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
Tips from September 22, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss choosing a bank that is best for your business.
Be prepared. Provide banks with necessary info, such as financial history, biz plan, goals and what you need.
Do your homework. Know what kind of relationship you want with a bank. Stick to what you want and don't be sold.
Ask key questions: find out who is your personal banker, who makes the decision, regular meetings and availability.
Create the relationship. Talk to multiple people at the bank. Find out who else uses it. Become knowledgeable.
Daily Overview: Choosing the right bank is important. Create relationships & establish trust with the institution handling your money.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 22 2009
small business tips, small business, business, tips
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
