Choosing the Right Hosting Company

A Make or Break Decision There are literally thousands of hosting companies in the world, with services ranging from basic to all-inclusive, offered at a dizzying array of price points. How do you know where your site belongs in this virtual whirlwind? Is it possible to get a good deal and still receive all the…

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Evaluating Your Competition

A Fact of Life Competition is a fact of life, especially in the business world. Having a solid understanding of the competitive landscape is critical for the success of any business. This post will help you understand how to evaluate your competitors and the value of doing so. Why Evaluate Your Competition? In order for…

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Making the Most of Your Accounting Software

What is Accounting Software? Accounting software is computer software that records and processes accounting transactions within functional applications. These functional applications are different sections of the software dealing with particular areas of accounting such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Budgeting, Cash Management, General Ledger, Inventory Control, Payroll, Purchase Order, Report Writer and Sales Analysis. What…

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Protecting Yourself Against Fraud

There’s a lot to look out for when it comes to the protection of your business. And, the truth is that you can’t necessarily protect yourself against every eventuality. There is a lot you can do to avoid falling victim to corrupt fraudsters. You just need to spend some time implementing processes that will safeguard your business and customers.

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Shipping for Success and Profit

Once the sale is made, customers expect to receive their purchases as quickly and smoothly as possible – the source of the #1 customer complaint. All major shippers offer good service, so shop around to select what works best for you and the types of products you are shipping. Use good packing materials and methods to ensure safe delivery. Make sure addresses are complete and include your return address. And give the customer a break when it comes to cost – they don’t like to pay shipping charges!

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Educating Customers With Newsletters

A newsletter is a worthwhile marketing approach that establishes you as an authority in your field. It’s one more way for you to stand apart, and step ahead, of your competitors. Meanwhile, your customers are learning something new with every newsletter, which they’ll appreciate and reward with return business. Don’t forget to give them the added incentive that will compel them to take action. A good newsletter is only great when it translates into increased sales.

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Hiring Smart in Today’s Challenging Economy

Bringing quality people into your organization can be tricky, and there are many issues to consider. By deciding what skills, abilities, and traits are important to you, you know who to look for and how to begin interviewing them. Good paperwork practices aid the process, whether it’s the employment application, or the interview form, or the many new hire forms that must be completed. Being ready goes a long way in making the process successful for you and your new hire.

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Sourcing Your Start-Up Money

Sobering Statistics The statistics are sobering; half of all small businesses fail within their first four years.  The number one reason:  underestimating financial needs.  You are well aware of the need for cash to get your business launched, but you must also take into account what may be happening with your business in 6 months,…

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Choosing a Successful Name

The domain name is a unique name that identifies your website. It can be the same as your company or a variation of it. Make your name as memorable and relevant as possible to the product or service you are offering. A clever, one-of-a-kind name may also help you stand apart from competitors. And, think about the words customer may use to find your product at shopping directories and search engines. Try to include as many of these key words as possible to achieve a top listing. Finally, be sure to double-check the legality of your name by researching existing trademarks and fictitious business names for your same name.

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Understanding the Basics of Public Relations

A well-planned, well-managed, targeted public relations program can help your business grow. But, you need to start by gaining an understanding of what PR is all about. Taking the time to understand that PR is about planned communications and building solid relationships with your publics, de-mystifies the public relations process. Knowing what tools are available to communicate your message to the right audience is critical to the success of your program. So is your ability to build strong relationships with target media. PR takes time, but when it works, its priceless!

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