Many small business owners are exploring the marketing potential of social media. By tailoring their social medial strategies to their customers and to their own capabilities, they’re discovering new and effective ways to utilize social media tools to expand their businesses. The key is in developing a social media strategy that promotes your brand in...
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Today’s business owners can rely on technology to keep their companies running efficiently. But, with so many apps and tech-oriented small business tools available, how do you know which ones to try? Here’s a list of some popular, productivity-boosting business apps broken down by category. Communication 1. Slack Slack has made a name for itself...
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Small business owners wear a lot of hats. Decisions on health care plans, retirement plans and other benefits are often left solely to the owner. Offering a small business retirement plan to employees isn’t always on the radar. A study by LIMRA showed that only 42 percent of small businesses offered retirement plans – despite...
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Whether you’re starting a business or already have one, creating a website for your business is essential for reaching potential customers. A website allows you to attract customers while creating and controlling the message you send. In most cases, your website will be the first impression customers get of your company, and you want it...
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Selling products online can have many benefits. Start-up costs are typically lower than those of brick-and-mortar businesses. The internet offers a worldwide audience of customers and on top of that, you get to be your own boss. But as with any enterprise, careful planning is critical for success. You’ll need to determine if there’s demand...
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Perhaps you have an idea for the next top-selling gadget, an app to help make people’s busy lives better or a method to sell professional services in an innovative way. Once you’ve come up with a business concept and decide you want to bring it to market, it’s time for planning and preparation. Performing market...
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It has become increasingly easy to draw attention to your business without spending a fortune. That’s because many consumers look first and foremost online for goods and services. They are a motivated audience. But a smart online marketing strategy can make it easier for you to connect with them. It can generate interest in your...
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With the boom in the Internet, starting an online business is more practical than ever. Potential customers are spending more time online than ever before, and many companies require internet-related services. You can run an online business part-time or full-time, and the range of options is extensive. Here are a few possibilities to explore. 1....
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Only about half of all new businesses survive five years or more, and only about a third survive beyond 10 years, according to the Small Business Administration. From not having enough startup money to trying to do it all yourself to not investing in marketing, common errors in planning and management can provide challenges for...
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More small businesses are starting podcasts to reach customers. In fact, 89 million people listened to a podcast in 2015, nearly double the number from 2008, according the Pew Research Center. It’s also estimated that 46 million Americans listen to podcasts each month, with the average listener tuning in to about six podcasts each week,...
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Research shows small business charitable contributions can help companies connect with their customers and their community. According to a 2010 study by Cone Communications, 85% of consumers have a more positive image of a company when it supports a cause they care about; 90% of consumers want companies to tell them how they’re supporting charitable...
Read more about Small Business Donations: How Charitable Contributions Can Help Attract Customers [Slideshow]
The business you are building has been an all-consuming priority, a labor of love. You’ve devoted time and trouble to get the business up and running. Your creativity keeps it growing. You’re a rock of commitment. It’s exactly because you’re so devoted to the business, though, that you might be overlooking business risk factors that...
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Starting a business is an exercise in managing risk. But the riskiest time for a new venture is often in the initial weeks and months as you work to establish your service or product with potential customers. Keeping expenses low is important during this critical period. One unavoidable cost, though, is: space. Whatever your business,...
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Starting and operating a small business requires a set of skills many business owners may not possess. For instance, the owner of a music store might be an expert on guitars but have little knowledge of accounting, employee management or inventory control. He might not have the ability to effectively negotiate with landlords, suppliers or...
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If you’re a just-married bride or groom, you may assume the planning is over. But there are lots of logistics to help you make a smooth transition to married life. Check out our post-wedding checklist. 1. Obtain your marriage certificate A marriage certificate, or an official document that tells of the legal status of your...
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