WELCOME

Backing-Up the Competition

Approaching your competitor’s customers should always be done with discretion, but the current instability of the economy breaks down former barriers. Your pitch should be focused on selling the competitor’s customers the idea of using multiple product sources - with you as an initial back-up. That means if your competition should have troubles, either with their credit or any other reason plaguing small businesses, the customer would have a trusted source to keep their supply chain consistent. If you can sell that point, then suggest a small amount for an initial order. This allows the buyer to slowly become comfortable doing business with you. After your first few orders, you will be in a better position to discuss larger purchases to deepen the business relationship.

Of course, make sure your customer service is not only a high priority for all your dealings, but especially during this time when your new customer is evaluating your company.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

Google’s Answer to Facebook

Small businesses should try out Google’s new social network, offering an alternative to Facebook. Here is a quick overview of Google Plus Project’s features:

Circles: These “circles” are groups that can be labeled and managed with ease. Use your current customer contact data to invite customers into your designated circle.

Sparks: This is a news reader that searches for keywords from various sources. You can use this feature to collect mentions, news relevant to your business and customers, and even track your competition. It is also easy to share within your circles.

Hangout: This is a stream of audio and video that can be used as a networking tool. You can answer customer queries, host contests, or create a product tutorial – the sky’s the limit.

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MARKETING

More Tips for Marketing with Facebook

If you have a Facebook page for your business you already know that it can serve as a great marketing tool, but some of the following techniques may help even more:

Posts: Aside from offering news, promotions and event announcements – be sure that all of your posts offer something to your fans. A good rule for posts is three a week. If you do this with regularity, your fans will come to depend and look for your next announcement without being overwhelmed.

Places: If you have a business with a physical location, you can offer customers special rewards or discounts for “checking-in.” To get the low-down on the setup check out this link.

Deals: This is a more direct marketing/advertising route where Facebook provides strategic placing of ads by interests, geographies, etc. Learn more here.

A Page from the Paparazzi

Celebrity endorsements can turn your business into a success almost overnight. Of course, getting in with the “in crowd” can take some work. Here are some hints to help get your business a star on the walk of fame:

Your Target: Unless you have some very serious connections, choosing and contacting an A-list celebrity will take grit and luck. In the meantime, focus on local, b-list and upcoming talents. Have an angle that grabs their attention like a shared interest in mutual charity or find a celeb from your hometown area and get their attention.

Make Contact: There are businesses that can connect you to celebrities, but if that doesn’t fit your budget try this website to make a go of it on your own. If and when you get some contact information, be patient and polite. These contacts may turn out to be your golden ticket.

Plan for Success: If you make contact and get a celebrity to sample your product, be ready for success that may follow by having a large inventory at hand. You will also need to create a press release to send to news sources that confirm the celebrity’s use of your business.

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INSURANCE

The Administrators, Inc., MBA’s endorsed health plan administrator, has provided the following article from United Concordia, one of the nation’s largest dental insurers.

Talk with Your Dentist about the Health Risks Associated with Poor Oral Health

“Growing evidence suggests that poor oral health, particularly gum disease, can affect a number of medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, by making them more difficult to control,” said Jerome Blum, D.D.S., corporate dental director of United Concordia. "By visiting your dentist regularly, you can help your mouth, and possibly other areas of the body, remain healthy.”

"Oral health includes more than strong and healthy teeth,” said Dr. Blum. “Oral health also refers to the condition of the upper and lower jaws, gums and supporting tissues, chewing muscles, roof of the mouth, linings of the mouth and throat, tongue, lips and salivary glands. In addition, branches of the nervous, immune and vascular system are involved in protecting, nourishing and moving these parts as well as connecting them to the brain and the rest of the body.”

Contact Mary June McCann at The Administrators, Inc., at (800) 634-4428 for information on available dental plans.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

From Office to Home Office on a Budget

Making the transition from working in an office to working from home can save a tremendous amount of money. The following suggestions will help ensure that you don’t blow your newfound savings on setting up your home office:

Office Space: Don’t waste money on renovating a room. Instead get creative with a space in your house that is under-used or that you can change. Attics and basements are good isolated spots and give you a reason to rid your life of old and useless clutter.

Bargain Shop: Shopping at office super stores may save you some time, but not money. Many items can be found at a dollar store, flea market or the supermarket. You may already have many office items like lamps, furniture and pens unused in your house.

Barter or D.I.Y: Neighbors, local bulletins and Craigslist are great resources for local trade/barter. Working from home also affords you the chance to do-it-yourself and learn a new skill that could add value to your home and your business space.

Time Tracking to Boost Home Office Productivity

Perhaps the greatest challenge of working from home is having enough discipline and structure to make the most of your time. The practice of time tracking is an invaluable tool that can show you how you are spending your time and how to use it more efficiently. Here’s how to do it:

• Make a Chart: The format is optional – hard copy or computing software. Create a chart with five columns with the headings: Time, Activity, Time Spent, Priority and Comments.
• Track Yourself: Start at the beginning of your work week and list your goals and priorities each day. Record the time spent and any interruptions or breaks. Prioritize each task on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the top priority).
• Review Findings: Review the numbers from your work week. Apply the following questions: How many tasks generated revenue? How much time was wasted? Which activities can be delegated/eliminated/restructured to make better use of time?
  

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HUMAN RESOURCES

The Cost of Employee Absences

Employee absences can account for up to nine percent of your payroll so it’s important to have a policy in place to discourage abuse and minimize losses. Some absences, however, are simply inevitable and unavoidable. Here are some tips for keeping your absence rate low:

Your Policy: Create a policy for absences that clearly states your expectations and the repercussions for absences. Your manager should be prepared to explain to the employee how the missed work will be made up.

Keep Track: Keep a record of employee absences which will allow you to notice patterns. Should the absenteeism become a reason for dismissal, you will have documented proof in the event a wrongful termination suit is filed.

Create Options: In the case of an extended absence, keep your bases covered. Even if you never need it, align yourself with a temp agency to send you someone qualified if you’re in a pinch.

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IT

Cloud Computing Goes Hybrid for Small Businesses

Intel has recently launched a new cloud computing platform that offers pay-as-you-go options for small businesses. This Hybrid Cloud program offers customers remote server software and services without having to purchase in-house servers. The platform offers a catalog of application subscriptions and a software platform that allows management and tracking of the application’s usage.

The subscription is provided by Managed Service Providers (MSP) that help businesses set up their server and access applications provided by independent vendors. The MSP alleviates the need for businesses to have their own IT, as Intel’s software works remotely to provide a high-level of security around data and billing.

In the end, you can run applications remotely on your server, but keep your data secure on-site using a server appliance that is provided by the MSP. To learn more check out Intel’s Hybrid Cloud here.

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NEW MEMBERS

When our member base increases there is more of everything: more creative networking, more benefits and more experienced, enthusiastic business owners. All move our members toward growth, success and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Click here to meet our newest small business partners.

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Unless specifically indicated, MBA does not intend mention of companies, products or services discussed in this publication to be construed to be endorsements. The information in this publication is offered as examples that may be useful to our small business readers. Please consult with an industry professional before implementing any of the tips or subscribing to any of the services described above.