Filed Under (Education, Operations) by admin on 30-12-2010
Over the past few years we have been doing some consulting for both small and large companies. I have to say that it never ceases to amaze me how, even when trying to increase revenue, companies big and small tend to concentrate on internal processes, procedures, informational meetings, and organizational projects, rather then concentrating on their customers. I have seen some larger customers take up two thirds of their external sales or external affairs employees time on a constant trail of meaningless meetings and other external activities that have absolutely nothing to do with their core responsibility, improving their market share, increasing opportunities to improve profits, or that are in line with accepted goals. Even some small companies overtime can evolve in that direction as well. I’ve been confused, seeing many leaders or owners in these companies are in no way unintelligent. So after taking a look I have decided to post for you some hints to make sure you do a periodic head check to see if you’re still on the same goal and objective track you want to be on.
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Today’s tip is brought to you by Business Week. We also encourage you to visit Tom’s site for more information.
Opinions vary about efforts to make it easier to get an SBA-backed loan, but certain entrepreneurs should still apply, says Tom Taulli.
The Business Mole
Article By: Tom Taulli
Small Biz
http://www.bizequity.com/
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Interesting comparison of the Barack Obama campaign and success.
By: Basic Marketing Blog
http://www.californiaadvertisingmarketing.com
What lessons can any small business learn from the phenomenal success of Barack Obama? Here is the story of how the ultimate small business (one man) attempted to capture majority market share in the national marketplace – the Presidency. Well, as we know he oveturned established brands (Clinton, McCain) and created a new brand image (change) that no one could match. It was a brilliant strategy to turn the long experience of competitors into a weakness and then exploit that weakness.
Isn’t that the challenge for all small business competing with larger, more established companies? How can I make a major competitor compete on my terms, not it’s terms. The book may be incredibly useful in helping you think about your business in new ways. It’s something that a maverick small business marketer might try!
In a nutsell, the book suggests that Barack won with the mantra: Be Cool, Be Social, Be The Change. That’s pretty good position for any small business.
Filed Under (Education, Financial) by admin on 05-01-2009
Here is a tip on getting start-up funding for your new business at About.com.
By Rosemary Peavler, About.com Guide to Business Finance
Saturday January 3, 2009
Even in a recession, angel investors are still interested in funding start-up small businesses, even though they are a bit pickier about which start-ups they fund. It’s always a challenge to get angel investor funding, but in these trying times, you have to have a bullet-proof business plan, a good management team, and financials that will stand up to the glare of the spotlight. Sources of angel investor funding have not dried up in this recession. Companies just have find a good match and take their presentation preparation seriously.
We like the work that comes out of Score. You should go take a look at their site as they have some good tips for you to consider. The website link is at the bottom of this article.
By Christine Banning, SCORE VP Corporate Relations
- Create a brand. Spend a little money to create a professional logo, business card and stationery. Present a professional image.
- Ramp up Online. Make creating a Web site a top priority. A Web site is today’s calling card. You really shouldn’t do without one. Give people a place to go to learn about your business.
- Make Your First Sale. This is key. Get that first sale even if it’s friends or family at a discounted rate. This counts as getting started, so go for it.
- Promote Testimonials. Get testimonials from your first sales. Start building credibility for your business from day one.
- Build Buzz. Be creative. Look for a special promotion, big event, email campaign or something out of the norm for your business to get people talking about you, your product or service.
Brought to you by SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business.”
Ask SCORE
Filed Under (Education, taxes) by admin on 13-12-2008
Hard to believe but just in a blink of an eye we will be into the 2009 business cycle. The IRS has put together a easy to read planning calendar that might be of use for you as you get ready for next year. It covers dates through the year you should be aware of. You can find this PDF file on the right side of the website under Pages then click the link for Forms and Materials . The file is called: IRS Planning Calendar for 2009. You can click on the form and it will download for you.
The Business Mole
Filed Under (Education, Financial) by admin on 08-12-2008
The following article was in Forbes and although we may have some tough times ahead in 2009 maybe the new administration and incoming congress can help get us out of the financial cellar sometime next year. Until then we all need to tighten our belts and take the ride.
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Filed Under (Education) by admin on 11-11-2008
By PAUL B. BROWN
For years, a good way to guarantee a laugh was to walk into a room of small business owners and announce, “I’m from the government and I am here to help you.”
Entrepreneurs were more used to dealing with red tape, endless delays in getting an answer to a question and federal employees who were frequently less than helpful.
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We are getting close to what will be, because of our current economic condition, a possible challenging retail sales experience during this holiday. So customer service should become an extremely important part of your overall sales strategy this year. Here is an article from Ask.com that details some principles you should think about.
Good customer service is the lifeblood of any business. You can offer promotions and slash prices to bring in as many new customers as you want, but unless you can get some of those customers to come back, your business won’t be profitable for long.
Good customer service is all about bringing customers back. And about sending them away happy – happy enough to pass positive feedback about your business along to others, who may then try the product or service you offer for themselves and in their turn become repeat customers.
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WASHINGTON – Barack Obama rode a wave of economic discontent to the White House and now faces the daunting task of turning the weakening economy around.
A case of postelection nerves sent Wall Street plunging Wednesday as investors absorbed a stream of bad economic news and wondered how an Obama presidency will help the country weather a possibly severe recession.
The Dow Jones industrials fell nearly 500 points, and all the major indexes tumbled more than 5 percent.
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Over the past few years we have been doing some consulting for both small and large companies. I have to say that it never ceases to amaze me how, even when trying to increase revenue, companies big and small tend to concentrate on internal processes, procedures, informational meetings, and organizational projects, rather then concentrating on their customers. I have seen some larger customers take up two thirds of their external sales or external affairs employees time on a constant trail of meaningless meetings and other external activities that have absolutely nothing to do with their core responsibility, improving their market share, increasing opportunities to improve profits, or that are in line with accepted goals. Even some small companies overtime can evolve in that direction as well. I’ve been confused, seeing many leaders or owners in these companies are in no way unintelligent. So after taking a look I have decided to post for you some hints to make sure you do a periodic head check to see if you’re still on the same goal and objective track you want to be on.
