Enter These Contests and Attend These Events, OK? |  |
- Enter These Contests and Attend These Events, OK?
- From The Community: Evaluating Performance, Pop-Up Windows and More
- 46 Small Business Facebook Pages to Follow
- Hot Startups, Smart Investment and Savvy Marketing in “Open Data Now”
| Enter These Contests and Attend These Events, OK? Posted: 22 Feb 2014 03:30 PM PST Check these out! You’ll be glad you did. This is our curated list of events, contests and awards for small businesses, solo entrepreneurs and growing companies- chosen just for you. To see a full list or to submit your own event, contest or award listing, visit the Small Business Events Calendar. Featured Events, Contests and Awards
Use the Brother CreativeCenter to create marketing collateral for your business, and enter the Back to Business Contest for an opportunity to win one of three Brother product prize suites. Approximate value of each prize is $500+. Entry is FREE. Enter here.
In conjunction with the release of its second annual report analyzing women’s small business challenges, Biz2Credit will host The Venus and Mars of Small Business Finance webinar on Thursday, March 6, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST, during which entrepreneurs can ask advice of small business finance experts. Will cover funding for women business owners. Moderated by Anita Campbell, founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends, it also features Rohit Arora, CEO of Biz2Credit; Lisa Cook, Associate Professor of Economics and International Relations, Michigan State and a member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers (2011-2012). And John John Meyer, Director of Education for The Company Corporation
AM Days is the must attend event for affiliate managers who are responsible for their company’s affiliate marketing strategy, management and operations. Whether you have an existing affiliate program or you are creating a new initiative, AMDays offers you valuable insight into how other online retailers are successfully implementing and managing their affiliate programs. Topics include: Affiliate program set up; Affiliate recruitment techniques; Affiliate marketing fraud; M-commerce; and much more.
#ICON14 is the eighth annual conference for small business, hosted by Infusionsoft (previously called Infusioncon). Over 3,000 attendees expected. Confirmed speakers include Seth Godin, JJ Ramberg and Peter Shankman. Hashtag: #ICON14 More Events
More Contests
This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends and SmallBizTechnology. The post Enter These Contests and Attend These Events, OK? appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| From The Community: Evaluating Performance, Pop-Up Windows and More Posted: 22 Feb 2014 12:00 PM PST
Enjoy our latest community news and information roundup. It’s a collection of the blog posts and small business community news we’re following across the Web this week. Evaluation is the Key to Improving Performance (Caleb Storkey) When your business has an incredible success or a crushing failure, do you take time to evaluate why? Simply moving on to the next challenge while vaguely trying to keep improving isn’t enough. Caleb Storkey suggests a better approach. Do You Prefer Pop-ups or Live Chat? (Jeremy Said) There are many tools used by business websites in the attempt to increase engagement and thus conversion. But Jeremy Smith focuses on pop-ups and live chat. Not a Fan of No-Reply. (Matthieu Garde) If you send out emails to customers and clients, you should give them an opportunity to respond. Entrepreneur Matthieu Garde has an issue with no-replies. To him, it’s one of the ways businesses unintentionally create a poor user experience. Managing Inactive Email Subscribers (Cindy Plough) There are some very good reasons to drop inactive subscribers from your email list. But, then again, turning an inactive subscriber into a more active email recipient is even better. Here are four suggestions that may help. Roundups Have Become a Social Media Trend (Excelerate Media) We’ve done news roundups for quite some time here at Small Business Trends. But in social media circles the roundup has now become the trend. Check out this one by Erin Richards-Kunkel of Excelerate Media. Have you considered creating news roundups for your industry on your blog or website? Use Some Psychology in Your Marketing Strategy (Grasshopper Blog) Marketing is about communicating with people. So it’s no surprise that a better understanding of people and what really makes them tick will help your marketing efforts. Here entrepreneur and tech blogger Ritika Puri explains some steps to further improve your marketing strategy by using a little psychology. Don’t Let Your Email Manage You (The Recruiting Well Blog) It’s a real problem. If you’ve got a perpetually filling email box (and that’s most of us these days) you can relate to the reader’s question answered in this post. Barb Bruno has these suggestions that should be helpful no matter what business you’re in. Service Will Keep Your Customers (AllBusiness) While your product or service may be what attracts customers in the first place, it’s the service you provide that will keep them coming back for more. AnnaLea Crowe makes these common sense suggestions for improving your customer service today. Increased Conversion a Top Priority (V3 Integrated Marketing) Shelly Kramer shares some results from a recent marketing report. Not surprisingly, it places conversion and brand awareness at the top of the list for digital priorities in 2014. We’re guessing not too many small businesses would disagree with these priorities. Facebook Versus Twitter for Business (Me Marketing Services) Morgan Anderson shares some thoughts on the two primary social media platforms. She’s also got some thoughts about where your emphasis should be when choosing to allocate your resources. Not surprisingly, Anderson insists Facebook remains a major place to focus your efforts for business. Now it’s your turn. If you know of a post or piece of community news we should be sharing here, drop us an email at sbtips@gmail.com. Or consider posting it via the BizSugar community, our source for much of the latest small business community news and authentic small business voices today. Couple reading from tablet: Shutterstock The post From The Community: Evaluating Performance, Pop-Up Windows and More appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| 46 Small Business Facebook Pages to Follow Posted: 22 Feb 2014 09:00 AM PST Some people are claiming that Facebook is dead. But we still see businesses using Facebook daily, including members of our small business community. There's a wealth of knowledge to be found from some of those Facebook business pages, so we asked our small business community which Facebook pages they liked and compiled the most popular for your reference. Small Business Facebook Pages From the Small Business Trends Community:Big Ideas For Small Business (Barbara Weltman)
This page features author and tax law specialist Barbara Weltman's daily business ideas and professional articles. Weltman also offers a free monthly newsletter, a blog, and a weekly radio show all focused on issues facing small businesses. [View the entire list as a single page by clicking the "single page" button below or you can choose to view it as a slideshow by clicking the "slideshow" button below.] Profitable Growth (Andy Birol)
Andy Birol of Birol Growth Consulting uses this page to share information and articles about sales, leadership, and other issues related to growing a business. His company also offers tips, events, and other resources aimed at small businesses. Infusionsoft (Clate Mask)
Infusionsoft is a sales and marketing software company founded in 2004. Its Facebook page features articles and links to anything related to small business success. The Rise to the Top (David Siteman Garland)
Self-proclaimed “Mediapreneur” David Siteman Garland works with people who create and sell digital products and programs online. His Facebook page is a compilation of links, personal stories, and tips for these types of entrepreneurs. Seize This Day Coaching (Diane Helbig)
Business coach Diane Helbig runs this page for her business and leadership development company. The page consists mainly of business related articles, tips, and updates about the company and its offerings. Indie Business (Donna Marie Coles Johnson)
The Indie Business Network offers product liability insurance, mentoring, coaching, and networking services. The Facebook page offers personal tips and conversations, inspiration, and company updates. Small Business Cash Flow (Denise O’Berry)
Author and business coach Denise O’Berry offers tips and inspiration on this page similar to what’s in her Small Business Cash Flow book. SmallBizChat (Melinda Emerson)
#SmallBizChat is a weekly Twitter chat on all things small business. But Founder Melinda Emerson also runs this Facebook page, which supplies chat updates, links to blog posts, and business tips. AM Navigator (Geno Prussakov)
Focused on affiliate marketing, AM Navigator shares links and blog posts from an array of different experts and sources all related to affiliate programs and marketing. DIY Marketers (Ivana Taylor)
Founder Ivana Taylor shares marketing related how-to articles and step by step guidance with clients, subscribers, and people who visit the DIY Marketers Facebook page. Orange Soda (Janet Thaeler)
This online marketing company was founded in 2006 and focuses on small and medium sized businesses. Its Facebook page features information about SEO, mobile marketing, social media, and more. Embrace Pet Insurance (Laura Bennet)
Embrace Pet Insurance is a small business based in Suburban Cleveland. Owner Laura Bennet shares photos, pet tips, and business info and also answers questions on the Facebook page. Andertoons (Mark Anderson)
The Facebook page for Andertoons cartoons features a mix of cartoons related to current events, pop culture, and business. Mark Anderson also sells his cartoons and subscriptions to bloggers and other small businesses. Zimana Analytics (Pierre DeBois)
Zimana offers digital analytics and optimization services including SEO and SEM, social media data, recommendations for content marketing and more. The Facebook page includes a variety of optimization resources for small businesses as well as conversations and interactions with other users. Small Biz Technology (Ramon Ray)
SmallBizTechnology.com is a media company focused on how businesses can use technology to grow and improve. The Facebook page consists mainly of new blog posts and updates about new tools and tech products. Biz2Credit (Rohit Arora)
Biz2Credit is a company that provides loans, financing, and credit to small businesses. On its Facebook page you can find company updates, tips, and links to resources from a variety of online sources. Work Life Organization (Sarah Kirkish)
This Facebook page and the coaching company behind it aim to help businesses simplify tasks and focus on life outside of work. Followers receive a mix of inspirational quotes, life and work tips, and links to related articles. Gift Basket Business (Shirley George Frasier)
Shirley George Frazier’s GiftBasketBusiness.com offers resources related to making gift baskets for fun or profit. The Facebook page includes tips for making, stocking and styling gift baskets. Egg Marketing & Communications (Susan Payton)
This San Diego based marketing company focuses on content marketing and social media management for software companies. Its Facebook page features links to articles and resources dealing with everything from blogging tips to new technology and resources. The Young Entrepreneur Council (The YEC)
YEC is a supportive business community for young entrepreneurs. Its Facebook community is made up mainly of young members and focuses on sharing tips and resources related to everything from social media marketing to leadership strategies. CorpNet (Nellie Akalp)
CorpNet deals with the early stages of business ownership. On Facebook, the company shares business inspiration and tips from a variety of online sources. The Franchise King (Joel Libava)
This Facebook page provides tips, advice and resources all related to franchising. Founder Joel Libava offers a number of services and resources including books, videos, and blog content on TheFranchiseKing.com. Small Biz Survival (Becky McCray)
Small Biz Survival is a community for owners of small town businesses. The Facebook page includes links to articles and resources related to rural issues and business tips and conversations. The Numbers Whisperer (Nicole Fende)
This page aims to clear up some of the confusion behind small business finance. Founder Nicole Fende shares financial tips and tricks along with personal updates on this Facebook page. Content Equals Money (Amie Marse)
This Facebook page features updates related to content marketing and writing. The Florida based company also offers content writing and editing services tailored to different industries. Small Business Facebook Pages Suggested From BizSugar Facebook Members:
This training and consulting company offers instruction and planning services to small businesses. The Facebook page consists of information about online workshops, blog posts, photos, and inspiration. Aloha Beach and Summer Surf Camp
This camp uses its Facebook page to share fun photos and updates from members and staff about camp happenings. The camp is based in Malibu, California and provides daily outdoor activities for kids and teens.
This family owned toy store based in Queensland, Australia sells wooden toys and other children’s gifts. The Facebook page is used to share updates about store events, funny photos, and questions to encourage interaction with other users.
This company provides training videos and workshops dealing with business and technology. The Facebook page serves not only as a place for tips and links, but also as a storefront to sell some of its digital training programs.
This Irish consulting company provides technology services and solutions including web portals and IT applications. Its Facebook page mainly consists of company photos and updates, along with information about new projects and events.
This Irish garden shop offers both local and online shopping experiences, and uses Facebook as a part of its marketing efforts by sharing photos of products, gardening tips, and general plant related updates that interest the shop’s social media following.
This Irish clothing company sells t-shirts online beyond the typical “kiss me I’m Irish” variety. Its Facebook page shares new designs, offers and promotions, and plenty of interaction and conversation with customers.
Mindful Productivity provides inspirational prints made for home office environments. The company shares new designs, photos, and quotes on its Facebook page.
This gift shop and art teaching studio serves the Irish community of Claremorris. Its Facebook page features photos of student work, information about upcoming classes and events, and updates about sales and related promotions.
Business coach Stephanie Ward offers tips and links to resources both from her own website and other online sources on the Firefly Coaching Facebook page.
This company sells premium engine oils and lubricants in Ireland. The goal of its Facebook page is to update customers with new company info and promotions. Small Business Facebook Pages Suggested From Small Business Trends Facebook Members:
Artitute’s mission is to educate the public about the art scenes in Singapore and other cities around the world. Its Facebook page is used as a portal to share photos from artists and events, art related news stories, and calls for submissions for various projects.
This independent shop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming provides handmade soaps and other gifts made by independent artisans. Its Facebook page features information about classes and events, sales and promotions, and industry news.
This Tallahassee based company sells personalized stationery and events. It uses its Facebook page to share information about new products, workshops, and photos of custom designs. Plexus Pink Drink Debra McCutcheon
Plexus Ambassador Debra McCutcheon uses this Facebook page as a place to share her experience with Plexus Pink Drink, information about new products, and other customer testimonials.
Dainty Bloom is an online shop selling handmade crocheted accessories created by Amber Pangan. Her Facebook page is a mix of new product photos, discount codes, and product inspiration photos.
This sporting goods store in Plano, Texas uses its Facebook page to share new products as well as online articles and other links that could interest its athletic customer base. The Village, Church Farm, Skegness
This event venue and tourist attraction gives visitors a glimpse into agricultural life in a historic Victorian Farmhouse in Skegness, England. Its Facebook page is a mix of event updates, photos and videos, and any changes or future plans for the museum.
EarlyShares.com is a platform that connects investors with small businesses and other unique investment opportunities. Its Facebook page is a mix of tips and resources aimed at both investors and entrepreneurs.
This independent retailer of handmade baby gifts uses its Facebook page to share both personal and business related updates, customer testimonials, and new products.
This Washington DC based furniture retailer deals with American made real wood pieces, and its Facebook page consists of customization options, custom designs, and sales and other promotions. The post 46 Small Business Facebook Pages to Follow appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Hot Startups, Smart Investment and Savvy Marketing in “Open Data Now” Posted: 22 Feb 2014 06:00 AM PST
Open Data Now: The Secret to Hot Startups, Smart Investing, Savvy Marketing, and Fast Innovation by Joel Gurin (@JoelGurin), takes a closer look at this trend, helping entrepreneurs make sense of a growing environment. Gurin co-operates the Open Data Government Lab, consulting with Fortune 500 and government agencies on open data issues. His experience is well displayed in this book, a rich advancement on the discussion of data and its economic value. I discovered the book via Netgalley, and downloaded a copy for review. Opening the Door to Data Means Opening the Door to BusinessOpen Data is sometimes referenced interchangeably with the term "Big Data" – large datasets which can be analyzed for correlations and meaningful data relationships. But the difference in Open Data, asserts Gurin, lies in how the accessible public data is analyzed:
The book is similar in scope to The Solution Revolution by William D. Eggers and Paul MacMillan, a book I just reviewed. Yet it is meant to illustrate specific business strategy examples to managers and leaders. Three chapters examine start ups and their marketplace, with Chapter 6 emphasizing "Green Investing" –organizations that promote socially responsible resource usage such as the disclosure of carbon emission production. And there is a macroeconomic view, with some global perspective, though important events are still centered on the US. Check out this quote to note the value possible from Open Data:
Open Data is impacting organizational strategy through providing innovation opportunities and new service innovation opportunities. In fact, Gurin defines choice engines – a website or app that uses Open Data to help customers choose the option that best meets their needs. The selection of choice engine dictates the business model a startup or established business can deploy. Various Resources as Grand as Open DataNo dedicated chapter on privacy exists, but two recommendations, through empowering consumers, imply a strategy. Gurin advocates entrepreneurs to "help consumers tap the value of their personal data," while established firms should build loyalty by giving customers their data. The intriguing aspect of these suggestions is that they fit seamlessly into the choice engine definition. Thus your selected business model – how it delivers value – influences how your business protects customer privacy. Given the recent data breaches in the news, the theory holds an interesting statement on operations, worthy of further exploration. I also liked that all the recommendations speak to entrepreneurs and established organizations separately. Readers looking for technical discussions on APIs won't find programming detail, though I did like Gurin's reference to a Github repository and an app developer alliance with a special emphasis on Open Data. The book ends with a glossary of terms and references. Further resources for learning more about government initiatives abound in text, and serve as guidance to narrow one's focus around an industry or a specific government agency. Entrepreneurs seeking inspiration for local opportunities should also check out the following books reviewed on Small Business Trends:
All in all, read Open Data Now to learn which digital opportunities are worth your attention. The post Hot Startups, Smart Investment and Savvy Marketing in “Open Data Now” appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
When I reviewed Lisa Gansky's | You are subscribed to email updates from Small Business Trends To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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