08Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
5 Tips for Nailing Your Next Networking Event

5 Tips for Nailing Your Next Networking Event

Marketing, Office and Homeworking, Starting a new business
Networking can feel kind of awkward - especially for younger professionals. But if you're starting a new business, you know just how important creating a network of the right people can be. These connections will help you gain clients, take advantage of word-of-mouth marketing and build a team of people you want working for you. That doesn't make putting yourself out there any easier, though. Events are a great way to get started (as opposed to trying to build a network online) because they allow you to control the first impression you give people while also providing you the opportunity to meet plenty of people in one evening. If you're ready to start building your network at an event, take a look at these five tips for working the room successfully:1.…
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08Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
Foolproof guidelines for creating click-worthy titles

Foolproof guidelines for creating click-worthy titles

Marketing, Starting a new business
If you've never heard the term "clickbait," you still may have seen it in action while scrolling through Buzzfeed or perusing your Facebook wall. The term refers to blog or article titles that make people want to read more by providing just a small amount of information up front - thus, leading to a higher click-through rate. And although clickbait can have some negative connotations, when done right, it's actually a good method for making your content exciting and successful. Take a look at these guidelines for developing more click-worthy titles:Know Who You're Targeting As with any marketing tool, the first step toward success is understanding who you're targeting. For one, the content you create and post should reflect your target audience. But your titles, down to the language you use…
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07Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
4 ways to gain subscribers to your business newsletter

4 ways to gain subscribers to your business newsletter

Marketing, Starting a new business
As a small business owner, you likely spend a lot of time thinking about how to get more customers and clients. A great way to get people interested in your company is sending out a newsletter to let them know about sales, events and what your business is up to. Try these four tips to get people to sign up for your newsletter:1. Include a discount When you go to a clothing store website, you might be greeted by a pop-up window. It may offer a discount if you sign up to receive the company's e-newsletter. We've all clicked "yes" to receive the rebate and ended up buying more when we saw something great in the newsletter later on. You don't have to offer a huge percentage off - even 10 percent can be enticing.2.…
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06Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

A Blog about COGS: Understanding Your Cost of Goods Sold

Expert Advice, Planning, Small Business Info
Today’s topic deals with the Operational side of the business for all of you current and future entrepreneurs out there. Typically, when we think of purchasing an existing business or opening our own business, our initial thought is how to grow sales. The next thought tends to center around who the current and/or potential customer is, and perhaps even where we may find more customers. But most times, the last thing we think about is the cost of goods sold which is more universally known as “COGS.” (more…)
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03Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
Boost Your Productivity While Working From Home

Boost Your Productivity While Working From Home

Office and Homeworking
There are a lot of benefits to having a job that allows you to work from home every so often. Folks with a particularly long commute, for instance, can avoid a rush-hour headache while also saving money on gas or public transit. Plus, research has shown productivity may even increase from home in some cases because of the quieter environment with fewer distractions. However, working from home isn't necessarily productive for everybody. It can be difficult to focus on work if you feel like you have a lot to do at home or don't have anyone keeping an eye on what you're doing. To that end, check out these tips for boosting your at-home productivity:Get Ready One of the top ways to get down to business is by making yourself…
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03Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Small Business Marketing Tips

Marketing, Small Business Info
What effect can current events have on your business? Believe it or not, newsworthy stories can have helpful and practical lessons for seeing your small business in a new light. For a timely example, let's take a look at Sky Mall. In January, the purveyor of expensive gizmos and stuff, Sky Mall, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the end of March, (more…)
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02Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
5 Secrets to Social Media Success

5 Secrets to Social Media Success

Marketing
These days, social media is one of the most important parts of any company's marketing strategy. In fact, according to September 2014 data from the Pew Research Center, over 70 percent of all online adults in America are on Facebook (and a vast majority use the site daily). That means that reaching a vast amount of people at once and targeting specific demographics are both easier than ever. However, it's important for companies to develop a social media strategy - whether they're using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or any other platform - to make sure their posts are effectively building engagement and generating leads. To that end, here are five ways your company can use social media successfully:1. Interact The key to engaging your audience on social media isn't just posting content. No matter…
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01Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
Are Your Ideas Any Good?

Are Your Ideas Any Good?

News of the Web
Whether you have an epiphany sipping on your morning coffee or it hits you on your 8 a.m. commute to work, you're bound to encounter a bunch of ideas throughout the course of your life. The trouble with strokes of genius that are all your own - it can be tough to determine which ones are good and what ideas are destined to fail. Next time you feel an idea coming on, write it down, then revisit it. Daniel Lubetzky,founder of KIND bars, told Inc Magazine that he shares his thoughts with colleagues, friends and trusted acquaintances to see if they're any good. These people are a great first line of defense. If everyone thinks you're making a mistake with your latest idea, it may be worth reconsidering. On the off chance…
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01Apr 2015 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
How To Write A Job Description

How To Write A Job Description

Starting a new business
If you're on the brink of starting a small business, there are many avenues to explore. You'll have your hands full between fine tuning your marketing strategy, working out the kinks with your building permit and figuring out how to get your products in time for opening. You probably haven't given much thought to the hiring process, but you should get on it right away.Start with writing a job description. The SBA offered up tips to create an effective and clear post. Be sure to include the following:Job titleThe tasks that will be required of the hired candidateResponsibilities that are crucial to the company's successA list of relevant role descriptions, for example, the supervisors who will oversee the new employee.According to Monster.com, a well-written piece can attract the right kind of employees…
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