Successful Blog

Are You Really Protecting Your Customers From Identity Theft?

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According to the 2013 Identity Fraud Report by Javelin Strategy & Research, identity thieves stole more than $21 billion dollars from 12.6 million victims in 2012 — the highest amount since 2009.

Even worse from a small business standpoint, fraud victims tend to become more careful about where they shop after having their identities stolen.

According to the Javelin study, 15% of all fraud victims decided to avoid smaller online merchants after an incident — an even larger number than those who avoid gaming sites or large retailers.

So how can you protect your customers’ sensitive information and avoid taking a major hit?

Review Your Employee Internet Policy

One of the ways hackers can gain access to a company’s sensitive documents is by taking advantage of existing security breaches. Unfortunately, many of these come from employees who aren’t careful enough about their online browsing while at work.

Employees who conduct their online shopping from work computers may be setting their employers up for trouble, since hackers regularly target ecommerce sites. A worker who unknowingly visits a compromised site can introduce malware into your company’s system, granting the hackers access to customer information stored on your servers.

A comprehensive training program about safe browsing and internet security, as well as frequent refresher courses, can help keep your customer data safe.

Encrypt Sensitive Files

Encrypting sensitive information like your customers’ personal and financial information can help protect you, even if a hacker gains access to your system. Make sure any data sorting tools you’re using, such as Syncsort, are protected.

Even with savvy employees working for you, a virus or other malware can get into your system. Encryption provides a crucial second layer of protection for you and your customers.

Limit Your Personal Customer Information

The more personal details you require from customers, the more risk you take on.

This is especially true if you’re using your customers’ social security or driver’s license numbers as account numbers.

If your business requires you to ask for private information, don’t do it in front of other customers, and keep all computer screens turned away from customer view.

Know Vendor and Contractor Policies

It’s not just your internal employees who may have access to private customer information. Vendors and contractors, such as website designers or payment processors, may also be able to get into these private areas.

Talk to these contractors before they do any work for you. Find out what measures they take to protect your and your customers’ information, and lay out terms defining who is going to be responsible in the case of a breach.

Identity theft isn’t just costly for the immediate victim. Exposing your customer information to hackers may leave you open to liability. Even if that’s not the case, your business is going to suffer when word gets out that fraudsters gained access to your customer data.

By educating yourself and employees, and taking steps to keep customer information under lock and key, you can keep both your customers and your business safe.

Photo credit: creditrepair.com

About the Author: Freelance blogger Angie Mansfield covers a variety of subjects for small business owners. From business growth to marketing to social media, her work will give you tips to keep your business running smoothly.

 

5 Tips for Marketing My Small Business

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Running a small business can be quite the task for even the most accomplished entrepreneur.

Marketing a new business, or a business that is looking to grow, can be one of the most important factors in whether or not the business venture is successful.

So, how can you go about marketing your small business so that it is clicking in all cylinders? Among the items to focus in on include:

Utilize Testimonials

Testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools out there.

They show a potential customer that you have successfully met the needs of someone who was looking for the same type of service.

You can utilize these by posting them on your website, or including them in periodic information that you send out to new and returning customers. Testimonials allow potential customers to trust your company to deliver on the promises that you have made about the quality of your service.

The other benefit of testimonials comes through word of mouth marketing.

When people are excited about the service they have received from your company they will be eager to share their experience with others.

This is one of the most powerful forms of advertisement because there is often nothing in it for the person sharing the information. This allows a level of trust which is difficult for direct advertisements to rival and often converts new business into loyal customers.

Ask Customers for Recommendations

Even customers who are thoroughly pleased by the service that your business provided often won’t share their experience with others. This can be remedied by a simple call to action on the part of the business.

By simply asking return customers to submit a review on the internet, or tell their friends about the business, you can often find new customers who will become stable business.

By making the request you let your customers know that you would appreciate their support in a tangible way. This is often all they need to start spreading the word about the benefit you have provided to them through your business.

Stay in Contact

The best way to convert one time shoppers into returning customers is to reach out and invite them to return.

Often people simply forget about the service that was provided by your company because it didn’t take up a significant amount of their time. By reminding them of their pleasant experience with your company you can ensure that they will return if they ever need your service again.

You can achieve this through an e-mail list, or simply a follow-up phone call to see whether their visit was satisfactory. The more they think about your business, the more likely they will be to return.

Make Your Company Stand Out

A lot of companies are trying to market themselves as the best in their field. The only way to be successful in beating out the competition is to make sure that your marketing strategy stands out from the competition.

You can do this by creating attention catching flyers or e-mails, handing out free promotional items, or creating an inspiring video campaign centered around the service that your company provides. This can be one of the more crucial aspects for marketing your small business correctly.

Target Your Advertising

Your small business probably has an ideal consumer who has very specific attributes.

If you are a sports equipment company you are trying to sell to athletes. If you are a surgeon you are targeting people who need surgery. Understanding the demographics of your target audience is very important when it comes to attracting new customers.

Figure out who your ideal customer is and then decide which marketing medium will be the most likely to reach them. This can be the difference between a successful marketing campaign and an unsuccessful one.

By following these tips for marketing your small business correctly you will be a step ahead of your competitors. This will allow you to get your message to the right people in order to convert them into loyal, returning customers.

Marketing your small business correctly could be the best decision you make for your growing enterprise, so get started today.

As a small business owner, what are the most successful ways you market your company?

Photo credit: rhinomarketresearch.com

About the Author: Thomas Verdone is an author who covers a wide range of topics, including finance, fitness, personal development, and Bluegreen Resorts.

How Can Webinars Help My Small Business?

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If webinar is a term that you’re not exactly up to speed on, a webinar is a live seminar or conference that is held over the Internet.

That being said, it is becoming an increasingly preferred marketing tool among small businesses, because it provides many benefits over a traditional seminar.

Here are a number of reasons why you should consider conducting a webinar for your company:

Cost-Effective and Hassle-Free

A webinar is a lot more cost-effective than a traditional seminar, because it does not require you to rent a convention hall and incur traveling expenses.

All you need to do is get web conferencing software and hire speakers, who can choose to speak from their home, office or any other place.

Also, organizing a traditional seminar entails considerable planning and effort. You need to make a lot of practical arrangements, ranging from organizing seating to catering if you are offering refreshments.

A webinar, on the other hand, can be conducted by just setting up a web conferencing system.

Promote Your Products to a Worldwide Audience

A webinar is not only easier to conduct; it is also more convenient to attend.

People from around the world can attend your webinar without having to travel to a specific location. As such, a webinar can potentially reach a much wider audience than a traditional seminar.

You can introduce and demonstrate your products to your viewers via screen sharing and encourage them to ask questions or visit a purchase page at the end of the webinar.

Establish and Maintain a Closer Relationship with Customers

In order to gain the trust of your customers, you need to add a personal touch to the way you communicate with them.

A webinar enables your customers to see and hear you talk about your company and products, giving them the assurance that you are a human being and not just a website.

There are many kinds of webinars that you can hold to build a closer relationship with your customers, including press release updates, online meetings and client training sessions.

Get More Business Contacts

Similar to a traditional seminar, a webinar is a great way to make new business contacts and enhance your brand identity.

The attendees can show their names and headshots, and interact with the speakers and you during or after the webinar. This helps build credibility and establish a more genuine connection between the audience and your company.

Position Your Company as an Authority in Your Niche

Conducting a webinar can also help you stand out from your competitors.

By providing helpful and expert information through a webinar, you will gain a reputation as an authority in your niche. As your reputation spreads, more and more people will come to you when they need information or advice that is related to your field.

A webinar provides an engaging and effective way for you to promote your small business to a large group of people from all over the world.

When it is used correctly, it can be an invaluable tool for ensuring business growth and success.

Photo credit: educationcloset.com

About the author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of subjects, from online marketing to biographies of entrepreneurs such as Steve Wynn, David Kiger and others.

Does Your Business Have a Cost-Effective Marketing Plan?

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If you run your own company, you may or may not be involved in the marketing duties.

In some instances, company owners can afford to reach out and hire a marketing specialist to work onsite with them, while others take the option of having an outside firm that specializes in marketing do the job for them

Whichever way you determine to be best for your business, there are a number of factors that you should focus on, allowing you the best possibility of succeeding with your marketing needs.

Among them:

* Don’t hit the panic button – First and foremost, you will find your business going through peaks and valleys during the course of the year, so never hit the panic button. You may get the urge to scale back your marketing budget when things are not going well, but that is likely the worst time to do that. While you’re toning down your marketing budget, your competition is likely going in the opposite direction. Reevaluate from time to time what’s working and what isn’t working, giving you the guidance necessary to move around money and efforts if need be. Remember, the day you stop marketing could be the prelude to the day you close your business.

According to research from AWeber Communications, close to 70 percent of small businesses said they would be adding to their marketing budgets in 2013, with some 97 percent planning on doing no less than maintaining their present level directed towards marketing expenses.

That being said, some well-known companies noted in the last year that they were scaling back their marketing over the next 12 months, with one even noting in hindsight, such a decision ended up costing his business customers and revenue.

Those making headlines included:

1. Campbell Soup Co. stated last summer that it would reduce its marketing budget over the next year, placing new emphasis on distribution, merchandising and product innovations. In fiscal 2012, Campbell’s marketing got a piece of $100 million of new investment the marketer put forth toward brand-building, research and development and innovation for its U.S. soup and simple meals business. That investment came as the business looked to distance itself from major discounting, which executives noted failed to lift sales volume as planned;

2. HTC (mobile phone maker) reported that less money and effort towards marketing has actually hurt its business in the last year. In comments to the Wall Street Journal, CEO Peter Chou stated that the company’s competitors proved to be both too strong and resourceful, placing lots of funding into marketing, while his company did not do as much.

While both Campbell Soup Co. and HTC continue to make money, reduced efforts on the marketing front are definitely reasons of concern for top executives.

While you may be hesitant to spend money on marketing, you can’t deny its importance.

Among the key facets to zero in on:

* Cohesive message – Whether you and your team do the marketing or you outsource it, make sure the message is one in the same. Your message needs to be clear and concise, meaning no confusion and questions for consumers. Make sure the foundation behind your message is solid, therefore allowing you to get a better return on your efforts. This brings us back to the question of whether or not it is better to outsource your marketing needs? On the plus side, you can put it in the hands of professionals who know the ins and outs of marketing, alleviating some of the daily tasks that you need to do to run your business. On the down side, you better than anyone else know your company, what makes it tick, and what its goals are. If you outsource the marketing, those strengths need to be conveyed to the individual or company;

* Social media – You may be the brightest and hardest working business owner going, but how involved and educated are you when it comes to social media? If the answer is not really, then you are missing out on a great opportunity to promote your company. Starting with social media, this should be a no-brainer, yet there are many businesses out there that fail to grasp how easy and effective this tool can be. Not only does having a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and other major SM sites give you instant access to a larger swath of consumers, but you can be tuned-in to their needs 24/7. You also can focus in on what is being said about your brand, both positive and negative. Lastly, social media is a good tool for you to put out any potential fires in the cases of negative information about you and/or your company. As more and more consumers turn to social media sites and online forums to talk about companies and their experiences with them, you want to be along for the ride;

* Blogging – Do you ever troll different business sites in your free time, only to be amazed how many of them do not have blogs? This is yet another great tool to promote one’s company, still many business owners either don’t want to take the time or fail to realize the potential of blogs. Your company blog is a great marketing tool in telling consumers what you offer, how you can stand out as an authoritative figure in your respective industry, and how you are up to speed with what is going on in your field. If you have yet to actively engage in blogging, take note that it needs to be relevant, update on a regular basis, and promoted. If you are not willing to do it right, then you’re probably best served not doing it at all;

* Relationships do matter – Lastly, how often do you reach out to your current list of customers? They may seem silly, but contacting them with a quick email or other form of communication on their birthdays, offering them special deals, and asking them if you can do anything else for them are all important. In a day and age when consumers have so many different options to choose from, building your relationship with them is key. When your customers feel valuable, they are apt to want to continue doing business with you. If you take them for granted, they may very well take their business elsewhere.

So, where are your marketing plans and budget as we head into the halfway point of 2013?

Photo credit: keyhousemedia.com

About the Author: With 23 years’ writing experience, Dave Thomas covers a variety of business and consumer topics, including convertible car seats.

The Easiest Way to Generate and Test Business Ideas

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By Michelle Rebecca

Generating business ideas

Some people are under the impression that starting a business requires risking it all by going out on a limb and trying to conquer a huge market. They also assume they’re going to have to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch. While ambition is a good thing, the reality is if you’re a solopreneur who’s looking for a reliable way to start generating additional income, you can give yourself a big advantage by starting with what you already know.

For example, if you have a law enforcement or military background, you may be an ideal candidate for starting a private investigator company. Or, if you want to run a business that’s completely online, you could create a site that makes it easy for people to find the best security company in their area by connecting them with companies that have already been verified.

As that example shows, regardless of your background, there will be multiple ways for you to utilize your existing knowledge and apply it towards starting your own business. What’s great about the strategy we’re about to discuss is if you come up with several ideas but don’t know which one is best, you can let potential customers answer that question for you.

Take it for a Test Drive

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to test a business idea before fully committing to it. While isolated research can be very useful, there’s no substitute for actually knowing if people will be willing to pay for the products or services that you plan to offer.

If you want to use the same strategy that people like bestselling author Tim Ferriss have utilized to test the viability of their ideas, all you need to get started is a website. While creating a website may seem like a daunting task, you really only need one page to run this type of test. As a result, you can use any free service that makes it easy to create a page online.

The Goal

The goal of this page is collect contact information from visitors who want to be your customers. The beginning of the page should be focused on your sales pitch, followed by a simple form where visitors can submit their name, phone number and email address. Once someone submits their information, you can display a message that explains you’re still getting off the ground but truly appreciate their interest in your new business.

By driving some traffic to your site through avenues like social media or PPC, you’ll be able to see what kind of interest your idea actually generates. If you’re happy with the results, you’ll know that this is a business you should pursue!

Author’s Bio: Michelle Rebecca is an aspiring writer who enjoys blogging about a vast variety of topics. She loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to publicly voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience. You can find her blogging about social media at SocialWeLove.com, and you can reach her on Twitter at @Mich_Rebecca.

Don’t Take Credit if Your Business Only Accepts Cash

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The smart small business owner is the man or woman who gives their customers options.

With that being said, what options do you give the customers who buy goods and services from you? Is it a cash-only policy or do you also let customers charge, perhaps even using mobile payments?

As more customers look for the most affordable and convenient shopping experience, it behooves the small business owner to let consumers buy with more than just cash.

If you stop and think about it, look at what you are missing out on if you have been a cash-only business up to this point:

* Many customers do not like carrying sizable amounts of cash on their person, so they will typically spend less with you if they can’t charge via traditional means or mobile payments;

* Many customers will shop on impulse if they have the plastic option, meaning you stand to gain more sales. As many consumers battle through tough financial times, they are less apt to spend when you only accept cash, as it is more painful to part with the green stuff from their wallets or purses;

* Many customers like the ability to buy while on the go or do online shopping in the convenience of their homes. If you only accept cash payments, you limit the amount of sales you can register.

With those three reasons for accepting more than just cash payments, will 2013 be the year you expand your customer offerings.

When it comes to standard credit card transactions, don’t let the reports of customers cutting back on their plastic scare you.

Yes, a number of surveys do indicate that customers are slicing down their credit card debt, but that doesn’t mean they won’t charge for quality products and services.

According to The Fed, consumers have cut back on using credit cards since the 2008 credit crisis. Just over four years ago, Americans had compiled $1.03 trillion in credit card debt, an all-time high. In July of 2012, it was $850.7 billion — or 17% less. One financial expert pointed out that while many Americans continue to spend, they have instead turned to using pay-as-you-go-debit cards and cash as opposed to credit.

Despite that news, the smart business owner will make sure that credit cards are an option for his or her customers. Without them, one’s sales are likely to be impacted.

Mobility Matters Going Forward

Another area to focus in on in 2013 is mobile payments.

Portio Research recently reported that more than 81 million people around the globe used their mobile devices to make purchases (including in-app payments, mobile ticketing and mobile coupons) only three years ago. Prior to 2015, that figure is projected to hit some 400 million users worldwide.

If you have yet to delve into mobile payments for your business, think about the potential sales you could be missing out on by not offering them. With more mobile technology on the way, it only stands to reason that many consumers will want the speed and ease of making purchases with such payments.

In the event you have had a cash-only policy up until now, rethink the options available to you going forward.

With credit cards and mobile payments, your company could unlock the door to substantially more business.

Photo credit: bizplanhacks.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers small business topics for various websites, including gold prices.