America’s SBDC Blog

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Internet Marketing for Beginners: Part 2 – Generating Sales

October 12, 2012

This article is the second in a series on Internet Marketing for Beginners. In the first article, I discussed setting a proper online goal. A website should either generate sales, leads, or support for an existing customer base.

This article will focus on the first goal: Generating Sales.

Some of you may think ALL websites should generate sales. However, in my opinion, only a few should consider that their goal. When I say, “generate sales,” I define that phrase as allowing someone to put a product in a “shopping cart” and paying for it online. The merchant has only to ship it at that point.

The majority of you don’t need a shopping cart. Basically, those who sell high-priced items or services rarely need a shopping cart. Examples would include realtors, repairmen, consultants, etc. (more…)

Embargoes and Sanctions

October 10, 2012

Shipping to Embargoed Countries; Shipping to Sanctioned Countries; Special controls; Office of Foreign Assets and Control (OFAC); Source: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Concentrate on Business, Not Payroll

October 8, 2012

The popular adage that “time is money” is particularly true for small business owners. And handling payroll tax obligations can be quite time-consuming. Consider contracting with a third-party payroll provider to alleviate the burden of handling your employment tax obligations.

Most small business owners find the most value in outsourcing their responsibilities to withhold and pay Social Security, Medicare and income taxes. The outsourcing doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing arrangement—payroll services offer different levels of service. Your decision will likely be based on your time constraints as well as your comfort level.

Ensure a Third-Party Provider Is Up To Snuff

If you decide to go the outsourcing route, take a couple steps to protect yourself: (more…)

Answers from Your Event Attendees

October 3, 2012

Feedback is one of the most important aspects of any event—be it a sale, a wine tasting, an open house, a conference, or another gathering– because it can tell you if all your efforts were worth it from your attendees’ perspective. Staying on top of what those people are saying before, during, and after your event will ensure that your future gatherings will help you continue your momentum. The good news is that social media makes it easier than ever to have a feel for what your attendees are saying

Following are 7 ways you can gather feedback, before your next event, while your event is still taking place and after it’s all over.

Pre- Event

· Conduct a Pre-Poll: Find out what your attendees are expecting from your event. This helps you plan accordingly and gauge how well you’ve done at meeting those expectations. (more…)

Farming Can Ease Return to Civilian Life

October 1, 2012

When many people think of the term “small business,” quaint shops or down-home restaurants often come to mind. But small farms offer growing (pardon the pun) business opportunities, particularly for entrepreneurial veterans.

And the timing couldn’t be better. Interest in sustainable, organic farming and locally sourced food products has found a new home with Millennials who embrace these trends—and have the money to support them.

Farming can provide veterans multiple advantages. The nature of farm life itself can be a strong draw, offering the opportunity to be your own boss and to see tangible results from your work. Organizations working with veterans note that the decision-making skills and discipline of military life translate well to running a successful farming operation. (more…)