By Danielle Buffardi

Every business, be it virtual or not, needs new and existing customers in order to not only advance their bottom line, but also to keep growing and getting better. It can be intimidating for some to find new and innovative ways of bringing in new clients.

Don’t fear – I’ve compiled five easy ways to grab the attention of new customers and help make them repeat ones.

1. Referrals:

New clientele are virtually right in your own backyard. Examine the clients that you presently have and seek out whom they think would be in need of the services or products that you offer. (more…)

By Jennifer Calero, MBA

With limited financial resources and limited time, many small business owners handle their marketing in-house. The key to successfully taking on marketing tasks yourself is to make sure the finished product is professional enough to share with your current and potential customers.

Here are 5 of my favorite internet resources that are user friendly and that produce professional marketing pieces if used properly.

1. Vistaprint

Many people associate Vistaprint with business cards, which they do create and I have seen some that are nice. In addition to business cards, they can help you design and print everything from brochures to company branded merchandise. I recently used them to design and mail a direct mail campaign. You can design your mailer, I did a postcard, on their site using a template or by uploading your own design then they will print it and mail it for you! All you have to do is upload your mailing list in an Excel file. You will get a professionally printed piece AND mail services, saving you time and effort! (more…)

By Angie Nelson

Email marketing can be a big step for bloggers and home business owners. Many are unsure why they need such a system in place when other methods of following a business are so readily available. Others may be apprehensive about learning a new technology. Still others may be nervous about what they would communicate via email.

Having an email marketing system in place is essential for a home business. We can’t count on social media platforms to deliver our messages consistently or effectively. Email marketing will ensure your most interested customers or readers are receiving your communication every time.

What is Email Marketing?

Email marketing is simply sending an email to a list of people who have granted you permission to communicate with them. (more…)

By Jennifer Calero, MBA

Today’s small business owner wears many hats and one of those is usually Marketing Director. This can be a tough one for many owners, especially those that have no experience with marketing. I understand not every business has the money to have a huge marketing budget and to hire someone to manage it, so here are my top 5 tips for marketing a small business on a budget that every owner can use.

1. Set a Budget

The amount you choose is up to you and should be based on what you can afford, but just set a marketing budget. You will hear some experts say that you should devote between 8 and 10 percent of your annual revenue to marketing and advertising. While I agree you need a budget, I don’t agree that you have to follow the “percentage of sales” rule. My suggestion is to think about the goals and objectives you hope to achieve through marketing and set your budget accordingly. (more…)

By Bridget Sandorford

Working at home can be both one of the most fulfilling things that you do and one of the most frustrating. At times, you may experience booming business and can’t quite keep up with the demand all by yourself. At other times, you may wonder where your next job is going to come from and you may worry about being able to pay the mortgage that month.

Unfortunately, the ebbs and flows come with the territory when you work for yourself. However, you don’t have to sit back and do nothing when you aren’t getting the business you need. Here are a few ways that you can make the most of the downtime in your work when you aren’t getting as many clients: (more…)