Let’s face it; most businesses today need to have a presence on the Internet. The problem is, that most small business owners are quite honestly scared of the work it will take to get their business online.
Archive for the ‘Business Development’ Category
What makes a great shopping cart? 10 Qualities to look for in an online shopping cart.
July 27th, 2010
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You Can’t Please Everyone, All the Time.
March 16th, 2010
5 Comments
The recent tough economy has changed small businesses because it has forced many of us to do what ever we can to make the sales, even if it means discounts or giving something away. At the same time, this has trained consumers to never be satisfied with the listed price. As we are coming out of this recession and starting on recovery, small business owners are going to need to set some reasonable boundaries. Small businesses that offer quality work, high caliber products and fair prices will surely succeed during this recovery.
Interesting Internet Statistics
February 28th, 2010
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Are you a small business owner who is still trying to decide if your business should be on the internet? I came across a video on YouTube yesterday by Jesse Thomas that really makes you stand up and take notice about the internet. We have come a long way since the day that I started messing with the internet back in 1991. Watch this video and form your own opinion.
Who is in charge of your marketing?
February 25th, 2010
5 Comments
As small business owners, we often have to wear several hats. Whether it is the marketing hat, finance or sales, ultimately, as the owner we are responsible for the success of our company. So please, don’t let someone who works for you or with you make decisions about your company that are not based on fact or which could have an adverse affect on your success. If you are not sure about a marketing or business decision, then hire a professional to get advice. Even then, unless their pay is tied to your success, make sure you consider carefully what they tell you and hold them accountable.
David vs. Goliath – Small Business vs. Big Chain Stores
January 28th, 2010
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Has anyone seen the recent Office Depot commercial about the small business barbershop? Dan, the small barbershop owner has a look of concern as a big chain barbershop opens across the street from his little shop. The sign out front of the big chain store says, “$6 Haircuts”. The grand opening was full of the normal pomp and circumstance that you see in most openings. The manager of the big chain looked confident and sure.
A Peak at the Past and Looking Ahead
January 4th, 2010
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guess we have all heard the old saying, “Don’t dwell on the past”, but I think in order to move forward, we sometimes have to look at where we have been. It goes without saying that 2009 presented many challenges both on an individual level and from a business owner’s prospective.
Guerrilla Marketing Tools – Business Cards
November 20th, 2009
7 Comments
My first and most important tool for our business, THE original basket boutique, is the business card. The business card, while it sounds so common and conventional is actually a very powerful guerrilla marketing tool when it is employed properly. Your business card can be unconventional or conventional. It depends on your business. Ours is unique in that it is a smaller size with rounded corners and has a hole in the center of our “O” in the logo. You can make your card unique by adding full color pictures or logos. Have it printed on glossy, heavy paper as apposed to regular business card stock. Sure it costs a little more, but it’s not so much that it cost prohibitive.
Gaining Market Share in a Down Economy
November 20th, 2009
4 Comments
In our last segment, Marketing in a Tough Economy – Revisited, we talked about an important business success factor, Customer Retention. As a recap, we know your current customers are one of your most valuable assets. Small business owners need to focus energies and resources on keeping these customers happy. Over time, not only do these customers support your business, but inevitably, the hope is they help you gain more customers through their referrals and testimonials. So, besides your current customers referring business to you, how else do you get your name out to the world? How are you going to get new customers and build your brand?
