Business Education

The Secret Weapon for Small Biz: Unlock a Pool of Brilliant Summer Interns (Before Your Competitors Do)

Forget expensive hires and chasing talent you simply can’t afford. Your small business needs a competitive edge this summer, and it’s not what you think. While your rivals are scrambling, you could be tapping into an often-overlooked goldmine: brilliant summer interns.

That’s right: summer interns. This may seem something like only big-time organizations do, but small businesses can benefit as well. These individuals are great resources and could turn into full-time future assets. Below, we will reveal the simple, effective strategies to attract top-tier talent, inject fresh energy into your team, and supercharge your productivity—all before your competitors even know what hit them. So, read on!

How Small Business Owners Can Find Qualified Summer Interns

Summer internships can be a win-win for small businesses and students alike. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience, while businesses benefit from fresh perspectives, extra help, and potential future hires. However, finding qualified interns—ones who are motivated, skilled, and a good fit for your business—requires a strategic approach. Here’s how small business owners can attract and hire the right summer interns.

1. Define Clear Goals for the Internship

Before you begin the search, define what you want the intern to accomplish. Consider the following:

Skills and qualifications. What kind of intern are you looking for? Are you seeking marketing support, administrative assistance, or technical expertise?
Projects and tasks. Outline the specific work interns will do. Will they assist with social media, research, customer service, or operations?
Learning opportunities. Interns should gain valuable experience beyond just doing tasks. How will your business help them learn and grow?

A well-structured internship program increases the likelihood of attracting serious candidates who are eager to contribute.

2. Tap Into Local Colleges & Universities

One of the best ways to find interns is through local educational institutions:

Career services offices. Most universities have career centers that help connect students with internships. Reach out and list your opportunity.
Business and industry-specific departments. Contact professors in relevant fields (such as marketing, finance, or engineering) to get recommendations for standout students.
Campus events. Attend internship fairs or networking events where students actively seek opportunities.

Building relationships with universities can provide a steady pipeline of talented candidates eager for hands-on experience.

3. Leverage Online Internship Platforms

Many students search for internships online, so listing your opportunity on well-known platforms can broaden your applicant pool:

LinkedIn — Post your internship and connect with potential candidates.
Handshake — A widely used platform connecting students with internships.
Internships.com and WayUp — Sites specifically designed for internship listings.
Your website and social media — Promote the internship on your business’s website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

By listing your internship online, you expand your reach beyond your immediate network.

4. Reach Out to Local Business Networks

Your community might have hidden gems—motivated students looking for summer opportunities. Consider:

Chambers of commerce. Many local business groups have resources to connect employers with students.
Networking events. Attend industry mixers and talk to young professionals looking for experience.
Nonprofit organizations. Groups that support young professionals might have internship matching programs.

Sometimes, the best candidates come from within your local connections.

5. Write a Compelling Internship Description

Your internship posting should be clear, engaging, and specific to attract qualified applicants:

Use a strong headline. Instead of “Summer Internship Available,” try “Marketing Internship—Hands-On Experience at a Growing Business!”
Highlight benefits. Will they gain real-world experience? Work directly with leadership? Improve key skills?
Clarify requirements. Include necessary qualifications (such as coursework, basic skills, or software knowledge).
Include compensation details. If it’s a paid internship, highlight the pay. If unpaid, ensure it offers strong learning value.

A strong internship description ensures you attract interns who align with your business goals.

6. Conduct a Thorough Screening Process

To find qualified interns, don’t settle for the first applicants—take the time to vet them properly:

Resume reviews. Look for relevant coursework, previous internships, or extracurricular involvement.
Interviews. Ask questions about their career goals, teamwork skills, and ability to contribute to your business.
Skill tests (if applicable). If hiring for technical roles, consider small assignments or sample projects.

A thoughtful selection process ensures you bring in interns who are serious about making an impact.

7. Make the Experience Valuable for the Intern

A well-run internship benefits both the business and the intern. Ensure that your intern:

Has mentorship and guidance rather than being left alone on tasks.
Gains real skills that improve their career prospects.
Feels engaged, whether through team collaboration or meaningful projects.
Receives feedback, helping them grow professionally.

Investing in your interns will not only make their experience more meaningful but also encourage them to consider future employment with your business.

Build a Strong Internship Program

Finding qualified summer interns requires more than just posting a listing and hoping for applicants. Define clear goals, use strategic hiring methods, and create a meaningful experience—and you’ll attract interns who contribute to your business while gaining valuable skills.

By investing in the next generation, your small business can benefit from new energy, fresh perspectives, and potential future hires. With the right approach, internships can be a stepping stone for your business growth.

Want to Accomplish More?

Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while spending more time with your family doing everything you started your business to do?

We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes, and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test.

You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer, Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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Tips for Choosing a Brand Name

September 20, 2018 No Comments

Okay, so you have a great idea and want to launch a brand. You’ve got plenty of inspiration in every other aspect. But, when it comes to giving it a brand name, the well is just plain dry. So, you’re looking for various ideas to give you some direction. Well, one thing is for sure, it’s got to resonate with people. Or, does it? Now that’s a scary thought. However, it’s a necessary thought-experiment. Differences between a Company Name and a Brand Name Let’s first look at what we’re actually talking about. If you’re going into a trade or profession, it’s customary and wise to go with tradition. In other words, if you’re going to open a specialty bakery, it’s perfectly okay to go with something like “Little Miss Muffin.” People will get it. Although, you might toy with the prospect of giving it a more eccentric name. Just be aware, doing so is a big gamble. Throughout the entire life cycle of your business one thing is constant – your business name. And this means getting it right, the first time. Why? Consider this – assuming you optimize your Web site, post your business on local online listings, develop a social media strategy, and deliver a great service, your business name and all that it represents will go viral (and hopefully in a good way). —Small Business Trends That’s really the difference between a company name and a brand name. Think about it this way. If you were approached in 2005 and asked “What is Facebook?” Or, “What is Twitter?” Could you answer? Nope. The reason why is obvious, neither existed back then. But today, they are household names. Even though their names do not describe what they are or what they offer. Tips for Choosing a Brand Name Let’s put it another way, when you choose a brand name, you’re giving your entity a brand or an identity. Now, it makes sense to name it after yourself or to take off from an existing brand. But, doing so creates some problems. So, here are some helpful tips on how to choose a brand name: Conduct several web searches. Dropbox. Twitch. YouTube. Though familiar to nearly everyone now, at one time, these were unknowns. A good place to start is simply by searching the web to learn if there’s already a spot-on or similarly named company out there. Compare and contrast what’s out there. Speaking of out there, once you begin to identify organizations, take the time to compare and contrast what’s similar and dissimilar. It’s definitely worthwhile because you’ll learn important lessons. Find something that will set your brand apart. Of course, you’ve got to pick a brand name that will set you apart from the competition. But, don’t go too far out or you might confound anyone who encounters it. Don’t rely on incumbent brands because it’s a mistake. One the other side of the coin, some organizations take an approach of building off another entity. For instance, publications like “Android Police and Mac Rumors.” While these make sense for the present, they could well look outdated in the future. After all, Google might rebrand its mobile platform or Apple could very well come out with a new line of computers. What other suggestions do you have for choosing a brand name? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

The Landlord is Seriously Raising My Business Space Rent – What are My Options?

July 13, 2022 No Comments

Commercial tenants can expect their rent to go up every year. In fact, it’s a bit unusual for the rate not to increase at the end of a lease. But sometimes, unscrupulous landlords will take advantage of their tenants’ naivete and exercise a somewhat obscure clause that allows them to up the rental rate substantially. So much, that it can increase by a relatively high percentage, thus making it virtually unaffordable. Fortunately, there are some options commercial tenants have in these situations. Business Owners, Know Your Lease Although it may seem completely obvious or self-evident, don’t just skim over any commercial lease. If necessary, pay an attorney to look it over and explain it to you on a very elementary basis. Or, go over it carefully yourself and if you don’t understand something, be sure to research it on your own – do not just take the landlord’s word for what it truly means. There’s no standard agreement for commercial leases. In fact, negotiating the terms of commercial leases is usually expected. Depending on the state of the commercial real estate market, a business may be able to obtain significant concessions from a landlord. A property owner with a largely vacant business park, for example, will most likely make allowances. On the other hand, the business renting the space will have less control over the terms of a lease in a hot rental market or when renting a premium space. —FindLaw Small Business We’re not going to get into commercial lease types, because there are many kinds. But, it is quite common for leases to contain various expenses besides just renting pure square feet, including common area maintenance and repairs, and other expenses. However, it certainly isn’t unheard of that tenants get stuck with even more expenses related to their business rentals. So, again, be sure to understand the lease before you sign on the dotted line in order to avoid any confusion or surprises in the future. What To Do When Your Business Rent goes Up Unexpectedly If the commercial space you’re leasing for your business goes up dramatically, you do have some options available, though they may not always be the best. Here are a few things you can do if the landlord raises the rental rate on your commercial space: Do your research first. Start by getting a firm grasp on your state’s commercial rental laws. This won’t necessarily be a fun task, but a very necessary one. If you understand how these laws work, you may find something in your favor. At the very least, you’ll have more knowledge about how the landlord-tenant laws work in your state and will be wiser to make better decisions in the future. Survey the local market. The next thing you should do is to start looking at other commercial spaces immediately. You just may find some deals out there that would allow you to either lower your current rental rate or be competitive. Because of the pandemic disruption, many commercial landlords are desperate for tenants, since so many businesses have adopted work-from-home and hybrid models. Try to renegotiate your current lease. Another option is to try to renegotiate the lease on the property you are currently occupying. You can use your newfound knowledge of the law and of the local market opportunities to your advantage. This is especially helpful if you really want to avoid the hassles of moving your operation elsewhere, and the landlord is willing to be reasonable. How else would you deal with a sudden commercial rent increase? Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Hey, Entrepreneurs, If You Want to Succeed, Stop Seeking Advice from People Who’ve Failed

November 10, 2022 No Comments

Everyone has an opinion. But, everyone can’t be right. There’s always a set of best practices and then there are ways to do things that fall short of success or lead to bad outcomes. So, this is why people seek advice from their family and friends when they want to start a small business. The trouble with this approach is that the people the entrepreneur is speaking to may not be the owner of a profitable small business. While it’s certainly understandable to seek advice from people you trust, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best or only sources. Remember, Real Friends are Supportive Here’s another problem. There are a lot of individuals around you who will tell you that you can’t do it. Usually, this is based on fear, but can also manifest from those who are envious that you’re willing to take a risk to improve your life and be professionally successful. Then, there may even be people around you who went into business for themselves, but it didn’t work out. Ask business owners who specialize in the same niche as your startup if they have any tips. Business owners in your market know about accountants, lawyers, and recruiters who might be a good fit for your needs. They can make recommendations and point you in the right direction. —Entrepreneur.com While the reason that their businesses failed might not be direct to their own decisions, it’s generally a safe bet. Even if it was circumstances beyond their control, successful business owners are the ones who find a way through tough times, endure, and come out on the other side. To put it much more plainly, if you’re seeking advice from people who have failed in their own business ventures, you’re speaking to the wrong people, unless they have gone on to succeed in other ventures by learning from their failures. Failures can be the precursor to success if we learn from them. Best Places to Seek Business Advice Fortunately, there are a few places you can go to get reliable, actionable advice about starting your own business. Here are the best places to seek entrepreneurial advice that will help you get started in the right direction: Successful individuals in the industry. Sure, this sounds all too obvious. But, a lot of people who want to go into business for themselves are fearful of speaking with people that are already successful in the industry. Now, that sounds strange, but it makes sense if you think about it in a different way. Those who avoid successful individuals in the industry into which they want to enter, typically don’t want to give up their plans – which is to say their strategies and secrets. So, they make the mistake of being protective of their ideas, without knowing if said ideas are actually good or bad. Small business development groups. There are small business development groups that can help you get some of the logistics worked out and even provide a little friendly advice that you may not have thought of on your own. But, here again, you must be willing to share your ideas with others. Doing so will allow other people to gauge your ideas and their merit. Local industry trade associations. These industry trade associations exist to promote their industry, which is their sole purpose. You’ll learn a lot about the industry, and perhaps your own niche, along with some tricks of the trade and how your competition deals with its challenges. Of course, it’s just as wise to consult someone who specializes in starting and growing small businesses. An experienced business consultant and coach brings a wealth of information and is someone who can not only provide valuable input but also be supportive. Where else do you recommend people starting a small business seek advice? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.