Whenever I sit with a client who has hired me to assess and identify ways to streamline their business operations, we eventually get around to what I call the “no pain, no change” discussion. I can present a neatly packaged assessment report with recommendations for increasing efficiencies or streamlining processes, but new efficiencies and streamlining [...]

Although a little bit “old school” this marketing tactic is as effective today as it has been in the past. Offer a discount to anyone who can spot an error or specific phrase in your marketing copy (one that you purposely put in). Make sure the error or phrase is very obvious and that it [...]

With tougher direct marketing laws for lead generating practices such as telemarketing, door-to-door solicitations, unsolicited email, and broadcast faxing, many small businesses are experiencing a painful, profit-whittling, shut down of their primary methods to generate new business. Even the old standby, direct mail, is being challenged with proposals for “do not mail” lists, similar to [...]

Get the most out of handing out your business cards. Convert them into tiny, portable ads by printing on the back side with: A discount coupon for your products or services A “free with purchase” offer next time they stop in the store An invitation to sign up at your website to win a prize [...]

The annual Super Bowl gives football fans more than access to the NFL (National Football League) championship game. “Super Bowl Sunday” has also quickly become the one and only day of the year that many viewers tune in to actually see the commercial ads — ads that cost an average of 2.3 million dollars for [...]

Tired of hearing the word turnkey? It’s a little overused these days. It’s an age-old buzzword that has surged back into popularity with the advent of doing business on the Internet. Why? A turnkey business is an automated business. And, on the Internet, this automation is imperative to be successful and serve customers who are [...]

Whether you sell products or services, your offline business can reap huge rewards by marketing online. Specific marketing techniques are not exclusive to either offline or online businesses … and that’s the GOOD news for those of us who have previously relied on expensive direct mail and advertising campaigns that quickly suck the life out [...]

Independents, sole proprietors, freelancers… anyone who deals with minimum cash flow knows the anxiety that comes with a client or customer who doesn’t pay. You can put “net 10 days” on your invoices, but most of the time it’s ignored by both big business clients and small business clients. As an independent myself, I face [...]

Tape the word “opportunity” to each telephone in your office. When the phone rings, the word will remind employees to make a good first impression and to present themselves in a positive way.

MONSTROUS Marketing Mistake #1: Sinking a Fortune Into an Unproven Product Is your business idea built on market research or a hunch? Entrepreneurs often fall in love with their products or services before they determine if there’s a real market, and they throw fistfuls of money into the venture. If you, your spouse, your uncle, [...]