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An almost-useful QR code

By Becky McCray

QR code with caption, "scan for video instructions on how to use wood chips."

QR codes continue to expand in popularity, but most still suffer from fatal mistakes. Here’s one that get close, at least with its description. This is a retail package that includes barbecue accessories including a bag of wood chips. Some customers who use gas grills may not be sure how to use those special wood […]

April 15, 2013 Filed Under: marketing, mistakes, rural, social media

Why you must sample what you sell

By Becky McCray

A friend and small town resident, Ken Girty was taking a woodcarving class. The teacher sells rough outs (pre-shaped wood blocks to get your carving started) at his class. Ken bought one to work with in class. As the teacher came around to work one-on-one with Ken, he looked at the rough out Ken was […]

December 12, 2012 Filed Under: entrepreneurship, mistakes, tourism

The Number One Complaint About Small Town Businesses

By Becky McCray

James Dalman is another of my Oklahoma friends. He does terrific web design, and he designed my personal site at BeckyMcCray.com. I’ve seen his love for small towns. When he told me this story, I begged him to write it up. He’s describing the number one complaint I hear about small town businesses over and […]

October 22, 2012 Filed Under: Best of, entrepreneurship, marketing, mistakes, rural

Make it easy for customers to complain

By Becky McCray

It shouldn’t be hard work for your customers to complain. They are helping you to improve, so make it easy for them to get a message to you. Contributor Jon Swanson.  Contributor Jon Swanson worked hard to complain constructively to two companies. He heard back from one, but not the other. He finally wrote about […]

August 27, 2012 Filed Under: customer service, entrepreneurship, mistakes Tagged With: Jon Swanson

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