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ArticlesCheck back each week for a new article, or subscribe to receive articles delivered by e-mail every Monday.173. Good Customer Service Can Kick-Start a New BusinessIndustry customer-service practices should be researched to determine the extent or types of support typically provided, whether it’s in the form of after-hours help or replacing a component. Considering customer service during product development will ensure the extra cost of providing it won’t take the company down. It may also illuminate new markets that aren’t being served. 172. New Online Tool Helps Small Businesses Tap Into Global MarketsTo help small-business owners overcome any intimidation they might feel about approaching the global marketplace, the Commerce Department and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) developed an online tool called “Six Steps to Begin Exporting,” accessible at www.export.gov/begin. 170. New Year, New Business PlanWriting a business plan is a daunting process to many entrepreneurs, but one that will help find financing and keep a new or existing business on budget and on schedule for growth and development. The New Year is a good time to review and revise an existing business plan. 169. Don’t Stop Marketing in a Slow EconomyMarketing is essential to the growth and success of any business, yet it seems to be the first part of the operating budget that managers slash when revenues dwindle and the economy gets unpredictable. Understanding and appreciating the role of marketing can prevent business owners from making the mistake of viewing this type of outreach as a dispensable luxury. 166. A Manageable Approach to Online MarketingThe middle way between the set-it-and-forget-it website and the time-sucking demands of social media is an effective and manageable approach to online marketing. 164. Match Employees with the Right JobA small-business owner usually has to rely on gut instincts, observation and pointed questions when hiring a new employee and thereafter has to monitor how the employee is doing to make sure she is a good fit for the job and is performing at the height of her abilities. 163. Know Rules Before Using Contests in AdvertisingA company owner wanting to generate business might consider hosting some type of giveaway contest as a promotion for its product or service. Advertising the contest can make the promotion even more effective, but a business owner should know the rules before initiating such promotions. 162. LLC Format Appeals to Many New BusinessesMany businesses new to the game choose to organize as a limited liability company, or LLC — a hybrid of a partnership and corporation that attempts to reap the benefits of both. 159. Multilevel Marketing is One Path to Job CreationMultilevel marketing (MLM) is one way an ambitious person can supplement his or her income or even create a full-time job during an economic recovery in which job creation isn’t keeping pace with employment needs. An existing business can even use MLM to expand its product line by leveraging existing business and personal contacts. 158. Built by Association: Chambers of Commerce Help Businesses Survive, GrowEspecially during a recession, business leaders need to stick together, and the chamber of commerce is one way to do that. Larger chambers provide confidential counseling and business assistance at no charge to members. The chamber is also a place where members can connect and network. |
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