Articles for category 'Best Practices'

The day-to-day responsibilities of running a small business can be challenging. The balance of serving current clients while making time to grow business and attract new clients can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we are living in an age where technology exists to help business owners free time and relieve stress of every day operations, leaving time to focus on serving clients and grow business. With this week's launch of Apple's iPad 2, it is timely to explore the technology that exists to make our lives easier and more productive.

As we get further towards February each year, many experience the death of any New Year’s Resolution they may have assembled the previous year.  I’ll admit that I’m not one to make too many New Resolutions because I believe they give people a good excuse to put off something that could dramatically improve their business or life immediately.  I do believe, however, that for some they truly serve as an opportunity to start the New Year fresh and finally complete something that for whatever reason just didn’t get accomplished the prior year.  

Many business owners use the holidays as a time of year to give their clients that extra "thank you" for their patronage. Cards, small gifts and appreciation events are standard ways to thank those most loyal to your business. The holidays are also a very expected time of year to express your gratitude and it is easy for your message to get caught up in the clutter. While this is a special time of year, what are you doing the rest of the year to show your appreciation?

Every industry has a standard way to conducting business. This “doctrine or code of beliefs” is rarely challenged. Industry dogma most often wins out boldly shouting “Don’t change! This is the way we’ve always done it!”

Mass couponing seems to be more prevalent during slower economic times as businesses try promotional methods hoping for a spike in business. Couponing seems like an innocent little marketing tool with the theory being to throw out an offer in hopes that it will bring in customers (or sales) that you wouldn’t have otherwise. Marketer beware—knowledge is key to any campaign's success.