Image via Wikipedia In an economy that has had its up and downs, ebb and flows, diminishing companies at every turn, it is normal to have concern over the future of a company. It is known that customers are loyal to certain brands. They become familiar with a product or service, based on the name and continue using these products or services. As shifts in the economy take place, businesses need to work at providing excellent customer service, since combined with brand loyalty – this will keep clients returning. Customers want to be recognized for their loyalty. They want to … [Read more...]
Marketing Big and Small
June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Marketing is a huge undertaking for any organization big or small. Branding your products and services means success or failure. With a great jingle, customers remember what you stand for. With a lackluster slogan, failure can ensue. Marketing today often means social marketing through social media endeavors. Sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter have cascaded through the online forum and overtaken marketing for companies. This form of marketing has exploded and provided potential business in an otherwise media immersed society. Advertisements through magazine ads, billboards, … [Read more...]
Creating Interest in Down Markets
May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Image by Getty Images via @daylife Is your business struggling due to the reduced economic conditions in the country? If so, you are not the only one. A wide range of businesses are looking for creative ways to get customers back in the door. If this is something you are focusing on right now, boosting the marketing budget may not be enough. Get Creative As your business grows and expands, finding new customers can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you to inexpensively grow your business. Get online. Even if you are a service company or do not want to sell products … [Read more...]
Are Your Team Members Doing Their Best?
May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
As a business owner or an HR person, you know the importance of your team. These are your employees who interact with your customers and who represent your business. Without them, you would be unable to open your business's doors, much less profit from the business. The good news is that you can improve your employer to employee relationship. Helping Your Employees It is a good idea to spend some time working on building employee recognition within the workplace. These tips can help. Profit sharing can be an excellent tool to help your sales-minding staff to get more active. By sharing … [Read more...]
Reducing Your Marketing Budget
May 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Image via CrunchBase As a business, it is critical to have the attention of would be customers. What is not so good, though, is spending a lot of money on marketing that does not get the attention of those who should see it. As a business owner, finding the right marketing budget is key. Cutting Costs To cut the costs of a marketing budget, start by knowing what you are currently spending on marketing. Is that a realistic number? Then, consider these tips for getting better marketing for less. Consider social media. Websites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace allow … [Read more...]
Setting Sail on Unexplored Waters
April 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Image by Stuck in Customs via Flickr Many people believe that when a marketer sets off into a marketing campaign, there are lots of well established rules he or she has to follow. But when it comes right down to it, there really are no rules. It is all about the mindset you bring into your marketing efforts. It has been said that even though a boat is perfectly safe in the harbor, boats were not designed for such safe travels. In a sense, your marketing effort is like a small boat taken out on uncertain waters. While you might just find the adventure of a lifetime, you might … [Read more...]
The Importance of Your Net Promoter Score
April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If your business is having trouble selling its products or services you should consider taking a hard look at your net promoter score. NPS is a simple system that divides your customers into three categories, allowing you to see how your business is doing through your customer’s eyes. The three categories are: Customers who promote your business because they are happy with your services Customers who are neutral but happy Customers who are dissatisfied Dissatisfied customers can give you the best feedback on what you're doing wrong, but all customers can help you … [Read more...]
Getting Money for your Business from Family
April 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Image by Getty Images via @daylife If you are thinking of starting your own business, you will probably need some funds to begin with. If you haven’t saved up enough, it would mean you have to borrow some external sources. When anyone says ‘external financial sources’, the first thing that pops into your mind is a bank. However, family can be your creditors too! You can always turn to family and friends to loan you some money to help out with your start up. There are several perks of borrowing from the family too! Trust - To begin with, you trust your … [Read more...]
Spreading the News of a Business Grand Opening
April 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Opening up a new business is an exciting time. It is the start of a new adventure, one that will hopefully bring much satisfaction to the new owner. However, potential customers need to know that the business is about to open. Getting the word out to people should be the number one priority of the owner. There are many ways to do this through various forms of media. The budget for advertising may not be that large, especially after the expense of the start up, but creating a grand opening blast does not have to be expensive. In fact, one of the most effective methods to get people's … [Read more...]
Build a Successful Business through Education and Good Budgeting
March 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
There are several things that go into making a successful business, but two factors at the top of the list is an education for the businessperson/entrepreneur and financial planning. Getting a solid college education provides the knowledge foundation that is necessary for running a business. With a good education, you will understand things such as business finance, organizational behavior, marketing, and customer service. Many of these keys apply to your personal life, too. A proper education gives you the foundation to be successful throughout your life. This is very critical if you … [Read more...]