4 Essentials To Get Right In Your First Year Of Business

4 Essentials To Get Right In Your First Year Of Business

Ask any entrepreneur and you’ll get the same answer: starting a business is hard.

The first year in business is toughest, then all of the hard work, blood, sweat and tears begin paying off. But how do you make it through that first year?

1) Be passionate about your product

Your products or services are the reason you’re starting your business in the first place – that unique, life changing benefit that your business adds to the world. If you think that statement is far-fetched, then so will everyone else.

You must start out as and continue to be the most passionate person about your business.…

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4 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Be Embracing Social Media

With the recent Penguin and Panda updates, websites in every industry have begun to change the way they approach SEO and marketing in general. Instead of focusing on impressing  search engine algorithms webmasters and marketers are now focusing more on genuinely impressing  people  so that they will want to share content with  other  people through the social web.

4 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Be Embracing Social Media

There are a number of obvious advantages to using social media and we  could  simply leave it at “it’s necessary because all your competitors are doing it”, but to really give you an idea of  why  you would be missing out if you fail to  utilise  social media in 2013 we’ve compiled the following list of reasons:

1.…

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Small Business Budgeting, Insurance Renewal Checklist

Business insurance is designed to protect you against unexpected and unmanageable losses, but it can’t do that if you don’t keep your policies up to date. Although the laws and regulations regarding insurance coverage are many, and at times can be confusing, it’s important to make sure your policy is up to date at least once a year.

Small Business Budgeting, Insurance Renewal Checklist

The following questions will help you know what information to collect before renewing your policy.

  1. Type of Business – Has the type of business you do changed since you started? If you’ve grown your business to include a new industry, or have taken on a partner, you may not have sufficient coverage.
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Point Of Sale Systems – Automating Your Business For Greater Efficiency

The constant pealing of the cash register, that distinct “cha-ching” sound, may spell success for an entrepreneur. But there are several reasons why the death knell has been rung countless times for the cash register.

For one, cash registers are one-trick ponies. Apart from registering sales, they are not much good for the host of other needs an entrepreneur faces, particularly in managing a retail system.

Whether a particular business owner is handling just one business outlet or has expanded into a few branches, point of sale systems can help him effectively manage his business operation. One particular aspect of running a business where a good POS system can help is in the area of inventory.…

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Are You Ordering From A Legitimate Website?

In today’s society, anyone can create a website and sell products online. It’s turned into a fairly simple process – so much so, that more and more spammers find their way into the e-commerce world – and your computing device – every day. If you aren’t careful, you’ll really end up paying for it later.

Using security software – e.g. SearchLock – to protect your online activities and detect problem websites can help, but with so many misleading information (such as SearchLock that is accused as being malware) it’s not an easy task for you to decide.

Are You Ordering From A Legitimate Website?

Here are some tips for avoiding illegitimate online sellers:

Before you even consider pressing “Add To Cart” it’s important to look at the quality and design of the website.…

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Website Design: Don’t Let Your First Impression Be Your Last

The other day, I looked up a restaurant website to tell a friend about a great meal I enjoyed. Instead, I found myself making excuses for their lousy website, which was a poor reflection of their excellent food and service.

Website Design: Don't Let Your First Impression Be Your Last

Does your website possibly give the wrong impression of your business? It’s helpful to look at your site through the eyes of…

…A first-timer.

Can you tell what your business is all about from the homepage? Make sure your website quickly answers the basics. Make it easy to find your contact name, address, phone numbers, business hours, email address, and a map.…

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How to Choose an Online Fax Service

It’s 2013, and you know that faxing is an antiquated technology. At the same time, you realize that some people still use it, and it’s unprofessional not to have a fax number if someone requests it.

An online fax service is a technology that bridges old world faxing with new(er) world email.   These services provide you with a dedicated fax number with which you can send and receive faxes without the use of a fax machine or a phone line using only email and an Internet connection.

How to Choose an Online Fax Service

There are a number of companies that provide these services like eFax, RingCentral and Nextiva, and they are all cheaper than the cost of a traditional fax line, but these services have subtle yet important differences that could mean the difference between your satisfaction and unending frustration.…

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To Connect With Customers, Invest in Yourself First

Freelancers and consultants are becoming much more the norm by the year for a variety of reasons. More people are taking their careers into their own hands, desiring the flexibility to work when they wish and with clients they covet.

But another form of flexibility shows itself at times that will help propel you from one level to the next. The small business owners who can show a range of talents, from writing copy to choosing good design, are the people who can make the most of their meetings and chats with potential clients.

Within any profession, attending continuing education courses and reading relevant journals and publications will keep someone’s skills fresh and polished.…

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The 3 Best Ways To Market Your Small Business

The 3 Best Ways To Market Your Small Business

When you are looking to market your small business, it’s important to find ways to get the most out of money spent. You want to get the most out of all your efforts because it’s likely your budget is limited.

Here are the three best ways to market your small business.

  1. Paper Marketing –  Paper marketing can be your best friend. Tried and true, it still works. It’s all about working smarter, not harder. People still like something they can touch. Sending out birthday coupons, fundraising campaign requests, holiday promotions, customer appreciation cards and more can be a really great way to connect with your current and potential customer base and works really well as part of your online campaigns as well.
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Some Digital Signage Solutions That Can Streamline Company Communications

“I didn’t get the memo.” This is one statement that you often hear from employees – a possible excuse for not dressing up in formal corporate attire on a supposedly casual dress day, or not being able to attend a meeting, or not preparing a report or document that needs to be submitted ASAP.

In traditional company practices, memos are either tacked onto corkboards on one corner of the room or slipped into each employee’s desk – two tactics which, quite honestly, does not guarantee that every individual will be able to receive an important message or pass on an urgent announcement.…

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