Napkin Stories Blog
Discussion for entrepreneurs of all sizes and industry.
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our informative business blogs, how-to guides, personal success articles, and more.
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Entrepreneurship Blogs
Our entrepreneurship blogs provide you with a fantastic resource to help lead your company into the future! Use these tools to understand new parts of your business, your industry, your customers, and more.
Professions Who Drink the Most Coffee
March 8, 2018
Whether you simply enjoy the taste of coffee or desperately need it to function, it’s a part of most American’s everyday lives—87% of people to be exact, according to a survey by Zagat. With the average American consuming an average 2.3 cups of coffee a day—that’s a whole lotta coffee.
Top Five New Year's Resolutions For Entrepreneurial Success
December 21, 2017
As an entrepreneur, it’s likely you’ll want to set professional goals that help you grow and improve your business. Here are five New Year’s resolutions that will help pave the road to success.
Four Things Every Entrepreneur Should Consider Before Hiring Their First Employee
October 19, 2017
If you’re an entrepreneur who works alone, studies show that an employee may be in your future. Here are four important things to consider before hiring.
Five Effective Marketing Strategies to Help Your Business Thrive
September 21, 2017
With all of your energy focused on your business, marketing can feel like an impossible task. Here is a good place to start.
Five Steps to a Career Change
August 24, 2017
If you’re feeling stuck and unhappy with your job, take these five small steps toward a career change that will allow you to move forward, one step at a time.
BizTalk with Bill Roy - Wichita Business Podcast
August 4, 2017
BizTalk with Bill Roy is a business podcast produced by the Wichita Business Journal, and sponsored by Equity Bank. Every Friday, Bill talks to a new business leader in Wichita, who is helping shape the future of business in the area. Listen to BizTalk with Bill Roy here!
Breakout KC - Napkin Story
August 3, 2017
Breakout KC started as a dream by Founder, Matthew Baysinger. With a little help from a high school friend, and advice from Equity Bank, Breakout KC has grown to over a dozen locations, and is now known as one of the best "Escape Rooms" in the country! Check out their napkin story here.
What is the Future of Your Dollar?
July 13, 2017
What will happen to your money in years to come?
How to Love the Product You're Developing and Selling For Many Years
June 29, 2017
A business owner’s ideas are only as good as the execution surrounding them. Here’s how you can continue to love the product you’re developing and selling for many years to come.
Five Traits of Managers Who Keep Happy Employees
June 15, 2017
People spend most of their time at work, so it’s important that managers do all they can to make that time enjoyable, fulfilling and well-spent. Here are the top five traits of managers who keep happy employees.
Five Ways to Develop Assertiveness in the Workplace
May 25, 2017
Developing assertiveness in the workplace doesn’t refer to a harsh and abrasive personality, but rather, it’s a way to convey what you’re thinking in a positive and healthy manner.
Six Trends Pushing Small Businesses to Adopt Automation
May 18, 2017
Small businesses and entrepreneurs should look forward to new ways of automating their work. Here are six global technology trends to start adopting now.
Four Ways to Get Big Marketing Results on a Small Budget
May 11, 2017
If you have limited funds, you can still obtain tangible results if you put your money in the right places. Here are four ways to get big marketing results on a small budget.
How to Give an Unforgettable Presentation
April 27, 2017
Giving a presentation in front of a group of people can be one of the most nerve wracking experiences. Remember these easy steps in order to give a presentation that's effective, interactive and unforgettable.
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Tips on How to Use Webinars Properly
April 6, 2017
Though technology has made the delivery of webinars possible in real time, there’s a lot of human effort (and a little know-how) when it comes to creating and delivering solid content.
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Five Ways Your Company Can Attract Millennial Employees
March 30, 2017
Millennials are flooding into the workforce, with more than one in three American workers being of the Millennial generation, according to Forbes.
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Remote Employees: Hiring and Sustaining a Team That Will Thrive
March 23, 2017
Times are changing when it comes to the workforce, and there’s no better time than now to hire remote employees.
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Ten Ways to Improve Company Culture
March 2, 2017
Company culture always has room for improvement, and it should never become a stagnant idea that’s left on the back burner.
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Three Bad Habits Preventing Your Ideas from Becoming Great Business Ventures
February 23, 2017
All successful businesses have started out with one thing—a simple idea. One of two things can happen after a great idea has been established.
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Three Reasons Your Employees Should be on Social Media
February 16, 2017
Tweeting an office joke, Instagramming a meeting, Facebooking a photo of employees hanging out together—these can all be frowned upon in the workforce, depending on the type of company, but why?
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Creating Workspaces that Work
January 19, 2017
Gone are the days of the office cubicles and fluorescent lighting. With people spending so much time at work, it’s almost a no-brainer to create a comfortable space where creativity can flow freely.
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How to Avoid Video Marketing Mistakes
January 12, 2017
Videos can be a powerful tool to add to your company’s marketing strategy. They’re engaging, effective and gaining popularity everyday. However, as demand increases, so does competition which means your videos have to be top notch.
How to Keep Employees Productive When Working From Home
January 5, 2017
Waking up early, putting on real clothes, commuting to the office... It’s not for everyone. In fact, according to Business 2 Community, one in every five people are estimated to be working from home at least one day a week.
Historical Optimization: Using Old Blog Content for New Traffic
December 22, 2016
If your website has a blog, chances are you’re tracking the results it generates in hopes of obtaining high quality traffic. By using old blog content, you can do just that by way of historical optimization.
How to Be a Business Mentor
December 16, 2016
A business mentor is someone who offers their wisdom to someone who is less experienced. Business mentors spread their knowledge and experience by equipping mentee’s with counsel, advice, professional contacts and cultural know-how.
5 Free Ways to Promote Your Small Business Online
November 23, 2016
Promoting your business online is essential for brand awareness, growing your company, and pleasing your customers. Here are 5 ways you can utilize internet marketing for free.
Creating a Successful Holiday Marketing Plan
November 17, 2016
Creating a successful holiday marketing plan should be thoroughly planned and discussed with your team, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips to help point you in the right direction.
How to Find a Business Mentor
November 3, 2016
For new entrepreneurs and small business owners, the value of a great mentor is immeasurable. Mentoring also offers a chance to give back and share valuable knowledge.
Best Practices for Business Websites - Part 2
October 27, 2016
You’ve told your prospects what you can do...now it’s time to prove that you’ve actually done it successfully. Here are five additional elements that will help boost conversions successfully.
Best Practices for Business Websites - Part 1
October 20, 2016
As the first point of contact with many of your potential customers, your business website has a tall order to fill.Business website best practices start with the homepage. Whether your design is flashy or ultra-simple, including these five elements will help boost conversions.
Equity Bank & Wichita Business Journal Team Up To Celebrate Entrepreneurship
October 17, 2016
When the Wichita Business Journal decided to create an event to recognize entrepreneurship in Wichita, they approached Equity Bank to help create the event and serve as title sponsor. Wichita Business Journal readers were invited to nominate...
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Warby Parker
October 6, 2016
Warby Parker began, as do many entrepreneurial ventures, with the desire to solve a problem. In this case, the problem was simple: eyeglasses are too expensive. The four then-students decided to found Warby Parker as a way...
Networking for Entrepreneurs
September 29, 2016
Networking is an essential activity for entrepreneurs. Networking is often what sets a company apart from their competition. The ability to move quickly and adapt requires you...
Three Reasons to Hire an Intern
September 22, 2016
Interns can be a great addition to your team, whether it’s for a specific project or a permanent addition to your company. You don’t have to have a full-fledged internship program to bring on interns. Here are three reasons...
The Innovation Battle: Facebook and Snapchat
August 18, 2016
For entrepreneurs, it’s not just about bringing a valued product or service to market, it’s about continually innovating to meet, and more importantly anticipate, consumer demand. The agility of a...
4 Keys to Effective Marketing
August 11, 2016
Marketing shouldn’t be complicated. In fact, your marketing strategy should be focused on simplicity and conciseness. Here are four keys to creating an effective marketing program. Know Your Target...
e2e Celebrates Their Inaugural Accelerator Class
August 4, 2016
Local entrepreneurs and business leaders started a journey to improve the local entrepreneurial environment in Wichita a little less than two years ago. The e2e Accelerator is the result of...
Franchising and Entrepreneurship
July 28, 2016
If you ask entrepreneurs “what makes a good company” most will say the people behind it. Regardless of how great an idea is, it cannot be successful without a team...
Kansas Entrepreneurs
July 21, 2016
Kansas has a long and proud history of entrepreneurship. Companies like Pizza Hut, Boeing and Koch Industries paved the way for local entrepreneurs. Now companies like High Touch and Excel...
Equity Bancshares, Inc. Announces Merger Agreement With Community First Bancshares, Inc.
July 14, 2016
Proposed transaction would add five Arkansas branches to Equity Bank network Equity Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:EQBK) (“Equity,” or “the Company”), parent company of Equity Bank has entered into a definitive merger...
Five Things All Entrepreneurs Should Do During the Summer
July 7, 2016
When you’re an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine. Summer is the perfect excuse (and time) to change things up. Here are five things every entrepreneur should...
Happy Employees Make for Happy Customers
June 30, 2016
A good business owner knows that without customers there is no business. To grow and maintain their business, entrepreneurs must ensure their customers are happy. But what does that mean?...
Table of Experts Report: KC Manufacturing Industry Strong, Weathering Changes
June 16, 2016
The Kansas City manufacturing industry is alive and well with more than 2,000 manufacturing companies located in the Kansas City area. These companies are responsible for an estimated 76,000 jobs,...
What Does 'Entrepreneur' Mean to You?
June 9, 2016
Like so many words, the word ‘entrepreneur’ has a very different meaning to different people. It’s a highly charged word that elicits an immediate reaction in many people that includes...
Is Your Business Scalable? True Tales of Category Creators and Category Killers
June 2, 2016
Whether you are still planning to launch your next business idea or planning the next growth stage of your successful small business, one question you are likely considering is ‘scalability.’...
If You Could Start Your Own Business, What Would it be?
May 19, 2016
A recent survey of more than 500 midwesterners reveals a strong desire to convert passions for cooking, baking, brewing, farming, gardening and building into businesses. The survey, conducted online in...
Faster! Faster! Online Marketing Enables Entrepreneurs to Grow Faster than Ever.
May 5, 2016
A recent report on startup growth shows some exciting news; U.S. startups today are growing faster than they have in the past. In 2014 venture capital backed startups grew revenue...
What's the Best Age to be an Entrepreneur?
April 28, 2016
It feels like entrepreneurs are getting younger and younger. Everyday we seem to be reading about another teenage kid who has created a digital product and service that is spreading...
Flexible Start-Ups
April 21, 2016
Planning is always an important part of being successful in business. It’s no different when starting a business, having a plan is a critical element. It’s also important to understand...
9 Entrepreneur Types. Which Type Are You?
April 14, 2016
At Equity Bank, we believe that inside every great company, there’s an entrepreneur driving it forward. Entrepreneurs come in many shapes and forms, but we often see similarities among them...
Marketing Stunts that Proved Successful
April 7, 2016
An important part of marketing a business is gaining positive press coverage. To do so, businesses often perform what the industry refers to as marketing stunts. When executed properly, these...
Why Tech Companies Have Started Looking Outside Silicon Valley
March 31, 2016
Oh, the highly anticipated and “ever-so-glorious” Silicon Valley. Where the masses flood in search of that next big idea to take them to the limit. Located in Northern California, Silicon...
Why the Type of Bank you Partner With Matters
March 24, 2016
Think back to high school or college when you were paired in groups and forced to work with people you barely knew. Maybe the first meetings went well, if they...
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Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur
March 17, 2016
Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our great nation. They inspire and innovate, create jobs, build communities and influence markets. An entrepreneur believes anything is possible (within reason of course), and...
Know Your Target Audience. Know Success.
March 10, 2016
One of the most important aspects of running a successful business is having a well-defined understanding of your target audience. Unfortunately, many first-time entrepreneurs walk into their new startup blind,...
Entrepreneurs Unite With Equity Bank and the Wichita Business Journal
March 3, 2016
Equity Bank was excited to join the mass of local professionals gathered last week for a panel discussion about entrepreneurialism. Leading the discussion were panelists: Kylie Stupka, President or Youth...
Personal Blogs
These blogs offer useful insight about actions you can take to better yourself! From travel tricks to personality tips, we're sure you'll find these articles useful no matter your life stage.
What Your Coffee Says About Your Personality
March 15, 2018
Your favorite coffee says a lot about you as a person. Your coffee order can say whether you are an introvert, extrovert, perfectionist, warm towards others, sensitive and even bold. Which one of these coffee beverages do you most often drink?
Ten Ways to Travel the World Without Breaking the Bank
February 22, 2018
If you often find yourself daydreaming about faraway lands while checking your savings account balance and cringing, you’re not alone. The thing is, you don’t have to be rich to travel far and often! Not these days. Here’s how you, too, can travel without breaking the bank.
5 Key Steps to Becoming Your Best Self
February 15, 2018
To be your best self, be giving, don’t expect things from others, treat others with kindness, believe in yourself, write your goals down and work toward achieving them.
Pave Your Way to Productivity in 2018
January 18, 2018
With the holidays behind us, the new year is the perfect time to start working on your self improvement goals. No matter how productive you were last year, there’s always room for improvement! Here are five ways to pave your way to productivity this year.
Start a New Savings Plan For the New Year
January 11, 2018
The new year marks a fresh start, making now the perfect time to get serious about your savings goals. To prevent losing sight of your goals after a few weeks into the new year, follow these tips to stay on track with your savings plan.
New Year's Resolution: Smile More Often
December 28, 2017
Smiling more often can help rewire your brain into thinking your experiences are more positive. Smiling releases endorphins, calms you and makes you feel happier. Even if you feel silly at first, let's make 2018 the year we smile more often!
Five Steps to Prepare Your Home For the Holidays
December 7, 2017
If you focus on these five steps to prepare your home for the holidays now, you won’t have to run around on the big day when you should just be enjoying yourself and your company.
Five Activities to Do With Kids This Winter
October 26, 2017
Going stir crazy? You're not alone. Being stuck indoors as it starts to get cold outside will make anyone antsy. Instead of lounging around, try these five fun things to do with your kids this winter.
Ten Fall Activities For the Whole Family
October 12, 2017
Whether you want to spend as much time indoors as possible during the chilly weather, or if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of fall activities on this list for the whole family.
Five Football-Themed Games For Kids
September 7, 2017
Football season is in full swing! While you’re watching the game, let your kids have some fun of their own with these five football-themed games.
The Dos and Don'ts Of Pet Grooming
August 17, 2017
No matter the style you choose for your furry friend, it's important to groom your pet on a regular basis whether that means bathing, shaving, trimming nails, cleaning ears or brushing teeth.
Tips For Adopting a Pet
August 10, 2017
Adopting a pet is a special experience and an important decision. Be prepared before taking the plunge and finding the purrfect four-legged companion.
Achieve Happiness by Ditching These Five Bad Habits
August 3, 2017
Bad habits keep you unhappy, keep you stuck and make you do things you don't want to do. Start eliminating bad habits right now in order to achieve happiness.
Nine Tips to Help Keep Your Pets Cool in the Summertime
July 27, 2017
It can get very hot in the summertime around where we live, and that can cause problems not only for us, but for our pets! Check out our 9 tips to help keep your pets cool and safe this summer!
Road Trip Tips and Tricks
July 19, 2017
Taking your family on the road is a great way to have some quality time with your kids, but if you're not careful, your family bonding could turn into a nightmare. Lucky for you, we've put together a list of the best tips, tricks, and hacks out there to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
The Greatest Road Trip Across America
July 14, 2017
The Great American Road Trip is an iconic tradition in the United States. We've found the ultimate road trip, so this summer you can hit the open road and go on an epic adventure without breaking the bank.
Eight Things That Healthy People Do Often
July 6, 2017
Busy people may struggle to balance work, life and staying healthy. Take note of the eight most important things that healthy people do often.
Ten Ways to Avoid Temptation and Improve Self-Discipline
June 8, 2017
No matter what your goals are, it takes a great deal of self-discipline, control and knowing how to avoid temptation. By fine tuning the skill, you can not only improve your personal life, but also your work life.
Tips For Settling Into a New Home
June 1, 2017
Settling into a new home can feel nothing less than overwhelming. Make sure you write down these easy steps so you can stay organized by checking them off as you go.
Seven Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Home
May 4, 2017
Buying a home is one of the most serious, and exciting, investments you’ll make. But, like anything else, there are things to consider before you take the plunge and make such a big purchase.
Live a Little: Your Personal Guide to Personal Loans
April 13, 2017
Have you ever dreamt of traveling the world? Maybe moving across the pond? Many people don’t have the funds to accomplish certain life goals, but there is a way that it can be done.
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Five Things All College Students Should Know About Finances
March 16, 2017
Buying learning the basics of finances early on, young adults can be set up to succeed when it comes to credit cards, loans, retirement and more.
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What You Need to Know Before Getting an Auto Loan
March 9, 2017
Buying a car is expensive, so it’s important that you get the right car, the best deal and the most affordable loan.
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5 Tips to Help Balance Work and Play
December 29, 2016
Sometimes it’s hard to remember to live a life that’s balanced between work and play. With entrepreneurs always planning the future of their business and its next steps, time is generally devoted to thinking about new ideas and achieving another goal.
Simple Ways to Save Money
December 1, 2016
No matter where you are on the financial ladder, making a conscious effort to keep track of those pennies and nickels can be beneficial. Here are a few simple money saving steps that can make quite a difference over time.
Best Practices for Summer Traveling. Protect Your Skin...and Your Savings.
May 24, 2016
Going someplace exciting this summer? You know the drill. Pack light, bring loads of sunscreen and of course, have the funds you need in tow. We want to protect you...
How-To Guides
Our how-to guides are the perfect instruction manuals to simplify your life. Easily stick to your New Year's resolutions, plan the perfect get away, or make the best apple cider. We've got something for everyone, so find out how we can make your life easier below!
How to Plan a Memorable Vacation in Five Easy Steps
February 1, 2018
From getting good flight deals to making sure you won’t get stranded abroad, it’s important to know how to plan a trip to an unfamiliar place. As the Official Bank of Travelers, Equity has you covered.
How to Stick to Your 2018 New Year's Resolutions
January 25, 2018
Did you know that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the time February hits? So, why do some people succeed in keeping their resolutions while the majority of us fail? Here’s how you can stick to your 2018 New Year’s resolutions.
How to Stay Active in the Winter
January 4, 2018
During the winter, it can be difficult to get out of bed and put on your jogging shoes, but it's worth it! Did you know that working out in the cold has its advantages over working out in warmer weather?
Festive Cider Recipe to Spice Up the Holiday
December 14, 2017
Nothing says ‘the holidays’ quite like a piping hot cup of mulled apple cider. This easy, fast and inexpensive recipe is a great way to impress all of your guests during the holiday season.
How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte
October 5, 2017
Pumpkin spice latte—the drink everyone loves to hate but secretly orders at the coffee shop when no one’s looking. Yes, they’re delicious but they can also cost an arm and a leg. Try making your own pumpkin spice latte this season to save on added sugar and money. Here’s how!
How to Throw a Winning Tailgate Party
August 31, 2017
Football season is here, and the equally important tailgate parties are too. While you might not be able to control who wins, outside the stadium you have what it takes to throw a winning tailgate party.
How to Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Home
July 20, 2017
Learn how to help your pet adjust to their new home so the moving process is as seamless and comfortable as possible for all family members.
Finances: Things to Consider Before Saying "I Do"
February 9, 2017
Perhaps you’re engaged and thinking about the future with your significant other. You’re both filled with high expectations, enthusiasm, and a desire to work hard toward a common goal—but, not everything always goes according to plan.
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You Just Got Married... Now What?
February 2, 2017
There’s a lot to think about before and after you tie the knot. Homes, cars, children...But, finances can be especially difficult to manage amongst two people with two different styles of saving and budgeting.
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Five Quick Tips for Time Management
January 26, 2017
Our lives are busy. We scurry from task to task, meeting to meeting and our feelings of success are largely dependent on how busy our days are. Is this really beneficial in the long run when it comes to our stress levels?
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How to Give Back to Your Community
November 2, 2017
Giving back to your community can be easy, and even fun, when you get creative with how you can help. You don’t need a lot of money, people or time to make a difference.
How to Protect Yourself Against Wire Fraud
September 14, 2017
Wire transfers are a great way to send money, however, they can be dangerous. Protect yourself against wire fraud by following these five tips.
How to Be a Business Mentor
December 16, 2016
A business mentor is someone who offers their wisdom to someone who is less experienced. Business mentors spread their knowledge and experience by equipping mentee’s with counsel, advice, professional contacts and cultural know-how.
How to Find a Business Mentor
November 3, 2016
For new entrepreneurs and small business owners, the value of a great mentor is immeasurable. Mentoring also offers a chance to give back and share valuable knowledge.
Community Blogs
These community blogs offer a unique look at how you can make a difference in your community. From guides on ways to give locally, to articles on how giving has impacted the world, our community blogs are an excellent resource on ways giving makes a difference!
How to Give Back to Your Community
November 2, 2017
Giving back to your community can be easy, and even fun, when you get creative with how you can help. You don’t need a lot of money, people or time to make a difference.
Generous America - 2016
June 22, 2017
The World Giving Index, Giving USA foundation, and CNBC bring us a story of unparalleled generosity in America. Take a look at this heart-warming story that includes tips on how you can give back, even in the smallest ways, to your community.
Biggest Accomplishments in 2016
December 8, 2016
As you move into the new year and close out the old, it’s time to look back on your biggest accomplishments in 2016 and remember what you’re most proud of. Out of over 500 responses we received, most participants said they were proud of their career.
Security
Whether you're online or out in the world, security risks seem to lurk around every corner. These security articles give you vital information to protect yourself against threats that might be waiting for you! Learn how to keep your information safe below.
How to Protect Yourself Against Wire Fraud
September 14, 2017
Wire transfers are a great way to send money, however, they can be dangerous. Protect yourself against wire fraud by following these five tips.
7 Tips to Avoid Online Fraud
June 23, 2016
Every year, millions of consumers fall victim to cyber crime. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2014, consumers lost more than $800 million from scams initiated through...
Watch Out! Hackers May be Trying to Hold Your Company Computers Hostage!
May 12, 2016
FBI issues a warning about increasing ransomware attacks, along with tips for mitigating the risk to you and your company. The FBI has recently published information to warn businesses and...