Archives: August 2010

Know What Makes Your Customers Angry

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 31

We've all been there as consumers: Getting so riled up by poor service that we explode and vow to never do business with a company again. But what really makes...

Become an Expert in Your Field

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 30

Specialization has become a sign of the times. Largely as a result of Internet search capabilities, buyers can purchase goods and services on a highly targeted and specialized basis. Let's...

Responding to Bad Publicity Online

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 27

Every business loves social media marketing when customers are raving about them in Facebook status updates and Twitter tweets, but what happens when there's some bad press on a social...

Timesavers to Manage Your Social Media Presence

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 26

When it comes to social media marketing, one of the biggest fears small business owners have is the time commitment. Yes, the majority of sites have no hard costs associated...

Empower 'Superfans' with Super Access

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 25

Congratulations—you have customers who tout your products and services to everyone they know. They're your evangelists, the people marketers covet for their word-of-mouth referrals. How do you make sure these...

The Art of Creating 'Superfans'

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 24

The goal of every company, be it big or small, should be to foster passionate fans who sing the praises of the company, products, and services to everyone they encounter....

Freelancers Should Provide Solutions, Not Services

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 23

If you're trying to figure out a good idea for a small business, start by looking at a problem you can provide the solution to. I thought about this recently...

Customer Service Isn't Dead

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 20

As the Internet becomes more and more prevalent in our everyday lives, customer service should be top-of-mind in every transaction. Brick and mortar stores continue to thrive exactly because they...

Before Going to Market Abroad

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 19

Over the past two decades, international business relationships have exploded and will continue to do so over the next two. In addition, more North American companies are doing business, and...

Two Ways to Improve Your Investor Pitch

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 18

At our mentor capital consultancy, one of the most frequent needs our clients bring forward is the need to achieve funding. While we can direct them to a variety of...

Improve Equity Compensation Management

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 17

When the financial accounting standard No. 123 was revised in 2004, it changed the equity management landscape in myriad ways. Ostensibly, FAS 123(R) was designed to simplify equity reporting and...

When Your Customers Set the Price

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 16

On the morning of her 41st birthday, author Danielle LaPorte posted a promotion on her blog and then went to the spa in her home city of Vancouver, B.C. She...

Make Your Business Accessible to People with Disabilities

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 13

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires small businesses to provide accessible goods and services to people with disabilities. Many small businesses find that complying with the ADA not only meets...

Reach the Right Customer with the Right Message

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 12

When small business leaders launch an e-mail marketing initiative, it might seem like a small consideration, but developing the right subject line for the e-mail message can be the biggest...

Launch a Successful E-mail Marketing Campaign

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 11

Research by the Direct Marketing Assn. estimates that for every dollar spent on e-mail marketing, an organization brings in $43.62. With the potential for that kind of return on investment,...

Use a Timer to Stay Focused

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 10

Having a timer running while you work can drastically heighten your awareness and allow you to notice quickly when you deviate from a given task. Setting a countdown timer for...

The Three Elements of an Inspiring Pitch

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 09

I've met with many inspiring leaders who have successfully pitched their brands in the face of intense competition. Their presentations share three qualities. They are understandable, memorable, and emotional. 1....

Does Your 401(k) Plan Put Your Business at Risk?

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 06

As a business owner, you probably do your best to provide your employees with quality benefits, including a 401(k) retirement plan to help them save for their golden years. So...

Protect Your Intellectual Property

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 05

One of your greatest assets as a business owner is your intellectual property. IP includes inventions and literary and artistic works, as well as symbols, names, images, and designs used...

Focus on the Familiar

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 04

For entrepreneurs just beginning professional service practices, prospecting can inspire both trepidation and anxiety. Where do you start? One great rule of thumb is to focus on the familiar. We...

Make a Good Impression Over the Phone

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 03

For small businesses, a lot can transpire in a conference call: Deals get made, ideas are debated, and sensitive negotiations are conducted. Or worse: None of these things happen, because...

Telecommuting Keeps Costs Low

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on August 02

Telecommuting is one means of reducing operating costs that many small businesses are starting to consider seriously. When you compare overhead expenditures and potential cost savings against the need to...