Tips from September 21, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about how to manage your finances by conserving capital.
Know what sells best. Figure out number of units sold, best sellers, average order, buying trends and what your customers want.
Determine prices by product, service, direct, and indirect costs, as well as keeping the image of the business & some profit.
Be hesitant with money. Don't commit capital unless absolutely necessary. Know you absolutely need something, then go ahead.
Conserve in the workplace. You can lease space, computers, or other office equipment instead of buying to save money.
Daily Overview: Every penny is important when trying to conserve capital: be smart, sensible, and resourceful.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 21 2009
small business tips, small business, capital, finances
The summer rush is over, the holiday season is approaching, and businesses are stuck in an awkward time frame. Sales start to slump, and businesses experience a slowdown. Small businesses then have a choice: they can view the slump negatively or positively. Viewing the slump negatively will only add unnecessary stress and frustration. Instead, view the slump as a chance to update and improve your business and services. Here's how.RelaxDon't panic. A slowdown is a scary time for businesses, especially for entrepreneurs. Instead of instilling fear in yourself, take a deep breath and relax. While you are enjoying your downtime, don't let your business escape your thoughts. Keep it in the back of your mind, and draw from your relaxation for new and innovative ideas.Plan & Get Ahead of the GameDown time is the perfect opportunity to start planning ahead for the future. Start by reviewing what you have done so far, including all financ...
By Cheryl Sowa · September 21 2009
marketing, small business, opportunity, slump
Tips from September 18, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss nonverbal communication by your website.
Your website should be visually appealing, as well as easy to navigate to communicate important info to visitors.
Be color friendly. Be sure to choose colors appealing on monitors, as well as for those who are color blind.
Have a theme throughout your web site. Each page should have similar headings, footers, & design.
Text should be big enough to read easily by everyone visiting your website, especially your target audience.
Daily Overview: Communicate clearly online by using common sense, organization, & always keeping your target in mind.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 18 2009
small business tips, small business, online, tips
Communication these days comes in all forms, from verbal, written, nonverbal, visual, "writing on a wall" and even tweeting. For businesses, communication is very important within the company, customers, and clients, and some of the most important communication is said without words. Nonverbal communication speaks wonders about how you present yourself, as well as your business, to others and can convey just as much or more to your customers. Keep these nonverbal communication signals in mind the next time you are conducting business with customers, clients, or with your associates.PostureKeep your back straight! Don't slouch! Shoulders up! We've all heard how we should present ourselves visually by having correct posture. It's true: good posture will present your body in a positive manner. Good posture will give you a strong, upright, and positive looking body. You will look presentable, eager, and ready for whatever is thrown your way. Having good pos...
By Cheryl Sowa · September 18 2009
nonverbal communication, presentation, gestures, eye contact
Tips from September 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss nonverbal communication by your body language.
SMILE! A smile welcomes people to approach you, as well as show that you are friendly and eager to be at work.
Crossing your arms is a defense mechanism & signals you are protecting & hiding yourself. Keep your arms at your side to greet.
Know how to properly shake hands. Smile, make eye contact, meet hands in the middle, have a firm grip, & be confident.
Have proper hygiene. Make sure you are clean before work and look presentable. Keep in mind: you are representing a business.
Daily Overview: Body language is the silent language. You say just as much in how you act as you say with your words! Pay attention.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 17 2009
small business tips, small business, language, communication
Tips from September 16, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss nonverbal communication by your business presentation.
Be organized. Put clutter away & have no garbage. Keep it professional & clean. It shows how you will do business with them.
Have your business logo & hours available & easy for all to see. Make sure there is no question of where & when.
Present yourself in a positive manner. Represent your business by being clean, put together & dressed appropriately.
When working from home, keep your home clean & orderly. Remove distractions (family, pets) to show business is important to you.
Daily Overview: Wherever you work, be clean, organized, & presentable to communicate your work ethic.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 16 2009
small business tips, small business, professional, nonverbal communication
Tips from September 15, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss nonverbal communication with a dress code.
Have everyone dress similarly to show unity and professionalism. Wear your business representation proudly. Simple is key.
Try incorporating your logo into attire (pin, name tag, shirt) to distinguish employees from customers.
A simple dress code could be to have all employees wear black or blue as a symbol of power and sophistication.
All employees dressing the same can help to establish that you are serious about your work and business. Be classy.
Daily Overview: Be presentable and choose a uniform if it fits your image. Try to use it to communicate your company's professionalism.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 15 2009
small business tips, small business, nonverbal communication, communicate
Government, Politics, and the EconomyRetail Sales in U.S. Jump 2.7%, Most in Three Years Thanks to the government's Cash for Clunkers program, retailers in the U.S. surged in August - the most in three years. Bloomberg.comManagement and OperationsBe Ready and Prepared for Disasters: September is National Preparedness MonthFire, flood, hurricane, or tornado, you need to be prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your business from mother nature. BusinessKnowHow.com Management and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · September 15 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, retail
