Weatherholt and Associates - Small Business Authority » Marketing

Business/News & Views – July 2010

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:21 +0000

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 a 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

Become a Peerless Competitor II

David Weatherholt — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:00:18 +0000

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

Know Where You Want to Go

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:00:45 +0000

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

A Matter of Survival

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:57:57 +0000

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.

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A Matter of Survival

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A Matter of Survival

Business/News & Views – April 2010

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:54:58 +0000

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®

Be Easy to Do Business With

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:00:59 +0000

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.

Marketing and Taxes

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:55:26 +0000

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

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Marketing and Taxes

Business/News & Views – March 2010

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:37:04 +0000

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

5 Small Business Marketing Rules

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:55:36 +0000

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

Marketing Alaska

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:25:25 +0000

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.

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Marketing Alaska

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Marketing Alaska

March 11th AMA Alaska Luncheon, Sponsored by Weatherholt & Associates

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:42:26 +0000

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.

The Gift of Bread

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:21:45 +0000

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.

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The Gift of Bread

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The Gift of Bread

Business/News & Views – February 2010

David Weatherholt — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:29:47 +0000

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

Non-Profits are Businesses

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:27:10 +0000

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

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Non-Profits are Businesses

How to Get Repeat Visits to Your Web Site

David Weatherholt — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:24:36 +0000

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

How Not to Treat Your Customers

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:49:23 +0000

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

Business/News & Views – January 2010

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:42:29 +0000

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

Event: Is Internet Marketing Right for your Business?

Amanda Cullen — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:57:14 +0000

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?

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Is Internet Marketing Right for your Business?

Business/News & Views – December 2009

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:16:55 +0000

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

Cloud Computing

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:30:55 +0000

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 with Mark Mathis

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Cloud Computing

Business/News & Views – November 2009

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:10:30 +0000

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

Business/News& Views – October 2009

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:14:39 +0000

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®

Value of a Customer

David Weatherholt — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:54:53 +0000

What does it cost?

Have you ever gone to a local store because of their advertisement? And have you been disappointed by the overall customer experience?

The company, you add the name, just wasted valuable advertising dollars on poor customer service. Buy low. Sell high. Keep the difference. Customer service is an expense that increases businesses costs, the buy part of the equation and reduces the difference. Businesses face a myriad of costs from credit, insurance, bank and credit card fees, labor, shipping, travel, taxes and now add the cost of customer service, wow!

If you can pass all of these costs along to your customers and remain competitive, great. If not, then your profit margin takes a hit. In business someone has to pay every cost (although the government is trying to change that). The simple choice is; either you or your customer. If the business does not pass a cost along to the customers, then they are paying. The question, are your pockets that deep? Will your customers accept these costs?

There is a way to take charge and reduce businesses expenses. These are scary times to be in business and determining the real cost of doing business may be something you would rather not know. The good news is that a close examination of business expenses will identify areas that are controllable. Armed with this information, a plan can be developed to trim costs and increase profits.

Customer Service is one controllable expense that, when addressed, will produce a win/win for you and your customer. Advertising should always be looked at as an investment in your business. Creating and implementing effective advertisement is a great way to increase sales. You are buying leads to interested potential customers. Customer service converts these leads to sales.

If the advertisement effectively attracts potential new customers, it has done its job. If this potential client is converted to a customer returning again and again, then your investment has paid off. If, however, a potential customer has a bad buying experience, then your investment in advertising has turned into a business expense that should be reduced.

The value of a new customer can be calculated, and that final number may surprising. In a simple example of a restaurant bringing only $10 per customer means that single customer represents over $1,500. If you spend $5,000 on an advertising campaign that produces 10 new customers…well it doesn’t take an MBA to figure out this was a good business decision. Using the “New Customer Value” worksheet is the tool needed to calculate the value of a new customer. The sheet is available in two formats, an Excel spreadsheet containing formulas and a PDF file for hand calculation. Click to download below:

Value of a Customer Worksheet (Adobe PDF)

Value of a Customer Worksheet (Microsoft Excel)

During economic downturns you will have time to closely examine your business, make corrections, and be ready for the inevitable upturn, returning with a leaner, more profitable company. Knowing the value of a customer, new and old may not only pleasantly surprise you but become a helpful tool for measuring your advertising investment against the benefits produced. Your staff can see the economic value of providing good customer service, which promotes the success of your business, moving it to the next level.

Alaska Tourism Report

Amanda Cullen — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:16:10 +0000

Tourism is 11% of Alaska’s economy, so a small change in growth can affect the state dramatically. What will tourism look like in 2010?

Dave welcomes Julie Saupe to the show. She’s the President and CEO of the Anchorage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and provides a forecast on the upcoming 2010 tourist season.

How can small businesses that depend on tourism weather the economic storm? Dave’s next guest, Amanda Cullen, gives small businesses advice for reaching their customers– and it might surprise you just who she thinks is your customer. Her company, Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, specializes in small business marketing.

In the news, Dave talks about the credit crisis still plaguing small businesses, even while larger businesses see credit loosening. Dave’s moved “Getting Down to Business” over to station 1080 KUDO, and he’s excited for the new opportunities this station provides.

Listen or download below:

Alaska Tourism Report with Julie Saupe and Amanda Cullen

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Alaska Tourism Report

Business/News & Views – September 2009

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:27:57 +0000

In the September issue of Business/News & Views®, David Weatheholt sees signs in the economy that the recession may be nearing an end. He also writes an op-ed about the relationship between small business and labor.

Amanda Cullen has some tips for small businesses on how to make websites more visitor-friendly, and the final article provides information on avoiding email scams.

Read now: Business/News & Views – September 2009

Creative Marketing Ideas for Small Business

David Weatherholt — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:56:53 +0000

In this week’s “Getting Down to Business,” Dave asked Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing to give his listeners some creative marketing ideas for small business. Zoo in a Jungle Marketing specializes in small business marketing.

Dave also tells us the story of the founder of the Geek Squad, an entrepreneur who started the company with $600. As we all know, now Best Buy owns the Geek Squad.

Listen or download below:

Creative Marketing Ideas with Amanda Cullen

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Creative Marketing Ideas for Small Business

Business/News & Views – August 2009

Amanda Cullen — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:33:17 +0000

In the August 2009 issue of Business/News & Views®, small businesses will find a wealth of information about building website traffic, changes that will dramatically affect the accounting industry and how to protect your brand on the internet.

David Weatherholt introduces readers to XBRL, the revolution in accounting. Amanda Cullen provides tips for increasing traffic to your website.

Read now: Business/News & Views® – August 2009

Small Business Advertising and Promotions

David Weatherholt — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:54:00 +0000

In this “Getting Down to Business” show, Dave further explores small business marketing with David Taylor of SugarSled Creative in Alaska and Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, specializing in small business marketing.

The three talk about simple and innovative steps small businesses can take to advertise and promote their businesses. They also debate the benefits and drawbacks of low-cost positioning and why it’s not always a good idea to discount your products in a down economy.

Listen or download below:

Advertising and Promotion with David Taylor and Amanda Cullen

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Small Business Advertising and Promotions

Marketing Fundamentals

David Weatherholt — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:52:08 +0000

Small businesses need good marketing, which is why Dave dedicated this “Getting Down to Business” to marketing fundamentals. In a lively discussion, he talks with David Taylor of SugarSled Creative in Alaska and Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, specializing in small business marketing.

They explain the 4-P’s of marketing (Product, Price, Place and Promotion) and how to integrate new marketing strategies into this classic categorization.

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Marketing Fundamentals with David Taylor and Amanda Cullen

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Marketing Fundamentals

Business Plan: Market Analysis

David Weatherholt — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Dave believes the market analysis is the most important part of the business plan. He tells listeners what they need to include, what banks are looking for and what they need to know to ensure success.

Dave’s guest is Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing. This marketing firm specializes in small business marketing, and Amanda has a unique marketing philosophy for small business.

Listen or download below:

Market Analysis for your business plan, interview with Amanda Cullen

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Market Analysis for your business plan

Business/News & Views – July 2009

David Weatherholt — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:39:06 +0000

The July 2009 issue of Business/News & Views® is full of optimism and helpful tips for small businesses. David Weatherholt reminds us that necessity is the mother of invention and provides rich examples to inspire entrepreneurs and small businesses. Amanda Cullen has an article on the power of passion in marketing design– and reminds readers that passion is nothing without purpose. In Internet Tips & Tricks, you’ll read how to use MySpace to promote your business.

Read now: Business/News & Views® – July 2009

Business/News & Views – June 2009

David Weatherholt — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:44:32 +0000

In the June 2009 issue of Business/ News & Views®, David Weatherholt delivers a stirring op-ed to see the opportunity for cutting costs in this recession– there’s never been a better time to trim fat. Amanda Cullen explains how your existing customers create new customers for you. The Internet Tips & Tricks feature provides advice for small businesses on getting more websites to link to their websites.

Read now: Business/News & Views® – June 2009

Business/News & Views – January 2009

David Weatherholt — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:22:07 +0000

January 2009’s Business/News & Views® focuses on helping your business make plans for the new year and evaluating the economic outlook of 2009. There is also a helpful article on the seven deadly sins of web design.

Read Now: Business/News & Views® – January 2009