, landscaping and the like.

No one could have anticipated the events that unfolded in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis challenged business owners (and pretty much everyone on the planet) in unthinkable ways. However, as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt across the world, there are still unforeseen challenges that lie ahead. Therefore, it is imperative for business owners to plan for the future to ensure success.

Every seasonal business, whether it's a winter ski camp or a Christmas décor store, has a short timeframe and must scale back operations during the off season. It's challenging for them to deal with declining sales, a drop in cash flow and long expense sheets. What they need is a plan to keep their business afloat during the slower months.

When companies get to a certain size, they typically start offering employee benefits - particularly since they're required to do so based on federal and state laws. If a company wants to become an employer of choice, it should also provide a few low-cost optional benefits that are highly valued by employees.