As an online entrepreneur, you know that great ecommerce web design can make or break your sales numbers. But statistics like site visits, click throughs to item descriptions, and other numbers might not tell the whole story: according to BizReport and eWay Direct, the majority of shoppers- a whopping 70%- browse products, set aside items for purchase and then…vanish. It’s called shopping cart…

[Read full article]

You’d probably think twice before going for a trim at Yummy Hair or getting an oil change at Sham Auto Repair, right? Choosing a business name is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur can be faced with- the name will stick with your company for years into the future, tell customers what your business is all about, and determine…

[Read full article]

Every business owner wants to use time-proven, effective marketing tactics that build strong brand awareness and increase its clientele. Small business owners today may not necessarily have the tools to spend an insane amount of money on television advertising, radio spots, or other costly advertising avenues such as billboards emblazoned with state-of-the-art graphics. Other advertising methods exist that are cost-effective and have…

[Read full article]

Remember that back-to-school anticipation from when you were a kid? You’d buy a new backpack, pick out your “first day” outfit, get all your new school supplies organized, and excitedly make your way to class for the fresh start of a new school year. As an adult, late August just doesn’t produce that same excitement (unless you count claiming the house back…

[Read full article]

In the real world, we have to deal with facing down challenges that can’t be overcome simply with motivational catch phrases made famous by Tony Robbins or Dr. Phil. Lately, we’re all taking hits from the recession and the general depression that this has brought on our country. Nationally and locally, business are facing hardships that we as a country haven’t truly…

[Read full article]

For some services, going local can make all the difference.  Not only are you able to get the personalized service that comes with face-to-face contact, but local service vendors often understand your concerns a little better. That’s why we’ve launched our local directory for phone systems and VoIP phone systems.  Ever wanted to make sure you could have a face-to-face meeting…

[Read full article]

Here’s some good news: small businesses are adding more employees.  One hiring index tracking small business trends reported a 21-point increase over June numbers for the month of July, indicating that the size of the small business workforce is actually growing, despite some other grim economic predictions. That small businesses are hiring isn’t all great, though: hiring a new employee can…

[Read full article]

Sharks have long been one of the earth’s most maligned creatures.  Even though we’ve all heard the statistics- for example, that you’re likelier to be hit by airplane debris falling from the sky than be attacked by a shark- most of us still cringe at the theme from “Jaws.”  If the shark were a company, we’d say it had a…

[Read full article]

Provide tangible value. We have a client with a fascinating vision of the future of technology in their sector, but we’ve advised them to make that game-changing vision a secondary message because their first goal is to sell product. [Read full article]

Business plans are the homework that just won’t end. Imagine being in school and being given an assignment to write a term paper. You have an outline of what’s required, a recommended format that you should use, and a timeline in which completing it would be advised. Here’s the rub: what if that assignment is never done. The due date comes and goes and it constantly…

[Read full article]