Tag Archives: free advice

Keys to Successful Workplaces

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If your business never faces challenges, congratulations. The rest of us entrepreneurial congratulate you! But if challenges are a way of life in your small business, we want to share a few ideas from the “pros who know.”

Embrace Growthkey to success: key bridging a chasm
Modern business challenges rely on a growth mindset. This doesn’t mean hiring more employees! It means adopting a growth mindset that views obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth, like these:

  • Maintain a positive attitude. 
  • Focus on the solutions rather than problems. 
  • Think of setbacks as temporary and necessary steps towards growth.

Always Be Learning
View challenges as opportunities to gain knowledge and experience. Embrace continuous learning and always be seeking new skills and insights to overcome obstacles.

Set Goals and Milestones
When times get tough, the tough set goals that are SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals are essential for small business. As circumstances change, your goals may need to be modified to remain relevant and achievable.

Track Progress
To stay motivated, monitor your progress regularly. Keep a record of achievements and take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and to reinforce your determination to overcome challenges.

Visualize Success
Imagine yourself overcoming the challenges and achieving your goals. Visualizing your desired outcome vividly serves as a source of motivation during difficult times.

Seek Inspiration
Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch interviews that showcase other small business owners’ keys to success. 

Celebrate Accomplishments
No matter how small they may seem, acknowledge every milestone you reach and reward yourself in some suitable way. This will keep you motivated and reinforce a positive mindset.

Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with the right people and mentors that can make a significant difference when tackling business challenges. 

Collaborate and Network
Engage with like-minded individuals in your industry. Join a Chamber of Commerce, a MasterMind group, networking groups, online forums, or a Business Roundtable near you. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes can provide a fresh perspective and keep you motivated.

Remember, adopting a growth mindset, setting clear goals, building a support network, and prioritizing self-care are key to rising above any obstacles you encounter. You’ve got this!

Small Business Marketing Tips

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Marketing Plan concept with man holding a tablet computer

Do ever hear yourself say, on a really busy day, especially one with a deadline to meet…”wish that phone would stop ringing!” Really? When the phone stops ringing, it’s time to reconsider marketing in today’s connected world. Here’s a checklist you may find helpful.

  1. Create a free Google My Business account. If you have one now, congratulations, because these free profiles are among the most effective marketing strategies today. Google is the new Yellow Pages. It’s what buyers check first when looking for a new or replacement service or product.
  2. Take Social Media seriously and responsibly. Social media engagements are an excellent way to expand your reach beyond your website and print advertising. It can show a more personal side of your business, but avoid controversies, politics, or any divisive subject.
  3. Use free promotional features on Facebook. Invite your friends to “like” or “share” your page (or blog); promote contests or giveaways.
  4. Blog on your website, then share your blog on social media and via email to your customers. Avoid sharing or emailing anyone unless you have their permission to use their email address. Unsolicited postal mail ends up in a trash can; unsolicited email also is sent to Trash, but most often ends as an “unsubscribe” or “block” action on the receiver’s end.
  5. Ask customers for feedback and reviews: Ask them during an office call, over the phone or even a quick text. Give them a reason to say yes to your request for a review. For example, adding a Customer Review page to your website offers your customers a pathway to getting their name in front of your clients!
  6. Offer a referral discount or gift. Your current customers are the best source of your future customers.

What techniques can you recommend to “market on a budget”? Share your success stories (and even your flops) with us via email. With your permission, we’d like to share them with our customers.