I am always puzzled by the looks I get many times when discussing accountants an lawyers with my clients. I usually see it when I ask "what did your accountant/lawyer say about this issue?"  That's when I get the "the look". and the response is usually something like "they don't know anything about this issue" or "I only use them for taxes, they don't know about my kind of business"

This in a fundamental breakdown in communication between accountant/lawyer and client. Don't be afraid to call your attorney or accountant to bounce an idea off of them. They are more useful than what you may think!
Your accountant cares about your business nearly as much as you do, don't overlook this hugely valuable asset you already have in your back pocket. Your success is their success!

D3 Media has launched a new website for a local small business based in Comstock Park. 2 The Rescue has been in business for 8 years, but due to recent changes in their business needed a new website. Thanks to a recommendation from another small business in Comstock Park Michigan, Data Legal, we got the job.

2 The Rescue is a property damage restoration company providing water, smoke and mold remediation services to property owners throughout the West Michigan region.

I loved working with Owner, Tom Connette on this project. He's a down to earth guy who loves helping West Michigan families and businesses. "Property Damage Restoration is More than a Technical Problem, we understand that water, smoke, mold and property damage presents a stressful disruption to your life and peace of mind. Our role goes far beyond just repairing property, it's repairing lives."

It's hard to believe in this age of digital this and that and everything else, the business card is still the number one advertising tool used to promote businesses and services. I have known this for quite some time and yet even I am guilty of making my business card just as run-of-the-mill as 99% of all the cards out there.

When I came across the video below, it was like a slap in the face. Here I am, promoting myself as a consultant to small businesses with a plane-Jane business card.

As small business owners, we must always remain vigilant when it comes to marketing our businesses.

I tell my clients, having a website today, is like having a "Yellow Pages" ad 25 years ago. It's a must if you want to be found by new customers. You simply can not be competitive in today's market without one.

Which brings me to my post title. A MUST of many that businesses need to include in your toolbox of marketing tools. Video.

Below is a great info-graphic about using video in your social marketing efforts.

As Inc. states,

Free shipping is a real treat, isn't it? Everyone loves it, I know I do! But what else could you do when people purchase from your shop? Let customers know you mean business--good business--with a marketing piece tucked inside. Jot a quick, personalized thank you note. Whether it's an "Enjoy the cookies" or a "Great choice! These earrings are amazing", your customers will appreciate the time you spent to make it personal, as well as business.

Below is a great article I had to share for those of you shipping your products to customers far and wide.

Just How Important Is Offering Free Shipping?
Retail is undergoing a rapid metamorphosis from online shopping as a nice complement to bricks and mortar shopping to online retailing as the main, or even sole, method of shopping for many consumers. The 2014 Walker Sands Communications “Reinventing Retail” study uncovered some surprising facts about consumer attitudes towards ecommerce.

Many small business owners continue to wage pricing wars to drive online sales when in fact the key to increasing the average order size may in fact be shipping. Retail shipping, it seems, may be the key that unlocks profits for retailers. (learn who offers the lowest shipping rates here)

The chart below, taken from the previously cited Walker Sands study, lists the responses when consumers were asked, “Would you be more likely to purchase online if you were offered….”

Note what customers cite as an incentive to buy online – free shipping. In fact, both free shipping and 1-day shiping ranked high on the list of reasons customers would buy online.

Take-Aways for Small BusinessesSmall business owners engaged in ecommerce should take note of the forecasted trends in shipping services. Consumers have spoken, and the result is a manageable list of changes small business owners can make to be more competitive in the ecommerce sector.

• Compete on shipping services, not on price. Many small businesses make the mistake of trying to compete with the ‘big boys’ like Amazon on price. You can’t win a pricing war with a huge, global retailer that wields enormous negotiating power with wholesalers. Instead, organize your competitive strategy around shipping.
• Free shipping is such an appealing offer for the majority of consumers in the survey that it makes sense to offer it as much as possible. Just remember to wrap shipping costs into the cost of goods to offset any potential losses.
• Experiment and test offers such as free shipping versus one or two-day delivery to see which service your customers prefer. The U.S. Postal Service offers the least expensive one and two-day shipping options compared to other major carriers, and you can print postage online and schedule pickup from your store or office location.
• Make online returns simple for your customers. Test free shipping on returned items, no-hassle returns, or other offers and wording to see which performs best for your business.
• Since shipping is an important part of ecommerce, don’t forget to include box stuffers, or marketing materials, in your outbound cartons. It’s a truism in direct marketing that customers are more likely to purchase again soon after a first sale if they’re satisfied with their items. Enclose a ‘thank you offer’ or discount coupon, a new catalog, or another incentive in your outbound packages to encourage the next sale.

Shipping continues to evolve as an area of competitive difference for ecommerce businesses. Small business owners can capitalize on these changes in shipping trends to compete with the biggest businesses on a more even footing.


Article source http://fitsmallbusiness.com/offering-free-shipping/

1. Don't start a company unless it's an obsession and something you love.
   
2. If you have an Exit Strategy, it's not an obsession."
   

Great advise for anyone looking to start a business or should I say, STAY in business. These rules apply to anyone, even if you're not new to business. At least according to Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the six sharks on Shark Tank. These are the first two of twelve he has for Start-ups.

I'm still surprised by some of the business owners I come in contact with. They just don't see the value in having a sharp, attractive, functional, professional website. They struggle and struggle without one, and still they wonder why they have either lost business or just quit growing. The first thing I ask is, how's your website doing? If they say they don't have one, or haven't touched it in years, I just shake my head like a disappointed parent, and ask them. Have you seen the news lately?

"get your act together young man!" My Mother said that to me countless times when I was growing up, and a few times since. "you have so much potential" I heard from my High School counselor, "if only you would apply yourself".

Ok, so here we are (many) years later, and I'm turning the tables. To all you nay-sayers, and afraid-to-learn business owners,(you know who you are) I say, "showing up is half the battle"! I present you with 7 reasons YOU NEED A WEBSITE.