The Importance of Lifestyle Businesses
Too often we make the mistake of seeing entrepreneurs like Donald Trump and Steve Jobs as the examples that all businesses should follow. However, the great majority of firms in this country are not truly entrepreneurial but more what I call “lifestyle businesses.” These lifestyle businesses add so much to our economy and the welfare of so many employees.
Read More Don’t Confuse Buying and Selling!
Buyers and sellers are different sides of the same coin. Without each other, it is difficult to achieve our goals. Effective buying and selling has to be aligned to a common goal—driven by the customer. But we can’t confuse our roles.
Read More Are You Leveraging Your Brand Advocates?
Every organization, from small businesses to nonprofits, has brand advocates. They are the people who toot your horn, recommend your products, services, or mission, and share their passion with many others.
Read More Long Forgotten? Use Customer Service Skills to Stir Old Accounts Back to Life
When accounts go quiet, don’t assume the customer is going away. Use excellent customer service skills to find out what is going on. They may be waiting, occupied with something else, or have simply forgotten where you are or how to reach you! One effort at reactivation can make the difference between a customer who comes once and disappears forever, and a customer who comes once, is invited back and stays with you forever.
Read More 10 Laws for Creating an Effective Personal Brand
For many small business owners, they are the brand of their business. It’s about you, as an individual. So what steps should you take to create an effective personal brand? Here are 10 tips.
Read More 5 Essential Characteristics That Differentiate Leaders from Managers
Often people use the terms leaders and managers interchangeably. But nothing could be further from the truth! There are numerous characteristics that differentiate leaders from managers. While some of the differences are subtle, others are distinct and easily recognized.
Read More Let’s Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day!
April 24, 2013 was Administrative Professionals Day. It’s an important day to remember the important work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other professionals.
Read More Don’t Let Your Beliefs Limit Your Pricing
As a business owner, you want your prices to be fair to both you and your customer. But your price should also reflect the value that your customers are getting. Don’t limit your pricing based on your fears of what customers will think. If you’re still offering value, then you’ll find the customers you need.
Read More 5 Irrefutable Customer Service Truths
Customer service is essential for the success of any organization. Here are five of the most critical success factors in any customer service organization.
Read More 7 Ways Your Small Business Can Improve Its Social Media Marketing
If your small business is conducting social media marketing, it is among the 80 percent of U.S. small businesses that do. But did you know that more than half of small businesses (54 percent) say their greatest need for help is with social media marketing?
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