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3 ways to use email and social media together at the holidays… and year round

December 17, 2012

There’s a buzz in the air: the holidays are here. Undoubtedly, businesses are descending upon your inbox offering 20% off, then free shipping, then another generic offer that will be indistinguishable from all the rest. How does a business or organization separate itself from the herd at such a busy time of the year? And what lessons can you learn now that can be carried into 2012?

Integrate your communications channels — particularly email and social media — to reach customers, clients, and supporters. That can make the difference between a business or organization whose messages blend into the others, and one where its customers, clients, and supporters actively look forward to receiving and interacting with them. (more…)

Could Your Company Be More Pinteresting?

December 16, 2012

“I know I should be pinning, but I have no idea why and what!” the owner of a service business recently said to me. Many small businesses feel compelled to catch the Pinterest wave, but are struggling with what to do with this relative newcomer on the social media scene.

Pinterest, an online bulletin board comprised of shareable images and blurbs, now boasts close to 18 million users. It is the fastest-growing social media content sharing service in history, surpassing the fan-building speed of LinkedIn, YouTube, and Google+ combined.

The majority of early Pinterest adopters were female (68 percent). It found its first target market among brides, Midwestern moms, craft aficionados, and foodies. Like many social media sites, it is also being adopted by big brands and media companies like Whole Foods, Toyota, and Real Simple to engage its consumer communities through promotions, contests, and shared content. (more…)

Three Tips for 2013 Bookkeeping

December 14, 2012
By BizFilings Business Owner’s Toolkit

Marketing plans and strategies, sales tactics, office policies—now is the time of year to revise nearly everything for the New Year. Except for bookkeeping, the oft-neglected business necessity that so many other functions ultimately depend upon.

The fact is relatively few small business owners have such sound bookkeeping systems that they shouldn’t revisit them. Improving bookkeeping methods is important not just for tax implications, but as a way to better record finances that, in turn, can be used for better reports.

Making your 2013 bookkeeping a planning priority won’t take too much time or effort. While these tips only scratch the surface—and assume, for the most part, that your bookkeeping is in relatively good order—they can help your business remain compliant and have more insight into your financial health. (more…)

The Commerce Control List and Self-Classification

December 10, 2012

Where do I find the Commerce Control list?; Do I need a license to export my good?; How to Reference the ECCN; Designation of EAR99; Source: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

The Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation’s people and economy. We honor privacy, protect confidentiality, share our expertise globally, and conduct our work openly. We are guided on this mission by our strong and capable workforce, our readiness to innovate, and our abiding commitment to our customers.

Primary Functions of Your Website

December 10, 2012

Last month I covered the basics of building your social media marketing. The next step in building your foundation is to build a solid central focal point for the rest of your marketing activities to flow to, your website.

Website 

Primary Functions of Your Website

  • Target: Be found by search engines
  • Take: Captures a lead, converts them into a sale
  • Teach: Informs and educates

Target

Do you know YOUR target market? (more…)