Real Estate Solutions

This month we sat down with Susan Henson, regional manager for the local branch of the Mason Enterprise Center in downtown Leesburg. Henson explained the benefits of the MEC for entrepreneurs, and gave thoughts on the value of breaking away from your home office.

Loudoun entrepreneurs that act quickly can help the community and their business, all while scoring a significant tax credit – just by hiring a veteran in need of employment before January 1, 2013.

Whether you’re planning on making and selling tote bags from your home, starting a software company, or building a brewery, the steps to starting a business can be confusing. The Loudoun Department of Economic Development wants to help you get started and guide you through the process as quickly and easily as possible.

Ask startup owners which mobile apps help them the most, and you’re likely to hear rave reviews about Evernote, DropBox and Dragon Dictation. Others are fans of time-tracking apps like TimeClockPlus, or receipt-management apps like Lemon. Depending on the type of business, apps that enable credit card payments on mobile phones also get two thumbs up. Learn how these (mostly) free apps for iPhones and Androids* can help you save time and money, and increase your productivity.

Let’s face it: sooner or later, you’re going to have to work a room. Growing a business requires meeting other people who can help you succeed. You might meet those people at a happy hour, a showcase for potential investors, or at the gym, but learning to get past “hello” is a must. So how do you break the ice?

You started your business to do more of what you love. But now you’re spending way too much time on things you dislike: scheduling, office management, data entry. Unwanted tasks pile up and you get stressed out. You spend more time working, but end up being less productive. What’s the solution to getting back to your passion?

No matter the business focus, entrepreneurs share a common trait: their need to succeed among larger, often better-known competitors. At first glance, larger companies would seem to have the upper hand: greater marketing budgets, economies of scale and more manpower. Despite this, statistics show entrepreneurs continue to grow and be optimistic about their future: Here’s a few ways those in Loudoun are succeeding alongside big business.

Your startup is really starting to take off, and you and your business partner need to staff up. Your family members are excited about your growth, and want in on this ground-floor opportunity. Question: should you hire your mom?