Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn… Stop & Ask: Would an Actual person talk that way? Before you post something to
Stop & Ask: Would an Actual person talk that way?
Stop & Ask: Would an Actual person talk that way?
If all you do is respond to complaints, that’s all people will send you.
If all you do is respond to complaints, that's all people will send you.
A Year From Now What Will I Wish I Had Done Today?
We all have regrets about things we could have done (or not done). They might be very, very small or very, very large regrets. Lost time is not recoverable, however, if you could go back 12 months and contact that one client, go to the one inconvenient networking event or speak with the person sitting next to you on the plane — could one of those items have resulted in a positive outcome for your business or personal life?
Probably so. But, you cannot go back in time. All you can do is look to the future and make a point of contacting your clients, attending networking events and speaking with everyone you come into contact with and, perhaps, just one of those actions will change your business and change your life.
a year from now what will i wish i had done today
This post was inspired by a poster from World War II. It’s a very simply designed poster and it gets right to the point, “A Year From Now What Will I Wish I Had Done Today?”.
So, today — and from now on — make a point of taking action even when it’s not convenient, even when you’re tired and even when you just don’t want to be bothered. Spend a couple of minutes everyday being pro-active and you’ll find that you will have accomplished more and you’ll regret less in 12 months.
Here’s to an amazing day, month and year!
Best,
Erik
Shop Local Movement empowered by Certified Locally Owned
If you own or are about to open an independent business, one of the most important keys to success is how your customers perceive your business.
Offering competitive pricing, providing great customer service (even when a customer wants to return an item), and maintaining consistent and available hours of operation are all important.– But what is it about your business that stands out from the big-store competition?
As a local independent, you take better care of your customers than the big-box or chain stores, provide services that the big chains can’t provide and go the extra mile because you appreciate your customers.
Your customers see you as their neighbors. They come back to your business because they want to support you, help the local economy and to enjoy a more personal experience when they buy from you.
Certified Locally Owned is a movement to get more people to shop local and buy from certified locally owned businesses. This independent, third-party service verifies independent businesses on behalf of shoppers. 
Each certified locally owned business receives its certification issued as a window sticker, website badge and custom QR Code. Shoppers can verify the business by scanning its QR Code and learning more about that local business.
For more information visit http://www.CertifiedLocallyOwned.com
What do I do when I’m ready to launch my business?
You have done your homework: You have a complete business plan; you know where you want to operate; you know how much cash you will need; and you have specific information on employee, vendor and market possibilities. You now may want someone to look over your plans objectively. Contact your local Entrepreneur Boot Camp representative, the business department at a local college for another opinion.
What about telecommunications?
All small businesses share some common functions: sales, purchasing, financing, operations and administration. Depending on your individual business, telecommunications can support your objectives in any or all of these areas.
Many new businesses, especially those that do not have a storefront, rely on mobile phones exclusively.
It is an effective tool that can easily change with seasonality and growth. How you use telecommunications can affect how efficiently and profitably your company grows in the future.
What Social Networks Say About You
In a recent survey of employers about the use of social networks in the hiring process 91% of employers stated that they used social networks as part of the screening process. This could easily be extrapolated to your prospective clients and investors.
Many times, when I get cold calls the first thing I do, if i am thinking about calling them back is a quick Google search for their company and even for them personally. This 2 minutes process has saved me countless hours on the phone only to discover “who” the caller really is after I may have started down the road of their sales process.
Keep this in mind the next time you post something that may be questionable on any social network.
SOURCE: 
http://blog.reppler.com/2011/09/27/managing-your-online-image-across-social-networks/
How do I find out about suppliers, manufacturers and distributors?
Most suppliers want new accounts. A prime source for finding suppliers is the Thomas Register, which lists manufacturers by categories and geographic area. Most libraries have a directory of manufacturers listed by state.
If you know the product line manufacturers, a letter or phone call to the companies will get you the local distributor-wholesaler. In some lines, trade shows are good sources of getting suppliers and looking over competing products.
Can I operate a business from my home?
Yes. In fact, experts estimate that as many as 40% of new small business enterprises are operated out of the owner’s home. Local SBA offices and Chamber of Commerce can provide pertinent information on how to manage a home-based business.
Is it better to lease or buy the store (plant) and equipment?
This is a good question and needs to be considered carefully. Leasing does not tie up your cash; a disadvantage is that the item then has no resale or salvage value since you do not own it. Careful weighing of alternatives and a cost analysis will help you make the best decision.
