Business Blogs: Trends, tips, and real-life anecdotes from industry experts.

On Tuesday, Katie Yeakle, executive director of American Writers & Artists, Inc., shared her small-business wisdom with us. Today, she provides valuable advice on seeking legitimate training for a new career.
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Katie Yeakle,
American Writers & Artists, Inc.
Executive Director
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What are some things to be aware of when looking for the appropriate training to start a new business or [...]

The producers at The Big Idea called asking if I’d make myself available to help out one of their viewers in need. His name was Tony, and here was his situation: He’s a dad of four kids, got let go from one job accepted a new one and that company went bankrupt right before his [...]

It’s travel season … last week Washington, DC for Franchise Appreciation Day and this week Franchise Update’s annual Franchise Development Conference at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL. The conference agenda is helping owners of franchise organizations (in a peer to peer environment) understand the present franchise sales environment and gain valuable insight for improving [...]

Creating strong relationships with customers through your email marketing campaign is critical for maintaining true customer retention. Getting to know your audience, defining your purpose, and providing incentives to turn prospects into customers will encourage a higher return in investment and overall, a better quality campaign.

As a starting point, you must find what format and [...]

If you want to expand your business worldwide (or if you are having trouble finding the right bra), it’s time to meet Retha Queenan.
She is a dynamic entrepreneur located in the U.K. Not only is she a mother and wife, but she is also an established veterinarian.
When she had a difficult time finding [...]

Want to know how to make a customer loyal? And how to get the most out of your relationship with your customers?
It’s simple. Do what Patagonia does.
Here’s a quick, real-world experience I just had and it blew me away and made me a Patagonia loyalist for life.
Background: I bought a shell jacket from a local [...]

Thanks for the responses.
The point of my post about the sign on the front desk of the Mill Creek Inn in Lake Geneva Wisconsin was not to opine about whether they have the right to set some parameters around the use of their facilities. They of course have the right to set policies that maximize [...]

Nice first impression for a weary traveller hoping for a relaxing soak after a long day.
Not.
Take a look at your company’s first impression. Hopefully it it better than this one in Lake Geneva.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Field is President of PrintingForLess.com, known by its thousands of happy customers as "America’s Print Shop." He works and lives [...]

I’ve mentioned that PFL’s business model is built on "customer intimacy," or knowing a lot about our customers and how each of them defines success for their small business.
One obstacle we encounter is when growth and career moves force us to "churn" a team. So when we add a new team member, we proactively introduce [...]

OK, maybe I’m extrapolating a little with that headline. But it is nice to see that Dell is looking at going to a team system for improved customer service. We made that move five years ago, and our customers love it. Check out this article from Service Untitled, which is a great site for all [...]