Tips from January 28, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation Y via word of mouth. Generation Y wants an "experience" when they try out a new product. This can be done easily with a street team handing out free samples to promote your business and product. Get them involved than simply trying a new product and get them talking. Gen Yers want the new, trendy, cool thing to have. Once they get something that they think is cool or new, they will talk about it and spread the word. Create the angle that YOUR product/service is something that everyone wants to have. Gen Yers are likely to accept something that is sprung upon them. A street team who approaches Gen Yers are likely to try a product and be involved. Interact with them, and make the first step to reach out to them. Social media is a big channel for word of mouth marketing. Tweets and Facebook statuses are crucial for spreading popular trends and... [Read Full Article]

Tips from October 15, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to go the extra mile. Be helpful even if you get nothing out of it. Assist, give advice & (gasp) talk about other businesses. Follow through with a customer. Guide them, ask if they have questions, & do all that you can to help. Offer something extra. Future coupons, freebies, small samples, or discounts help provide that extra service. Make exceptions for the customer if they have problems; offer a discount or rebate offer for future services. Daily Overview: Doing more than expected gives your business benefits and provides extra customer service. [Read Full Article]

Tips from Monday, March 2, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about the sales side of getting to know your customers. The first step in getting to know your customers is communication. Ask the right questions. Listen to the answers. What do you need to know about your customers? What do they need? Who's your target? Individuals? Businesses? Location? Etc. Constantly measure customer satisfaction. Mailers, phone calls, paper & internet surveys, focus groups, http://search.twitter.com/ The foundation of all selling is that people must like you, trust you and want to listen to you. Daily Overview: Communication is key. Be likable and be willing to change your approach or even your product/service to meet needs. [Read Full Article]