Just opened a Small Business? This may be helpful!

Customers can be very skeptical at times. If they know you have a new business, they may be hesitant to buy from you – this is especially true of businesses that operate only online.

One way to overcome that fear is to research and learn all you can about your products/services – become an expert on what you do. Post articles on your blog about them, or put up an especially good FAQ page to answer questions about your product lines in depth. In a bricks and mortar store, make sure you can speak knowledgeably about what you do.

If the question of how long you’ve been in business should come up, you can then honestly say something like: “I had a special interest in this business for a long time, and I’ve done a lot of research and personal comparison of these products (or services). And a few months ago I finally decided to put all my knowledge to good use and opened the business. I know my product better than anyone!”

5 Small Business Tips for the New Year!

1. You will have to do extensive research before owning your business, but try not to spend forever doing it. Every day you spend researching is another day you do not earn money or have your business.

2. Because starting your own business can be overwhelming, don’t be scared to seek out a mentor to guide you through the process.

3. Set goals for yourself and for the business and mark important milestones; this will help you see how far you have come. (e.g. $X,XX the first month)

4. Don’t wait to turn you ideas into reality. Don’t just assume something will work, get it done right away and start receiving feedback from customers.

5. Focus more on finding solutions rather than stressing over problems. You should be aware of what went wrong in 2011, now think of ways to do things better with a fresh start.

"You must remain focused on your journey to greatness." – Les Brown

Marketing is a key component in your business.

Are you a small business owner who needs help marketing and using social media but believes that there is no ROI on any of the two? Well, think again.

This link provides a snippet of what you are actually saying when you fail to include marketing into your budget.

http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/lois-geller-11810/popup

Importance of Social Media!!

So ...... when we tell our clients that they NEED to be on FB and Twitter and LinkedIn, this is why. This is not your father's business climate. You not only need the customers you have now, you also need to prepare for the customers of the future, and they're on FB and Twitter!

Visit this website to learn why.... http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/02/us-media-summit-twitter-idUSTRE7B119G20111202

"Our thought is the key which unlocks the doors of the world. ”- Samuel McC. Crothers

Facebook Fans...what are they?

Have you been wondering as a business owner or marketer what the benefits of Facebook fans are? Also, how much more likely are they to do business with you than those who don't "like" you on Facebook. Click below to learn more about benefits of having Facebook fans.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/220796