Ahhh a true example of bittersweet: American’s are acquiring less debt, but only because they can’t afford it!  Interest rates have skyrocketed because people don’t want heavy loans hanging over their heads, if they can even get approved in the first place.  In a similar fashion, consumers are also pulling back on spending which is in-turn fueling this seemingly never-ending economic crisis.  As a small business owner the real worry is, will this affect you? (more…)

Thinking of starting a simple business but have no budget for public relations and advertising?  Not a problem.  Social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace, to name a few, are becoming ever-so-popular among professionals in all different industries as PR outlets with little or no cost.  Contrary to popular belief Facebook is not only for college students and Myspace is not only for young singles or up-and-coming music artists.  In fact, just the other day I had a friend request from my father, a well-respected fifty-something attorney.  Whether you make your business a basic Facebook Profile or start a Myspace blog, sites like these could be the best advertising tactic and are so easy to use. (more…)

Is McDonald’s trying to add class to their restaurants?

In 2006 they started using real brick on the exterior instead of a cheaper material like vinyl siding.  Inside they added flat screens and soft, luxurious chairs that make the restaurant more inviting.
I do not eat at McDonald’s except for on road trips because it is the only food available.  This will not change my perspective on McDonald’s. What about you?
Will this give McDonald’s food more perceived value?
How much does the interior decorating matter to you? (more…)

I have been reading GarryConn.com for the past week or so and I can’t tell you how informative it has been.  His post are in simple english any beginner can understand.  I recommend anyone looking for great, unique tips about how to blog, get traffic to your website and make money online to go to his blog every day for a week and tell me if you learn anything.  I bet you will.  So what are you waiting for? Go see him!

1. T-shirts. Concerts, athletic events, group unity, everyone loves a free t-shirt.  If the budget allows, don’t take the cheap route; t-shirts only promote when worn.  Never underestimate the power of a t-shirt.
2. Aluminum Water Bottles. People need to hydrate and with the ‘go green’ movement frowning upon one-time-use materials, give people something that will last and help the environment. (more…)

With news of a recession officially announced and the Holiday season in full swing, businesses in every industry are offering tremendous discounts, specifically in the form of direct-mail gift cards.  In the last week I have received 5 discount cards to a variety of stores.  Some require a minimum purchase; others offer percentages off whatever I choose to buy.  Either way, will these cards lead me to buy things I normally wouldn’t?

Possibly.  (more…)

I believe many people fall into the trap of researching for far too long before acting on the research.  An example of this could be a company that does not have a website and has decided they should get one but doesn’t know where to start.  They end up searching for how to build a website, web design, and website design companies to compare cost, time and effort involved in each alternative.  The problem for many is that they don’t understand the information they are reading.  I recommend a short analysis of employees to see if anyone has the knowledge and skill to make a professional website.  If no one does, it is clear you have to hire a web designer.  This first step will have saved your company hours of research for something you cannot do in the first place.  Now you can ask your friends, family and colleagues if they know of any trusted web designers.  Odds are someone will have a connection for you. (more…)

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.  Unfortunately, NOT in missed deadlines.  When it comes to marketing, missing a deadline could mean missing a million-dollar sales opportunity.  That is just one reason why it is so important to plan ahead and leave extra time for mistakes and hold-ups.  What if the White House ordered press credentials for Inauguration Day and they arrived on January 21st?  There’d be a big mess in Washington and fingers would be pointed in every single direction. (more…)

It is typical for new businesses to experience one of two things when taking on the daunting yet exhilarating task of designing a logo.  One: not having a clue where/how to begin the process, and Two: having way too many ideas, none of which really represents your brand.  If you fall into the first category, have no fear.  There are plenty of design agencies out there who can, for a minimal fee, create logos from scratch with very little guidance.  This is especially helpful if the design agency will also create your merchandise, as they know what format is ideal for different production options.

If you are part of the larger second category, we have some tips for you to avoid headaches down the line. (more…)

The US economy is nearing recession.  Property foreclosures are at an all-time high, and consumer confidence levels at an all-time low.  The stock market is seeing bigger single-day drops than ever before, and people are pulling out investments at an alarming rate.  Businesses – small and large alike – are looking for ways to cut costs, from emergency layoffs to severe budget cuts.  What any smart business can tell you, however, is not to short-change advertising and marketing dollars.  (more…)