Welcome To The Blog

Back To Home

Jonathan Elkins

Need a building for your business? To buy, or not to buy?

Need a building for your business? To buy, or not to buy?

(That is the question.) Should you buy a building for your business? It’s a big step and can seem intimidating. And there are both pros and cons associated with owning a building. So, is it right for you? I recently ran across an article that had some great tips for...

I would like to change your mind

I would like to change your mind

(Well, only some of you. And you could get a free book out of it.) What kind of mindset do you have: A) a fixed mindset or B) a growth mindset? If you answered B, you can leave the room. But if you have more of a fixed mindset, I want to change your mind. (Hey, I...

So what makes your business so special?  

So what makes your business so special?  

If you own a business, there’s at least one thing that makes you special – at least one thing that you do well. If there weren’t you wouldn’t still be in business. So what is it that makes you so special – what makes your customers choose you over your competition?...

Know your business from finances to operations?

Know your business from finances to operations?

In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of truly understanding who your customer is and how to best serve them. This time we’re going to talk about knowing your business, which is just as important to your success. If you know your business well – all aspects...

The banker behind the curtain

The banker behind the curtain

How your business loan application is evaluated. I have had many customers apply for business loans through the years. The other day, a client was telling me how intimidating the idea of applying for a business loan was to him. I asked why. He then described his...

Ask these 5 questions to know your customer

Ask these 5 questions to know your customer

Someone once asked me who my ideal customer was, and it took me a minute to answer. I realized – that is something I should be able to answer immediately. So, I undertook a process of analyzing what my current customers looked like, and how to “know” my customers...

Big Data. Big Deal?

Big Data. Big Deal?

Have you heard the term “Big Data”? Everybody’s talking about it. It’s the latest thing. But what is it? Does your business need it? And you don’t use it, is your business going to get left behind? Big pause. Big breath. Now that we’re calm, let’s first talk about...

5 steps to more impactful strategic planning

5 steps to more impactful strategic planning

Ok, strategic planning may not be what keeps business managers or business owners up at night, but it can be one of the most exciting and key parts of every business. Think about it - THIS is the part of the business where you get to put your vision out there for...

A blog about smog (and how it affects the stock market)

A blog about smog (and how it affects the stock market)

Can pollution really affect the stock market? Well, before you shake your head and laugh, I read an article in Harvard Business Review in which they found a direct correlation between the pollution in New York City and the performance of the stock market. On days that...

Contact Us

Need to get in touch or have questions about banking with Alliance Bank? Give us a call or fill out the contact form. Thank you!