Say It Your Way With A Custom Rubber Stamp

123Print News, All Other, Small Business Info
[caption id="attachment_4622" align="alignleft" width="160"] The first stamp - the "Penny Black" [credit: about.com][/caption]Did you know that the invention of the stamp dates back to 1840 when Britain issued its first stamp, the “Penny Black”? Actually, in the early days of postal service, neither stamps nor envelopes existed. Envelopes were considered an extra sheet of paper which cost more to send. If you wanted to send a letter, you would simply fold it up and seal it shut, and the person who received the letter had to pay for its delivery. Since rates were usually very high, most people refused to accept letters. Actually, many people ended up developing secret codes they could use to cheat the postal service. For example, they’d place secret marks on the outside of their letter…
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Customer Retention Strategies: How To Keep Them Coming Back!

Marketing Info, Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business, Small Business Info
Businesses often focus on gaining new customers. They’ll do whatever it takes to get those new folks in the door, expending their resources to make the business an attractive one. And then once the newbie client is persuaded to take the plunge, they don’t pay much attention to them anymore. This is what not to do. Existing customers are one of the best sources, if not the best, of sales growth. In the book 1,001 Ways to Keep Customers Coming Back, the authors collected several broad strategies for customer retention that stand the test of time. The following outlines a few of the most important tactics for your business. 1. Give customers an incentive to come back. This could be a gift, a discount on their next service, a chance…
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Small Business Spotlight — SweetArt Sweets

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight
This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... SweetArt Sweets! SweetArt Sweets specializes in beautiful and delicious decorated cookies for all occasions. They are a featured seller on Country Crafts and Candies and their sweets have been featured on the chickabug blog. Put a little sweet in your art! [caption id="attachment_4562" align="aligncenter" width="760"] [credit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetArtSweets][/caption] (more…)
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How to Communicate Sensitive Issues in the Workplace

Expert Advice, Small Business, Small Business Info, Small Business Lounge
No matter how awesome your office environment is, there is bound to be something that comes up that needs to be handled delicately. From smaller issues, like an employee’s bad personal hygiene, to big-scale issues, like employee theft, it’s important to communicate sensitive issues in a thoughtful and delicate way. What you don’t want to do is ignore the problem. Ignoring an issue in the workplace makes matters worse. It can lead to office gossip, fear, embarrassment and disgruntled employees. Address the issue with the following tips. (more…)
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4 Simple Rules for Writing a Business Plan

Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business Info
There are so many elements to plan out and focus on when starting a small business that it can be an up and down roller coaster at times. Getting a plan together for how you want to run your company is the first matter of business you should work out to ensure a successful path. Creating a business plan is ideal because it outlines the route you plan to take in order to grow revenue and boost sales. U.S. Small Business Administration has several detailed articles about how to write a business plan, but we’ll break down the big picture for you. 1. Work on your market analysis – This will be information on what your company does, what makes you stand out from competitors and the markets that you…
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Throw a Low-Cost, Surprise Wedding!

3rd Wednesday Weddings, Wedding & Family, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Lounge
[caption id="attachment_4480" align="alignleft" width="300"] PHOTO CREDIT: Polka Dot Bride[/caption] A couple years ago, I was invited to a co-workers birthday party in the park. I was really bummed I had other plans I couldn’t rearrange — and even more bummed to learn I’d actually missed her wedding! That’s right, her birthday invitation was a ploy to get people to her surprise wedding! Throwing a surprise wedding is an amazing idea and filled with so much creativity and enjoyment. It takes quite a bit of savvy planning to not let the cat out of the bag before the big day. Even though you may be cutting out some of the bells and whistles for your low-cost, surprise wedding, still give yourself time to plan it. Aim for six months, if possible, but…
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It’s Time To Reevaluate Your Marketing Plan

Marketing Info, Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business, Small Business Info, Small Business Lounge
Something just not right with your small business? Whether it’s that sales are down or you just plain don’t like your clients, it may be time to reevaluate your marketing plan for your business. Here are four big clues that it’s time to do so. 1. You have a hard time communicating your value proposition. If prospects aren’t really understanding why your business is better than your competitors, then your messaging and selling points need to be adjusted. (more…)
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Small Business Spotlight — The Twisted Purl

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight
This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... The Twisted Purl! The Twisted Purl makes handmade yarn and other handmade fiber creations like Felted Soaps and Felted Wool Dryer Balls. "I’m just a simple girl on a mission to enable Yarnaholics all around the world by producing handmade yarn and other fiber creations for others to use & enjoy.  Happy crafting!" (more…)
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