On Tuesday a group of professionals will gather over coffee to discuss business strategies, new media tactics, how inbound marketing can help small businesses in Hampton Roads, and many other hot topics.
Come out to Fair Grounds Coffee off Colley Avenue in Norfolk and join us in this open discussion. No agenda. No sales. Just sharing and free networking with other like-minded business folks.
One thing my passing years have convinced me of, is that I don’t want to hear someone’s slanted opinions. I just want facts. And I want a team in Norfolk, in Richmond, and in Washington that will look out for my family’s and my small businesses’ best interests.
Is that too much to ask?
Side note: I would pay to see a political news show (on Sunday morn) that’s not political. Is that even possible? Can we get an unbiased news team?
Don’t sit around and hope you can make the playoffs. Small businesses don’t have that luxury. Prepare your company for success.
Do you have a marketing plan established for your business? You should. Don’t get caught without a solid strategy, goals and guidance.
“Playoffs?! Don’t talk about playoffs! Are you kidding me? Playoffs?! I’m just hoping we can win a game, another game!” - Jim Mora, Head Coach, Indianapolis Colts, November 25, 2001
According a WebVisible survey of consumers, small business owners that do not have a website are missing out.
Here is what was reported from the survey results:
63% of consumers look to the Internet first for information on local companies.
82% of consumers use search engines (Google, Yahoo!, Live, etc.) to find information on local companies.
44% of small businesses have a website.
This is not a good place to be for small business owners.
Recap: less than half of small businesses have a website; almost two-thirds of consumers look to the Internet first to find information about these same small businesses.
Small business owners: call us. Call us now. You are missing out on so much business. Let us help you engage with a whole new audience.
We are in discussions with a client on developing budget line items against a marketing plan. As with a lot of small businesses, a marketing budget has not yet been established. Most business owners understand the importance of smart money allocation and the results gained from the plan execution but they’ve just not gotten around to it yet.
Well, now is the time. The current state of our economy offers the perfect opportunity. Establish your company’s brand now. Expose your strategic brand to consumers now so that when the turn-around does hit us, you’re ready. You’re already on the tips of their tongues.
In a recent blog article, Seth Godin said, “Creativity demands exposure to market needs, and insulation from market fears. Give it some time to work, some support, some breathing room. That’s when creativity has a chance to change the game.”
Let’s work together now to change the game. With our rules, and with your new brand exposure, we can grow your business like you’ve never seen.
Small business owners have a growing amount of resources on the Internet. I encourage you to search them out and read. There are tons of great info and tips out there so take advantage of the experiences of others.
What do Apple Computer, Hershey Chocolate, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company have in common? They all started out as home based businesses. Over half of all U.S. businesses are based out of an owner’s home.
Secure Backups and Storage
AMI Partners recently produced survey results about home-based business, which of course falls into the small business world.
There are over 16 million home-based businesses in the US. This is approximately 2/3 of all businesses in the US.
Close to 15 million of these businesses have at least 1 personal computer.
On average these businesses have 2 personal computers, 1 desktop and 1 notebook.
Over 80% have a broadband Internet connection.
All up, they spend close to $700 million each year on backup and storage solutions.
My point to these numbers is to remind you, as a small business owner, to not skimp on costs where the results could be catastrophic for your business. Backup your computers regularly so you can sleep soundly at night.
On Tuesday a group of professionals will gather over coffee to discuss business strategies, new media tactics, how inbound marketing can help small businesses in Hampton Roads, and many other hot topics.
One thing my passing years have convinced me of, is that I don’t want to hear someone’s slanted opinions. I just want facts. And I want a team in Norfolk, in Richmond, and in Washington that will look out for my family’s and my small businesses’ best interests.
This morning I’ll talk about the importance of working to build your brand during tough economic times.
JASEzone
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