Amy Barnes
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Article
Small Business Profit Begins With Intelligent Pricing Strategy
What is the right price for your product or service? Most small business owners struggle with this question, because they confuse the cost of producing the product with the value it brings to the customer.nnWhen it comes to establishing a price for your goods or services, the value of your product has absolutely nothing to do with production cost. The value is based on how much you help clients save, increase, reduce or improve. If you can quantify these benefits, then you ha
October 31, 2008
Article
If At First You Don't Succeed - Try, Try, Again.
When I was growing up my parents often encouraged me to try something more then once. One of the best lessons occurred when I tried to ride a bicycle. nn nnI was 9 when we moved to the suburbs. Coming from Brooklyn I had never ridden a bicycle. Unwilling to admit to my new friends I didn't' know how, I borrowed a bicycle, got on; rode, briefly and then I fell. nn nnOk, so I actually rode directly into a mailbox, suffering multiple minor scrapes and a huge blow to my ego. But
October 31, 2008
Article
Creativity is a Round Process
In a world of fast change and fierce competition, the ability to find new and innovative solutions is necessary for your survival. Thinking power and creativity are your primary competitive advantages. Unlocking new ideas andnnmultiple possibilities begin with a "Round Process". Research - Originatenn- Unite-Nurture -DoIt!nnResearchnnTo produce creative output, you need creative input! Collecting a variety of information, without worrying how it fits, is the foundation of the
October 22, 2008
Article
Winning Strategies From The World Of Tennis
What wins at Wimbledon wins at your local chamber. Watch a tennis match; world class or amateur, the basics are the same. In each case the goal is to make contact with the ball and knock it back over the net!nnIn tennis if the ball remains on one side of the net too long, there is a greater chance it will dribble off to the side and the opponent will score the point. In networking conversations, the same is true. The longer the ball is on your side of the court (the longer yo
October 20, 2008
Article
Are You Linked In
As a confirmed networking junkie, I am always looking for my next fix. My new fix is LinkedIn. An on-line social network, Linkedin is often described as FaceBook for professionals.n nWith an emphasis on career history, educational background and association membership, Linkedin has millions of members, with thousands more joining each day.nnStart with your contacts.nnOnce you register (basic membership is free) you can invite people to LinkIn (connect to you through the onlin
September 24, 2008
Article
Business Tools - Your Brochure
At some point, every small business creates a brochure, but it is often an exercise in futility. Whether you are creating the brochure yourself, or hiring someone to do it for you, be sure to ask the following questions before you get started!nHow will the brochure be used?nIs it used as part of an interactive sales process, sent as a follow-up to phone inquiries, as a leave behind after sales call or delivered with a formal proposal? The primary use is important as you decid
September 4, 2008
Article
Company Newsletters
Company Newsletters - Are you thinking about starting a customer newsletter? If done well, newsletters are a great way to touch your customers and potential customers. Over time, your newsletter builds credibility. It helps create a sense of familiarity with your organization.n nThe following tips apply equally well to printed or electronic newsletters.n nCustomer Focused Communicationnn Think about your customer's issues, questions and interests. Focus on information is inte
August 13, 2008
Article
Networking Basics
I really like networking, as a matter of fact I am a self-confessed Networking Junkie. I have learned however, not everyone enjoys it as much as I do. So if you are one of those people who would rather walk on burning coals then attend a networking event, here are a few tips to make it easier.nnnnCome Prepared!nnBring your business cards - This is the currency of a networking event. Just as you wouldnât go to a store without a wallet, or try to drive without your keys, donâ
August 3, 2008
Article
Content Management Your Competitive Edge
nYou return home after a networking event and empty your pockets, putting the business cards you collected onto the desk.nnWhat comes next? If you are one of those people who organize them in neat piles, tied with a rubber band and a promise to get to them someday, just toss them in the trash! Why - because people have a short memory.nnBe honest, do you remember what you had for lunch three days ago? I bet you don't.nAnd yet the interaction you had with you lunch was signific
August 2, 2008
Article
How To Save Green When Buying Blue
In the mid-Fifteenth Century, when Johann Guttenburg brought movable type printing to the western world I doubt he envisioned the industry he would create. Today, printing is a significant line item on every business budget. Invoices, contracts, business cards, letterhead, and brochures are all part of the day-to-day operations of every business.nnOften when the bill comes, it feels like you are carrying the whole $90 billion industry by yourself. There are, however, ways to
August 2, 2008
Article
Lessons from the Kitchen
Years ago my mother told me the secret to making a great stew. I am not much of a cook, but her advice makes a lot of sense when you are trying to build a great company, product or brand:nn1. Use a variety of ingredients for distinctive taste. nn2. Be patient - Cook over a low heat, slowly to allow the flavors to build.nn3. Follow a recipe, but don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to personal taste.nnUse Flavorful IngredientsnnStart with diversity. Recruit people with dif
July 15, 2008
Article
Cherries And Other Marketing Tips
Sometimes our best lessons come from children.nI was about three years old when my dad and I walked into a bakery. As he placed his order, I stared into the glass display case with all the pastries. As he was finishing his order, he glanced down, and asked, "Lanie, do you want one?"n"Yes, daddy," I replied enthusiastically.nThe woman behind the counter handed me a round pastry, with whipped cream, and a cherry on the very top. I immediately ate the cherry. As we turned to lea
July 12, 2008
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