May 2009 Blog Posts (11)

How Much Traffic Are You Getting From Social Media

Do you know how much traffic your business is getting from social media and PR? If you’re like most businesses, the answer is a definite “no”.

In fact, according to Tealium (a Web analytics integration and consultation provider), businesses are grossly under-counting their social media and PR traffic by skipping over “view-through” traffic.

Tealium conducted their own study… Continue

Added by Todd Swickard on May 28, 2009 at 1:00pm — No Comments

Successfully Combining Traditional and Interactive Marketing

It’s a conundrum. How do you get these different media to work together effectively? You know you need an internet presence. Your website isn’t getting you the leads you want, and you’re not sure whether it’s because it’s not optimized, because visitors aren’t finding what they need on your site, or whether your offline campaign isn’t driving them to the site. Your sales are down – is it because your broadcast campaign isn’t working, or because people are finding better options after looking… Continue

Added by Todd Swickard on May 27, 2009 at 11:02am — No Comments

7 steps to find the RIGHT web developer

Sites that don’t function the way they should make me angry. People have given good money to someone who seemed reputable, but who provided a solution that didn't solve their problem. Just the other day, I reviewed a website for a law firm. They called me because they wanted marketing help to increase traffic to their site – so it will help them generate sales leads. But their site isn’t ranking organically. At all.

(photo by angelsk, courtesy… Continue

Added by Karin Oliver-Kreft on May 27, 2009 at 11:00am — 3 Comments

SBA America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans available June 15, 2009

Small businesses suffering financial hardship as a result of the slow economy may be eligible to receive temporary relief to keep their doors open and get their cash flow back on track through to a new loan program announced today by SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. Beginning on June 15, SBA will start guaranteeing America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans. ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help… Continue

Added by Michael Bowers on May 20, 2009 at 12:57pm — No Comments

Vending machine?

I was walking on campus towards my Spanish class when I realized that i had forgotten to bring a pen. Looking around, i realized that the closest store was about 15 minutes away and class was about to start; Frantic, had to ask about 5 classmates before someone had a spared pencil. Partially glad, since I wasn't alone in the no-pen/cil club, 3 others were also in the same situation. Wish we had a store near by, but wasn't really practical due to the building arrangement. Then it just jumped… Continue

Added by Wen on May 19, 2009 at 6:24pm — No Comments

Any Suggestions?

Hello again,

I was reading through some of the books that are available at my local library (Thanks Barbara!) and came across something very interesting. I would love to know if anyone else has had any success with finding investors (particularly the angel kind ; o) to get their business started? I know networking is important to finding investors but is there a place or forum that I could solicit for investors. I never considered investors before and the more I read about it, the more… Continue

Added by Ronnetta Denton on May 19, 2009 at 3:54pm — No Comments

Any Grant Money Available???

Hello,

I am trying to bring my idea from in my head into a reality. Unfortunately the reality is you need money to make it. I am trying to get as much free money as I can. I am sure everyone who wants to start their own business does. I don't know where to start. I am trying to open a novelty shop. I don't understand how to apply for grants or where to find them without having to pay to get the information. I was told that the information is free but every website I visit wants you to pay!… Continue

Added by Ronnetta Denton on May 18, 2009 at 12:29pm — 5 Comments

Things to consider for different advertising media

Television

-Watch with the sound turned off. Who is the target and what is the ad trying to get the audience to do?

-Branded entertainment within a TV program or program sponsorship is proven more effective than spot ads.

-Interactive advertising is here to stay — "go to the web and..."

Radio-If you don't have the attention of the listener within the first five seconds, you've failed.

-Radio holds more than 92 percent of its… Continue

Added by SBDCNet.org on May 11, 2009 at 10:00am — No Comments

Understanding Connectors and Hubs in Today’s Market Environment

By Russ Altman

Assistant Director, Texas Tech University Small Business Development Center

Scattered randomly throughout all corners and societies of the world there are a relative handful of people with the talent and propensity for making numerous friends and acquaintances, and they are known as connectors.

Social connectors are extremely important to the social networks that permeate societies, and are a key component of every social network no matter how… Continue

Added by SBDCNet.org on May 5, 2009 at 9:35am — No Comments

Cash Flow & Financing

Cash flow can make or break a small businesses. Businesses require money to operate and in tough times, like those we are currently facing, cash can get tight. Most businesses at some point, have to borrow money, whether it be for much needed new equipment or to cover a temporary cash flow gap.

Maybe you are in need of financing for a new line of products or an overall company expansion. Or you need financing for seasonal inventory or commercial real estate. If you are under… Continue

Added by Kevin Hammond on May 1, 2009 at 10:15am — No Comments

Quick Tip For Entrepreneurs ~ May 1

Bambi Francisco, of Vator.TV, interviews Dennis Fong, founder of Raptr, a social platform where people can play games. Fong also started gaming company Xfire, which was sold to Viacom for $102 million in 2006.

I really like what he has to say in this interview. Particularly his comments about speed. Speed is everything. I see so many people that miss opportunities becasue they are slow to market because of lack… Continue

Added by Michael Bowers on May 1, 2009 at 8:35am — No Comments