Management and Operations Marketing Lowdown: Five Steps To Better Retail Displays A recent poll asked average Americans which of their five senses they would least be willing to lose. The result? Overwhelmingly, the eyes have it. But before we can learn anything with our eyes, we must be interested enough to look. Our attention must be captured. ManageSmarter.com Management and OperationsManaging the Direct Marketing Supply ChainA direct marketing offer can reach its potential customers through print mailings, e-mail blasts, Website offerings, television advertising, Internet...
By Cheryl Sowa · January 13 2010
small business brief, marketing, marketing, small business
On Christmas Eve, the Senate passed their version of the health care bill, bringing America one step closer to a new universal health care system. The House version of the health care bill was passed in November, each with their own set of rules and regulations. Now, we play a waiting game. President Obama and his team will now reconcile the differences between the two bills into one bill. The final bill will be voted on by each chamber before being signed into legislation by President Obama. The House and Senate Health Care Bills are VERY different on very important issues that all Americans, especially small business owners, need to be aware of. Below are various topics included in both the House and Senate health care bills broken down, as well as some FAQ about what this means for small business owners.Abortion
The House bill would ban abortion from being covered in the new public plan EXCEPT in the cases of rape, incest,...
By Cheryl Sowa · January 07 2010
small business, taxes, senate, obama
Christmas came on January 5, 2010 this year for thousands of Google addicts like myself. The launch of Google's hosted web store and new Nexus One phone is FINALLY here!And I bet you're wondering why you, as a small business owner, should care? Good question! For starters, the Nexus One provides instant access to all of your favorite Google applications, which especially come in handy for small business owners. Track emails, access your calendar, and get your business phone calls through Google Voice on your Nexus One. Additionally, hundreds of applications are being developed by Google to challenge the rival iPhone's, giving small business owners access to their social media sites, finance insights, sales information, and more.Google's hosted web store is a new way to connect Google's online users with the ability to purchase Android devices. The goal is simplicity: simple ways to purchase a phone and service plan, delivery, and start up. Sounds too good to be true, but then ag...
By Cheryl Sowa · January 06 2010
google, phone, iphone, cell phone
Management and Operations Ten Worst Communication Blunders of 2009 From a steady review of major news events, here are the ten worst communication blunders of 2009. BusinessKnowHow.com Management and OperationsProductivity Coach's Corner: Clear the Clutter, Create OpportunityThe following is a specific key to success in lightening the load on your body and mind. This is a practical activity, one you can do to reduce the unnecessary physical and psychological stress you may be carrying around right now. Wouldn't it be worth it to invest less than one half of an hour to regain some confidence and control? M...
By Cheryl Sowa · January 05 2010
small business brief, small business, economy, customer service
The holidays are officially here! With Christmas just three days away, last minute shoppers are scrambling to buy gifts. Malls are crowded, lines are long, and finding parking takes hours. With all the stress that unfortunately comes with the holidays, there are a a few tricks that can be done to help you survive the season.1. Be Patient & FlexibleFor most, shopping during the holidays is one of the most stressful times of the year. The pressure to find the perfect gift for someone builds up on customers and often leaves them frustrated. Realize this as a small business owner and/or employee. You need to give your customers extra patience during this busy season. Understand that they might talk back at you, be rude, or even argue. It is nothing against you, just the frustration and stress of the holidays speaking. Be nice and patient with every customer at all times. If a problem arises, take a step back and think it through. Be flexible and creative to find resol...
By Cheryl Sowa · December 22 2009
marketing, customer service, fun, holiday
Combining unique preferences, resentment and rebellious tendencies, and elaborate priorities, marketing to Generation X is quite a difficult task. Here are 6 rules of marketing to Generation X.
Don't recycle the past. Generation X knows many popular marketing strategies that have worked for Baby Boomers. Gen X knows what has been used already, and in turn know what is a new and exciting way to grab their attention.
What's "In" may not be in with Gen X. This group is attracted to what is affordable and of great quality. Trends which don't break the bank are the ones that Gen X will lean towards. An example of well marketed trends to Gen X include the "Going Green" effort. Gen X is highly concerned about the environment and will try green trends.
"Hard selling" is poor selling. Generation X finds "hard selling" harsh, rude, and obnoxious. They are turned off by this sales method. If you are going to pitch to Gen X...
By Cheryl Sowa · December 22 2009
marketing, Advertising, needs, communication
Tips from December 18, 2009
The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation X via email newsletters.
Newsletters sent via email make life easier for Generation X. These are easy to read, quick to click through, and (should) provide great deals or information accessible immediately.
Getting an email with a promo code or deal and online shopping is simple and quick for Gen X. They like to multi-task and would rather see and buy rather than wait around for it. Think about this strategy when you send out newsletters. Make sure your deals, coupons, or promo codes are available and easily seen. Getting people to click through also makes it all trackable for you!
Newsletters have the ability to make Gen Xers feel individually important. Although thousands of other people are receiving the same newsletter, different data like their name or location can be added dynamically to bring that forward. Make them feel special.
Genera...
By Kim Fenolio · December 19 2009
small business tips, small business, email, tips
Tips from the evening of December 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation X via word of mouth.
Generation X values individualism, but also what other people are doing/thinking. They will see a trend, and make a snap decision on it.
Values and opinions mean a lot to Generation X, in terms of quality and use. They especially value good prices, a great product with quality, and long term use to get their money's worth. They value others' experiences with products and will make decisions on what others have said.
Gen X varies VERY differently from Baby Boomers culturally, economically, and financially. ACKNOWLEDGE this. Grouping them with their elders will only cause Gen X to automatically turn their shoulder.
Product reviews are KEY for Generation Xers. They check them, post to them, and follow religiously. Create a great product or provide a great service and you will have something to show fo...
By Kim Fenolio · December 17 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, value
