Archives: January 2009

The Case for Expanding Your Online Sales Presence

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 30

It may be easy to cut back on all cost-related operations, but just as consumers become wiser with their spending during slowdowns, as a small business owner you too should...

Increase the Return on Your Search Engine Marketing Investment

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 29

For most small businesses, surviving in a challenging economy requires a greater investment in marketing and promotion. Online marketing and advertising can be a cost-effective way to reach your customers,...

Getting Noticed as a Thought Leader

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 28

Gaining attention in the media can help your company build market awareness. One way to stand out in today's busy media environment is to contribute your expertise. But positioning yourself...

Making Sure You Spend Wisely on Technology

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 27

Many organizations buy software based on analyst or peer recommendations. While this is a better business practice than simply buying blindly, the problem is that no one can tell you...

Why It's Time to Invest in Innovation

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 26

As we prepare for the next decade, the recession and financial crisis will play a major role in driving the innovation agenda. Most companies will cut R&D and development budgets....

Making the Most of Your Web Site's Traffic

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 23

If you're a small-business owner who has spent money to drive traffic to your Web site, you can't afford to ignore those who actually visit. Luckily, online marketing has effectively...

Archiving E-mail to Prepare for Electronic Discovery

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 22

Although we typically deal with medium to large companies looking to get control of litigation preparedness and e-discovery, we also get questions from smaller corporations. Typically these are in the...

Be Careful When Cost-Cutting

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 21

As the economic slowdown continues to affect industries of all kinds, many small-business owners have cost-cutting measures in mind. These are moments where cost cuts should be handled with caution....

Reducing Lighting Costs

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 20

As more of us look for ways we can reduce our energy consumption, both individually and within our businesses, indoor lighting is becoming a major issue. For small businesses, the...

Demonstrating Your Company's Commitment to Sustainability

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 19

As we head into 2009, new examples of wind and solar energy initiatives are popping up everywhere. More and more companies are looking for ways to reduce energy spending and...

Don't Overlook Search Engine Marketing Fundamentals

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 16

If you are looking to get more from your search engine marketing investment, take the time to evaluate and fine-tune your campaigns. You may have overlooked some fundamental tactics that...

Do Not Dump One Line of Business to Grow Another One

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 15

The death knell of growth comes when you decide that a line of business is too much work for you to keep. Do not dump any line of business unless...

Take Advantage of Bargains from Businesses in Trouble

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 14

If you have the cash and warehousing space to take advantage of bargains from distressed or failed businesses, now is the time to do so. Do not hesitate to ask...

Making Up for a Slowdown in Premium Goods Sales

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 13

Premium pricing is bringing down retail giants. If you're a small retail store dependent on premium goods, track your premium-priced products and innovate on how you package and sell these...

Don't Fear Online Customer Reviews

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 12

Online ratings and consumer reviews have become an important element of many people's purchasing process. Customers increasingly rely on online word-of-mouth in making everyday buying decisions. While small business owners...

Sweat the Small Stuff to Drive Revenue

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 09

As with many absolutely valid aphorisms, "Don't sweat the small stuff" makes perfect sense in one context and yet is completely wrong in another. The expression is usually followed by...

Increase Market Share with Better Customer Service

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 08

If you lead any kind of service business, the conditions are ripe for you to be the next big winner emerging from the current economic stall. Here's how: 1. Think...

Repackage Your Services for Smaller Wallets

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 07

Everyone from cleaning services to high-end consultants needs to repackage their services to keep cost-conscious clients. To do this, focus on essentials. How do you know what is vital to...

Get the Most out of Vendor Financing

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 06

Know that vendors can sometimes play a significant role in financing a new business. Partners in one startup persuaded vendors to give them "net-30" terms in order to stock a...

Where to Search for Funding Now

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 05

If your small business is in need of funding, be sure to think outside the box when it comes to locating funds. You might start by contacting your state, county,...

Finding and Keeping a Bank

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 02

Small business banking doesn't have to be a daunting. Here are five tips to help ensure that finding and keeping a bank is a smooth process: • Understand the basics....

Approaching Your Bank

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on January 01

Here are five items to consider before you approach your bank for financing: • Understand that your primary responsibility is the proper use of capital and that you are in...