The start of a new year begs for reflection and plans. We make promises and resolutions and say things like, “This year will be THE year.” But unless you win the lottery, making this year radically different requires work and change. Those two things aren’t always easy or sustainable, especially when you’re looking at […]
Category: Business Articles
The Most Overlooked Growth Practice for Business Owners Isn’t What You Think. And It’s Free.
You spend a lot of time encouraging everyone else. Your customers. Your team. Your family. Even total strangers on social media. Today, it’s your turn. Before the year gets away from you, give yourself a gift that costs nothing and can pay off all year long: write a letter to yourself to read this time […]
Five Ways to Turn Holiday Foot Traffic into Real Loyalty
Small Business Season brings a beautiful rush or familiar faces and new customers. Your business is abuzz with activity and you’re doing the hard work. You’re showing up. And yet, you could be leaving opportunity on the table simply because life gets busy and marketing gets…well, pushed to the corner like a forgotten present in […]
How to Create Community at Your Business
If you have repeat customers, you already have the foundation of something powerful: a community. You just need to ensure they understand that. Not a punch-card club. Not just “regulars.” A real group of people who feel connected to you, your team, and each other. Community is what keeps people choosing you even when a […]
10 Intentional Ways to Get a Jump Start on Holiday Revenue
Traditionally, marketers at this time of year are busy trying to attract Black Friday and other shoppers in the days right after Thanksgiving. But thanks to the uptick in pre-Black Friday sales, today’s customers are shopping earlier than ever, spreading out their spending and looking for ways to avoid the December scramble. In fact, nearly […]
Getting Your Business Holiday Ready in 5 Simple Steps
It’s officially that time of year where you have to keep looking at the calendar because it’s so hard to believe how quickly time is going or as we like to say—it’s Blurvember. The holidays have a way of sneaking up on even the most prepared businesses. One minute you’re stocking fall candles and the […]
A Small Business Survival Guide for the Holidays
We’re fast approaching the time of year where it can feel like you’re running a marathon on a tightrope. Customers need attention. Promotions are queued up to be launched (or designed). Your inventory is giving you nightmares and you have huge goals for the end of the year. And you’re supposed to stay cheerful, strategic, […]
Win at First Impressions
You’ve heard the old saying “You never get a second chance at a first impression.” For businesses, that isn’t just a cliché, it’s reality. Customers size up a business long before they make a purchase and often before anyone on your team even says hello. Those first 10 seconds set expectations, shape decisions, and influence […]
12 Easy Newsletter Formats to Keep Your Business Top of Mind
Simple Formats That Keep Your Customers Reading (and Buying) Most marketers will tell you the money is in your e-mail list. One of the easiest ways to create an e-mail list is by offering a giveaway that someone receives in exchange for their e-mail address. What you do with that e-mail address after that initial […]
How to Start Using AI in Your Small Business (Without the Overwhelm)
Everyone is telling you that you should be doing something with AI for your business. Every newsletter, podcast, and conference talk seems to assume you’re already knee-deep in implementation. Meanwhile, you’re stuck at square one (or just using it to write an email here or there), overwhelmed by options and uncertain where to begin. Welcome […]
