Many believe when starting an online business a business plan is optional. This isn't true; if continued without a solid plan this could lead to a path of destruction. Many think since they are the boss why a business plan; "I am working for myself so why would I bother"? Would you go on a trip or get married without a plan? Plans are necessary with everything we do. Business plans will help you get started and keep you focused. While developing...more
From printing costs, to sky-rocketing ad rates, small business owners are facing the crunch when it comes to reaching out to new and existing customers. Whether you own a service based business like a salon or cleaning service, or a retail business such as a restaurant or card shop, using online coupons to advertise and promote your business is a great way to add to your existing marketing efforts. By engaging your increasingly...more
While it's clear that the economy is showing signs of life around the world, it's equally as clear that businesses everywhere are still going to have to show plenty of grit and determination to succeed. In essence though, this is the same in any economic situation.However, survival and success are aspects of life which are critical in everything we do and there is basically one personal, psychological trait which is going to play a huge part in whether you are successful or not.PositivityWhat I don't mean by this is thinking everything is ok and bludgeoning on regardless, what I mean is remaining positive that everything will be worth it in the end.I was watching Ray Mears on television recently and this blog poped into my head as being so true in all walks of life. For those of you who don't know, Ray Mears is a survival expert and has hosted many programmes including Ray Mears Extreme Survival. It was in this show that he highlighted an experiment which somone used to show how positivity can help you.Essentially he brought to my attention an experiement by a psychologist called Kurt Richter (unfortunately I cannot find anything online about him) which illustrated the kind of...more
The United States government is one of the largest purchasers of goods and services in the world. Therefore, it can be very beneficial to get the government as one of your customers, especially if you can get government contracts for recurring purchases.There is a process that you need to go through though if you are interested in supplying the...more
Call it planned obsolesce or whatever you'd like, most laptop computers, notebook computers, desk top computers last perhaps three to four years at the most before needing expensive repairs. When that point in time comes most people decide to buy a brand new, state of the art computer instead of sinking money into old technology.In the past people...more
Small business owners, more than any other credit card users, are in the best position to profit from their use of credit cards. Profit from credit cards? The idea may seem foreign, if not preposterous. However, the truth of the matter is simple: if you use your business credit card wisely and open a high yield savings account, your credit card can easily make you a few hundred dollars a month.Let's begin by discussing the types of small business credit cards on the market. The first and often easiest for new businesses to attain are charge cards. There are a wide variety of these available from American Express' OPEN, the small business network. The first benefit of a business charge card is the zero percent interest you pay. Yes, you must pay your balance in full in each month. However, we'll soon see how borrowing money interest free is a great thing.OPEN credit cards, like other American Express business credit cards, allow you to earn Amex rewards points with every purchase. In general, you earn 1 point for every dollar spent. In general, a point is worth between 1/2 to 1% of purchases, depending if you want to redeem your rewards for cash (1/2% value) or retail gift...more
Ahh... this may be harder to answer once you think about it for a minute. I tried to "Google" it and there was no clear or direct explanation or definition. So, I am taking it upon myself to figure it out and tell you.After some quick investigating...more
Many times the coaches with the stronger benches are more successful. And with more and more talk about the need for the leaders of organizations to also be great coaches, it is interesting to consider the sports analogy of building a bench with...more
Creative has always had an identity issue. Most of it isn't ... creative. Advertising messages bombard people everywhere. Depending on the research, the average number of daily exposures per person ranges from 600 to 3000*. Even if the number is only...more
Recently the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) unveiled a new set of occupations that gives credence to the idea that the green economy is transforming the world of careers.This centralized collection of green occupations is a tremendous step...more
The key to a successful real estate business is to be able to spread yourself out and make yourself known and build yourself a good reputation. Of course, not everyone starts out known and with a good reputation, so there is a point for all real...more
Business Investment Opportunity – What is your most precious commodity? This is a question that I get quite often in the internet marketing business world? I’m sure that you have been researching a business investment opportunity....more