The Small Business tips today discuss how to keep your business from taking over your life.
Understand that it's okay to say no. Each time you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else.
Set specific rules for yourself and the time you dedicate to working. Build in a grace period for the "I have to get this done" stuff. Then stick to it!
Build in you time. Make time to recharge the batteries, watch a movie, go out with friends. A personal release will help you focus again when it's time to get back to business.
Let your clients know that you have specific business hours for calls AND for when you perform your work. Make sure you're the one setting the expectations.
Daily Overview: Tell your clients when you're working. Tell yourself when you're not. Keeping to your schedule helps you keep your sanity.
By Kim Fenolio · November 04 2009
small business tips, small business, tips, personal life
Tips from November 3, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss a marketing budget for start up businesses.
Plan for travel expenses, phone bills, commission to reps, and other hidden costs that comes with marketing.
Determine how much you need to sell in order to make sales projections. Give yourself a cushion, allocate extra money towards marketing.
Inventive and unique product lines generate free word of mouth marketing, saving marketing money. Allocate that money towards the actual product.
Determine your target audience and market to them. Direct promotion helps you stand out and use your money more efficiently.
Daily Overview: Allocate a portion of your budget to marketing. Keep sale projections, product lines and techniques in mind. Don't throw your money into the wind without a good idea of where it's going to land.
By Cheryl Sowa · November 03 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, budget
Government, Politics, and the Economy
Economy Jumps 3.5 Percent to Largest Growth in Two Years Consumer spending, exports and investments experience greatest gains. ManagerSmarter.comManagement and OperationsSmall Shops Make Big Play for Holiday ShoppersMerchants roll out Christmas wares weeks in advance to lure customers away from large discount retailers. WSJ.comManagement and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · November 03 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips from November 2, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss money concerns for start up businesses.
Create a plan. Map out what you have in order to fund your business to start a savings plan. Predict your cash flow.
You could consider using personal savings, remortgaging property, credit cards or personal property as an initial financial resource.
An established credit history and collateral make it easier to receive a small business loan. Plan, know your finances and apply.
Keep track of each penny. Balance your checkbook and be conscious of spending. Saving a few cents will add up yearly.
Daily Overview: Funding a start up business is no easy process. You're best off to plan, have a history of being responsible and don't forget.. PLAN.
By Cheryl Sowa · November 02 2009
small business tips, small business, business, money
Networking is important to small businesses in that it helps them to stay in business, grow their business, and connect to other business owners. The general way to network is usually by having your information on a neat business card and give your information to others. To create a big name for yourself when networking, you need to step out of your comfort zone and create a buzz. Here are few ideas.Professional Business CardsYes, business cards are important for networking so they can have your contact information. No, they should not be the only thing that you do. For starters, make sure your business cards are professional. Have an edgy design on quality paper with all your contact information. Business cards should be kept in a safe place to avoid tearing and ripping. You might also want to consider adding your Twitter ID and Facebook profile to your card as a way for people to keep up with you in more of the real-time business world. Q & A...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 02 2009
small business, networking, professional, business card
Tips originally posted on October 30, 2009
The Small Business tips take a little of the shared wisdom from the 140 Characters Conference and will show you how to network with social media.
Social media requires you to be social. Be human and relatable. Talk to me like I'm your sister. It's like an instant state of relaxation.
Try not to over complicate things. Just use common sense in your networking approach. One step back can take you two steps forward in the medium.
You should do dinner and a movie before you ask for a kiss. Basically that means to establish the relationship before you ask them to do something.
Everything isn't always about you. Your network probably has more to offer you than you do to them. Letting them feel that way will help you in the end.
Daily Overview...
By Kim Fenolio · October 30 2009
small business tips, small business, networking, social media
Tips from October 29, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to set up a small business event to network in your community.
Market your event via flyers, Chambers of Commerce, radio advertisements, mailers, on your website, as well as word of mouth.
Create a Facebook invite and notify your friends, family, group members, as well as fans. Send them a reminder message a day before the event.
Offer small, free gifts for people at your event, such as pens, magnets, or pads of paper. Have all of your contact information easily readable on it.
At the event, collect business cards & give yours out. At the conclusion of the event, send a thank you letter & save their contact information.
Daily Overview: Events allow your business to connect with other people and businesses to create relationships and build support.
By Cheryl Sowa · October 29 2009
small business tips, small business, small business, event
Tips from October 28, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how your local Chamber of Commerce is a great way to network.
Join local businesses in promoting your town's economy by shopping locally to keep money in your community.
Network with your neighbors to coordinate discounts and promotions to encourage consumers to buy locally.
Meet a few times every month. Discuss your community's economy, goals for the future, & new programs or events coming up.
Plan an event with your Chamber. Invite all small businesses to host the event & open it to the community. More tomorrow!
Daily Overview: Use your Chamber of Commerce membership to its full potential by networking with other local businesses.
By Cheryl Sowa · October 28 2009
small business tips, small business, event, networking
