Friday, April 27, 2012

A Year From Now

Is the economy getting better? Take a look...

Before you allow yourself to get "down," thinking that economic recovery hasn't even begun ...... you need to read this, because it's not only begun, but it's creeping in quite steadily. Recovery via small business job creation is well under way, and faster than during the last (and smaller) recession in 2001. Naysayers get our "ears," but numbers are a better measure of where we are. Every time a small business hires someone, things get a little better. (Or is that "Every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets his wings"?) Actually, it may be a bit of both -- that every time a new job is created, someone is touched by an angel. :-)
 

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

"Blogging!!! Horrors! I wouldn't know where to begin? What do I say?"

Blogging can be as easy or as difficult as you make it.   Your daily blog can be a short, but informative paragraph.  It could be a relevant quote and your take on it.  It could be important industry information, or an introduction to a new product with a customer code to use when purchasing it on a specific day.  

Of course, some people do wish to write full articles for blogging .... professional writers for instance.  But that doesn't have to be your blogging method.  Write what you do .... talk about your products, your experiences, your company's accomplishments.  Be real and be honest.  People respect that.  And if you want to add a little good-natured humor to your blog with an anecdote or funny industry story once in a while, that's good too. 

For appealing to your local market (which most of us in businesses that operate offline want to do), read this article for some ideas on  how to grab that local reader.

Monday, April 23, 2012

National Small Business Week

National Small Business Week is coming up in May, and in celebration the SBA is sponsoring a small business video contest. From the SBA: "Three winning videos will be featured during National Small Business Week and shown during a Google+ Hangout hosted by SBA and the White House on May 23.

The winners can participate in the event and help me answer questions from small businesses around the country. Qualifying videos that don’t win will be showcased on SBA’s YouTube page.


We are excited to celebrate entrepreneurship and hear from you about how SBA has helped you grow your business and create jobs. Rules, etc on the link attached.
http://smallbizvid.challenge.gov/

Good news!

SC's unemployment rate in March reached its lowest rate in 3 years! All things turn around in time. :-)

Click here to read more on how the S.C. job rate has been the lowest in 3 years at 8.9%. Have you thought about hiring someone at your company lately? Could be a good time!



Friday, April 20, 2012

Veterans looking for work - check this out

Recent veterans looking for work may want to check out this military skills translator. It helps you determine which industries you may be best prepared to enter as a civilian, based on your military skills and experience. click here

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

An inspirational Story!

A 9-year-old built his own arcade and charged $2 for entry.

Watch how this video will inspire you to do what you love and make something out of nothing. If this little boy can build his dream business, so can you!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Does your company have a website?

Here are 6 Steps to selling more. Today, if a customer wants to get in touch with you or find out more about your business, 90% of the time they’ll go online to see if you have a website.  What they see can determines whether or not they buy.

Take a look at the 6 steps that will help you go above and beyond with your e-commerce selling experiences, and get started today! Click here

Monday, April 16, 2012

Not always hiring a superstar will improve your business

A superstar often flourishes because of a perfect mix of natural ability with a supportive environment. He/She may have honed their skills, received training, formed partnerships and/or basked in a culture that contributed to his/her outstanding performance.



Superstardom is not as portable as we would like to believe, and moving a star to a new situation with none of these factors may prove disastrous for everyone.

Click here to learn the importance of culture in the overall success of an individual.




Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Family Own Businesses

.Family businesses can operate for generations without formal agreements, licenses or even a legal structure, relying instead on family bonds to hold everything together. Attorney, Chas Rampenthal, explains why this approach may not be such a good idea in the long-run. In this article, Rampenthal shares how to avoid four common mistakes when operating your family owned business.

1. You mix your family finances with the business's
2.You muddle along with no employment agreement
3.You never bother to get the license
4. You have no succession plan
 
Click here to read the article

Monday, April 9, 2012

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

Friday, April 6, 2012

It was a great day for small business owners in the York County area today

Jay Handler came to speak on his 8 M's of Marketing & Social Networking for Small Businesses! We had a very enthused group of more than 50 attendees who took advantage of the opportunity to hear him speak free, courtesy of the Whitton Best Practices Workshop Series at Winthrop University.
 
His easy-going manner, sense of humor, and knowledge of his subject matter made him an instant "friend" to everyone in the room. We're sure our clients will put their new knowledge of marketing through social media to good use!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Don't Forget to Register!!!


http://winthropsbdc.blogspot.com/2012/03/jay-handlers-coming-to-rock-hill.html


Don't forget to register to hear Jay Handler speak on marketing your business .... both the traditional basics, and through social media.  To register for this FREE Open-to-the-Public workshop, Thursday, April 5th, from 9 am to noon, contact:

Page Bowden Winthrop University College of Business Administration 803/323-2504 bowdenp@winthrop.edu We hope to see you there! This is a chance for you to get great information at no cost, and help your small business at the same time!

Are you using Facebook?

So NOW do you see why you should be using FB for business (separate from your personal presence here of course)? I " a world leader in marketing communications" has suddenly seen the light, who are we to argue?

To read this very interesting U-turn story click on the following link...

WPP does $200 Million U-Turn on Facebook
Is your business invisible in the crowd or do you stand out in your innovation?