Running a Business
5 Marketing Things to Do Right Now
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009Yeah, we know. “This” economy is a drag. Entrepreneurs like us are scrambling to put their energy and money into best-bets for breaking even, and just maybe branch out into growth areas. But you can and should make time for a few marketing steps that keep your name and services out there. At least pick [...]
Sometimes You Just Need to Ask for Help
Monday, April 13th, 2009By nature, small business owners have a real DIY attitude. You have to when you wear that many hats: ceo, marketing director, receptionist, coffee maker/fetcher/cleaner-upper. It’s a great, and probably necessary trait. But successful entrepreneurs also need to know when they need help.
Maybe it is high time you hired an intern for some marketing assistance [...]
Does Your Web Site Need a Check-up?
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Do you find yourself apologizing for your web site when you send someone to it? (“Just ignore the pictures/flashy thing/out-of-date stuff.”)
Do you feel like the site could actually motivate more people to call or buy?
Does it just seem like the site feels a little dated or out-of-step with what you see on the Internet these [...]
For Small Biz: Marketing Seminar is Exactly Your Size
Thursday, March 5th, 2009Have you ever hesitated before trashing yet another unsolicited email about improving your marketing efforts? Wondering if this one is the one that might really work? Honestly, most of those direct mail tactics are aimed at getting cash away from the desperate. And while many more business owners may be edging toward that scary edge [...]
Generating New Ideas to Keep Small Biz Healthy (or Afloat!)
Saturday, January 24th, 2009Andrew Field, CEO of PrintingForLess.com, has flung an interesting idea up the flagpole. He worries that the stimulus packages and attention to all the big business meltdowns in recent months miss a critical aspect of the problem. Scads of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are struggling and if they begin to shutter, the impact on [...]
Shoppers Now Prefer Search Engines to Yellow Pages
Thursday, October 30th, 2008It’s official. As of 2008, local shoppers report using search engines (the usual suspects like Google, Yahoo, MSN) more than traditional print directories. Led by the venerable Yellow Pages, these print editions are still likely to be a tool for finding businesses. The Web Pro News article also reports internet yellow-type directory sites are currently third in the list [...]
Independent Retailers Earn High Marks
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008As we begin our research for remodeling the kitchen, I picked up a copy of Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning and Buying Guide 2008. A section on best buys rated appliance retailers on price, selection, service, etc. Turns out that shoppers scored “independent stores” at 89% and 87% (for small and major appliances) bringing this category [...]
Discover a Need. Meet it.
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008Running a sustainable and successful organization means finding a way to do something unique and staying in touch with that spirit of innovation. Companies and not-for-profits alike have focussed much attention on their core mission statements, as well they should. But that mission should be regularly activated by what you truly do for your clients and constituents.
Here’s an [...]