We've all seen the holiday-themed TV shows and movies with large, elaborate Christmas parties for employees with dinners, complimentary gifts, and the ever-so dangerous open bar. As a result of the recent economic struggle, many holiday parties are being cancelled. A few years ago, many businesses offered employees bonuses, gifts, and holiday themed parties, as well as some perks for clients. Instead, businesses are turning to different strategies when deciding ways to thank employees and customers.
According to an American Express OPEN Small Business Holiday Monitor, a survey of about 500 business owners, only 31% of business owners plan to give year-end bonuses this year, which is down from 44% last year. Additionally, only 16% will give raises, down from 30% in 2008. Almost 25% of businesses have stopped all gifts, but 28% are coming up with creative gifts, bartering, or incentives to avoid spending money.
If your small business usually throws an annual holiday party, thi...
By Cheryl Sowa · December 03 2009
small business, economy, customers, holiday parties
Tips from December 2, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss Generation Y (those in their 20s and younger).
Social involvement and sense of empowerment are important to Gen Y. Working together and being connected is important to this generation, especially to students.
Instant gratification is crucial to Gen Y. They are used to spending money freely receiving rewards or reaping the benefits immediately and not having to wait. Market to this group with outstanding deals.
Social media is KEY to Gen Y. They are on MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, instant messaging, blogs, and more. It is very important to this group to link to their friends. Use social media to promote the newest deals and the sense that "everyone is doing it" to reach this audience.
Gen Y doesn't trust very easily. You need to earn their trust with your brand or business. They follow trends and follow the media closely to see what is popular and what is...
By Cheryl Sowa · December 02 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, social media
Tips from December 1, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss Generation X (currently late 20s - early 40s).
Adjusting to the financial crisis is hard for Gen X. Their experiences in life have, so far, proven that if you work hard for something, you will receive positive results. During the recession, this is not the the case. They are not always reaping the benefits and are frustrated. Gen X will be employed but find themselves unhappy.
Gen X likes to be original. Don't categorize or group them - treat them as valued individuals. Grouping them makes them feel their opinions and ideas aren't valued.
They grew up alongside technology. They have had years of work experience with computers, and are involved in social media. Marketing to them via email campaigns and newsletters will catch their eye.
Gen X values optimism and new opportunities. They are the audience who will most likely visit a new business, try a new product, or...
By Cheryl Sowa · December 02 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, target audience
Government, Politics, and the Economy Is It Too Early to Start Thinking About a Rebound? It may not feel like it yet in your town or in your industry, but there are indications that things are getting better. NYtimes.comManagement and OperationsHow to Not Go Out of BusinessStart by studying how your best customers interact with your brand and its competitors, then brainstorm ways to address any shortcomings. BusinessWeek.com Management and Operations
By Kim Fenolio · December 01 2009
small business brief, economy, training, business
Everyday local search becomes more integrated into the old fashioned search results. Google expanded its local search universe again recently and shows no signs of slowing.
The Google Local Business Center is so great because you can dissect a listing and really understand why it is ranked. Not only does the business owner have the opportunity to provide details, but Google finds other sites that reference a business and includes it in the listing details. For example, searching custom closets Broadview, IL
By Derek McKenzie · December 01 2009
local business center, localeze, acxiom, infousa
Tips from November 30, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss dissecting various target audiences, specifically Baby Boomers (those born between 1945 and 1960).
You can find baby boomers still in the workforce, even into their 50s and 60s because of the economic situation. Many are trying to live long and rich to fulfill their dreams, and are doing so by pushing back retirement. Target their work ethic and desire to retire.
Communication is simple with the Baby Boomers. They are used to traditional types of communication, and generally use the phone and simple email. They are starting to understand and use technology, including social media and instant messenger.
As these folks have lived through many historical, cultural, and economic situations in the past 50 years, the Baby Boomers know and appreciate the value of the dollar. They cut and save coupons they find in the newspaper and online. If you're printing coupons for your busin...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 30 2009
small business tips, small business, baby boomers, target audience
As Google continues to integrate the local map results into the main SERPs, the more valuable a strong local profile becomes. Google Maps and the Local Business Center are also much easier to work with than standard search results as they are much more transparent in their rankings. With the recent implementation of “place pages,” the local search arena just got better. Instead of just businesses Google seems to be indexing “places,” and just like local businesses, these places are being ranked. These “places” also look just like the local business listings, the query “millennium park Chicago, il” brings us that familiar onebox business, now place, listing.
By Derek McKenzie · November 28 2009
google, google maps, local business center, chicago
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By Derek McKenzie · November 26 2009
