Small Business Saturday, celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a nationwide movement to support local businesses. Launched by American Express in 2010, the event encourages shoppers to “shop small” and strengthen their local economies. This year, it falls on Saturday, November 30th, offering a fantastic opportunity to grow your customer base and boost sales during the holiday season.
By Matthew Wells · November 27 2024
small business, small business Saturday, holiday
From green-themed promotions to Irish-inspired menu items, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to boost your sales and engage with your audience this St. Patrick's Day!
By Matthew Wells · February 21 2024
marketing, holiday, st patricks day, st pattys
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
Management and Operations“Enlightened” Profit. A Better Way To Build A Business.Values are the key to building value. More and more of today’s CEO’s now see a three tiered metric of profit as essential to building a strong and sustainable company. TheWisdomGuy.comManagement and OperationsWhen Bad Things Happen to Good Business Owners and EntrepreneursStuff happens. As a business owner and entrepreneur, the more successful you become, the more you open yourself up to criticism, negative feedback or just plain being attacked. BusinessKnowHow.com Management and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · December 15 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, small business
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 November 10, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about email marketing around the holidays.
Include holiday greetings and designed themes in your email marketing. This can help set a certain tone if that's what you're looking to do.
Don't blow-up subscriber inboxes with additional holiday email promotions. Instead substitute a standard email with the holiday one.
Your subject line should include holiday phrases and special deals to entice people to open the email.
Keep emails informative without spamming. Put direct links to holiday-branded landing pages instead of a link to your homepage.
Daily Overview: Don't be a Scrooge. Make email marketing over the holidays fun, informative and unique.
By Cheryl Sowa · November 10 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, email
Tips from November 9, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss holiday marketing tips for your website.
Make like Google with your logo. During the holidays go for a spirit-themed logo. Capture what might appeal most to your audience.
Use your holiday logo and themes for your social media sites! Get your Facebook and Twitter audiences into the holiday spirit.
Create holiday-themed landing pages (not necessarily the home page) for your website to use in both online and offline advertising.
Even if you don't have a shopping cart on your website, be sure to list your in-store holiday promotions. 69% of consumers research online before coming into your store.
Daily Overview: Your business can appeal to your audience's holiday spirit by dressing up online: your logo, website and social networks.
By Cheryl Sowa · November 09 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, google
