14Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

It’s National Peanut Butter Month – Unique Marketing Ideas for November

Small Business Info
Did you know the average American consumes more than six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter products each year? (Those Reese’s … they call to me). That means that Americans, on average, consume over 1.5 billion pounds of peanut butter and peanut products each year. THAT means that the amount of peanut butter eaten by Americans in one year could wrap the earth in a ribbon of 18oz peanut butter jars one and one-third times. Why am I telling you all this? November is National Peanut Butter month. This nutty holiday could provide some great material for your November marketing strategy. Check out these Peanut Butter-inspired marketing ideas for November! (more…)
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11Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier 1 Comment

Get Ready for Small Business Saturday

Marketing Info, Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business, Small Business Info
With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving on it’s way, the most important 96 hours of holiday shopping will be here before you know it. I’m talking about Black Friday on November 29th, Small Business Saturday on November 30, and Cyber Monday on December 2nd. Since Saturday’s focus is on small businesses, let’s concentrate on that. Confirm What You Know Don’t just assume that you already know your customers and prospects. Re-evaluate what you know. What motivates them and where do they find out about your sales and offers? Is it the newspaper? Radio? Email? Direct mail? Social channels? If you’re not sure, just ask them. Knowing when and where to communicate with your customers will be crucial to your holiday sales success. (more…)
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08Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Small Business Spotlight – Smoogs Malone Photography

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight
This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... Smoogs Malone Photography Smoogs Malone Photography specializes in personalizing each of their photo sessions to express one's own unique personality. Based out of Apple Valley, California, this independently-owned business loves to bring your visions to life! [caption id="attachment_5842" align="aligncenter" width="584"] [© Smoogs Malone Photography][/caption] (more…)
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06Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier 3 Comments

Green is the New Black: Tips to Prepare Your Small Business for Black Friday

Small Business Info
For this year’s Black Friday, think “Green” — this year’s Black Friday trends will be all about money! For many retailers, the day after Thanksgiving (a.k.a Black Friday) is one of, if not the biggest shopping day of the year. As a small business, you may not be able to afford the same deep discounts that big-box stores have, but that doesn't mean you can’t get your hands on a piece of that delicious Black Friday pie. Here are 10 tips for preparing your small business for the green on November 29th: Provide additional service and support. One advantage you have as a small business owner over big-box store employees is the ability to give personalized attention. Not only do consumers look for low, competitive prices – they are also looking…
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05Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Give Thanks – How to Show Your Customers You Are Thankful

2nd Tuesday Tune-Up Your Life, Life Insight, Small Business Info
[caption id="attachment_5808" align="aligncenter" width="933"] [credit: customerlink.com][/caption]While big box stores have the luxury of extravagant marketing budgets and prime real estate, small businesses rely on the ongoing support and loyalty of their customers. A small business' customer base drives sales, provides word-of-mouth marketing and brings new customers into the store. Thanking these customers is imperative. Show your customers how thankful you are for their continued support with these thoughtful ideas. (more…)
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04Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier 1 Comment

Getting a Small Business Loan With Less-Than-Perfect Credit

Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business Info
Finding funding as a small business owner can feel like being caught on a catch 22 carousel.  Traditional lenders are not willing to take a chance on businesses that don’t have years of proven sales and flawless credit scores.  So what is an emerging entrepreneur to do?  Read on to discover some credit saving tips and viable funding alternatives that will get you off of the funding merry-go-round for good. Review Your Statement The first place to start with a credit score situation, is with the credit score itself.  Take the time to review your statement and make sure resolved past issues have been dissolved from your case. Explore curious penalties that you’re familiar with and look for possible errors.  For example, your statement may claim you are “delinquent” in…
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01Nov 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Small Business Spotlight – MiryalaShop

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight
This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... MiryalaShop Based out of Broomfield, Colorado, MiryalaShop sells photography and antiques. MiryalaShop is all about nature photography — their current collection includes beautiful photos from Colorado and India, and they are looking to add more photos from other places in the U.S. soon. Check out their shop on Etsy, where they are constantly adding new products! [caption id="attachment_5766" align="aligncenter" width="769"] [© MiryalaShop][/caption] (more…)
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31Oct 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Business Women Have Come A Long Way [Contest] WINNERS!

123Print News, All Other, Small Business Info
Thank you to everyone who entered our "Business Women Have Come A Long Way" contest! Your stories were so inspirational, and we had a hard time picking just three winners. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered. Keep an eye out for more opportunities to gain exposure for your small business! Our three winners are ... *drumroll please* GRAND PRIZE – Janet Thrasher "When my husband died unexpectedly, instead of being the office manager for our termite and pest control business I became the sole owner. Suddenly I had to make all the decisions while learning more about termites, ants, bees, and fleas than I ever thought I would. When I was at my lowest, other pest control operators stepped in to help. Competitors on paper, these people proved themselves to…
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29Oct 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Loyal Business, Loyal Customers

Small Business Info
[caption id="attachment_5724" align="alignleft" width="243"] [credit: perfect-coach.com][/caption]When owning a small business, or any business for that matter, it is important to keep customers coming back time and time again. Returning customers are loyal customers and companies that reward people for their consistent business will benefit more than those that don’t. However, with most businesses offering loyalty programs, it can be difficult to set yourself apart. Take a look at three loyalty program ideas that will bring in customers and increase your sales. 1. Targeting Customers — Right off the bat, it’s important to know that loyalty programs are meant to change customer habits, so your business becomes a part of their weekly routine. You are not necessarily targeting the customers who are loyal to you regardless (without an incentive); you’re targeting…
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