Tips from December 18, 2009
The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation X via email newsletters.
Newsletters sent via email make life easier for Generation X. These are easy to read, quick to click through, and (should) provide great deals or information accessible immediately.
Getting an email with a promo code or deal and online shopping is simple and quick for Gen X. They like to multi-task and would rather see and buy rather than wait around for it. Think about this strategy when you send out newsletters. Make sure your deals, coupons, or promo codes are available and easily seen. Getting people to click through also makes it all trackable for you!
Newsletters have the ability to make Gen Xers feel individually important. Although thousands of other people are receiving the same newsletter, different data like their name or location can be added dynamically to bring that forward. Make them feel special.
Genera...
By Kim Fenolio · December 19 2009
small business tips, small business, email, tips
Tips from the morning of December 17, 2009
The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation X via print marketing.
Generation X has the highest subscription and readership of periodicals (Time, Newsweek, People, Details, Spin). Advertisements in these types of publishings are seen by a majority of Gen X.
Generation X is also credited with building the market of small and local newspapers. They are interested with what is going around them. Keep in mind, advertising in this type of paper hits locally and is cheaper.
Movie lists, entertainment guides, and personal ads are favorites in print media for Generation X. They prefer short & concise writing. Keep this in mind. Place advertisements accordingly (at the end of short articles).
Growing up with the technological revolution, Generation X embraces mass media. They will turn to print media, but as time and technology grows, be warned: they will jump ship and u...
By Kim Fenolio · December 17 2009
small business tips, small business, tips, media
Government, Politics, and the Economy Is It Too Early to Start Thinking About a Rebound? It may not feel like it yet in your town or in your industry, but there are indications that things are getting better. NYtimes.comManagement and OperationsHow to Not Go Out of BusinessStart by studying how your best customers interact with your brand and its competitors, then brainstorm ways to address any shortcomings. BusinessWeek.com Management and Operations
By Kim Fenolio · December 01 2009
small business brief, economy, training, business
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
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 October 16, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss training your employees to provide exceptional customer service.
Every employee is a representative of your business. Give them reasons to respect your brand, business, & customers.
Go over situations that could arise; get feedback from experienced employees. Show your customers you're ready for anything.
Employees that know all situations can help customers immediately instead of asking management. Be knowledgeable.
After an unusual situation occurs, talk to employees about how to handle the situation in case it happens again.
Daily Overview: Proper employee training will give your business an edge on providing exceptional customer service.
By Kim Fenolio · October 16 2009
small business tips, small business, customer service, training
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.
By Kim Fenolio · October 15 2009
small business tips, small business, discounts, tips
Tips from September 29, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about accounting software for your business.
Quickbooks is a fast, easy, popular payroll & accounting support. Versions for both Windows & Mac formats.
Quicken is more for small business intertwined with personal finances. It separates them & regulates each.
Use the program which you feel more comfortable with. Talk to other biz owners. See what they use & why.
Look for updates for your accounting software. Make sure you have the most recent edition for efficiency.
Daily Overview: Accounting software is meant to help & not leave you confused. Research, test, & evaluate.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 29 2009
small business tips, tips, technology, quickbooks
