27Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
Networking Tips, Even for a Shy Guy!

Networking Tips, Even for a Shy Guy!

Job Searching Tips, Life Insight
Does the word “schmoozing” automatically send you into a frenzy? If you tend to be shy around new people, which most of us are, the art of schmoozing can be quite the daunting task. Looking for a job, especially after college, requires some amount of “schmooziness” when it comes to networking. Many of us shudder at the thought of networking for many reasons – lack of confidence, fear of rejection, or even a sense of unworthiness. But, it is still possible for even the shyest person to master the skill of networking! Consider arming yourself with these 12 common sense tips that will increase your networking mojo: (more…)
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25Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
5 Unique Uses for Your Business Cards

5 Unique Uses for Your Business Cards

Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business Info
What do you think of when someone says, “business cards”? Obviously, you picture that little piece of card stock with your name and company contact information on it. Maybe you think of networking, and handing out your cards face to face at business meetings, association events and such. That’s certainly the way business cards have traditionally been used and circulated. Now it’s time to expand your horizons — that small card can do some heavy lifting as a primary marketing tool for your business. Here are five ideas to get you thinking. 1. Add an offer they can’t refuse. That’s right, your business card can also serve as a way to entice potential customers to come back for a visit. You can add a coupon for a certain percentage off…
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22Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier 1 Comment
123Print Small Business Sense — Erin Pelicano

123Print Small Business Sense — Erin Pelicano

Small Business Info, Small Business Sense Interviews
Looking to start your own small business? We've got you covered. Each month, 123Print will interview real, live business owners to uncover their tips and tricks to starting and growing a successful small business in the 123Print Small Business Sense interview series. This month ... Erin Pelicano, Owner of Erin Pelicano Jewelry talks about starting and growing her own business. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9pgJup6uhM[/embed] Some key takeaways from Erin Pelicano's Interview: It's been quite empowering to have people really support you as a creative person. It was one of my goals that I grow my business to a point where I was ready to start giving back. Failures actually are a great thing, because you learn from each one. Social media has been most successful for me. The first business stationery I ever…
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22Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

[TRANSCRIPT] 123Print Small Business Sense — Erin Pelicano

Small Business Info, Small Business Sense Interviews
Erin: I am Erin Pelicano, and I am the artist and designer of Erin Pelicano Jewelry.  Erin Pelicano Jewelry is a design business, and I, right now, offer necklaces and earrings and rings, and they all have an inspiration or meaning behind them.  And I do a lot of custom pieces that are Mommy necklaces or for Grandmas, that have names or initials, but a lot of my more popular pieces, I have inspiration behind them.  And they all come on a card that people really relate to, and I think that’s what has spoken to my customers and grown my business so far. Question: How did you get started with your small business? Erin: Well, I’ve really always wanted to do something creative, but my background’s in engineering.  I worked in…
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21Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
Networking Business Cards: You’ve Got the Power!

Networking Business Cards: You’ve Got the Power!

Job Searching Tips, Life Insight
Have you ever heard the song “The Power” by Snap? You haven’t? Yes you have. “I’ve got the power!” Still no? Remember that scene from Bruce Almighty where he discovers he can walk on water? Got it now? “I’ve got the power!” This mentality of “I’ve got the power” is something every job seeker should keep front of mind. What gives you that power? Networking. Networking, along with the value of a strong and flawless resume, will give you the power to find a job. Use every opportunity you can to strengthen your network of contacts. But what should you do in situations where handing out your resume isn’t practical? That’s easy. Use networking business cards. Think of networking cards as the Batman of business cards. They have the look…
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20Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments
Why Send Save the Date Cards

Why Send Save the Date Cards

3rd Wednesday Weddings, Wedding Inspiration
With the “love holiday” barely in our rearview mirror, I’m willing to bet a few of you got engaged in the past seven days. CONGRATULATIONS! So he put a ring on it. Now what? After you get tired of all the staring at your new bling when you think no one’s looking (like that’s ever going to happen), it’s time to start planning. The trend-that’s-turning-tradition, save-the-date cards, are one of the first things you’ll need to consider after setting the date. Why send save the date cards? Check your guest list off your to-do list early. You should only send save the dates to the people you intend to invite to the wedding. By necessity, this requires you to put together your guest list sooner rather than later. Make sure…
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18Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier 1 Comment
The Need for Speed: 3 Tips to Speed Up Your Page Load Speed

The Need for Speed: 3 Tips to Speed Up Your Page Load Speed

Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business Info
What goes through your mind when you visit a website for the first time and have to sit and wait for the page to load? There’s no question that faster websites make for a better user experience. Is your website’s load speed frustrating your site visitors? According to a Gomez web speed survey, speed matters. Nearly one-third (32%) of consumers taking the Gomez survey said they would start abandoning slow sites after just 1 to 5 seconds! Over a third (37%) said it makes them less likely to return to a site — and worse yet, 27% said it made them more likely to visit a competitor’s site. Oh-oh. So what can you do? Here are 3 tips to speed up your page load speed without being a developer or…
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13Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier 1 Comment

Best Practices For Offering Incentive Plans to Your Employees

Small Business Info
In today's competitive business climate, the only true way to successful growth and innovation is through hiring and retaining the best employees in your industry. To do this, your business must be able to stand out from the competition by offering more than just a paycheck and a few standard benefits. Candidates are looking for the entire package when considering the companies they want to work for and this comes right down to multiple levels of benefits they hope to take advantage of. To make certain your employee incentive plan is rolled out and managed well, here are some best practices for offering these perks. (more…)
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12Feb 2013 by Cindy Berrier 7 Comments

Go Back to the Basics: Actually Write a Note!

2nd Tuesday Tune-Up Your Life, Life Insight
When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a friend, family member or business associate? For some, you might realize it’s been years! If for no other reason, you should consider sending a handwritten note of your own. I speak from experience because my husband and I often exchange love letters. I know, I know. That sounds really sappy, and maybe it is. But we both enjoy it. I talk a lot and my husband’s pretty quiet, so writing letters lets us both say what we really mean without interruptions. Plus, reading — and re-reading — those letters is a real joy. Some day, when one or both of us are gone, they will be a treasure that a text message or email inbox could never replace.…
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