Sad to see Main Street USA dark and to think about the loss of revenue for those small businesses. Local stores here that usually lit up downtown districts in Salem, Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, etc. close early or not open at all due to CoronaVirus Pandemic. But, in response to this National Emergency, the Small BusinessContinue reading “Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Modified for Small Business During CoronaVirus Emergency”
Category Archives: Customer Engagement
Are You Really Safer from CoronaVirus Infection on the MBTA Today Than Yesterday?
Does this picture represent practicing proper coronavirus social distancing on the MBTA? I felt safe yesterday riding the regular schedule on the bus & subway coming in from zone 3 to Boston. Today, with the revised schedule I didn’t. We were packed. There was even slight coughing. (For readers not aware of our Boston metroContinue reading “Are You Really Safer from CoronaVirus Infection on the MBTA Today Than Yesterday?”
Washing Hands Not Enough If You Use A Cell Phone
There is no delicate way of saying this. Your cell phone potentially has more germs on it than the toilet seat. Now think of your employees. They wash their hands to protect themselves & your customers. But they also take their cell phones into the restrooms. From Fortune 100 corporate monoliths to the smallest ofContinue reading “Washing Hands Not Enough If You Use A Cell Phone”
5 Tips to Update Underperforming Small Biz Websites
What was “cool” in website content & design yesterday, isn’t anymore today, and may not even exist tomorrow. How old is your small biz website? More than three years? You’re not still using Flash, or linking to Google+, are you? Yours may be working against your ranking vs. competitors in the constantly changing & evolvingContinue reading “5 Tips to Update Underperforming Small Biz Websites”
Farmers Markets Cultivate Spending at Nearby Brick & Mortar Community Biz
Defining farmers markets as only seasonal promotions to draw crowds into under-used downtown districts to buy veggies is to miss the point entirely. These events are modern versions of business incubators for the farmers and surrounding small business merchants. That means your business! A 2010 study of the Easton Farmers Market in Pennsylvania found thatContinue reading “Farmers Markets Cultivate Spending at Nearby Brick & Mortar Community Biz”
Appealing a Disabled Instagram Account Just Got Easier, Maybe
You may have heard a rumor that there is a new, better way to appeal to Instagram if your SMB account is disabled. No, the elusive “phone number” to speak to a live Customer Service Representative still isn’t part of the Facebook/Instagram user-friendly process. But, as a busy business owner without a social media supportContinue reading “Appealing a Disabled Instagram Account Just Got Easier, Maybe”
What You Should Know That You Didn’t Know About Color Selections
Colors selections are sadly an after-thought in small business web page design, ad content, and in your Instagram pictures. Not your fault. You are a merchant, accountant, entrepreneur, etc., not a graphic designer. But, be advised there are studies that point to consumers making subconscious judgements about a product or service within 90 seconds ofContinue reading “What You Should Know That You Didn’t Know About Color Selections”
Stores & Shops Show Support as Spooky Salem Switches to Sweet Salem
Salem Ma. has been world-renowned for its spooky October month-long tourist-facing celebration of Halloween promoted in/and by its downtown business district. But in recent years, it has shown a softer side in February with a Valentine’s Day-themed chocolate & ice sculpture festival for lovers and families to enjoy. It is called Salem’s So Sweet andContinue reading “Stores & Shops Show Support as Spooky Salem Switches to Sweet Salem”
Tuesday Teaching Tips: Instagram Videos
Videos engage. Videos tell a story. Videos sell a product or service. And they are all over the place! In a 2019 WyzOwl survey, 87% of businesses confirmed they now use video as a marketing tool. But there is the downside; 90% of businesses say they also feel competition and noise are on the rise.Continue reading “Tuesday Teaching Tips: Instagram Videos”
TikTok, Time for Your Biz to Check Out TikTok
There is always a shiny new toy on social media. That’s a given. The variable is if as a small business owner you pick the right one to get on board with. Case in point: TikTok. Yes, the app that gives users the chance to create and share funny videos while singing, dancing, or lip-syncingContinue reading “TikTok, Time for Your Biz to Check Out TikTok”
