Successful Blog

Why Business Cards Still Matter

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If you’re a tech-savvy, online-shopping, social media-sharing internet junkie like much of the rest of the world, you probably wonder why some businesses still rely on business cards.

We live in a time where the world is at our fingertips – literally – thanks to the internet. You can find company information, contact pages, product information and more with just the click of a button.

So, how do business cards still fit in?

Surprisingly, a Small Business Sentiment Survey conducted by Yodle found that roughly 52 percent of small businesses still don’t have a website. And, in North America alone, more than 20 percent of the population does not use the internet, according to Internet World Stats.

Business cards won’t get lost in the shuffle of the world-wide web. They’re concrete, edgy and still very useful.

In fact, a survey conducted by Designcrowd found that 87 percent of Americans exchange business cards when meeting. If you own and operate a small business, that statistic alone should be enough to make you want to develop your own personalized business card.

Why business cards matter

Though having a website and developing company social media pages are important, you still need to have a real-life, tangible business card to help meet your needs.

Keep in mind:

  1. Business cards put a face to a business – When meeting someone new, handing them your business card (preferably with your photo on it) will help keep your business in the back of their minds. Though they may not need your product or services today, there may come a time when they do, and hopefully they will be able to pull out your business card and call versus trying to remember your company name and searching the web.
  2. Business cards visually create your brand – Your business card should stand out among the rest. It showcases you and your company in a visually creative way. Don’t just simply put your name and phone number on the card; instead, add color, a photo or two and your business’ motto. Make it easy for your potential customer to want to use your services.
  3. Without a business card, you look unprofessional – Even if your business is done almost solely online, you still should carry a business card for when you meet new people – whether at the gym or at your child’s birthday party. Local business is always important and by handing out your business card to new people you meet, you’re greatly increasing your chances of growing your business. Plus, if a new friend is genuinely interested in your company and you have no way of providing them with contact information, you may have lost them as your future customer.

If you’d like to get creative, Canva offers a “Free Business Card Maker” so you can easily create your own business cards with a few clicks.

Almost as important as the business card itself is how you carry them.

While stashing a few in your pocket may work, it’s better to be organized with a sleek, high-quality holder.

Retailers such as Walmart offer a variety of business card holders at an affordable price. This Engraved Leather Business Card Case is lightweight, will fit into your suit jacket pocket and is personalized all for $25.

Have your business card handy and always carry at least 5 with you at all times.

As a business owner, marketing your business is not a 9 to 5 job, it’s a 24/7/365 job since you’ll always be on the lookout for new business.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of savit keawtavee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer living in Glendale, AZ. She writes on small businesses, personal finances and travel.

Are Your Employees Insured Against Disaster?

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adoccFor those who own their own small business, decisions must be made on a daily basis.

One of the big decisions that can weigh on the shoulders of small business owners is the one of whether to offer group health insurance or not.

For those owners trying to decide one way or another, check out the following FAQ’s for some answers:

Group Health Insurance FAQ

  1. Does a small business have to offer health insurance to its employees?

No. Unless a small business has 50 or more employees, group health insurance is completely optional.

  1. Why should small businesses offer health insurance to their employees?

If a small business owner does decide to offer group health insurance, his or her employees may seek health assistance quicker if a health issue arises and less work and time may be missed. Though health insurance is an expense to the employer, the goal is to save money in the long run by providing good health care options to employee so they can stay healthier and miss less work. If a serious illness or health condition arises, they’ll have security in getting the proper care they need.

Also, some employees may have benefits as one of their own job requirements. A small business owner can miss out on an excellent employee if they do not offer group health insurance. Many employees feel that if their employer cannot provide health insurance, the loyalty of the company is lacking and they may choose to go elsewhere, where insurance is covered.

  1. Should employees have a say in deciding on group insurance?

That would really be up to the employer, but usually it is better if the employer just makes these choices.

Employees have enough to choose from within the given plan; it’s probably best for the owner to go ahead and choose the best health insurance company to fit the needs of the small business and then offer the plan to the employees.

  1. How does an employer/small business owner go about choosing the best company to provide coverage?

The best way to narrow down the different providers is to begin with research. Employers should research online, make some phone calls and have a list ready with questions they have and whatever requirements they have for their company and employees.

Yes, it’s tough for a business owner to make so many decisions every day.

Figuring out his or her employee’s health care is not an easy one.

But if it is a possibility to offer the option of group health insurance, it’s a great way for a small business owner to make employees feel well taken care of.

As a small business owner, how have you gone about covering your employees?

Photo credit: Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Heather Legg is a writer who covers topics on small business, social media and mindful living.

How to Create a Healthy, Successful Work Environment

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There are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to business success: finances, networking, expansion, etc.

However, while these are important matters, there is one matter that is usually overlooked even though it has the ability to make or break the company—your workplace’s atmosphere.

The health of your company is dependent upon the health of your team, for your business will only go as far as your team promotes it.

Here are a few tips to creating an inviting, successful work environment:

1. Organize

Because there often feels like there is too little time in a day to accomplish everything you need to, you often spread yourself and your employees too thin. Instead of focusing 100 percent of your attention on one task at hand, you spread your focus over too many issues, which leads to disorganization and poor business performance.

Instead, set a schedule and stick to it. Be organized about what needs to be done, when it needs to be, and how it should be done. Set the precedent for your workplace by being organized and delegating tasks efficiently. Do an online company check to see how other business competitors are managing and learn from their actions.

2. Reduce Stress

Whether your business is a brand new start-up or a well-oiled machine, it is crucial to alleviate employee stress. A chaotic atmosphere is overwhelming, which can lead to severe stress. When you and your team are under duress, you are more susceptible to sickness, to financial errors, and business mistakes, among others. According to a Harvard Medical School study of stress, stress can often harm a person “physically, emotionally, and psychologically.”

Getting a handle on stress is the first step. Find a technique or activity that relaxes you and work that into both your routine and your team’s routine. Even in a high-pressure work environment, make sure you emphasize the importance of taking breaks during the workday and relaxing.

3. Goal Oriented

Establish goals and deadlines for you company. You can easily track your company’s success when you have goals that are measurable. Moreover, goals and deadlines help to keep you and your team focused on the tasks at hand. Begin by establishing (on paper) goals you want to accomplish six months or a year from now. Create incentives for your team to keep them working hard and focused. For example, offer your team a bonus if you reach your financial goal. It will keep both you and your team motivated while furthering your business’s success.

4. Comfortable Environment

An environment conducive to success will motivate you and your team. The workplace should be efficient and comfortable—emotionally and physically. Keep the office space at a comfortable temperature and at a comfortable mood. Stress the importance of being a team, which will hopefully dispel any negativity or competition amongst co-workers. Additionally, try to make the office space relaxing by making it as bright and airy as possible and having a designated area as a break room.

Image Source: www.wgal.com

About the Author: Ted Levin is a freelance journalist covering business topics for a variety of websites. He enjoys writing about startup challenges and company culture. 

Lock in Best Rates on a Business Credit Card

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What are some of the key challenges for business owners in 2014?

If you ask that question of such people, they’re likely to tell you attaining and retaining customers can be one of the trickier tasks when running a business.

Face it, many consumers in today’s economic climate have to make tough choices about where they’re going to shop, when they can afford to shop, and of course how much money they can afford to spend.

As a business owner, you can encourage consumers to come deal with you by making the shopping experience as friendly and easy as possible.

Credit Cards and Customers

One way to make the shopping trip easier for customers is by having the right credit card provider available to them to charge purchases.

Whether they make a charge in your place of business, over the phone or through online avenues, a simple and effective credit card option will help keep shoppers coming back.

“More shoppers want a quick and easy shopping experience, especially when online,” said Chris Mettler of CompareCards.com. “Having the right credit card options for them makes things better for everyone involved in the sales process.”

According to a report from Javelin Strategy & Research, in just three years, it is expected that less than 25 percent of all point-of-sales acquisitions will be made with cash. The translation – more than 75 percent of all purchases by consumers will be made via credit and debit cards.

As a business owner, it behooves you to make sure that your credit card or cards of choice offer you affordable rates and quality customer service. When that happens, you will open the door to more consumers shopping with you via credit cards.

Finding the Right Card or Cards

Many business owners will offer a number of credit card options to their customers, with Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card the typical choices.

In order for the business owner who is either setting up shop for the first time or going from just accepting cash and perhaps checks to credit card purchases to locate the best cards, it is important for them to do some research.

Take the time to visit different card provider websites, seeing which offer the best rates and customer service.

If you’re looking to move away from a high balance that you might have accrued over time, you can look at which providers offer the best savings when it comes to interest payments when transferring a high interest balance over to a 0% interest credit card.

Lastly, take the time when selecting a card provider as if you are a consumer, because in fact, you are.

Put the offers side-by-side to see which provider gives you the most rewards, best interest rate, and cost savings.

When you align your business with the right credit card provider, take credit for making a wise choice.

Photo credit: qbservices.net

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers small business, social media and SEO topics for a variety of websites.

Working From Home without the Distractions

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woman-working-homeWho doesn’t dream of working in their pajamas at some point?

With the plethora of jobs these days that you can do at home, it’s not so unheard of.

Even if only part of your time is spent at home, many jobs offer the opportunity to do some or all of your work at home, and of course, there are the ones where you, yourself, are your very own boss.

Some Jobs Where You Can Work From Home

Not every job translates well to working from home, but you may be surprised at how many do.

Here are a few jobs that you can do in your pajamas:

  • Postsecondary or Virtual Teacher – If you have teaching in your background, think about being a virtual teacher. Whether it’s for postsecondary education or middle or high, there’s a demand for virtual teachers, even home school ones, and yes, you could work in your pj’s.
  • Writer or Editor – Whether freelance or working for someone in particular, there is a lot of work out there for writers or editors. You can be a guest blogger, newsletter editor, contributing writer … the list goes on. The more you get yourself out there, the more you’ll get noticed.
  • Transcriptionist – There’s a big demand here for medical transcriptionists. Other fields, like law, need transcriptionists as well, and this can be done easily at home.
  • Online reseller – You may or may not be able to make a living off of reselling, but working selling on sites such as eBay can bring in a lot of extra income. You’d be surprised what you can find around your own home, garage sales and thrift stores.

Be Your Own Boss

Maybe you don’t want to work for someone else, so think about being your own boss.

If you have specific skills, ranging from writing to decorating to a law degree, you can definitely work from home.

Sure, you may have to have a meeting every so often, but the majority of work can be done. Don’t discount the possibility of being your own boss at home.

Avoid the Distractions

A key to being successful at working from home is to avoid the distractions. Hmmm, you think, maybe easier said than done.

Here are a few tips for getting your work done sans distractions:

• Have a set area to work, and only work.

• Have set times to work. Sure, you may need to adjust them as needed, but don’t overlook the art of scheduling.

• Let the phone ring. If it’s your personal one, that is, and leave your personal email and Facebook page alone, too. Focus on work when you’re working and then you’ll have time for the other things, too.

• Maybe every so often, step into real clothes instead of your pajamas. If you have an important call or virtual meeting, brush your hair and put on some work clothes. It may inspire you to be more professional.

Though it may take some creativity, discipline and structure – you can probably find a way to work from home, at least some of the time.

Please share any tips and insight you have on this concept.

Photo credit: socialmoms.com

About the Author: Heather Legg is a work from home writer who covers topics on small business, social media, education and mindful living.

Connect to Better Business Service with VoIP

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avoiperBusinesses can utilize modern technology to become more efficient and increase cost savings while providing better customer service. One of those technologies is VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol phone systems.

With that in mind, why should your business consider switching?

More than Just a Phone Service

While VoIP offers the same features that you get with regular phone service, it gives you much more.

You get voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, and other features. But other features enhance your business that you can’t get with traditional phone companies.

Many of these features can allow your business to be more productive.

The ability to transcribe your voicemail messages to email allows you to record important information without having to replay the message.

It also permits you to receive your messages in a convenient fashion even when you are away from the office and contact customers more quickly.

Improved Customer Service

Coaching tools on VoIP allows managers or supervisors to listen in on phone conversations their employees are having with customers without disturbing anyone. They can even whisper instructions and advice without the client overhearing. This not only makes a good training tool but can help employees deal with difficult clients.

Auto attendant allows customers to be connected with the right extension without having to be transferred. This saves them the time and hassle of going through a live person when they already know where they need to go.

Improved Cost Savings

Using VoIP helps save businesses money because VoIP providers are cheaper than traditional telephone companies.

It also allows people to connect to the system from anywhere as long as they have a VoIP phone. You can access the system through email, which is ideal when you are traveling.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or change your system completely to switch over to VoIP. Just use a VoIP converter and connect it to any standard phone.

You can find systems such as the Ooma Telo VOIP phone system from major retailers like Walmart.

Improved Staff Relations

A VoIP service allows you to hold conferences with your staff even when you are away.

Just connect an IP phone and you can hold meetings over important topics from anywhere.

It’s also ideal for the staff members that are working from home full-time or even a day or two a week. It’s much easier for them to keep track of what is happening at the office and to feel part of the group. They also receive calls as if they were in the office and no one can tell the difference.

As more businesses offer the option for staff to work at home, a VoIP system becomes even more valuable.

It is one way of making employees feel like they are part of the team while giving them the flexibility they value.

As you can see, a VoIP system provides numerous benefits to a business whether in employee relations, customer service or with cost savings.

See how it can help your business and implement your own VoIP telephone system.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including SEO and technology.