You’ve heard it before. You only have seconds to grab the attention of the next prospect that lands on your website. There are a few key components on your web page that can capture someone’s attention but the most powerful one is your headline.  There has been a lot written about how to create a powerful headline. Here a few suggestions so you (or your assistant) can get the job done right. Read More→

Doing the work of growing an independent business is a challenging but satisfying experience for the millions of people who decide to become entrepreneurs.  The minute your eyes open in the morning the exhilaration begins. But by day’s end you can go to bed feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

So many business writers and coaches have said again and again: the key to achieving success and maintaining it is to keep a positive mind-set.

How often have you heard that in the midst of a crisis and thought – sure easier said than done?  It may be easier said than done but the alternative to a positive mind-set doesn’t provide answers either. It’s hard to see how growth, ingenuity and commitment can arise from a “negative” mind-set.

Let’s look at the 5 key ways to help you create and sustain a positive mind-set so that you can realize the goals and success that inspired you to start your business in the first place. Read More→

I don’t think we can say enough right now about the importance of blogs – especially for small businesses.  Bigger businesses can enlist all sorts of expensive consultants to spend even more money implementing high end  social media promotion and main stream advertising tactics to drive traffic to their websites.

Businesses on a small budget can be just as effective at reaching their own website traffic goals by using strategic website optimization techniques like “regular blogging” and a 9 other free techniques we’re going to list here:
1. Blog regularly – Provide Fresh Content – no one wants to visit a blog day after day and see the same posts. Update your blog content at least twice a week. This will be easier if you write several posts ahead of time and upload them at the appropriate times.

2. Article Marketing – the niche you’ve chosen for your blog is one that interests you. If it is interesting you will spend more time doing it. Create content not only for your blog but also to be submitted to article directories. Use the resource box to advertise your blog so people can find you. Read More→

Making the decision to invest in small business training will truly improve your bottom line. Not only will you gain much needed knowledge, but you’ll also likely meet colleagues in these learning groups who are also small business owners and who will offer support and encouragement along with valuable ideas you may not have considered.

In order to get the most out of your online learning experience, though, you need to have a plan.

First, decide exactly how much time you can devote to your education. No matter how expensive the course or how fabulous the instructor, if you do nothing with the materials but file them away for “later” you will not gain anything from the experience, and may even walk away feeling the course itself was at fault.

Most online learning resources will advise you on how much time you should expect to spend reading, doing, and otherwise participating in the class. Read More→