Imagine if you drove to the store during business hours to buy a much-needed item, only to find that it was closed. You might think twice about going there again and drive to a competitor store to purchase your item instead. This is the same way your potential buyers would
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Tag Archives: small business
Evaluating Your Competition
Evaluating the competitive landscape is an important step in developing a successful business. Having a grasp of who your competitors are and how they do business allows you to learn from their successes and failures. In turn, you can find ways to make your business stand-apart and attract more customers.
Handling Accounting transactions well is crucial to your business’ success. Whether you buy software to perform all tasks in-house, or rely on an outside web-based service, you will need to track: money coming in and going out; inventory levels; sales performance; and customer data. The more closely your
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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
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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
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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
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Understanding the Basics of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is often the first step online retailers take to get noticed among a growing stream of competitors. Why? Landing at the top of a search list can increase traffic exponentially. Plus, initial investment is virtually non-existent and a few strategic enhancements can pay off big time. Still, you should
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Understanding the Basics of Customer Service
Your customers are your partners in business and taking their wants and needs into account is your primary concern. Use each contact as an opportunity to win your customer’s trust and loyalty. Make good on your mistakes, quickly and with a positive attitude. Be sure your smile is heard when
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Understanding the Basics of Online Advertising
No business can afford to waste money on ineffective advertising. Research all your options, and target your ads to a specific audience whenever possible. Keep a close eye on measurable methods like pay-per-click advertising and modify your approach as often as necessary. And don’t forget that effective advertising isn’t just
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Understanding the Basics of Marketing and Branding
Your marketing efforts have a direct impact on how people perceive the quality and value of your offerings. Every time your company communicates with customers, vendors and other business partners, you are employing the principals of marketing. Marketing encompasses everything from your graphics and content to your advertising plan.
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