Retailers Push Back Holiday Sales Into Thanksgiving |  |
- Retailers Push Back Holiday Sales Into Thanksgiving
- Real-Time Facebook Analytics: PageLever
- Sales Lessons From The 2012 Election
- Getting Ready To Operate A Business
- 5 Things Your Website Should Do
- Indian Firm Unveils $20 Tablet, Could Change the Industry
| Retailers Push Back Holiday Sales Into Thanksgiving Posted: 14 Nov 2012 02:30 AM PST It’s no secret that big retailers continue to push back the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Small businesses of all kinds are considering how to grab more holiday sales. As shoppers head to the stores even earlier this year, think about how you plan to capitalize on holiday shopping trends, no matter what business you happen to be in or whether you operate your business online or in a brick and mortar store. Here are some thoughts on managing your company this holiday season. Seasonal SalesOpen door policy. Target is the latest big retailer to up the ante heading into the holiday shopping season that traditionally begins with Black Friday. Target joins other big retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in efforts to expand what is already a two day kickoff filled with special holiday offers. Target will open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, three hours earlier than last year, but of course opening early isn’t the only way to take advantage of holiday opportunities. Boston.com Join the conversation. If you’d like to learn more about preparing your business for the holiday season, please remember to join Small Business Trends founder and CEO Anita Campbell, today at 8 p.m. ET for our “Twitter Chat: Get Your Business Prepared for the Holidays.” Join the conversation on Twitter at #SMBHolidayPrep or follow Anita @smallbiztrends and get the opportunity to win a $25 gift card, courtesy of FedEx Office, sponsor of the FedEx Office Tweet Chat program. Small Business Trends Merry MarketingThe store that never closes. Of course, if you operate an e-commerce store, you don’t have to worry about opening your doors early for the holiday season. You operate a business open 24/7/365 days a year. Still, there are plenty of ideas you may want to consider to market your products and services at this special time of year and peak shopping season. Here blogger Elizabeth Joss offers us “50 Awesome Marketing Ideas for E-commerce Stores This Festive Season.” Share additional thoughts and ideas in our comment section below. Xcellent Media Let’s make a deal. You’ll certainly generate more profits this holiday season by providing special offers to capture the interest of holiday shoppers, blogs Diana Pohly. Consider what products or services you should make special offers on and how you should effectively promote these offers to customers, so that you are sure to get the extra sales for which you are hoping. In this post, Pohly offers some factors to help you decide what offers will give you the best results during the holiday season. Step by Step Marketing Evergreen EntrepreneurshipCard carrying consumers. Gift cards are a great way to promote your business during the holiday season. Here guest blogger Laura Brentley gives some thoughts on how to go about using them to make the most of seasonal shopping, and how to measure the effectiveness of their use. She also shares some of the benefits of using gift cards to grow your business over time. Small Biz Diamonds How low can you go? When setting prices and making special offers for the holidays, it may be interesting to note that some of the biggest chains aren’t reducing their prices nearly as much as the Black Friday hype might lead you to believe, according to Gilon Miller, Chief Marketing Officer at Upstream Commerce, who has studied the issue closely. Don’t believe for a moment you can’t offer customers better deals than the big guys! BuyerZone Busy work. There is also the matter of how you handle the stress of the holiday season as a small business person. Demands on your time are likely increasing, both from your business and from family and friends. Learn to manage these issues before they manage you by setting boundaries between work and personal time and deciding on your priorities early, suggests entrepreneur Dawn Berryman. You will have to learn to be tough and to sometimes say ‘no’ to make sure you stay in control during this hectic time. Good luck! The Work At Home Woman The post Retailers Push Back Holiday Sales Into Thanksgiving appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Real-Time Facebook Analytics: PageLever Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:00 PM PST Businesses that use Facebook to reach consumers are constantly looking for ways to maximize their impact and their reach. To do this, you need to learn more about the social media habits of your target audience. There are plenty of analytics tools available to help businesses do just that, but not all of them give users a constantly updated view of their data so that they can really make the most of their efforts.
PageLever, an analytics provider that gives brands insights into their Facebook Pages, has just released a new tool that gives visual insights into Facebook page data in real time. Facebook updates the raw data from pages about every 15 minutes, so PageLever takes that data and puts it into usable charts and graphics so that brands can easily make sense of the analytics data provided by the site. In the above photo, you can see the charts depicting what times and which posts receive the most views and interactions. Below the chart, PageLever also includes some numerical stats such as number of comments, shares, and clicks, as well as any posts from users that have yet to be viewed by a page admin. Of course brands have a number of options for seeing how many users are interacting with posts and when, but seeing this data after the fact can potentially take away some of the options for businesses looking to capitalize on the popularity of particular posts. For instance, if a business notices that a post from fifteen minutes ago is gaining an unusual amount of views and other interactions, it could amplify it even more by purchasing a Promoted Post ad while that particular post is still relevant. It can also help brands learn about their popular posts, the demographics of their network, and when, in general, their posts reach the most users, but this can technically be learned through analytics services that don't give real-time results. PageLever isn't the only analytics service providing information in real-time. Google Analytics, which offers free insights, is just one example of a service that also updates in real-time. However, PageLever is focused specifically on Facebook insights, so some of the more specific analytics features might prove to be valuable for companies that use Facebook often. PageLever plans start at $99 per month. The post Real-Time Facebook Analytics: PageLever appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Sales Lessons From The 2012 Election Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:00 AM PST What I am about to say is not a political statement. I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I look at the results of the 2012 election through the prism of business and sales practices. To me, there are stark lessons that can be learned by sales people and small business owners.
Let's start by taking a look at what happened. On November 6th Americans cast their votes for who they wanted as President and Vice-President of the United States. All of the information available at the time showed that 49% of the population was going to vote for the Democrat and 49% of the population was going to vote for the Republican. That left only 2% up for grabs. That 2% was the Independents and it became a target market. When we decide to prospect we should start with understanding the value of our product or service. What is it about our offering that is of value to our clients? Why do people buy what we have to sell? What problem does it solve? It is this understanding that helps us identify appropriate target markets. “Appropriate target markets” is the key here. You can't sell something to someone who doesn't see value in it. At the same time, if you don't deliver your message effectively, even the “appropriate target market” won't hear it. So, you can see that there is a lot to selling effectively. When we look at the 2012 election we see the following: The Democrats understood the target market better than the Republicans. They developed a message that the Independents heard and understood. The Independents 'bought' the value the Democrats were 'selling.' And so, the Democrats won. Get it? It's not a political statement. I'm not talking about whether one side has more value than the other. I'm talking about how they each went about the process of prospecting to that target market and what the results were. It may be that the 2% wasn't a viable target market for the Republicans. If we assume that they understood their value and messaged it, well then the results indicate the target market didn't need what they had to sell; the Independents, therefore, were not an “appropriate target market” for the Republicans. If we assume that the Republicans were thinking first about winning over the target market and not about their value, then we can conclude that they proceeded with a message that wasn't based in value as the target market would see it. They decided that they were going to share their message and convince people that it was valuable. They weren't, in this case, thinking about solving the problem of the target market. They were thinking that their message was compelling and people would hear it. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. So, what can you do with this information? Learn the lesson and create a sales strategy that works: 1. Understand Your Value Know why it is that people need what you have to sell. Don't get caught up in what you want them to know. Think about things from their viewpoint – what they want to know. What do they need to solve their problem? Do you have that thing? 2. Identify Appropriate Target Markets You can't sell to people who don't need or want what you have to sell. And you will waste your time if you decide to pursue the wrong markets. Once you understand your value, identify the target markets that will see it. 3. Message To The Market Directly Make sure your message is pointed to a specific target market. In order to be heard, you should pick one target at a time to prospect to. Your message should speak directly to them so they hear it. When you realize that the only people/companies that will buy what you have to sell are those who need it, you'll spend your time prospecting to them. And once you identify who they are, help them solve a problem. Then, and only then, will they want to do business with you. Learn the lessons from the 2012 election. Don't sell to inappropriate target markets. Do message effectively to appropriate target markets. Election Photo via Shutterstock The post Sales Lessons From The 2012 Election appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Getting Ready To Operate A Business Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:00 AM PST Once you’ve incorporated a business as a legal entity, written a business plan, and laid the groundwork to start selling to customers, it’s time to start thinking about the reality of how to operate a business. Think through the basics of your small business operations, everything from office space to finding advisers to hiring employees. Small business success isn’t just about having a great business concept and having a lot of inspiration and passion (although these things are important). It’s also about doing all the “little things” right, day in and day out to operate a business , build strong customer relationships and keep your business thriving over time.
Getting Ready To Operate A BusinessHere are a few steps on your journey to operate a business after starting a new one – and every step gets you closer to the first sale: Outfit Your Business with Office Space, Equipment and Supplies There's an old saying in the real estate business: selling homes is all about "location, location, location." Depending on the type of business you're in, choosing the right location can make or break your business. If you run a retail business, being in the right location can make the difference between getting lots of foot traffic and plenty of spontaneous visits from new customers, or being overlooked. Even for non-retail businesses, choosing the right location with well-outfitted office space can make an important difference in creating a comfortable, energizing work environment. After all, your office will be your "home away from home" as you launch your business. If you run a manufacturing business, now is the time to get your equipment in place and make arrangements with suppliers to ensure efficient ongoing operations. Build Your "Outside Team" – Hire Good Help Every business needs a team of trusted advisers to help negotiate the complicated details of legal compliance, taxes, accounting and other topics that are outside the business owner's immediate expertise. Most companies, no matter how small, will be well-served by finding a good business attorney, a banker and an accountant. Many entrepreneurs are confident, energetic and eager to learn – but the fact is, no matter how smart you are, you can't be an expert in everything. Instead of taking time away from your business to sort out every last detail or accounting or legal compliance, you need to learn to delegate and get help when needed. Your business lawyer can help offer legal advice and help you stay in compliance with regulations. Your business accountant can help you manage cash flow, read your balance sheet, make your estimated quarterly tax payments and file your tax returns. Forming a personal relationship with a business banker can help you get set up with bank accounts and get access to lines of credit as you continue to grow. The best way to find expert business advisers is to ask for referrals from other small business owners. CorpNet™ can be an integral part of your "outside team." We don't offer tax prep help or legal advice – but we can serve as your "outsourced business filing team." Build your "Inside Team" – Hire Employees Nothing gets done without employees. Hiring the right people, with the right pay and incentive structures, can help your business grow faster than you ever could have imagined. It's best to start small and try to avoid hiring more employees until there is enough demand to cover the cost of the extra salaries. As part of hiring employees, you also need to create a day-to-day management plan and job descriptions to make sure you can keep your employees productive and motivated. Learn the Rules – Educate yourself on Employment Laws and Regulations Once you hire employees and officially become an "employer," you are undertaking an obligation to comply with many employment laws and regulations, at both the state and federal levels. Unfortunately, many fast-growing business overlook the details of employment law – and they do so at their own peril. Do yourself a favor and spend time with an employment law professional to understand your obligations as an employer in such areas as federal and state payroll and withholding taxes, self-employment taxes, anti-discrimination laws, OSHA regulations, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation rules, wage and hour requirements, among others. You want to make sure you're treating your employees fairly and complying with the law. Even a well-intentioned mistake or oversight can result in significant liability or fines for your company. Get Business Licenses and Permits Depending on the type of business you are operating, you may be required to obtain one or more business licenses and/or permits from the state, local (city and county) or even federal level. Depending on the type of business and the laws of your jurisdiction, these can include, among others, a general business operation license, zoning and land use permits, sales tax license, health department permits, and occupational or professional licenses. At CorpNet™, we can provide assistance in this area through our business license services. Read more about how CorpNet can help you get the right business licenses for your company. Get a Tax ID Number If you're a sole proprietor or individual paying taxes, you can file taxes with your Social Security Number. But once you've incorporated as a corporation or LLC, and/or once you've hired employees, you need to apply for a federal Tax Identification Number. The tax ID number is also called an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. It is like a Social Security Number for your business and is used by the IRS to identify your business for tax matters. You may also need a similar ID number from your state. Obtaining Tax ID numbers is yet another area where CorpNet™ can help. Read more about how CorpNet can help you get a Tax Identification Number for your business. Buy Business Insurance Running a profitable business is not only a matter of earning revenue and paying bills – it also is important to protect yourself against catastrophic expenses. Carrying insurance for various aspects of your business can help you avoid the worst-case scenarios of running a business – for example, liability insurance can protect you in case of a lawsuit. Your specific needs for business insurance will vary depending on the type of business, availability of insurance, and your business's specific risk factors. Consult with an insurance agent who understands your specific industry and who has sold insurance to other businesses in your field. Prepare Your Marketing Materials Now that all of your legal "ducks are in a row," and you have an official licensed business with a unique (and/or trademarked) business name, you can check off the final item on our Countdown list and create marketing materials. High quality marketing materials – including a well-designed logo, website, stationery, business cards and marketing brochures – will help you project a professional image. You want customers to know that your business is a legitimate, credible "serious" organization. High quality marketing materials will help you put your best foot forward to make a strong first impression with customers. Are you getting more excited to operate a business? Soon you’ll be ready to open and start helping customers. In our next article we’ll discuss a few other financial and legal matters that every smart entrepreneur needs to know about. Planning Photo via Shutterstock The post Getting Ready To Operate A Business appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| 5 Things Your Website Should Do Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:00 AM PST Your website is the face of your business on the Web. It's what greets your customers when they decide to check you out or get more information. It conveys your message, shows them what you're about, and is often their first point of contact with your brand. So are you using your site effectively? Or are you giving off a tone and impression you may not even be aware of?
Lately, I've been spending a lot of time talking to business owners about the current state of their website and what it is (or is not) saying to consumers. While we all do our best to prepare for the start of 2013 (yes, this is already happening) below are some reminders of the key objectives your website should serve. 1. Tell your story A visitor to your website is looking for information about your product or services to make a more informed busying decision. But that's not all they're looking for. They're also looking for you. The messaging, visuals, and types of content/features you put on your website play a vital part in telling potential customers who you are and revealing your brand story. Social media has turned us all into voyeurs. We don't just want to know why you're competent at your job, we want to know what moves you. If I'm looking for a new lawnmower, there are hundreds of sites on the Web to choose for. I'm on your site hunting for cues as to why you are the company I should support. Your website needs to answer WIIFM ("what's in it for me") while giving me something to relate to and support. . Maybe it's that you excel in customer service. Maybe it's that you donate 10 percent of your profits to a particular cause. Maybe you're a family-owned business. All of that information is going to be taken into account when I look to make a decision. I'm looking for it, but are you giving it? 2. Address Core Business Goals Many times in the excitement/rush of putting up a new website, we grab a template, throw together some content, and let it loose without giving much thought to the purpose of the site or what we're trying to accomplish. We think having a site that just exists is better than having no site at all. But what's the point of having a marketing tool if you're not benefiting from it? It's a wasted resource. Your website should be looked at as an extension of your company, and tasked with achieving the same type of goals that surround your business. The goal of your site may be straight lead generation. Or it could be to get someone to pick up the phone or fill out a form. Or maybe it's just to inspire donations or point users down some other path. You need to identify what your core goals are so that a solid conversion path can be created and built into your site. 3. Educate Outside of the other goals you identify before, one of the main benefits of your website will be to educate your audience. Your site will stand to not only inform them about your services, but to provide knowledge and insight about your industry or topics related to whatever it is you do. By doing this you'll be able to establish yourself as a true resource. You may choose to educate your audience through status updates, through a blog, a newsletter, creating videos, or just sharing links to third-party websites. Whatever it is, work toward building your site up as a place for industry education. That's how you'll stand out and attract an audience that keeps coming back. 4. Show off your assets There's nothing more frustrating for me than meeting with a client who appears to be purposely hiding their most interesting assets. They're on Twitter, on Facebook, on YouTube, they're blogging, and they're creating content that is worthy of sharing. But then they're either hiding it on their site or they're not putting it on their site to begin with.
Often, we're sitting on a goldmine of content assets that we don't even realize. Pull these things out of the basement, dust them off, and make them part of your website. Sometimes the best assets you can create are things you already had but didn't do anything with. 5. Create an Experience Ultimately, this is what everything above leads to – creating an experience around your brand that your consumers will enjoy. If people enjoy their interaction with you, they'll be back. If they don't…they probably won't. Those are five things I always look for when analyzing corporate websites. How are you using your site in interesting ways? The post 5 Things Your Website Should Do appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Indian Firm Unveils $20 Tablet, Could Change the Industry Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:30 AM PST A heavily subsidized $20 tablet, which even at full price is cheaper than the lowest priced competitors, is being touted as the least expensive tablet in the world. Game changers like UK/Canadian/Indian startup Datawind’s Aakash 2 for students and a slightly more expensive commercial tablet are possible in any industry with the proper focus. Today’s roundup looks at how disruptive products and services are created and how your business can do the same. The Next Big ThingIn for a penny, in for a pound. Datawind’s already super cheap Aakash 2 was made even more affordable thanks to a deal with the Indian government to help realize the lofty vision of making the technology easily available for 100,000 students and professors in the country. If the initial roll-out works, the government may eventually order as many as 5.86 million of them. That’s not counting the huge demand the company is already seeing for its commercial model. Quartz The secret of success. As we can see in the instance of Datawind, the secret of success has little to do with superior technology, a well-established brand, or even a lavish startup budget. It has more to do with other factors like empathy, clarity, and timing, writes columnist Geoffrey James. Read more to find out why these qualities really make the difference when marketing your product or service. Inc.com How To InnovateIdentify a need. It is not complicated at all to create a product or service that will prove to be a game changer in the marketplace. To start, simply identify a need and fill it, suggests marketer Susan Oakes. If this sounds obvious, Oakes seems to be implying through her example that the key is to find a need no other business is filling already. Your approach to marketing this solution should be just as simple, she says. M4B Marketing Take stock of your resources. Training manager Shola Richards predicts a new television series is likely to transform all businesses, if business owners heed its advice. You don’t need to be the president of a multimillion dollar corporation to spend some time in the trenches and get a different point of view of your company and how it works. The key to creating a revolutionary business is to take stock of your company’s resources and talent to discover how to do things better. Cubepiphany Focus on your brand. Content marketer Kasey Steinbrinck visits the unlikely world of standup comedy to show how small businesses can build a powerful brand by simply focusing on what sets them apart. Certainly, one element of this is that you innovate in your field, but you must also work to own your niche and stay inventive, whether you are engaging in marketing content or products and services. Copyjuice Address price sensitivity. We started this post with a look at a tablet so inexpensive it couldn’t help being a game changer in its field. But sometimes creating the cheapest product or service is neither possible or desirable. For this reason, you will want to address any price sensitivity your potential customers may have when deciding whether to do business with you. Here are some simple tips for tackling the price issue and coming out on top. TodayMade Take smaller meetings. Believe it or not, meetings that go on for ever and involve more than two or three people rarely accomplish much, says business leader Michael Dalton Johnson, interviewed in this video clip by Chris Hamilton. Except for brainstorming sessions, keep meetings short and involve as few people as possible to make decisions that will move your company to the next level. Sales Tip a Day The post Indian Firm Unveils $20 Tablet, Could Change the Industry appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
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