Each year, people start off the New Year with a resolution that's probably similar to one made in previous years. And every January, there's a new commitment to making it really work this year. Here's the problem: People who make these "renewed" resolutions aren’t really committed to changing who they are on the inside. So these resolutions -- whether it's getting in shape or growing a network or improving productivity -- become simply a test of willpower...

At the beginning of a New Year, many of us are left looking at our depleted savings accounts, wondering what the hell happened? Where did all that time and energy and money go? Not to mention the good intentions we had at the beginning of last year. It mocks us like a cheap champagne hangover. In this delicate state, I am loath as a business coach to offer “resolutions” on top of all the other burdens we already feel. But what I often try to do for myself at the beginning of each year, is simply to begin saving again. Small deposits, put somewhere safe, that over time, slowly accrue interest. I have five “buckets” that I like to use. You may have more or less. The trick is to make daily investments in each of these, small enough so that we don’t feel the pain.

Working hard is essential, but entrepreneurs also have a unique opportunity to make the world a better place in the process. Here's how...

Part of the benefit of being an entrepreneur, besides having complete control over your schedule (which, depending on whether or not you have 50 Shades of Grey on your iPad, could be a good or bad thing), is that you can choose who you want to work with. But, as they say, with great privilege comes great responsibility, and to maintain your happiness (and your sanity) as a new entrepreneur, it’s important to choose your clients wisely. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way...

Unto every business, there is a season -- or few. With the December holidays looming, some businesses are in full ramp-up mode, hiring additional staff, managing more inventory, and taking in more money, says Jeff Liebel, a partner at Counterpoint Consulting, a management consulting firm in Williamsville, NY. Whether your company’s busiest season arrives in the fourth quarter, during the summer, or at some other time of year, there are some best practices to managing the dramatic demand changes that seasonal businesses endure. Here are a few tactics to survive a seasonal rush.

Unreasonable customers are always a pain, but they're especially prevalent and stressful during the holiday shopping rush. Just ask Anton Skorucak, founder and CEO of xUmp.com, an online retailer of scientific educational supplies, toys and gifts. The company used to give customers a choice between ground and next-day air shipping on holiday orders. Often, they would choose the cheapest option, ignoring the details and later accusing the company of "ruining their Christmas" because their package didn't arrive by December 24.

The world's top marketing guru explains how to innovate your sales and marketing...

When you're trying to get a business off the ground, the people you surround yourself with matter. Keep these nine types at a distance...

Apart from creating a vibrant branded Twitter account for your startup, business owners should consider creating their own personal account on Twitter. Fans and followers often want to connect with the person behind the brand. Giving customers and prospects a glimpse into the entrepreneur's life and mindset can allow them to cultivate a deeper relationship with customers separately from the brand. The goal, of course, is to increase customers' loyalty to the brand. Here are 10 things every entrepreneur can tweet about, which can allow your clients and prospects to see another side of you...

Words alone are very powerful and they have a big influence what your employees and customers think. If you don’t set both of these groups’ expectations up front, your company will never be able to excel in customer service. Focus on these 10 keys...