Developing a PR Plan
Want to make sure your business’s name gets heard? You need to plan for PR. For a guide … >>-> MORE >>->
Dated April 14, 2010 Topics: Ask SCORE, Marketing and Sales
Top 10 Tax Tips for Small and Growing Businesses
Taxes are one of the most important issues facing small and growing businesses. And like a company’s profits, the annual tax bill will in part reflect the owner’s skills and knowledge. These tax tips will ensure Uncle Sam is not getting more than his due. >>-> MORE >>->
Dated January 31, 2010 Topics: Ask SCORE
STARTING A HOME-BASED BUSINESS
Is It Right for You?
Hundreds of thousands of individuals decide to start a home-based business each year. Many succeed. About 70 percent of all home based businesses are in operation after two years. Before entering this venture, entrepreneurs should consider several key questions… >>-> MORE >>->
Dated December 8, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Business Planning, Entrepreneurship
60-SECOND GUIDE TO A POWERFUL BUSINESS IDEA
You’re all set to start a small business. You have the drive, the desire, and the commitment to make it work. You lack just one thing—an idea for the business itself. Don’t worry. Even successful entrepreneurs sometimes have difficulty deciding their next move. In just 60-seconds, we’ll show you the steps to come up with the idea that will get you started on the road to small business success. >>-> MORE >>->
Dated November 7, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Management
Let the Countdown Begin: A Six-Month Plan for Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur
Aspiring entrepreneurs often wonder how long it takes to get a small business started. The answer is, “it depends.” Some new enterprises can be up and running in a matter of weeks; others may require several months or more of diligent planning. Months are more common. Here’s one approach. >>-> MORE >>->
Dated October 3, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Entrepreneurship
5 QUICK Tips for Enhancing Sales
Here are several simple but often overlooked ways to grow sales. All are pivotal to your business. They should be “golden rules.”
Dated September 1, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Marketing and Sales
THE EASY WAY TO LAUNCH YOUR WEB BUSINESS
Launching an online business intimidates too many business owners who expect the experience to be too complicated, too technical, too time-consuming or too expensive. Creating a Web site can be easy, fast and economical (even cheap) if you know a few basic things about the process and understand how to evaluate service providers. The following tips
Dated August 2, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Internet and Web, Learning and Training
ANALYZING THE MARKET
You have a fantastic idea for starting your own business. But, will others get excited about it too? Who will find that it meets their needs or desires? Business ideas can appear in many forms, but all ideas need to be analyzed to help make decisions that will increase your chances of success. Here’s how to do it. >>-> MORE >>->
Dated June 29, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Business Planning, Marketing and Sales
INCREASE PROFITS: Expand and Diversify
Although the economy is contracting, your business doesn’t have to. If your sales have slumped and your profits waned, win over clients with new and diversified products. Read how.
Dated May 27, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Business Strategy, Marketing and Sales
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Dated May 20, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Learning and Training
SALES STRATEGIES IN AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
First and foremost stay calm and don’t panic! Recessions and economic downturns have occurred before. Prepare now to position yourself and your business to benefit from the eventual and inevitable climb back to success.
Be Creative
It’s time to be creative in your sales and marketing efforts. Remember two old clichés, “step out of the box” and “don’t be vanilla!” Now is the time to maximize your sales and marketing effort. Don’t sit back and wait.
Focus on Existing Clients
Start with obvious fundamentals. Contact all past and present customers as soon as possible! Be enthusiastic. An example would be, “We’re overstocked on items you’ve bought previously.” Offer significant incentives and/or “preferred customer” discounts on everything including the highest turnover items. Liquidate old and slow moving inventory at cost or less. If you provide a service create a package offering, a “special series,” or an evening and weekend rate. Don’t forget ladies’ day, senior citizen’s day and holiday specials. Don’t forget incentives to pay now. Think cash! Cash is always king, especially in recessionary times.
Think Long Term
Revise your marketing and business plan to position yourself for long term success. What are you good at? Set realistic goals and measure progress often. Narrow your product line or the services you offer. Now is not the time to introduce fringe products or allied services. Don’t forget customer service with this definition: An unexpected service, delivered at random, a memorable event! Unexpected, random, memorable. Make use of sincere thank you’s. Follow up. Follow up again.
Use the Web
Valuable tools are available today that didn’t exist during previous downturns. Technology has given you the internet, email marketing and search engines. What about cell phones and text messages? There are professional networking sites such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.
Be Smarter in Your Marketing
Maximize utilization of inexpensive items like press releases, trade shows, speaking opportunities and email marketing. Network at chamber of commerce events and other “mixers.” Offer to provide a door prize in order to get recognition and exposure. Investigate business networking groups like Business Network International (BNI), Leads Club and business Meetup groups. Don’t forget to read industry trade journals, newsletters, and visit appropriate websites for the latest industry trends and fresh ideas.
Professionalize Your Web Site
Finally clean up your Web site and make sure it’s user friendly. Offer up-to-date professional product or service information to those who provide an email address. Also, utilize search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to drive visitors to your site.
For more advice on how to succeed, Ask SCORE online or Find SCORE near you.
Author: Rod Means of San Diego, CA is a SCORE District Director and national Marketing Advisory Council Member.
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For LOCAL help, you can contact SCORE® “Counselors to America’s Small Business.”
Dated April 26, 2009 Topics: Ask SCORE, Marketing and Sales
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Dated January 30, 1995 Topics: Ask SCORE, Finance and Accounting, Internet and Web, Marketing and Sales, Tax Info