An Experimental Marketing Primer
Experimental marketing is one of those topics that many people talk about, but few can define. While it is one of the entrepreneurial buzzwords of the new decade, many business owners have no idea what it really means, much less how to apply the concept to their own enterprises. Here is a short primer on the topic, and a few ways that you can make this type of marketing part of your own business success formula.
Social Media and Entrepreneurship
Some entrepreneurs are reluctant to use social networking to promote their business ventures. There are good reasons for feeling this way; social networking may be low cost, but it requires an immense amount of time to set up and maintain. In addition, it is just as easy to anger and alienate your audience as it is to win their hearts. Many entrepreneurs prefer to focus on more traditional marketing methods. However, there are a few good reasons to make social media a part of your business. The first and more important one is that social networking works.
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Business Lessons From Steve Jobs
A few weeks ago, Steve Jobs resigned from his position as chairman of Apple, which we all recognize as one of the most powerful and well-known companies in the world. Although most people consider Apple a clear leader in its field, it had a rather bumpy road to the top and still fights to maintain its position.
5 Small Business Outsourcing Disasters to Avoid
Outsourcing is usually a good idea for small business owners—after all, you can’t be an expert in everything. However, we all have heard outsourcing nightmare stories. Here are a few of the most common scenarios and suggestions for dealing with them.
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5 Most Devastating Small Business Blogging Mistakes
Everywhere you look, experts are recommending that small business owners blog to increase exposure and build their corporate brand. However, a blog can be a huge liability instead of an asset if you don’t handle it in the right manner. Here are the five most common and most devastating mistakes that small business bloggers make.
Preparing Your Small Business for Big Disaster
As we have seen in the past few weeks, natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis) and man made disasters (London riots) can occur at any time and place. While most small business owners assume, or at least hope, that disaster will not happen to them, this assumption could be very dangerous. Luckily, there are easy ways to prepare your small business for disaster without affecting the success of your brand. Here are a few tips.
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The Power of Positive Feedback
Giving good feedback is essential whether you are a multinational corporation or a one man show. The way you approach problems and deal proactively with others will have a huge effect on the future of your business. You will have to give feedback—both positive and negative—to investors, suppliers, vendors, and employees. Here are a few ways to make that feedback as positive as possible to ensure that your message gets across and relationships remain undamaged.
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Consulting: A Lucrative Side Market
In this economy, many small businesses are looking for ways to improve their bottom line by offering new products and services. Consulting is one side business that can be very lucrative—if your business is presented in the best possible light. In order to get work in this competitive area, you must portray yourself as an industry leader with insider knowledge of your field. If you think you have what it takes, here are a few tips for getting started.
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Creating Your Own Small Business Comeback
Running a small business is often like riding a roller coaster—just when you have hit a new height, you go plunging downward. However, unlike riding a roller coaster, it’s easy to lose momentum and continue on that descending spiral. Part of being a small owner is learning how to pull out of plunges and lead your brand back to the top. Here are a few tips for bouncing back from economic challenges.
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Media Do’s and Don’ts for Small Business
Media exposure can be one of the most valuable free marketing tools a small business can wield. However, the media can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you portray yourself. Here are a few tips for presenting yourself and your business in the best possible light and using the media to your best advantage.
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