WELCOME

I like to write about business networking - mostly because now that I'm a bit older I don't feel as though I'm entering a room of monsters anymore. In fact, I enjoy chatting with others about their businesses and what got them started.

But there still are those who won't enter these game rooms. I say "game" because it can be just like that. Try, for instance, unobtrusively getting your name and company name into a conversation. And once you do that, slyly see what you can do about mentioning your service and its location. Especially if you see your new contact as a prospect. Then you can move into the next stage.

Still working with the "game" concept, try associating your name or location with something that your prospect will remember. Like Flora the florist. You get the idea.

I'm discussing networking in a sly way myself today since MBA is hosting another event on March 17, St. Patrick's Day. So, unless your bakery or party supply shop relies on making shamrocks on that day, please attend. No monsters allowed.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

MARKETING

Marketing in Motion

Animoto is an online service allowing users to upload images, video clips and music to get a professional video montage in return. The final product is a widescreen-format video that can be e-mailed to customers, embedded on a website or downloaded to display at your discretion.

Animoto's business services include an array of options that give your business a platform to create ongoing, high-quality ad campaigns. Even offered is the ability to include "call-to-action" and "learn more" buttons that can turn your video message into interactive marketing tools. Pricing is $249 a year, with a 3-month $99 trial available to new members.

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YOUR FINANCES

Time to Shop Around

As the economic climate continues to readjust, take the opportunity to evaluate current vendors and shop around to find savings opportunities through new vendors. Here are some questions to help you:

Who Are Your Current Customers? Ask for names and types of businesses they service. Ask how long they have been working with these customers and what their purchasing habits are like. Who a vendor services and what they sell is a good indication of how capable they are of meeting your needs.

Offers and Guarantees? Ask how they can beat the current rates you're paying. Also ask about what kind of guarantees they offer and how they can ensure a proper refund when damaged goods are received. Basically, make them improve on the services you are already receiving.

Do You Offer Consistency? Find out how they can guarantee stable pricing to protect you from unscheduled rate hikes. And how do they plan to offer consistent service over time?

Finally, remember that people often make promises without following-through. Get everything in writing.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Reduce the Stress of Home Biz Success

Overnight success of your home business can be a blessing and a burden. Here are some basic steps you can take to prepare yourself for success without succumbing to stress:

Strategy: Create a plan that addresses the growth of your business. Start with a to-do list that accounts for the capital you will need to fulfill orders, produce new products and hire help.

Create Relationships: Begin to foster your relationships with suppliers and manufacturers by renegotiating your rates as the size of your orders increases. As the workload increases, friends and family may be able to fill in until you have time to hire the necessary staff to support your growth.

Customer Communication: High customer demand may lead to delayed shipments and a lack of time to court new-customer relationships. Let customers know about delays and keep them updated. Organize all new customer info so you can build a database for customer-relationship management.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Give a Listen to What Your Employees Have to Say

Getting reliable feedback from your employees isn't always easy - as many employees simply tell you what they think you want to hear. By creating an anonymous survey allowing employees to speak their minds freely, you can gain valuable information to improve employee management relations and boost productivity. Here are some basics to get your started:

Atmosphere: Find out what they like about the workplace in general. Ask about specific workspaces and work areas.

Operations: Ask about office procedures and protocol. What improvements or cost/time saving ideas do they have to offer?

Feedback: Do your employees feel like management acknowledges a good job? What feedback should be provided to help individuals improve?

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IT

Take a Closer Look at Your System Before Hackers Do

Did you know that vital personal and business data is stored in the hidden spaces of your computer? Hackers do and they are ready and able to take it. With help from software like Identity Finder you can hack yourself before they do. By hacking into your own system you can identify vulnerabilities in your system that reveal social security numbers, credit card information, bank account data and more.

Once you determine sensitive areas you can decide whether to eliminate the data or encrypt it for extra protection. Identity Finder has several editions and offers a free download on their landing page.

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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. And remember, every time you do business with fellow MBA members you're supporting another entrepreneur as well as the entire small business community.

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MBA EVENTS OF INTEREST

Business Boosting Networking Event

Join us for bagels, coffee and business, and bring plenty of business cards!

Wednesday, March 17
8:30 to 10:30 AM
MBA Conference Room - Broomall, PA

$5 for members,
$15 for non-members to attend,
$30 for non-members to attend and join MBA

Click here to register.

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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.