Newsletter #168 - Generate new leads and fans with social networking, 7 Ways of getting your customers to say "Wow!", Why you must fire your worst clients, 30 Google marketing tips...
In this week's Business121:
1. Focusing on customers
2. Generate new leads and fans with social networking
3. 7 Ways of getting your customers to say "Wow!"
4. Why you must fire your worst clients - and how to do it
5. 30 Google marketing tips for small businesses - Part One
6. 30 Google marketing tips for small businesses - Part Two
7. The redundancy process – how to manage your obligations as an employer
8. Budget 2009 - Key points for small businesses
Small Business News
9. School for Startups - London entrepreneurial masterclasses
10. Trade Marks - price isn't everything as EU slashes registration costs
11. Small businesses still having trouble securing public sector contracts
12. New business planning workshops
13. Business reaction to the 2009 Budget
Focusing on customers
This week's newsletter focuses on customers. We have articles on how to find customers, how to keep them and how to fire them!
Yes that's right how to fire customers!
We're always told about the importance of recruiting and pleasing customers, but there are times when some customers can actually damage your business.
If you have a customer that is having a detrimental effect on your business, you shouldn't be afraid of asking them to look elsewhere.
It goes without saying that no small business owner wants to lose business, but there are occasions where the time and effort you invest in a customer is never going to be enough to satisfy them.
If you've reached this point, it's probably time to walk away and to look for new customers that will appreciate you.
************************** Advertisement ************************
HERE'S A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO CUT BUSINESS COSTS
It's never been more important for SMEs to cut costs by finding great-value suppliers. In fact, research from uSwitchforBusiness.com shows that small firms across the UK are cutting costs by switching to a cheaper electricity and gas provider, saving an average of £1,500.
So while switching your energy supplier may not be the complete answer to weathering the recession, cutting unnecessary costs will be key to the ongoing survival of many small businesses today.
Can you be sure your business is getting the best energy rates? Click here to visit our free and easy service and start cutting your costs today.
****************************************************************
Generate new leads and fans with social networking
When you meet business owners, there's a question that a lot of people are asking: Are you on Twitter?
Twitter is a form of social networking, where people use the internet as a way of connecting to other people. And the nature of it makes it the perfect way to not only reach new customers, but generate what every business needs for long-term survival: loyal fans. Here's how you can use Twitter and other social networking sites to grow your business.
7 Ways of getting your customers to say "Wow!"
If you can give your customers the 'Wow!' factor they're much more likely to buy from you again. But how can you get your customers all pumped up and ready to do business with you again? Here are 7 ways you can boost your profits by really impressing your customers.
Why you must fire your worst clients - and how to do it
You're working flat out with steam wafting off your keyboard when the phone rings. Your heart sinks and a faint shudder runs down your spine. It's your client from hell... again.
If any of this sounds familiar, you have a bad client. And the good news is, you must fire them! It might seem a strange idea, but here's why you should get rid of your worst customers, and how to let them know that you no longer want their custom.
30 Google marketing tips for small businesses - Part One
Every small business owner with a web presence knows the importance of getting good rankings on Google. Once your site starts to perform well on Google, you should start to receive a growing number of potential customers visiting your website. Here are 15 tips to help you succeed with your web marketing efforts on Google.
30 Google marketing tips for small businesses - Part Two
Continuing on from Part One, here are 15 more web marketing tips to help you promote your website on the world's most used search engine.
The redundancy process – how to manage your obligations as an employer
Operating a small business in these financially challenging times is not easy, and an unfortunate reality of the current climate is that many businesses are faced with the prospect of having to make staff redundant.
If this is the case and there is no alternative but to reduce your workforce, there are a number of measures that you need to apply to ensure that you follow the fair dismissals procedure and also keep the affected employees informed.
Budget 2009 - Key points for small businesses
Here are the key points, from the Budget.
************************* Advertisement *************************
LOOKING FOR A FRIENDLY AND FAIRLY-PRICED ACCOUNTANT?
You might not think it's possible to find that rare mix. But we at HfM pride ourselves on friendly, fairly-priced, professional tax and accounting services for small businesses.
PUT US TO THE TEST! Contact us today and we think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Call Ian Marlow on 020 8690 7444, or email Ian@HfMtax.co.uk Website: www.HfMtax.co.uk
*****************************************************************
SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
School for Startups - London entrepreneurial masterclasses
Doug Richard, entrepreneur and well known for his appearances on Dragons' Den, is holding the next series of "School for Startups" entrepreneurial master classes in London this June.
Trade Marks - price isn't everything as EU slashes registration costs
With a potential 'price war' breaking out between EU and UK trade marks, small businesses are urged to consider what type of brand protection they actually need. For many, it will be cheaper and quicker simply to apply for UK-wide protection.
Small businesses still having trouble securing public sector contracts
A new report shows that small companies are still finding it hard to secure valuable public sector contracts, despite Government policies and interventions.
New business planning workshops
Two new business planning workshops will take place on May 19th and June 30th at the British Library in London - aimed at entrepreneurs and new start-ups.
Business reaction to the 2009 Budget
Last week's Budget has been condemned by most entrepreneurs, businesses and kings of industry. Some leading entrepreneurs are even saying that they will be leaving the UK after the Chancellor's tax hike. Business organisations have also been vocal in their criticism of the 2009 Budget.
** For the latest Small Business News, visit http://www.Bytestart.co.uk **
===========
CLASSIFIEDS
===========
FINDING INVOICING A BURDEN?
Take the pain out of invoicing with a quick and simple application that saves you time and brings in the money. Free sign up: http://snipurl.com/_invoicing
30-DAY FREE TRIAL FRANKING MACHINES
With £20 Free Postage, plus a free personalised logo so you can advertise your business on every piece of mail you post. All details here; http://snipurl.com/_Free_No_Ties_Trial
FREE DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS BANKING FOREVER
With Abbey you can enjoy free day-to-day business banking forever. Call us today on 0800 085 3099 to find out more.
SEE YOUR AD HERE
Business121 is read by over 10,000 small business owners every week. Advertise in our newsletter from just £60+vat per issue. Please email Classified @ Bytestart.co.uk (without the spaces) for details.
(c) Bytestart 2009
Posted April 29, 2009
