Focus

It takes more than an idea to make a success out of new technology. Knowing this, finalists for Best Practices in Technology & Innovation have put in place processes that support the long-term viability of a product, as well as leaders who aren’t afraid to do their homework, reverse course or wait out a market until the timing is right.

No two companies offer the same product or service, but the finalists for Best Practices in Customer Relations share a common belief that customer service is a cornerstone for success.

While many companies realize it and some do a good job of rewarding it, many businesses forget at times that their most important asset is the people they employ. Whether the practice is rewarding good performance with public praise, providing a game room or fitness program, or creating a hiring system geared to bringing on only the best, the finalists for Best Practices in People & Workplace keep their employees at the center of their efforts.

Finalists for Best Practices in Community Impact have incorporated corporate outreach into their everyday operations. Some have donated elbow grease and the sweat of their brow to existing nonprofits; others have used their connections and resources to create new funds to help the causes they hold dear.

When Upsize began its fourth annual search in the spring to find the smartest ways to build a business, we went to the best source: the owners of growing companies. In the pages that follow, we report their 30 best practices and tips for applying those ideas to your own enterprises.

Surviving in business means squeezing every possible dollar out of operations to maximize your balance sheet’s bottom line. Whether it means tweaking operations to minimize expenses or completely overhauling the business structure, companies sometimes need to look beyond the obvious. Finalists for Best Practices in Finance & Operations show how. (Finalist Northern Oil & Gas was unable to participate.)

When it comes to Internet marketing, a sleek, sophisticated Web site used to be the primary ambition for companies, many of whom would spend thousands of dollars to achieve it.

Step into John?s Tailors on Lexington Avenue at Larpenteur, where Roseville rubs St. Paul?s northern border, and Nadir John Can will flash a smile. He?ll draw you so quickly into friendly conversation while promptly meeting your needs ? whether as simple as sewing a button to your coat or as involved as measuring for a custom suit ? that you won?t notice right away the framed pictures of him with Hollywood legends.

Everyone knows the mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle. More than ever, companies are putting this pithy saying into practice, revamping their operations in an effort to lessen their impact on the environment.

When Joe DuBord saw the bill for his company?s event, there was a bit of sticker shock. But he thought then what he knows now. ?It was worth it,? he says about the $6,000 price tag. ?It will pay for itself tenfold.?