en-us http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/%blog_id.html Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. Subject to its Terms of Use November 9, 2009 http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/430000243/post/1990006199.html Subscribe to Retail Online Since the implementation of the Internet back in 1992, and the subsequent boom that’s followed, businesses are slower to follow the trends that their customers are creating.Some retailers and small manufacturers build websites that contain only the bare bones of inf… Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:47:03 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/1980006198.html Dear Suzanna: My brother “Darrell” and I co-own a profitable construction firm that has been valued at approximately $8 million. Darrell is getting married soon and I suspect his soon-to-be-wife is just a gold digger. When they get married, will she have any claim on the business? What i… Mon, 08 Jan 2007 08:41:10 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/2000006200.html According to Forrester Research, 8 out of 10 broadband users delete most commercial e-mail without reading it, and 6 out of 10 say most e-mail doesn't offer them anything interesting. Although many of us keep throwing them in the trash, with its extremely low cost of implementation, e-mail marke… Mon, 08 Jan 2007 08:49:24 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/1100006310.html The purpose of a business card is so your prospects keep it handy in case they require your products or services. It’s meant to serve as a reminder of what you do. You can use them like mini flyers that advertise all of the necessary information about your business. Then…Why not use them… Tue, 09 Jan 2007 20:46:05 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/430000243/post/1220006322.html Subscribe to Retail Online Many retailers have told me over the years that they don't want to target the rest of the world, they want to target locally. Their website was built for information, not to sell product. Do they still have to play in the search engine world? The answer is yes… Wed, 10 Jan 2007 11:43:02 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/1230006323.html My dear old departed Grandma, a lifelong farm wife, told me to be careful about putting all my eggs in one basket, but then again she raised chickens.How many of us put that saying into action with our investments?When it comes to diversifying your assets, that old adage is not only relevant –… Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:50:53 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/1520006352.html What is a Logo?The American Marketing Association defines a logo as a "word, phrase or graphic, which is used as a continuing symbol for a company, organization or brand." Why is Having a Logo Important?All I have to do is mention the logo and people will instantly picture the logo and iden… Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:01:13 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/430000243/post/1570006357.html Subscribe to Retail Online Small to medium size companies have two things going for them that large companies generally do not: speed and resiliency. You are able to implement projects quickly, and are quick to respond to change, or any given situation, rapidly. Plus, you can … Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:27:01 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/1660006366.html Is attracting and keeping quality employees one of your biggest challenges as a business owner or manager?As I talk to business owners, they repeatedly tell me recruiting and retaining employees is critical, yet many think they can’t afford to offer a key benefit -- a retirement plan. Accordi… Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:07:32 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/1900006390.html Having bargain-hunting clients is a given in any business. Some customers will want bargain-basement prices, while others will be happy to pay more for a higher level of service. Below is a simple scenario on how and when to deal with a price objection. “Okay, thank-you for the information bu… Mon, 15 Jan 2007 05:46:04 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/1920006392.html Dear Suzanna: I’m a 70 year old CEO of a successful 2nd generation family construction business, and my family wants me to retire.My son wants to take it over and is offering to buy me out just like I bought out my dad. He’s a smart kid and he’s been involved in the company for ove… Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:13:28 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/430000243/post/60006406.html Subscribe to Retail Online I recently read a highlight in the IAB SmartBrief newsletter (Interactive Advertising Bureau), pulled from an article running on BusinessWeek, stating that search ads are losing appeal for small businesses. It read, "With the price per click of simple… Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:57:53 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/250006425.html Recently, I quoted my beloved Grandma Dorothy, who told us not to put all our eggs in one basket – but, unfortunately, Grandma did not specify exactly how many or what kind of baskets we need.That column discussed the benefits of reducing your investment risk around through asset allocation, b… Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:49:04 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/620006462.html You’ve been talking about starting that clothing store with your best friend for years. Or perhaps you and your sister are finally ready to open that home store you dreamed of endlessly when you were still roommates at your folk’s house. Now that you're in the start-up phase, the re… Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:52:07 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/690006469.html If you have a small business, training your employees can be extremely costly and a challenge. Though costly, employee development is closely linked to the growth of a company. This is especially true for small businesses, in which each employee plays a vital role in the success of the company. More… Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:39:36 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/740006474.html Recently while helping the owner of a trucking company set up a retirement plan for his business, I was reminded that time pressures are the biggest reality in a business owner’s or employee’s day.With the phone ringing and clients waiting, how do you find and make time to think about an… Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:50:50 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/430000243/post/840006484.html Subscribe to Retail Online When thinking about your brand, keep in mind these 7 traits: 1. Excel at what your competition doesn't. If you are great at jewelry displays, gifts arrangements, or customer service, play that up. 2. Own one big idea. We all know that Geico c… Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:24:26 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/420000242/post/1030006503.html Starting a business with the one you love might sound marvelous, but you should give it careful consideration before making the business commitment. I’ll start with this. I’m crazy about my husband David and because we both want to make the new store successful and innovative…Dav… Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:30:16 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/410000241/post/1050006505.html Dear Suzanna: I’ve owned a successful contracting firm for ten years.While I understand business finance, I’m not always confident about my personal investments and am thinking about hiring a financial advisor.What are the most important things to consider? --From “J.P. in Califo… Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:15:49 PST http://www.expertBusinessSource.com/blog/430000243/post/1150006515.html Subscribe to Retail Online There’s no easy way around it. You can’t create a web site and expect people to find it, nor can you update it only once or twice a year. A web site is one of your best marketing vehicles, and good content keeps customers returning to learn more. No good conte… Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:11:37 PST