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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What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

October 11, 2017 No Comments

The Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X are certainly receiving a whole lot of media attention. It’s two creative titans battling it out, attempting to win more customers. But, these two companies have quite a bit in common. At least, in one aspect. And, it applies to you as an entrepreneur. What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common What you might think as rivals vying for bigger sales numbers is actually an important business lesson. It’s all about momentum. Keep momentum going and it serves up great rewards. After all, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were hits. And, we all know the iPhone revolutionized the tech, communications, and entertainment worlds. So, it’s great to take away a valuable lesson from this latest product introduction round. As the momentum starts and objectives are met watch for a change in pace; just like an out-of-shape runner, the tendency for many will be to stop part way up the hill to pat themselves on the back and look at how much distance they’ve covered. Don’t let them stop! You are pushing a rock uphill, as the momentum starts and everyone sees progress you need to double your efforts to keep it moving. —Inc.com You probably know there are many components to running a successful business. That’s certainly no secret. But, specific actions can work wonders. For instance, giving up bad habits and other hangups are prime examples. Another strategy is to get in front of people personally. However, you need momentum to stay on track. How to Keep Momentum Going That’s what the announcement and release of the Google Pixel 2 teaches us. It’s a follow-up, designed to entice consumers. And, it’s generated a whole lot of media buzz. Now, every single thing about it will certainly be poured over by tech lovers. You can apply this lesson to your business. Keep momentum going and reap the rewards by doing the following: Set new goals and objectives. As you hit milestones, dedicate yourself to setting new goals and objectives. Planning ahead means moving forward and that’s a great way to keep momentum working for you. Automate where it is possible. Use automation to your advantage to maximize productivity. Don’t get bogged down where and when it isn’t necessary. You can set content marketing and social media marketing on a schedule, as two examples. Always keep inspiration nearby. Research from Harvard and MIT reveals books are a great source of inspiration. Engaging your brain in something you love breathes inspiration. And, it also increases your knowledge, so it’s two-for-one. Schedule time off and actually use it. Another way to keep momentum going is to take time off. That sounds strange at first but makes a lot of sense when you consider the benefits of rest and relaxation. What ways do you keep momentum going? How do you stay motivated? What methods work best for pushing forward you’ve done? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Pros and Cons of Building a Mobile App for a Small Business

April 22, 2022 No Comments

Small businesses often struggle with the decision of whether or not to build a mobile app. On one hand, there are many advantages to having an app – it can help increase brand credibility, engage customers, provide a personalized experience, act as a direct marketing channel, and let businesses create a loyalty program. However, on the other hand, there are also several disadvantages to consider – such as the cost of developing and maintaining an app, complying with Apple and Google’s store security and performance policies, the phenomenon of consumer app fatigue, and lack of customer use. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to develop an app for your small business. Biggest Advantages of Building a Mobile App for a Business Another advantage of having a mobile app is customer engagement. A study by Forrester found that 78% of smartphone users check their phone within 15 minutes of waking up, while 60% check their phone within 15 minutes of going to bed (Forrester, 2014). This constant connection gives businesses a unique opportunity to engage with their customers throughout the day. Creating a loyalty program or sending push notifications about sales and promotions can help increase customer engagement and keep your business top of mind. As consumers become increasingly connected with businesses on their smartphones and devices, many businesses develop mobile apps to connect with their customers. If your company is going the app route, you want to be sure it’s worth your time and money. While a mobile app can be an invaluable tool for many companies, certain company types may not necessarily need one. —Forbes.com Building a mobile app can also provide a more personalized experience for your customers. With an app, you can collect data about your customer’s usage patterns and preferences which can then be used to customize the experience for each individual. This is much harder to do with a website because there is less data available about how users interact with it. For example, if you own a clothing store, you could use the data collected from your app to show each user relevant products based on their previous purchases and browsing history. This personalized experience can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, having a mobile app gives businesses a direct marketing channel to reach their customers. With over 90% of Americans owning a cellphone (Pew Research Center, 2019), businesses have a unique opportunity to reach a large audience with targeted messages. You can use push notifications to send special offers and announcements directly to your customer’s phones. This is an effective way to increase sales and improve customer retention. Common Disadvantages of Building an App for a Business While there are many advantages to building a mobile app for your small business, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making the decision. One of the main disadvantages is cost. Developing and maintaining an app can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional company to do it for you. In addition, you will also need to pay Apple and Google a yearly fee to keep your app in their respective app stores. Another disadvantage of having a mobile app is that you have to comply with the security and performance policies of both Apple and Google. This can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of building an app. If your app does not meet these standards, it could be removed from the store which would damage your business’s reputation. Despite the disadvantages, there are still many advantages to building a mobile app for your small business. These include increased brand credibility, improved customer engagement, and a more personalized experience for your customers. In addition, an app can act as a direct marketing channel and provide you with valuable feedback about your products and services. If you do your research and assess the needs of your target market, you can decide if a mobile app is right for your small business. What are some other pros and cons of building a mobile app for a small business? Please take a moment 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.

Upskill Your Employees Now to Propel Your Business into the Future

January 27, 2022 No Comments

Upskilling employees is one of the smartest strategies business owners can use. It not only helps to get more out of team members, but it also does a lot for longevity, because upskilled individuals will feel a sense of real purpose. Plus, it also helps to reduce future turnover since those people will benefit from the process in key ways. They will not only receive more financial incentives but will be given greater responsibility within the company and this combination will result in their continued commitment as important assets. How Upskilling Works Upskilling is the process of giving individual team members more tools and experience in their core roles. It can erase skill gaps, as well as teach them new things that complement their current positions. Upskilled employees can also more seamlessly transition from one role to another, either laterally or up the ladder. It also helps to bolster individual confidence and as a result, improves overall morale. Companies looking to retain their workers amid the Great Resignation, however, need to move beyond this short-term approach. Upskilling is a longer-term investment in augmenting the knowledge, skills, and competencies that help employees advance their careers. When employees are offered and encouraged to take advantage of upskilling opportunities for their personal or professional growth, people metrics, such as employee engagement and retention, also go up. —Harvard Business Review In short, upskilling employees gives them more value to the company and simultaneously helps to reduce or eliminate redundancy and/or gaps. Basically, it’s a win-win scenario for team members and the company alike. The ultimate result is a positive company culture and that alone is worthwhile in its own right since it essentially eliminates many common yet pesky problems. Biggest Employee Upskilling Benefits Employee upskilling is an important benefit for businesses of all sizes. By offering training and development opportunities, you can help your employees stay current with the latest trends and technologies, improve their skills, and increase their knowledge base. Not only does this make your team more productive and efficient, but it can also lead to better ideas and innovation. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your business, consider investing in employee upskilling. It’s a move that will benefit both you and your team members. Every business faces challenges and companies that are proactive deal with them the best. Rather than wait for problems to pop up, being prepared does a lot to either avoid issues or mitigate their impact. Companies that take the time to upscale their employees enjoy the following benefits: Increased productivity. Upskilled employees can contribute more. Plus, they are generally able to produce greater amounts in less time because they have enhanced competency. Since they are more versatile, they add substantially more value, especially as time goes on and they become more confident. Fewer disruptions. When you have upskilled team members on your staff, disruptions will be less shocking to the system, particularly in the short term. So, if someone leaves, that gap is almost seamlessly filled and you don’t have to scramble to find a replacement. Improves soft skills. Several surveys have found that upskilled employees are more well-rounded individuals when it comes to their professional soft skills. They generally demonstrate better communication, are better team players, have an improved work ethic, and are usually more flexible, as well. What other advantages does a small business get from upskilling? Please 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.