Get out the noise makers. Put on your party hats. Order a cake. It’s time to celebrate the backbone of our economy, the small business. Small Business Week 2017, April 30 through May 6, is a celebration of small businesses across the country. Small businesses mean jobs, dollars and economic growth. Across the U.S., more…
You probably have heard the phrase, “follow the money.” The phrase became popular the book and movie, “All the President’s Men,” by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. These Washington Post reporters uncovered the details of the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Today, this phrase remains valid for small-business owners…
Let’s start with a paraphrased quote – “Marketing is everything you do” – Jay Conrad Levinson This quote is distilled from a slightly longer one in Levinson’s book, “Guerrilla Marketing.” I have used it for years when talking about marketing. Marketing should be on your mind from the moment you have an idea. Why? Because…
People complain about your business. It’s true. It happens but most of the time you never hear about them. On average for every one complaint you do hear, there are 26 other complaints that people have. That’s a substantial number. And while many of the complaints are perhaps minor in nature, they are something that…
If you want to increase the sales of your product, you must get it in front of more people. While there are many ways to make that happen, a way used by many small businesses is an affiliate marketing program. It’s simple in the concept, one business agrees to carry another’s person’s products, usually on…
Question 1: What product or service in your business adds the most to your bottom line? I hope you answered that question without even needing to take a look at your financials. This may not be the product or service that necessarily provides the greatest return per item. You may sell only one a year….
“You have to be odd to be Number 1” – Dr. Seuss. What makes your business different from the competition? This question is one to constantly think about. Being different, or being odd as Dr. Seuss writes, is just another way of reminding you to help your customers identify your business and your business niche….
Just over a month ago, I asked for your help (see A Question: Service Expectations – Jan 18th). I thought I should share the thoughts given and an update on my situation. In brief, my question asked if employees of a food establishment should be able to guide me through the payment process using my…
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