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 the evening of December 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation X via word of mouth. Generation X values individualism, but also what other people are doing/thinking. They will see a trend, and make a snap decision on it.  Values and opinions mean a lot to Generation X, in terms of quality and use. They especially value good prices, a great product with quality, and long term use to get their money's worth. They value others' experiences with products and will make decisions on what others have said. Gen X varies VERY differently from Baby Boomers culturally, economically, and financially. ACKNOWLEDGE this. Grouping them with their elders will only cause Gen X to automatically turn their shoulder. Product reviews are KEY for Generation Xers. They check them, post to them, and follow religiously. Create a great product or provide a great service and you will have something to show fo... [Read Full Article]

  Government, Politics and the Economy Does The Small Business Majority Represent You? Don't Bet on It! They conduct polls and claim to represent all small business by not representing any particular small business. Who are they and what are they all about? We have some answers. NYTimes.com Obama's Health, Energy Legislation Facing Democrats' Questionable Support The fates of President Obama's top two priorities: extending health coverage to the uninsured and reducing greenhouse gases, rest in the hands of a group of pivotal Democratic senators, and so far they don't seem convinced. Bloomberg.com Management and... [Read Full Article]

Tips from Tuesday, April 21, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about Online and Word of Mouth Marketing. Great ways to reach a growing audience that isn't just local. Start with a website, a strong backbone, keyword saturation and a high ranking in search engines. Offer an email newsletter. Provide a consistent value that offers expertise and discounts. Place internet ads: text or graphic: static or dynamic. Try placing with Google or specific niche sites. Explore social networks and networking specific for businesses. It's a marketing / networking tool, not just sell sell sell. Daily Overview: Combine your online marketing efforts to give extra strength and roll them out so that they all work together. [Read Full Article]