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3 Email Marketing Resolutions to Stick to in 2014

January 21, 2014

January is a time of introspection, reflection and goal setting for the year ahead. Want to get your email marketing on the right path for 2014? Here are 3 easy but essential email marketing resolutions to commit to now to ensure long-term success:

Eliminate your email bad habits

Like in life, sometimes bad habits have a way of creeping into our marketing efforts as well.  For example you may wait to the last minute to think about what you’re going to write in your emails or are go months without engaging with your contact lists. If that is the case, you probably already know that these are habits you need to change. But how? Start by developing an email marketing plan and stick to a reasonable schedule. This will immediately increase your potential for success. You should also take some time to review your email lists to make sure you understand as much as possible about your subscribers. Use your click-through data to find out what type of content your readers are interested in. You can then segment your list into different audiences, based on the content that most engages them.

Reduce your content-related stress

Few email marketing tasks can cause a small business owner’s stress level to go up faster than creating email content. This is especially true if you consider yourself to be a less-than-perfect writer. Make a commitment to reducing your content-related stress, and break this frustrating cycle. (more…)

Email Marketing That Nails Sales

January 16, 2014

Did you know that companies that leverage email marketing estimate its overall return on investment at 119 percent?* That’s an impressive ROI! Without a doubt, a carefully considered email marketing campaign can reap high returns for savvy small business owners.

Email marketing is an opportunity to connect with existing customers and prospects in ways that other online marketing resources cannot. When done correctly, an email marketing campaign can boost brand awareness, pique interest in your products and services, communicate value to a targeted audience, and generate sales.

So, how do you do it right? Here are five tips for top-notch email marketing:

1. Only send email campaigns to people who have signed up for or requested them. Email campaign companies offer resources like opt-in buttons or sign-up forms to help build permission-based contact lists.

2. Craft the kind of content your contacts requested. You’ll build credibility and loyalty when you deliver what you promised. Get creative, but be sure to provide the type of information recipients signed up for. And remember to include at least one compelling call to action, such as “Call today to start saving!” (more…)

Success Story: Veteran Business Owner

January 15, 2014

David Otano is owner/operator of Coqui Disposal Services LLC, an 8A and Service Connected Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business providing refuse disposal removal services that was formed in March of 2008. He is president/owner of Coqui Disposal Services, LLC and has been a Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) client from initial start-up in February 2008.

David has built his business by successfully submitting proposals on and winning small sub contracts to haul and dispose of trash at Tyndall Air Force Base within months of start- up. VBOC assisted David with preparing a capabilities statement and guiding him through use of his Service Connected Disability Status for proposing on set-aside procurement opportunities in Government contracting.

The discussion of David acquiring 8a company status began as early as October of 2008, as well as discussions on registering with the Veterans Administration through the CvE program in their closed bidding system for Coqui to provide waste disposal services to the Veterans Administration (VA). David is currently working under a $3,000,000, Sub contract to provide waste removal at Tyndall Air Force Base. (more…)

SBDC Success Story: Washington

January 8, 2014

State: Washington
Center: Vancouver SBDC
Client Name: Natalie Fairchild

Just five years after creating Pacific Perks, a “personal cafe” start-up, Jim and Natalie Fairchild are in the enviable position of owning a business that isn’t just sustainable, but scalable. Ask her where she wants to be in five years and Natalie says she is of two minds: build an empire or maintain a life-work balance?

A goal of $1 million in revenues is not unrealistic, she said, depending on how hard they want to work. That’s a fair question, especially since Jim was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998 and left his high-powered job in sports marketing in 2007 so that he could achieve a healthier lifestyle.

They started with one espresso cart and a business plan that promised clients a personal barista to make coffee drinks for two hours for $300, with no drink limits and no extra charges. They’ve grown to six carts and can now provide mobile service for omelets, smoothies, quesadillas and ice cream sundaes, in addition to the espresso service. (more…)

The New Year – Time to Get in Shape

January 7, 2014

Another holiday season has come and gone and hopefully all of your best wishes came true.  Most of us are now focused on the New Year with high expectations and new commitments for success.  And in many cases that includes those high minded New Year’s resolutions that probably include losing a few pounds or maybe just striving to get in shape.

Committing to better health is a great way to start the year whether that includes a better diet, a daily walk or short jog, or maybe even just one less dessert each week. The key is to just pick something and then stick to it long enough to build a habit that leads to the result you want.

The same process should apply to your business.  The New Year is a great time to stop and evaluate your business activity… to get your business in shape.

Take the time to actually write this stuff down.  What are you doing this week to get one more customer?  Set up a call program or a networking event that fits with your industry to contact potential new relationships. Set a goal that matches your time availability and then stick to it.  Make a habit of keeping that schedule.

Don’t stop with just new customers.  Take some time to review your banking relationships, your key vendors, and even your process for ordering office supplies.  How much are you paying for rent, for internet access, for bank charges and even overnight deliveries?  Take some time to review your overall business procedures and processes.  Consider new technologies for efficiency and cost savings. (more…)