October 2011 Features

  • 6 Lead Generation Strategies for Local Businesses

    October 31, 2011

    Small businesses advertising in their own local market often operate under the “big local lie.” It’s common to see small business owners who have tricked themselves into believing that they don’t need to advertise at all and can rely solely on referrals for lead generation and repeat sales. These small businesses will quickly discover that relying on referrals alone will cause them to get stuck in a growth holding pattern.

  • Is Your Business Ready for the Holidays? 4 Invaluable Cash Flow Management Tips

    October 30, 2011

    Many small business owners are caught unaware and lose out on potential sales, due to insufficient staff, running out of cash register tape (causing a long wait for harried shoppers) or even running out of product. Here are some tips to keep you on your toes long before you get sick of holiday music.

  • 5 Credit and Financing Mistakes That Will Hurt Your Small Business

    October 26, 2011

    Tom Gazaway, President of Hawkeye Management, shares the five biggest mistakes of small businesses seen since the onset of the credit crisis in 2008.

  • Make the Transition From Employee to Entrepreneur

    October 25, 2011

    People write a lot about how to grow your business, but what about those of you who either want to start a business, or who have started one but are still working your “other” 9 to 5? Here’s why you should dive head first (assuming you’re ready financially) into starting your small business.

  • The Long-Term Impact of Networking

    October 24, 2011

    Diane Helbig shares they keys to being successful at networking, and its impact for you and your business.

  • 7 Ways to Keep the Sales Rolling in Your Small Business

    October 24, 2011

    Don’t get so busy with the day-to-day hustle in your business that you forget to focus your marketing activities on keeping your pipeline filled. To help you reach your monthly sales goals, Melinda Emerson shares a list of 7 marketing techniques you should revisit in the fourth quarter of each year. They are designed to ensure that you focus on revenue-generating activities in your small business.

  • Customer Service Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Business

    October 20, 2011

    There are certain behaviors, attitudes and actions that customers find really upsetting. Perceived slights on the part of a customer service representative can sometimes have significant repercussions for your business. So what is good customer service? Here are four mistakes that should raise a red flag and be dealt with immediately.

  • Don't Be The Boss—Be The Leader

    October 19, 2011

    Some people seem to think that their role as head honcho requires them to be autocratic—to be, in a word, “bossy.” While formal authority that comes with a position or title can be useful, it’s a limited tool. Instead of being a boss, be a leader.

  • 10 Ways To Get More Business With Social Media

    October 18, 2011

    Do you think social media is overrated? Well, I hate to break the news to you, but social media isn’t going anywhere…and it’s where your customers are hanging out. I don’t care if Facebook makes your skin crawl or Twitter annoys you, your customers are using those social media tools. Here are some of the ways I leverage it.

  • What We Can Learn From Steve Jobs

    October 17, 2011

    "Keep looking, and don't settle." These wise words were spoken by the late, great, modern technology entrepreneur, Steve Jobs, of Apple and Pixar fame. Here, we compiled five tips on how not to conduct your business self, based on Jobs' five simple words.

  • Unemployment Report Shows Economic Erosion; Recovery Indicators Contract

    October 14, 2011

    Last week’s unemployment report had something for everyone, pessimists and optimists alike. On the whole, it was more disappointing than as reported in the business press headlines. Dr. Joe Webb shares his insight on the jobs report and how the economy is still in efficiency, and not expansion mode.

  • 4 Ways To Protect Your Small Business’ Reputation Online

    October 13, 2011

    By now, most small business owners understand the important role the Internet can play in helping to raise and drive interest and demand for their products and services. Before you worry about launching a Twitter channel or pitching a post idea to a local blogger, you need to take a step back and consider how online conversations might impact the reputation of your small business.

  • Boost Your Holiday Business By Thinking Local

    October 12, 2011

    How can your company benefit from customers’ desires to help their community? By being involved in your local community, of course. And there’s no better time than the holidays—when people’s thoughts naturally turn to sharing, donating and giving back—to get involved with a local charity of your choice.

  • A Revolution In Mobile Payments Is Underway—Are You Ready?

    October 11, 2011

    The ability to pay for things with nothing more than your mobile device sounds very attractive. Initial attempts over the past several years to bring this technology to market have seen mixed results. But now, a slew of companies focusing on payments innovation have finally brought user-friendly, cost effective mobile payment technology to the market. Small businesses need to be prepared.

  • Entrepreneurs vs. Managers: Which Are You?

    October 10, 2011

    Many believe the classic small business maxim that "Successful entrepreneurs know their weaknesses as well as their strengths." Self-aware people are well-positioned for success, and when it comes to being self-aware there are two distinct types of business owners: entrepreneurs and managers.

  • 10 Creative Ways To Get Your Business Funded

    October 06, 2011

  • The 11 Step Business Action Plan

    October 05, 2011

    Many people don’t like planning. But in business, your action plan is the key to focusing on the right information in the right order—much like the combination to a safe—and it helps measure progress toward your goals. Here's how you should use an action plan to accelerate growth and increase your revenues and income.

  • Three New Reasons For Your Business to Care About Facebook

    October 05, 2011

    John Foley, CEO of Grow Socially, talks about why your business should start paying attention to Facebook as way to grow your business.

  • 6 Ways Cloud Computing Helps Businesses Save Time and Money

    October 04, 2011

    Cloud computing has created a technology revolution for small businesses, offering access to a range of capabilities that typically only larger companies can afford. Your business can join the “Cloud” to access everything from data backup to customer relationship management systems.

  • Tips On How To Lead in Uncertain Times

    October 03, 2011

    Today’s business owners and CEOs are constantly being tested. Faced with volatile markets, shifting customer demands and economic uncertainty, the only thing most business leaders are certain of is that there’s more change ahead. So how do you continue driving your business forward?