I love business tips that help me develop strategic thinking skills. Business owners, it's time to put on your thinking caps! The best avenue to become a smart, savvy business owner is to have amazing strategic thinking skills. Most entrepreneurs think that the hard work ends after establishing a business. Not true at all! This is actually where you will be tested to maximize the critical business skills needed to be a success. The waters of entrepreneurship can be tricky and treacherous. In order to keep yourself on top of the water and in pursuit of your business destination, you must be an effective problem solver. When you are in the water, there is no time for your emotions. You need to act quickly, responsibly and efficiently with precision. Here are helpful business tips to assist you with developing strategic thinking skills:

There are 10 basic skills you need to succeed. I don't know a person that does not have a goal of being successful at something. Your goal may not be to become a multi-millionaire but to impact your community or be a successful mom. Whatever your goal may be, I want you to be successful in the end. My top 10 skills you need to succeed you will use throughout your lifetime or even a few of them all at once. You will notice that when you implement these skills, you will see a definite change in your progress. Progress always equals results! Here are the 10 skills needed to be successful:

Economic reports have shown that we experienced a job market slow down in April 2012. Only 115,000 jobs were gained last month with a dip in the unemployment rate to 8.1 percent. Those are numbers that can slow economic growth in any country. One of the reasons why JR and I founded Market America was to have financial control over our lives and help others have the same. We wanted to have the freedom to live the way we desired without the worry of the country's financial structure collapsing. This is why I stress business ownership to the younger generation.

There are specific locations where to find startup companies hiring at a fast pace right now. California and Silicon Valley may be the obvious choice and while high on the list, there are actually seven other states to consider. There has been an enormous boom in start-up companies over the last few years. Since the hugely profitable success of well-known companies such as Apple and Facebook or smaller ones like Instagram, there has been an influx of entrepreneurs looking to follow in their billion dollar foot steps. Start-up companies are not easy however with consistent dedication can lead to promising rewards. If you are an individual that thrives on helping to lay the foundation, you may want to consider this list according to StartUpHire.com. Here's where to find startup companies hiring right now:

Thank you so much to Heather Hamilton for her guest post today! Heather began creating skincare remedies for her family shortly after the birth of her first child. In 2010, she founded Zoe Organics, a company dedicated to creating the most clean, toxic free skin care using only premium grade, high performance, organic plant ingredients. Her company has quickly gained respect and loyalty from parents, medical professionals and a growing list of retailers for her award winning eco-luxe pregnancy and baby skincare products. 

I'm convinced that there is not a more exhilarating or challenging lifestyle than one of a momprenuer. Mom (mother): a) a female parent, b) tenderness or affection Entrepreneur: one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. Although, certainly not a criteria, many entrepreneurial endeavors by moms are inspired by their children; whether creating a new product or service that solves a problem parents face, or starting a business out of the desire to work a flexible schedule around their family.

Entrepreneurs should learn how to use Facebook for customer service. As business professionals, we must understand that social media has in fact altered how we engage with our customers. More customers are voicing their disdain with a product through various social media outlets. Just a few weeks ago, I was displeased with the customer service at Verizon. It is my belief that customers should be contacted when there is a network service interruption and took to Twitter to voice how unhappy I was! While the customer service did not change, no company wants to be blasted on any level, especially social media. Entrepreneurs, get into the game of engaging with customers online! Facebook is a great place to begin because you have more control over comments and response time. Good customer service is the foundation to building a successful business. Here is my advice on how to use Facebook for customer service:

The Marie Claire at Work issue holds everything that a professional woman needs to know. Office trends, timesavers, travel tips and secrets from entrepreneur and actress Salma Hayek. The cover is absolutely fabulous! Salma Hayek is stunning on the cover of the Marie Claire at Work issue wearing Alexander McQueen. Salma is the founder and creator of the CVS beauty line Nuance. Inside the magazine, Salma talks about being a businesswoman, her marriage and acting.

Business etiquette tips are crucial to remember when establishing your business and brand. I am often asked how I became so successful. Not only did my husband JR and I work very hard to build our company, but we also paid attention to the details that so many young entrepreneurs make the mistake of missing! You have to pay attention to the small things in business just as you would the large ones. Having a friendly personality and remembering business etiquette are simple things that can carry you and connect the dots. In order to establish yourself as a professional with reputable credibility, you have to go the extra mile. Good business etiquette leaves lasting impressions! Here are 10 business etiquette tips to use at your next networking event:

Loren Ridinger Interview with Claudia Chen

Gilt Groupe's new book By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop is a must-read for all aspiring entrepreneurs! My dear friends Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson are the cofounders of Gilt Groupe and co-authored this book together. By Invitation Only shows the incredible entrepreneurial journey of building Gilt Groupe from the ground up.