Weekly Blog

Small Business Resource Round-up Since this is Small Business Month, we thought it would be the ideal time to call attention to some of the resources out there for the small business. With an increase in awareness of how important small businesses are to the local and national economies, large businesses are getting into the…

Let’s face it, our daily habits often run on autopilot. We grab coffee from the same place, click the same websites when we shop, and call the same service providers without a second thought. Loyalty is great but what if, just for a moment, we paused and considered the impact of those everyday purchases? Small…

These six digital tools will help you provide better service and build customer loyalty. Each customer has their preferred method of communication. Offer a few different options, such as live chat and phone support, that accommodate everyone. – Getty Images/andresr When a customer has a question for your business, they expect a response within a day.…

Elevate your strategy with promotional emails and newsletters while adhering to basic guidelines. Use these tips to plan your approach. After you encourage your customers to sign up for your email list, you can sort your subscribers into categories based on demographics and behaviors. – Getty Images/Petri Oeschger As a small business owner, you know that…

Many organizations provide support and online tools for small business owners and employees. Take advantage of these free resources during Small Business Month and throughout the year. Trying to keep costs down? There are plenty of free business resources online. – Getty Images/filadendron From operations and logistics to employee and customer management, small business owners wear…

Another calendar page has come and gone and with it, we’re ushering in May and Small Business Month. There’s no better time to show some local love! Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They’re the coffee shops where we meet friends, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who remember…

You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable(especially with the technology available). Whether you’re just getting started or trying…

Your Google Business Profile is a free marketing tool that can help you manage your business’s online presence. Google My Business can be a boon to local businesses if utilized correctly. – Getty Images/yongyuan Your Google Business Profile is a free tool to help you improve your local SEO efforts and attract more customers. These six steps will…

A business plan is a living, breathing document. We explain why you should write one and when you’ll know it’s time to update it. Some entrepreneurs assume that business plans have to be in-depth documents, but depending on your business, they can vary in complexity and length. – Getty Images/Hispanolistic Budding small businesses face tough odds:…

In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we feature Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Hedley & Bennett, a multimillion-dollar kitchen essentials company. Ellen explains how to use your customer feedback to grow your venture. Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder of Hedley & Bennett, embraces tough feedback from her chef customers because it…

Struggling to manage your business’s budget? Here are the features you should look for and some top budgeting tools you can use. An effective budgeting tool will include cybersecurity technology along with the usual accounting offerings. – Getty Images/andreswd As a small business owner, knowing where your money goes is key to your company’s growth. Thankfully,…

Want to scale your business? Achieve your goals with these core growth strategies and activities. Small Business Month is a great time to refresh your inspiration and motivation to find new ways to grow your business. – Getty Images/CandyRetriever May is Small Business Month, a time to support and celebrate the contributions of America’s 33.2 million small businesses and…