Theme of the month

Published once a month, the articles in this section deal with topics that are important for SMEs. They contain expert opinions and useful tips for entrepreneurs.

The most recent interviews are also posted on the SME Portal homepage.

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Is starting a business part-time a good idea?

(03.04.2024) Launching a startup while retaining your full-time job offers numerous benefits, particularly in the early stages of striking out on your own. However, managing both commitments effectively demands a strong support network and the ability to delegate. Here's some advice and a firsthand account.

A person puts a coin into a pig-shaped piggy bank.

Retirement planning for independents: what you need to know

(06.03.2024) Independent entrepreneurs are responsible for financing their own retirement. Here’s a recap of the key points to understand and expert advice.

Entreprises: successfully planning for business succession

(07.02.2024) One out of three SMEs disappears in Switzerland due to a lack of successors. Business succession is a fundamental challenge to ensure the continuity and success of an enterprise. The necessary steps for its execution are often complex and require several years of preparation.

Employees in discussion in a meeting room.

How to reduce employee absences due to stress?

(03.01.2024) Burnout and emotional exhaustion contribute to a growing number of sick leaves in Switzerland. Some companies are taking measures, following recommendations from Health Promotion Switzerland, to improve the well-being of their employees.

Two people slap hands in a professional environment.

Five tips for retaining employees

(06.12.2023) In a context marked by labor market tensions and competition from large companies, SMEs sometimes need to double their efforts to retain their qualified employees. Expert advice and feedback from a young SME.

A person in front of a computer with pictogram-style graphs.

Is automating marketing a solution for SMEs?

(01.11.2023) Information technology solutions enable the optimization of communication, but how should you go about it, which tools should you choose, and what are the advantages? We’ve rounded up some expert advice and testimonials.

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Creating an association, how and why?

(04.10.2023) Associations must pursue a non-profit purpose, but the law allows them to engage in commercial activities to finance their operations. However, this legal form prohibits a profit motive. How can one define the limit between resources necessary for the functioning of an association and profits?

Several people talking in a meeting room.

Seniors: an SME asset

(06.09.2023) As the proportion of active seniors in the labor market increases, Swiss companies must contemplate how to capitalize on this experienced professional resource.

Five tips for building long-term customer loyalty

(05.07.2023) Every year, businesses lose an average of 10% to 15% of their customer base, whether in business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships. However, there are strategies to reduce these losses.

Multiple holographic padlocks amid technology.

How to prepare an SME for cyber attacks

(07.06.2023) What are the most effective ways of defending yourself against cybercriminals? Here's some practical advice.

SMEs opening their doors to tourists

(07.12.2022) More and more companies are opening museums for the general public. Why do they make these investments and what are the benefits? Here are some explanations and accounts.

End-of-year interviews Annual appraisal Performance management Goal setting Feedback systems Dörte Resch Matthias Mölleney

Year-end interviews: the importance of careful preparation

(02.11.2022) Whether they take place at the beginning or the end of the year, individual interviews remain an essential opportunity for exchange within companies. Two experts offer advice.

Carrying out research and development in an SME

(05.10.2022) How should small and medium-sized companies go about innovating or setting up their own research and development (R&D)? Which partners should they turn to? Here is some advice and testimonials.

Typing on a computer keyboard with pictograms.

Freelancers: the art of communicating to get known

(07.09.2022) Every entrepreneur who is starting out should be aware of this: selling your services and products entails being able to get people talking about you. In the era of social media, communication channels are multiple and continue to evolve. Let's take a look at them.

Five tips to "prioritize" and stick to tasks

(03.08.2022) Urgent matters and demands keep on increasing for company executives and managers. Knowing how to determine the importance of your tasks to make the best use of your resources has become a priority.

Agricultural training: the next generation is sustainable

(06.07.2022) Farmers in Switzerland are adapting to meet the challenges of today, from new consumer demands to environmental concerns. In specialist schools, training is evolving to carry on the transition towards more sustainable models.

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