Since all the layoffs and people actually taking cuts in pay, I've decided to write this article. The recession has hit hard and people think it will be over soon. Well, I do not think so.
If you are a victim of the a layoff or taking a cut in pay, do not give up. There is a reason why this has happened to you. I consider it a new beginning. A time for a change. A positive change in your life.
It will take time and work but just think about something you have always wanted to do. Open a business or make a career change. There are ways to do this but you need to take the initiative to do them. Research and talk to others. Got to the job center and ask for help.
Before you do this, create a plan, know what it is that you want. Knowing will help you get what you want. This is America, where dreams come true. Put your heart and soul in it. Set your goal and do not give up on it.
There are resources, grants, loans but you need to search for them. You will be that high achiever once again.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tips on creating a promotional ad that works
Is your business slow due to the economy? If you said yes,than start creating a promotional ad that will increase your sales.
In creating a promotional ad, you want to include a brief description about your business, name of business, motto, contact information and the promotion.
Two keys that can play a significant role in attracting customers is the business name and your "motto". If you do not have a business motto than here are some ideas. Choose a short phrase that contains 3-6 words that describes your way of business. For example, "designed for you", "customized installations" or "the Mommy of Day Cares". Choose a motto that will grab the customer's attention. Believe it or not, a good motto can sell itself. Hopefully, these examples will help you choose your motto.
Your next step is to focus on a theme for your ad. Will your ad have a seasonal, holiday or first time customer theme? In other words, are you placing the ad with the season or holiday in mind to lure customers or to attract new customers? Here are some ideas for your theme. "Spring means Clean" save 20% on your next window cleaning. "Install your pool now" and save $75.00. "Place your holiday order for Christmas" and save $20.00
*When creating your ad try to include something about your company that will give you an advantage over your competitors. You could include years of experience, years in business or weekend hours.
When deciding on the type of discount or special, keep in mind that you could have a large response to your ad. Make sure you are making a profit and have enough employees to cover any extra work.
List contact information. Name, business phone, cell phone and, or email address.
Do you want customers to give you a code from the ad? This can help with record keeping and tracking sales.
Decide on location. Do you want to place your ad locally or target a new area?
Running time of ad. Run your ad for a week or two. This will allow you to change your ad or location if the ad is not doing well.
Do not get discouraged if the ad has a low response because advertisement is about trial and error. Just keep taking a different approach until your ad becomes a success. Success leads to increased sales and growth for your business.
In creating a promotional ad, you want to include a brief description about your business, name of business, motto, contact information and the promotion.
Two keys that can play a significant role in attracting customers is the business name and your "motto". If you do not have a business motto than here are some ideas. Choose a short phrase that contains 3-6 words that describes your way of business. For example, "designed for you", "customized installations" or "the Mommy of Day Cares". Choose a motto that will grab the customer's attention. Believe it or not, a good motto can sell itself. Hopefully, these examples will help you choose your motto.
Your next step is to focus on a theme for your ad. Will your ad have a seasonal, holiday or first time customer theme? In other words, are you placing the ad with the season or holiday in mind to lure customers or to attract new customers? Here are some ideas for your theme. "Spring means Clean" save 20% on your next window cleaning. "Install your pool now" and save $75.00. "Place your holiday order for Christmas" and save $20.00
*When creating your ad try to include something about your company that will give you an advantage over your competitors. You could include years of experience, years in business or weekend hours.
When deciding on the type of discount or special, keep in mind that you could have a large response to your ad. Make sure you are making a profit and have enough employees to cover any extra work.
List contact information. Name, business phone, cell phone and, or email address.
Do you want customers to give you a code from the ad? This can help with record keeping and tracking sales.
Decide on location. Do you want to place your ad locally or target a new area?
Running time of ad. Run your ad for a week or two. This will allow you to change your ad or location if the ad is not doing well.
Do not get discouraged if the ad has a low response because advertisement is about trial and error. Just keep taking a different approach until your ad becomes a success. Success leads to increased sales and growth for your business.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
How to recover after losing your job or business
The recession has caused many of us problems. Some have lost a job and others have closed a business. If you fall into one of these categories then keep reading.
After loosing a job or business it is easy to feel depressed or disgusted. But you need to look at it as an opportunity to improve your career. When one door closes another will open. All you need to do is open it. This means keep your options opened. All is not lost. Think about taking a new direction. Did you like or dislike your old job? Is there something else you would rather be doing? For example, have you always wanted to open your own business? Pursue a career in writing or Nursing?
Well, here is your chance to move in a new direction. Do some research about your interests. Find out what it will take to start your small business or new career. Whatever it is, get involved in it and be confident.
Business owners put time and money into their dreams. So seeing it disappear can be very hard to deal with. I know because I've been there. But you can recover from this. Never give up if this is what you want to do. Take a new approach to your business idea.
As an experienced business owner you can develop a new business plan. You now know what areas of your business are strong or weak. So you can make adjustments to strengthen those weak areas. When you know what caused your business to fail, you can make the necessary changes to avoid the same problems.
Take a break, rethink, plan and do what you want. Be confident and look forward to tomorrow.
After loosing a job or business it is easy to feel depressed or disgusted. But you need to look at it as an opportunity to improve your career. When one door closes another will open. All you need to do is open it. This means keep your options opened. All is not lost. Think about taking a new direction. Did you like or dislike your old job? Is there something else you would rather be doing? For example, have you always wanted to open your own business? Pursue a career in writing or Nursing?
Well, here is your chance to move in a new direction. Do some research about your interests. Find out what it will take to start your small business or new career. Whatever it is, get involved in it and be confident.
Business owners put time and money into their dreams. So seeing it disappear can be very hard to deal with. I know because I've been there. But you can recover from this. Never give up if this is what you want to do. Take a new approach to your business idea.
As an experienced business owner you can develop a new business plan. You now know what areas of your business are strong or weak. So you can make adjustments to strengthen those weak areas. When you know what caused your business to fail, you can make the necessary changes to avoid the same problems.
Take a break, rethink, plan and do what you want. Be confident and look forward to tomorrow.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Businesses going green
Are you thinking of taking your business in a green direction? If so, here is some terminology that you should know and some ways to start going green.
Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the earth's atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and nitrous oxide.
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
To begin your campaign for going green you should start with recycling. A recycling program for glass bottles, plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
An energy efficiency program such as sensors or timers to control lighting. Programmable thermostats with motion detectors used to control heating and air conditioning.
Try to purchase recycled and recyclable products. Use biodegradable products. Before you buy something, ask yourself. Where was this product made and what is it made of?
You may not be able to go green all the way but you are showing that your business cares about the environment. Inform your clients of your environmental practices because a business that cares about the environment will attract like minded businesses.
Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the earth's atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and nitrous oxide.
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
To begin your campaign for going green you should start with recycling. A recycling program for glass bottles, plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
An energy efficiency program such as sensors or timers to control lighting. Programmable thermostats with motion detectors used to control heating and air conditioning.
Try to purchase recycled and recyclable products. Use biodegradable products. Before you buy something, ask yourself. Where was this product made and what is it made of?
You may not be able to go green all the way but you are showing that your business cares about the environment. Inform your clients of your environmental practices because a business that cares about the environment will attract like minded businesses.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Daily Business tips
These 10 tips can help you no matter what business your in. Most are commonsense but we tend to forget them. So, here they are. Have a great day.
1.) Communicate more effectively.
2.) Listen and pay attention to the person that is speaking to you.
3.) Follow up with your customers and employees.
4.) Think before you make that decision.
5.) Set a date for that meeting.
6.) Get those reviews done.
7.) Have you thanked your employee today? (Job well done.)
8.) What have you done for your customers lately?
9.) Stop and take a break.
10) Have an idea? Write it down before you forget.
1.) Communicate more effectively.
2.) Listen and pay attention to the person that is speaking to you.
3.) Follow up with your customers and employees.
4.) Think before you make that decision.
5.) Set a date for that meeting.
6.) Get those reviews done.
7.) Have you thanked your employee today? (Job well done.)
8.) What have you done for your customers lately?
9.) Stop and take a break.
10) Have an idea? Write it down before you forget.
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