Archive for the ‘Marketing’ Category
Thursday, August 26th, 2010 |
August’s issue of Business/News & Views® brings articles on marketing war, conflicting economic news, being a peerless competitor and some internet tips and tricks. Here’s a quick summary of each article:
Amanda Cullen asserts that “Marketing isn’t war on your customers,” and tells small businesses why using warlike metaphors could cut into their profits. She suggests more realistic alternatives and shows recent, real-life examples.
There’s “Good News & Bad News” on the economic recovery front. David Weatherholt analyzes the data and gives the economy a D+ grade for August. Read the article to find out why.
David weighs in again with his article “Be the Best II.” If you stand alone at the top of your market, your business will enjoy above average profits and regard.
Finally, “Protect Yourself with a Strong Password” gives you all the advice you need to keep your password-protected data safe.
Read now: Business/News & Views® – August 2010
Posted in Business Mentoring, Business/News&Views®, Economy, Entrepreneurs, Marketing, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, August 23rd, 2010 |
I found this article by Omaro Ailoch to be very enlightening for small businesses looking to grow their social media presence- and avoid pitfalls common to most social media campaigns. It was featured in the most recent issue of Business/News & Views®.
Social media marketing has attracted a lot of public attention in the past two years, largely made up of success stories from major brands, niche companies and successful internet celebrities who have used it to their advantage. However, despite the success for some, there has been a great deal of major commercial failures in social media.
Read the full article: Four Common Errors on Social Media Strategy
Posted in Marketing, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, August 16th, 2010 |
David Weatherholt brings Larry Flowers, Principal Project Manager of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP), on the show to discuss the renewable energy business in Alaska. Alaska is rich in sources of renewable energy, from large tides in the world to some of the strongest winds. Listen to the show to learn how REAP’s efforts are helping Alaskans.
Amanda Cullen, president of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing for small business, joins the show with her segment “Marketing Matters.” She finishes up her five small business marketing rules with tips on how to implement your marketing strategies. She advises, “Keep at it!”
Listen or download below:
Renewable Business
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Innovation, Marketing | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 |
July’s Business/News & Views® contains great information and resources for small businesses. David Weatherholt encourages your company to “Be the Best” and introduces you to the process that can lead your business to the top. With similar intention, Amanda Cullen writes on implementation- tips to take your strategy to market.
David’s economic summary emphasizes the uncertainty businesses and consumers feel about the economic recovery. He describes this outlook with up-to-date analysis and data.
Finally, lighten things up a bit with “Four Common Errors on Social Media Strategy,” to help your business be smart about social media.
Read now: Business/News & Views® – July 2010
Posted in Business Planning, Business/News&Views®, Economy, Marketing, Small Business, Social Networking | No Comments »
Monday, June 14th, 2010 |
In this follow-up to my first article, Become a Peerless Competitor I, I continue explaining my Peerless Pyramid. I address the middle layers, Products/Services and Marketing/Sales, which are the center of every business.
As I explain in the article Become a Peerless Competitor II,
Becoming a “peerless competitor” means building a solid company modeled after a pyramid that is broad at the base and sharp at the apex. Providing great customer service will not go very far without the proper foundation. Financial resources must be sufficient to support the company, followed by putting in place the kind of financial controls and accounting systems that safe guard your financial resources.
Read the full article: Become a Peerless Competitor II
Posted in Business Planning, Finance, Marketing | No Comments »
Monday, June 7th, 2010 |
Do you know where you want your business to be in the next year? How about in the next five years? In this article from Business/News & Views®, I challenge small businesses to think about their future strategy. There is nothing more important to a small business than planning their future, but:
So many small business owners don’t have a solid idea of where they want to take their businesses. Other, more immediate issues demand your attention every day – like how to solve your biggest customers’ problem with shipping or approving a purchase order for new office chairs. These decisions seem (and are) so important.But you’ll never know if you’re making the right decision unless you have a strategic framework of where you want to be in the future.
In the article, you’ll find examples, learn about “your picture of success” and gain valuable information on filling in the details of your overall strategy.
Read the full article here: Know Where You Want to Go
Posted in Business Planning, Marketing | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 |
David starts off this “Getting Down to Business” by celebrating his first year on the radio and providing listeners with some great borrowing advice – how to start and maintain a close relationship with a bank.
Later in the show, David brings in two special guests. Russell Ball, founder of ACB Solutions, talks about transitioning his business from Alaska Computer Brokers, a computer retail store, to ACB Solutions, a technology services provider. He and David talk about the evolving marketplace that necessitated this change and share valuable stories and advice for small business owners facing similar situations.
Amanda Cullen, president of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing for small business, elaborates on the importance of keeping your business strategy current with what your customers want. She advocates conducting qualitative research with your customers and gives helpful tips on how to do that.
Listen or download below:
A Matter of Survival
Posted in Business Planning, Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 |
April’s Business/News & Views® carries articles concerning your business’ marketing communication, how to become a peerless competitor, the current economic state and some news about Wells Fargo.
David Weatherholt introduced his Peerless Competitor Pyramid, giving businesses solid advice on improving their competitive standpoint. Amanda Cullen focuses on communicating with customers in ways that are meaningful to them.
Read Now: April 2010 Business/News & Views®
Posted in Business Planning, Business/News&Views®, Customers, Marketing | No Comments »
Thursday, April 15th, 2010 |
Small businesses have the natural competitive advantage of “being easy to do business with” – being flexible, personable and building relationships. In my article from Business/News & Views®, I write about how you can improve your customers’ experiences and ways to become easier for your customers to do business with.
Read the article: Be easy to do business with.
Posted in Customers, Marketing | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 |
David Weatherholt tells of his audit woes and talks marketing in this episode of “Getting Down to Business.” Even an accounting expert may be on the receiving end of an audit- Dave gives advice to small businesses on how to survive audits in this surprisingly entertaining segment.
Later in the show Dave is joined by Amanda Cullen founder of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, who specializes in small business marketing. Amanda gives her 5 rules for small business marketing and delivers a pop quiz to listeners, challenging them to put their business to the test. Here are the rules:
- Be easy to do business with.
- Communicate with your customers in ways that are meaningful to them.
- Know where you want to go.
- Involve your team.
- Keep at it.
Listen or download below to take the test and see how your business stacks up!
Marketing and Taxes
Posted in Finance, Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 |
In March’s Business/News & Views®, you will find marketing advice, tales of economic caution, exciting new ways to use the Internet for business productivity and tips on how to keep your bookmarks safe.
Amanda Cullen asks, “Are you easy to do business with?” and provides readers with advice for how to maximize small businesses’ natural competitive advantages.
David Weatherholt has some worrying economic news, which everyone should read. On a more optimistic note, his editorial explains “Cloud Computing” and how small businesses can use it to reduce expenses and increase productivity (and it’s not as hard as you think!).
Read Now: Business/News & Views® - March 2010
Posted in Business/News&Views®, Economy, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 |
When it comes to marketing, small businesses actually have many advantages over larger ones. In my article, “5 Small Business Marketing Rules,” I introduce the rules and a test for you to see how your marketing stacks up. In future articles, I’ll delve into each rule in detail.
Take the test and read the full article here: 5 Small Business Marketing Rules
Posted in Customers, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 |
Ron Peck, president and COO of Alaska Travel Industry Association, joins Dave on “Getting Down to Business” to talk about marketing Alaska. Dave starts out the show with a small business and tourism update. Ron has worked in the travel industry for 32 years and brings much experience to the conversation. He reveals a surprising fact- that travel and tourism companies in Alaska are largely small businesses. 92% of ATIA’s membership are businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
Later in the show, Geoff Burch, international consultant, calls in. He is the author of Go It Alone, a great book for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Geoff talks about the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and how it applies to those who have recently been laid off or are looking for a way to be self-employed.
Listen or download below:
Marketing Alaska
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Marketing | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 |
On Thursday, March 11th, Weatherholt & Associates will be sponsoring the AMA Alaska luncheon at the Dena’ina Convention Center. AMA Alaska will be featuring Brad Spees, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for GCI Commercial Services. Come for networking at 11:30, and the program begins at noon.
To view pricing and purchase tickets, visit the AMA Alaska Event page. Weatherholt & Associates are delighted to sponsor this great event, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Posted in Alaska, Marketing | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 |
Dave interviews the owners of Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, Jerry Lewanski and Janis Fleischman. The couple opened their bakeshop less than a year ago and share their interesting startup story. They started by completing thorough research, traveling around the United States and visiting successful bakeries. The only thing they didn’t plan for was their immediate success!
Amanda Cullen, small business marketing consultant, joins the group to give startup businesses advice on marketing their fledgling businesses. Marketing for small businesses doesn’t have to involve a large budget, and most of the time, the most effective marketing is quite economical.
Listen or download below:
The Gift of Bread
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Innovation, Marketing, Public Relations, Small Business | No Comments »
Friday, February 26th, 2010 |
February’s issue of Business/News & Views® will provoke you to think differently about your small business.
David Weatherholt knows the way of the entrepreneur is challenging, and sometimes lonely. His “Paradox of Leadership” article has ten concepts that can keep you going, even when times seem tough.
David tells us in his economic summary that this is a, “Slow Motion Recovery.” Read the article for more details.
Amanda Cullen presents her “5 Small Business Marketing Rules” in a new series on small business marketing. In this initial article, she challenges you to take the test and see how your marketing efforts stack up.
Our final article is sponsored by the CEO Club and encourages small business leaders to find mentors. A mentor will hold your business accountable, and help you “Learn How to Fish.”
Read Now: Business/News & Views® - February 2010
Posted in Business/News&Views®, Economy, Entrepreneurs, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 |
Non-profit organizations perform many necessary functions in our communities, but they face many unique business challenges, as well. Dave’s first guest is Candace Winkler, CEO of Thread, an Anchorage-based non-profit. They discuss some of the business aspects non-profits focus on more than other organizations, such as having a transparent accounting system, keeping administrative costs reasonable and keeping a strict budget. Candace also talks about her experience in rebranding Thread (formerly Child Care Connection), and the wide variety of non-profits that are in Alaska.
In the next segment, Dave brings in Jason Stralka to discuss taxes for non-profits and answer listener questions. Jason is a tax expert for Carter Tax, Inc. Dave discovers that he has a passion for taxes. Jason knows that taxes are more than just filling out the forms– he loves finding loopholes and saving his clients money. However, he realizes the importance of being accurate and paying all the taxes that are due to the IRS.
Listen or download below:
Non-Profits are Businesses
Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Finance, Getting Down to Business, Marketing | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 |
There are two aspects to growing your website’s traffic: getting more visitors and getting visitors to come back. “How to Get Repeat Visits to your Web Site,” an article from Business/News & Views®, addresses the latter issue.
Think about what makes you return to certain web sites on a regular basis. It’s probably the new and compelling content — on topics you truly care about — that greets you every time you drop in. That content might be in the form of fresh blog posts, new video footage of your favorite sports teams or insider news that pertains to your industry. These things can all be considered “sticky.”
Read the full article: How to Get Repeat Visits to your Web Site
Posted in Customers, Marketing, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, February 4th, 2010 |
In this article from Business/News & Views®, I give small businesses marketing advice about how to treat their customers. Here’s an excerpt:
It’s said that the brain cannot process a negative. We can prove this with a simple example: Under no circumstance should you think of a pink polar bear. Do not think of a pink polar bear.
Of course, you just thought of a pink polar bear.
At the peril of using negatives, I want to give small businesses advice on how not to treat their customers.
Read the full article: How Not to Treat Your Customers
Posted in Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Thursday, January 21st, 2010 |
The January issue of Business/News & Views® contains great advice for your business in the new year.
David Weatherholt encourages you to “Diversify Your Business” — using the proven investment principle of diversification to look at your business in an innovative, risk-reducing way.
In David’s Economic Summary, he discusses the Federal Reserve’s approach to handling the recession, along with presenting his interpretation of important economic indicators.
Amanda Cullen weighs in with advice on “How Not to Treat Your Customers,” and our Internet Tips and Tricks provides tips on “How to Get Repeat Visits to Your Web Site.”
Read Now: Business/News & Views® - January 2010
Posted in Business/News&Views®, Economy, Finance, Innovation, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Friday, January 15th, 2010 |
Find the answer during a four hour in-depth seminar presenting real-life case studies of local Valley businesses. Courtney Brooke Smith Consulting will guide you through the decision-making process and help you answer the question: Is internet marketing right for your business?
Event Details:
Saturday, January 23, 2010
10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center
1001 S. Mack Drive
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
To pre-register, visit matsumarketing.com. Space is limited, and the price is right. The seminar is just $75.00, and the optional lunch is $15.00.
David Weatherholt aired information about this seminar on “Getting Down to Business.” Listen to the spot below:
Is Internet Marketing Right for your Business?
Posted in Alaska, Marketing, Social Networking | 1 Comment »
Monday, December 21st, 2009 |
The December issue of Business/News & Views® is chock full of useful news and great advice for small businesses. In the news, David sees growth in the economy’s future with his Economic News Update. Amanda Cullen writes an article about creating great customer experiences and how that grows your profits. David weighs in with the importance of tracking your business’s performance numbers. He provides an easy-to-use cash flow statement and walks readers through each step in this helpful article. Finally, Kevin Donnigan details the seven top social networking sites for businesses– and how you can use them for your business.
Read Now: Business/News & Views® - December 2009
Posted in Business Planning, Business/News&Views®, Customers, Economy, Marketing, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, December 7th, 2009 |
In this week’s “Getting Down to Business,” Dave talks with IT expert Mark Mathis of Arctic Information Technology about Cloud Computing. Mark helps us understand what Cloud Computing is, how long it has been around and how small businesses can use it to reduce their IT costs. This useful technology is familiar to many businesses through companies such as Carbonite and Go To Meeting.
Dave also talks with Amanda Cullen about 2009’s Black Friday. They talk about the history of Black Friday, how performance was this year and the changing attitudes of consumers. Amanda, of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, explains how these factors affect small business retailers.
Listen or download below:
Cloud Computing
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 |
In the November 2009 issue of Business/News & Views®, David Weatherholt brings us good news about the economy in a thorough analysis of the quarter’s economic indicators. In his editorial, Dave writes on entrepreneurs, heroes and the power of necessity.
Amanda Cullen writes about relationship marketing and how developing relationships with your customers encourages them to buy more and refer more.
Read Now: Business/News & Views® – November 2009
Posted in Business/News&Views®, Economy, Marketing, Recession | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 |
In October’s edition of Business/News & Views®, you will find some great advice on blogging for small business, pricing for profits and protecting your business’ wireless network. David Weatherholt also provides an economic summary, including unemployment figures, personal income and consumption and the national GDP.
We write Business/News & Views® for your small business, so we are certain you will find the articles informative and useful.
Click here to read October 2009’s Business/News&Views®
Posted in Business/News&Views®, Marketing, Reducing Business Expenses, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
