Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Google Engage

Each day, people go to Google to find businesses like yours. Make sure your business shows up!

My company partners with Google to allow small business owners the opportunity to run an easy-to-create ad on Google that appears to potential customers searching your area for exactly what you offer.
If you're interested in receiving $100 in free advertising, get in touch with me and I'll mail you a coupon code with additional information from Google about how to get started. This is for new customers only with self-managed accounts.*

Don't delay...accounts must be established and coupon code applied BY JUNE 30, 2012.

*I am an AdWords specialist. Soon after you've established an account, it would be wise to consider hiring me to manage your account. I've been managing client accounts for 7 years and can optimize your campaigns to get the best ROI for your business. There is simply SO much to learn! By hiring me you'll save money by getting my experience and knowledge behind your campaigns.

P.S. If you're interested in advertising in Facebook, email me. I can establish and manage an ad campaign for you.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Tips for Starting a Business After 50


Over 50? Thinking of starting a business? You are the only one. Several big business owners like McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the inventor of ramen noodles all got their start well after they were 50!

Read this article for tips on getting a business started or buying an existing business.

50+ Entrepreneurs article at SBA.gov

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Motivating Employees


Key points for motivating your employees by American Express' Open Forum:
  • Hire people with a high level of self-motivation and convey goals of your business.
  • Do little things in your work environment that shows you appreciate your employees. Not everyone is motivated by money. A small business owner in NY, Dixon Schwabl, writes encouraging post-it notes to her employees every Friday and holds ice cream Thursdays.
  • Don't wait for review time to reward an employee's performance with a pay increase.
  • Share sales goals and involve employees in important decisions.
  • Schedule regular talk times with employees to improve communication (outside the work environment, if possible). Regular feedback is crucial.
  • Don't use fear as a motivator.

In Small Biz News:

Apple's iOS 5.1.1 Update
Facebook Adds Services for Vets and Military Families
Google Sites Top Facebook on Mobile
New Barnes & Noble Subsidiary to Do Battle with Amazon and Apple e-Books

Interesting Small Biz tidbit - According to a survey from the Kauffman Foundation and Thumbtack.com, Texas, Idaho, Oklahoma and Utah are the most small business-friendly states.