Today’s small businesses are adept at using online tools such as email newsletters and surveys to help develop strong relationships with their customers. While these tools can enable two-way communications, face-to-face interactions can be an effective way to build and instill trust in these relationships. It’s that sense of community and interaction that in-person events [...]

Late last week, Small Business Trends announced the start of their 2nd annual small business book awards.  They have nominated 47 small business books for readers to pick their favorites from.  The top 10 books most voted for will be announced as the winners. The Small Business Book Awards, presented by Small Business Trends, recognize [...]

As we prepare for the height of the holiday season, one in which spending is predicted to be lukewarm at best, local businesses can get smart by planning and implementing thoughtful marketing campaigns that provide consumers relief where they need it most: their wallets. With Black Friday quickly approaching, time is of the essence to [...]

Small Biz Bee has brought back its $100 Competition this year but it’s bigger and better.  This year’s contest is sponsored by BizSugar.com and the prize has been increased to $150!  Who couldn’t use a little extra cash before the holidays? How To Enter: All you need to do is submit an original article related [...]

Startups.com has recently been launched to provide you with all the answers you need about small business.  Users can ask or answer questions concerning their small business.  I like this concept because you can find real advice from business owners who’ve had experiences like your own.  Plus, you can get answers to your questions quickly. [...]

This holiday season Campaigner is giving you the tools to boost your email marketing efforts.  Plus, all of the tools are free to use.  The free “Holiday In a Bag” tools range from holiday graphics, holiday email templates, holiday e-cards plus tips, checklists and spreadsheets. In addition to the free holiday marketing tools, you can [...]

Twitter Lists is the newest feature recently unveiled on Twitter.  This feature allows Twitter users the opportunity to organize followers into lists or groups with common interests.  If you find a list that interests you, you can follow the entire list of users with one simple click.  Also, when you discover a list you like [...]

Are you looking for a way to generate more sales?  Consider the advice given by Janet Meiners Thaeler in her most recent OPEN Forum piece, “How to Avoid the ‘Bah Humbug’ Spirit From Consumers This Holiday Season“.  Janet suggests considering “cause related marketing”. There’s nothing like giving to get you in a holiday mood. Your [...]

Staff reductions are typical targets for controlling costs in tough economic times. This can be particularly challenging as you attempt to balance responsible fiscal management with fluctuating sales while maintaining customer expectations for quality, support, and customer service. The answer to this dilemma involves embracing a return to basics, i.e., examining your business processes and [...]

Small Business Trends has recently begun to post small business contest and awards every two weeks.  One of the contests listed in Monday’s post really caught my eye. TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) is giving away one of their franchise stores for free!  The Great TCBY Store Giveaway entries will be taken up until November [...]