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Take Credit for Properly Running Your Business

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credit-card-1730085_640In today’s business world, it is imperative that business owners have their eyes on the prize when it comes to finances.

That said you may find yourself at times scratching your head as to why your revenue stream is stuck in neutral or even going in reverse.

One of the ways to make sure your finances are not in the red on a regular basis is properly accounting for all of your expenses. In making sure customers pay their bills on time, you need to be a financial wizard.

When it comes to customers paying you in a timely manner, this typically involves two scenarios.

Many customers will pay you at the time of the business transaction, while others will be billed for your services and/or products. Either way; making sure you’re not running a deficit is crucial.

So, can you definitely take credit for properly running your business?

Avoid Piling up Various Expenses

In order to keep your business financially solvent, keep in mind the following pointers:

  • Timely payments – First and foremost, make sure customers are paying you in a timely manner. While the majority of people doing business with you will be on the up-and-up, some will try and work things to their advantage. If you end up invoicing them for services or products (see more below), some may delay paying you for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons can include that they never intended to pay you in the first place, they didn’t leave the proper forwarding address for the invoice, and they are behind on other bills and you’ve been dropped to the bottom of the priority list. No matter the reason, you’re now left without a payment, meaning you have less money coming in for your own business and personal expenses;
  • Disputed payments – Another matter that oftentimes arises for many business owners is the issue of disputed payments. In such cases, the customer will dispute the charges for the products and/or services you charged them for. By doing so, they reach out to their credit card issuer and ask for a stop payment, leaving you once again in a situation where you are a put in a financial hole until the matter is ultimately decided. In order for you to go about preventing chargebacks, there are options available to you. Most notably, you can use a chargeback management program, one where your payments are in fact protected. Not only does this mean that you will get paid for the goods or services you provided, but you can oftentimes avoid costly fees, not to mention wasting your time following up on such problems. Keep in mind that a number of credit card processors will grant you a handful of chargebacks each month without a fee, though you should definitely know ahead of time which ones operate like that. At the end of the day, chargebacks can have quite the negative impact on your business, so don’t brush them off.

Are You Billing Customers on Time?

  • Invoicing Payments Due – Lastly, another crucial factor to help you take credit for properly running a business is making sure you are invoicing customers who do not pay you immediately for purchases and/or services. For example, if you have a set date each month when it comes to invoicing, don’t skip it. Yes, it can be easy to miss that date when you become overwhelmed with work responsibilities, but stop for a moment and think about the negative repercussions to doing so. Your invoices get sent out late, the customer receives them later than normal, and you end up scurrying to pay business and personal bills. If you find yourself getting too busy to handle the regular invoicing needs, consider hiring a part-time assistant to oversee that need. No matter what it takes, stick with a consistent invoicing schedule. Doing so not only allows you to get paid on time, but it lessens chances customers will forget to pay and/or possibly dispute paying you in the first place.

If you can’t take credit for properly running your business at this time, then you obviously have some work ahead of you.

For your business and personal well-being, never overlook the importance of being a financial wizard.

As a current business owner, how do you go about handling financial disputes with customers?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Make an App Work for Your Business

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iphone-410324_640 (1)Are you satisfied with where your business is as the New Year unfolds?

If the answer is not really, what do you plan to do about it?

Some business owners will simply sit back and hope that things improve, though they know that doing so is certainly taking a chance.

Others, meantime, will be much more pro-active about the situation.

If you’re in that latter group of owners, what do you plan to do this year and for down the road to make your business all the better?

Technology Can Drive Your Business

In the event you have been slow to the wave of technology over the years, you’re likely seeing the ramifications for it when it comes to your revenue.

While you do not have to be a technology geek, you should at least be aware of the different tech products and services out there, both of which could very well help your brand move forward.

With millions of consumers spending time on their mobile devices these days to browse for and ultimately buy goods and services, are you on the other end ready to serve them? If you’re not, there’s a very good chance your competition is.

If you haven’t figured out just yet why an app is a necessity for your business, follow along.

For starters, creating your own app can be a challenge, especially if your skills with such a device are limited at best.

If that’s the case, you are much better off going out and seeking the best app makers available.

Such companies in the app industry can come up with an app that not only will be worth the time of consumers to download on their mobile devices, but it will all but guarantee more cash flow for your business.

In finding the right app maker, be sure to do some research online, looking to see which app makers come with the highest recommendations from experts in the industry. Don’t just assume you are saving time and/or money by selecting the first one that pops up. Compare multiple apps side-by-side, seeing which one truly looks like it would provide you with the best technology, best customer service, and ultimately the best opportunity to bring in sales.

Promoting Your App

Once you have your own business app in place, the next big step is promoting it.

As with any device you try and promote, keep in mind that your competitors are likely doing the same thing. That then begs the question, how can you stand out from the competition?

To start with, put both your website and your social media initiatives to work.

For the former, your blog can be a great tool in marketing your app.

Writing content not only about your own company’s app, but also how consumers can benefit from downloading various business apps, is great information for the latter. Also be sure to put out any notable press releases when you are making additions etc. to your current app and what it has to offer the public.

As for social media, make sure you are as active as possible in promoting your app on the social channels.

This means the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and others.

Also be ready to answer any and all questions from consumers about your app. As with any social media chatter you get from consumers, be sure to answer them back in a courteous and timely manner.

Speaking of consumers, don’t hesitate to ask satisfied customers to help promote your app for you. As they begin to tell their family members and friends about you app and all it has to offer, word spreads, leading to more downloading of your app.

Your app can do so many positive things for your business, so start talking it up today.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

 

Does Your Website Pass the Smell Test?

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office-625893_640When it comes to running a business in today’s digital age, the importance of one’s website can never be overlooked.

Keep in mind as a business owner that millions of consumers are using the Internet on a regular basis to not only browse goods and services, but also ultimately buy what they need. As a result, your business should be front and center when it comes to making sure your brand is getting as much exposure as possible online.

With that being the case, have you reviewed your website as of late?

If so, are you happy with what you see? If the answer is no, there are a number of things you can do to improve the look and feel of your site.

Most notably, your website should be one that functions seamlessly, one that provides great value to any consumer willing to check it out.

So, when it comes right down to it at the end of the day, does your website pass the smell test?

Website Must Continue to Grow

In order for your business to reach out to as many consumers as possible, it is imperative that you make your website a priority.

Among the things you should be doing to put the Internet to work for you:

  • Review functionality – First and foremost, make sure you have a functioning website that does more than just opens up and sits there for viewers to look at. The site needs to come alive, giving consumers a reason to come back again and again. If your site is ripe with broken links, pages that take way too long to download etc. you are setting you and your brand up for potential failure. If this means hiring someone to manage your site regularly, do it. Ultimately, you will discover it was one of the best investments you ever made;
  • Stellar content – Given you have to fill your website, what better thing to put on it than stellar content? Write for your audience (consumers) in mind, pointing out ways to make their lives better when they buy your products and/or use your services. The content needs to be fresh too, meaning don’t go several weeks in between posting articles. Also encourage your readers to respond to the content, as engaging them is one of the best things you can do.

Market Your Website Regularly

  • Marketing your website – You’ve likely heard the old adage about if a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound? You could have the best website going, but what if practically no one knew about it? So that your website gets the brand promotion it needs and deserves, make sure your market it daily. Along with email blasts, social media, and press releases don’t miss out on mobile marketing. Today’s mobile marketing world is one where you really need to have your fingers on the pulse of what consumers want. Many of them are shopping for and ultimately buying items via their mobile devices, so make sure your website is up to such a task. That means have a website that fits comfortably on mobile devices without making it hard for consumers to see this image or read that sentence. Lastly, always make sure when you have any Ecommerce setup online that it runs smoothly. From when the consumer first gets on the site to the point he or she wants to go to checkout, avoid glitches. In many cases, consumers won’t come back if they see your site is one full of speed bumps.

With all the potential your website likely has, it would be bad business for you to not utilize it to its fullest extent.

Take some time to sit down and review your site, seeing what works and what very well may need your attention, fixing any issues as soon as possible.

When you do, you and your site are likely to come up smelling like a rose.

As a business owner, what website advice would you have for others running companies?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Social Media Etiquette for Your Business

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mobile-phone-1917737_640If you’re a business owner using social media these days to promote your brand, welcome to the group.

Millions of business owners around the globe use social media regularly in order to push their products and/or services, hoping that consumers answer the call.

That said properly using social media is of the utmost importance, especially if you want your brand’s online reputation to be a sound one.

So, would you consider you and your team well-versed on social media etiquette? If not, do you planning on learning more in how to go about being a good social media participant?

Being Socially Responsible

So that your brand can do its best when it comes to social media and your business, remember these important pointers:

  • Message – For starters, what kind of message are you intending to send with social media? Some business owners simply use social media because their competitors are on it. While that is a decent enough reason to be active on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and others, it certainly shouldn’t be your prime reason. First and foremost, you should be on social networking sites to deliver your brand’s message. That message should be as to why your products and/or services are superior to your competitors. Make sure each and every time that you go on a social site it has some purpose to it. Just casually using social media is fine for people with personal messages, but companies are best-served when they have a reason to use social sites on a daily basis;
  • Messenger – Do you have a designated messenger or messengers to deliver your social message on a regular basis? Some companies opt to have one person in charge of their social efforts, while others have multiple people doing the job (including the owner at times). You need to decide which voice or voices will deliver your message, thereby allowing for a more consistent voice;
  • Commitment – How committed will you and your team (if you run a company with employees) be to social media? Unfortunately, some business owners only dabble on occasion with social media, thereby missing out on some great opportunities to get their brand the recognition it needs to survive. Be sure to make social media one of your priorities as a business owner. Just coming and going on occasion is not going to be worth your time or that of those consumers doing or looking to do business with you.

Avoid Negative Social Media Experiences

  • Positivity – Although you might be tempted to fire off a negative post every now and then, avoid it at all costs. It is one thing when you don’t run a business to engage in some tit-for-tat negativity on social media. It is an entirely different animal when you have a business reputation to nurture and ultimately protect. Yes, some consumers (including even longtime customers) might get under your skin every now and then, but avoid the temptation to strike back on social media. If you decide to respond to any negative comments, always do it in a professional manner;
  • Growth – Finally, always be looking to grow your social media presence over time. While making money is and always should be your top priority (don’t forget customer service and its importance too), being relevant on social networking sites is all but a necessity these days. With millions and millions of consumers the globe over on social media, you would be foolish to think it can’t do some good for your business. That said take the time to craft a well thought out social media approach, one where your business shines daily.

As a business owner, how are you putting social media to work for your brand?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Give Customers the Best Mobile Experience Possible

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smartphone-1894723_640How much mobility would you say your business has as the New Year unfolds?

While many businesses are on top of their mobile games, others are woefully dragging behind. For those in the latter group, missed opportunities to connect with consumers and bring in more revenue are but two of the pitfalls of such inaction.

Assuming you do not want to end up in that latter group, it is important that you do all you can to have a sound mobile app presence. When you do, there are many more opportunities to grow your brand and be seen as a leader in your respective niche.

So, are you prepared to give customers the best mobile experience possible?

Being a Frontrunner in Mobile Apps and Marketing

In order for your brand to get as much positive promotions and feedback as possible, being a major player with mobile apps services is important.

With your mobile game in play, you should focus on:

  • Marketing – Having a mobile app in play for your business gives you the opportunity to expand your marketing promotions like never before. Take into account the fact that millions of consumers use their respective mobile devices on a daily basis. As a result, you can literally reach out to them anytime and anywhere. For example, do you have a new special promotion you’d like them to know about? If so, simply sending the message out via your mobile app is a great start. You may decide to throw in a digital coupon offer that saves them money on their purchases. Whatever your promotion is, make sure your mobile marketing messages spell it out loud and clearly;
  • Appearance – Even if you have some of the best products and/or services you want the world to know about, how you put that message out there is important. Keep in mind that mobile devices give you less of a screen view than a regular laptop or desktop computer. As such, if your message doesn’t properly fit on the screen of a mobile device, not only can your brand look unprofessional, but you may not get your entire message out there. Be sure that the design is what you want it to be, giving customers the best user experience possible when viewing your message;
  • Feedback – Finally, expect and accept the consumer feedback you receive regarding your mobile app. Yes, some of it may be critical at times, but take those opportunities as a chance to improve the user experience for consumers. Without ever knowing what they like and do not like, how can you expect to come up with the perfect mobile app? Without duplicating their efforts, also take some time to see how competitors are using their mobile apps to build business. By seeing what kind of feedback they receive from consumers, it will give you a few ideas of what to do and not to do with yours.

Don’t Shortcut Your Brand on Mobility

Lastly, mobile apps are not going anywhere anytime soon, so educate you and your staff on how important they are in growing your brand.

As important as using your mobile app for sales is, don’t forget other options for your app.

For starters, load your app up with relevant content and videos.

When it comes to content, you can provide articles not only talking about your products and services, but what your overall industry is doing.

For example, if you’re a Realtor with a mobile app for business, articles on trends in the real estate market would be quite worthwhile to those individuals and families looking to buy or sell properties. You can (and should) also add videos to the app, something that is usually a sure winner with consumers. By showcasing different properties on your app, potential buyers and sellers can look at different homes and/or condos right in the palm of their hands.

It is safe to say that mobility within your business is important now and will continue so down the road.

When you give customers the best mobile experience possible, they are apt to keep coming back.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Give Your Website Some Added Muscle

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muscles-811479_640 (1)When was the last time you gave your business website a thorough review?

If it has been a long period of time in between reviews, why not start the New Year off by doing just that?

Without a website to anchor your business, you may very well survive when all is said and done. On the other hand, not having a website may be the one key ingredient preventing you from taking your business onward and upward.

Even though having a website is not a guarantee to being a successful business, having one certainly enhances your ability to not only spread the word about your brand, but know what competitors are up to.

That said is it time you gave your website some added muscle?

Starting Off with the Right Formula

Just putting together a website does not guarantee you automatic success.

Keep in mind that your website needs to generate traffic, traffic that you hope will convert from bystanders into customers. With that being the goal, how will you bring a sizable amount of traffic to your site?

Among the ways to go about it:

  • Linking up with winners – If you have your own team aboard to assist you with creating and managing your website, you’re already a step ahead. On the other hand, you may determine that it is best to outsource your website needs, at least in terms of creating it and ultimately doing all the labor. The last option is having a mix of in-house efforts, combining them with some outsourcing. No matter what final call you end up making, be sure to choose wisely if reaching outside your firm for help. For instance, would you benefit from using a link building service? Such a provider can offer you editorial links, links that will hopefully send consumers towards your website. Most notably used in blog content, those links can be like gold, especially if it leads a consumer to buy a product or service from you after reading about you somewhere online. If you opt for working with a link building company, be sure to scout them so that you know not only what they offer, but their track record of success;
  • Dealing in deals – What consumer doesn’t like a deal? Your website should regularly promote any specials that you are offering. As the deals take flight, consumers are likely to spread the word to family and friends. In turn, you now stand a good chance of increasing your web traffic day after day. Even on days you’re not offering specials, some intrigued consumers will visit your site to see what you are up to.

Socialize the Website User Experience

  • Don’t Be Shy – Last but not least, how social are you in promoting your website? When it comes right down to it, being shy about your website is a recipe for few visitors and ultimately disaster. There’s a reason CEOs are tweeting and other business heads are sharing etc. on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other social sites. The bottom line; being social about your brand does wonders for it. For example, do you have a new product or service you want to try out with the public? If so, spreading the word on social media is a great move. Not only will more consumers know about it, but you can also get instantaneous feedback in many cases. Finally, social media allows you to hear the chatter about some or all of your competition. Just by listening in, you know where you may be gaining or losing ground with them.

Yes, running a business demands much of your time. In fact, you may feel like there are not enough hours in a day in some cases.

So that your business can be as productive as possible, make sure your website has a spot high up on your list of needs.

With a productive website anchoring your business, your company can flex its muscles, outshining the competition day after day.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.