Tips from February 1, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss common website mistakes.
Poor Maintenance: Broken links, "404 file not found" error messages, and links leading to the wrong place is frustrating for your website visitors.
No Contact Information: A website is important for every business, and lacking contact information is detrimental. Address, email, and phone number are crucial.
Poor Navigation: Dead pages, no links to your homepage, and disabling the back button on your browser is not only frustrating for visitors but also for web designers.
Outdated Information: Old business hours and addresses are misleading to website visitors and potential customers. Old information hurts business, not encourage it.
Daily Overview: Poor upkeep & maintenance are the two biggest mistakes businesses make for their website. Avoid this by testing your website and updating information.
By Cheryl Sowa · February 01 2010
small business tips, small business, online, technology
Management and Operations 21st Century Career Development and Its Implications for Learning and Development There has been a significant change between what career development means in the 21st century and what it meant when our parents' generation, or even when my fellow Boomers, entered the workforce. ManageSmarter.com Management and OperationsFirst Lady Michelle Obama Promotes Work/Life BalanceDuring her visit with 400 employees, Obama touched on an issue that has been central to her professional life—simultaneously managing the demands of home and the workplace. Workfor...
By Cheryl Sowa · January 19 2010
small business brief, small business, online, target
Tips from November 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss publicizing job openings.
Knowing where to place your ads is crucial. Only a handful look in newspapers nowadays, the majority of people look online. Place ads on various job sites, such as SimplyHired or Craigslist. A simple "Help Wanted" ad in your window or on your website will help too.
Make your ad informative first, creative second. You are looking to hire those who are serious about a job, not necessarily those who are attracted simply by the uniqueness and how catchy the job post is.
Talk to local colleges. Many graduates, or students who are looking for a part time job, have their ears and eyes open for job opportunities. Have your job requirements ready.
Job advertising through the media is a good way to go big. Try the radio first, then the TV. Be sure to include your phone number and/or website multiple times.
Daily Overview: Post your...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 17 2009
small business tips, small business, online, human resources
Government, Politics, and the Economy
U.S. Stocks Extend Global Rally on Retail Sales, APEC Pledge U.S. stocks added to a global rally, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a 13-month high, after retail sales increased more than forecast and Asian government leaders pledged to maintain economic stimulus spending. Bloomberg.comThe Economy6 Steps for Surviving the RecessionThe news today just is not very good. Every time we think we are on the upside of the downturn, we get thrown for another loop, hit with another tax, told it will be just a few more months before all this turns around. BusinessKnowHow.com...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 17 2009
small business brief, small business, economy, economy
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
Government, Politics, and the Economy
Retail Sales Rebound Into Xmas as Shares Show Consumer Not Dead From the recent spike in sales, it's beginning to look a lot like the retail holiday season will be happier than predicted. Bloomberg.comManagement and OperationsWhy Unemployed College Grads Should Channel Their Inner Entrepreneur Recent college graduates who are unemployed should think about taking to their entrepreneurial skills and start their own business. BusinessKnowHow.comManagement and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · October 20 2009
small business brief, online, retail, customer service
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
Tips from Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Small Business tips today will be about how to start an email newsletter.
Newsletter preparation: Figure out your agenda. Generate sales? Customer retention? Thought leadership?
Provide a value; something they don’t already have. Get their attention with a GOOD subject line too.
Design your newsletter with the assumption that people will only skim it. Short chunks, easily digestible.
Search for a newsletter provider that isn’t just the cheapest but has a proven track record and has the services you need.
Daily Overview: Create the foundation for your newsletter before you create your quality content using the service that fits you.
By Kim Fenolio · April 29 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, online
