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 Service
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”
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Getting Ripped Off by Department of Defense Negligence?
You put your life on the line repeatedly for this country in a faraway war zone, come home disabled, and try to rebuild your life. As a Service-Disabled Veteran, you decide to start a small business with the knowledge that a 2004 executive order requires the heads of federal agencies to set a target goalContinue reading “Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Getting Ripped Off by Department of Defense Negligence?”
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”
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”
Taking Active Advantage of Competitor Media Coverage
Ever see an article or post online about your industry and a competitor is mentioned, but not your business? Have visions of potential customers on wings floating out of your grasp into the hands of your competitor? You can turn this disadvantage to your favor. It is called “earned media in content marketing.” The mostContinue reading “Taking Active Advantage of Competitor Media Coverage”
Tuesday Tech Thoughts: Not 1, Not 2, But 20 Excel Tips
If only you could run your business from the front. But “running” the business means being in the office as well. It means going over the books. It means hovering over Excel sheets on your computer. How well do you know Excel? Would 20 tips help you get your work done more quickly so youContinue reading “Tuesday Tech Thoughts: Not 1, Not 2, But 20 Excel Tips”
