Gene Marks
President of The Marks Group
Gene Marks is president of The Marks Group, a ten-person Philadelphia-based consulting firm specializing in sales and marketing technologies. Gene is the author of six books, most recently, The Manufacturer's Book Of List (CreateSpace - October, 2013).
27 Recent Stories
The 'Treps
How Would You Handle These 7 Situations? Would You Pass the 'Diaper Test'?
There are many moral and ethical questions business owners face on a regular basis. Is there a right way to do things?
Grow Your Business
How You, the Local Business Owner, Can Take on Amazon
You can slay the online giant (somewhat) -- by doing these eight things consistently.
Leadership
Want to Work For Me? Be My Facebook Friend.
Is looking into online activities an invasion of privacy? Maybe, but it's important to learn everything you can about a job candidate.
Grow Your Business
Hey, Service Professionals: It's Time to Modernize
You've probably experienced this before. You need some repair work done, but it's difficult to find someone for the job. Then other inconveniences stack up.
The 'Treps
10 Huge Ways Running a Business Has Changed in the Past 20 Years
We've come a long way since the start of President Bill Clinton's first term, plaid shirts and grunge.
The 'Treps
Want to Build Loyalty? Remember, Everyone Loves Free Stuff.
There's no easier way to tell a customer or employee that you care then with a gift. And it doesn't even have to cost that much.
The 'Treps
Please Don't Call Yourself a Small-Business Owner
What does that really mean, anyway? And do people really identify themselves like that?
Money
6 Things You Didn't Know About Your Financial Statements
The information could be useful, if it's prepared correctly and you know what to look for.
Leadership
The One Thing That Successful Business Leaders Have in Common
What makes a leader more than just a competent manager?
The 'Treps
What Business Owners Can Learn From Taxi Drivers
Being a good cab driver is a great allegory for being an entrepreneur.
The 'Treps
5 Lies That Come Out of Entrepreneurs' Mouths
You may not think so, but falsehoods are a part of doing business.
Grow Your Business
Why Can Some Businesses Get Away With High Prices?
Ivy League schools, top doctors and rock stars provide a lesson for your business.
Grow Your Business
You Won't Find What Makes a Hire 'Special' on Their Resume
Businesses are all the same, which is why experience in your field shouldn't matter when interviewing job candidates.
Managing Employees
7 Ways Your Employees Are Stealing From You
Is one of your employees augmenting their paycheck -- at your expense? Here are some ways they may do just that.
The 'Treps
3 Reasons Why You'll Never Be Super Successful
Sure, we're all getting by. But what really separates us from the mega rich and powerful?
Business Management
The Real Reason Customers Buy From You
Technology and marketing help, but it didn't seal the deal.
Startup Basics
The One Thing Your Startup Really Needs to Succeed
It's not a business plan, or even a killer idea. Can you guess what it is?
Accepting Payments
The Worst Mistake for Small Businesses to Continue in 2014
What is the one sure thing to turn away modern customers?
Business Management
Dealing With That Unhappy Customer
Sometimes, a client can become a nuisance. Is it worth the stress to save the relationship?
Sales
Why Discounts Are a Trick
Go ahead, have a sale. Give a discount. Be a sport. But know that youre just playing an age-old game of pricing.
Tech Tips
3 Things You Need to Know About Your Tech Guy
Your tech support can make or break your business when something goes awry. Here's what you need to know to avoid disaster.
Sales
3 People You Need to Know to Get Paid By Your Next Big Customer
Doing business with big companies means it might be a while before you're paid. Here are three key people to know to speed up the process.
Hiring Center
Startup Perks Wal-Mart and Amazon Can Never Offer
Big-name companies can offer perks like treadmill workstations and foosball tables, but there are certain startup perks they can never give employees.
Startup Basics
Want to Turn Huge Startup Profits? Here's Why You Need to Be Patient.
If you've got a new product on the market, face the facts: It will probably take about 1,000 days before you see a profit.
Cash Flow & Money Management
What Your Banker Isn't Telling You
Understanding how bankers work with small-business owners will help you make the most of your relationship.
Leadership
Why It Pays to Be a Jerk Like Jeff Bezos
A new book about Amazon's CEO that comes out next week gives readers an intimate look at the leader's harsh temperament. But Bezos is onto something. Here's why.
Business Management
Why You Shouldn't Take Business Advice From Your CPA
Your CPA might try to convince you he's a business expert. Don't believe him.