One of the most exciting aspects of owning a small business is watching it grow. Creating goals and implementing strategies to achieve those goals, particularly the money related ones, can be immensely satisfying! However, sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and not know which direction to take or which strategy to try. Here are just a few ideas to get you out of that rut.
She's in the new world… are you?
The customer is making a comeback – slow though it may be. And when she (or he) returns, you're going to notice a change. A big change. FAIR WARNING: How you prepare for the new customer will determine your long-term success.
Direct mail and advertising are two extremely powerful marketing tools when they’re done correctly. And there are key steps you can take to ensure not only that you’re getting the best conversion rate, but that you’re maximizing your response. These keys rest in the design of your piece. Let’s take a look at ten design tips to improve your advertising and direct mail.
Filed under Advertising, Business Management, Self Employed by 
Raye and I went to an annual dinner meeting of a local business group the other evening. This was a group of owners of local Independent Heating Contractors who break from their normal meeting agenda once a year and have a Holiday dinner party and invite spouses, friends and family to attend.
Filed under Advertising, Blogging, Customer Service, How To Information, Internet, Online Marketing, Self Employed, Social Marketing, eMail Marketing by
Having finished reading Eric Qualman's book Socialnomics (and already being on board with the importance and relevance of Social Media) I was nonetheless amazed at the statistics regarding Social Media, perhaps you will be too…
Filed under Advertising, Blogging, How To Information, Internet, Internet Video, Local Search, Online Marketing, SEO, Self Employed, Social Marketing by
Modern technology has made it so much easier to get your materials out there. You can share ideas and pictures with the whole world and use it to make money. But just as it’s easier to share, it’s also easier to steal. That’s why it’s important to know the laws and protect yourself.
Filed under Business Management, How To Information, Internet, Local Search, Offline Marketing, Online Marketing, Self Employed by
In order to do business online, business owners need safe, efficient and effective ways to collect payment. While PayPal might be the most notable and familiar, is it necessarily the best? Let’s take a look at some of the more common secure online payment systems and compare.
Filed under Business Management, Customer Service, Internet, Local Search, Online Marketing, Self Employed, Social Marketing by
Small businesses don’t have the same marketing muscle as large businesses. A small business simply doesn’t have the advertising budget needed to build a “big” brand and to gain recognition in the market through that brand. So how is a small business to compete with the “big guns?”
Filed under Blogging, Business Management, Customer Service, How To Information, Online Marketing, SEO, Self Employed, Social Marketing, eMail Marketing by
Networking online is a great thing. It helps you stay connected with your peers and can make working at your computer all day a little less lonely. However, there are some pitfalls to networking online.
Filed under Business Management, How To Information, Internet, Online Marketing, Self Employed, Social Marketing by
If your marketing campaign just isn’t working, or you’re just getting started, take a long look at what you’re trying to do. Is it exciting? Is it eye catching? Is it unique? If not, you’re campaign is likely too bland to get anywhere. It used to be that simply advertising your business could get you more than enough customers, but this is normally no longer the case. Look around you. There are advertisements EVERYWHERE.
