Small Business

Shipping plays a critical role in the success of small businesses, and getting it right can mean the difference between happy customers and lost sales. That's why it's important for small business owners to have a solid understanding of best shipping practices.

We’ve almost reached the midpoint of the year, and now’s a good time for businesses to take stock of their progress and identify opportunities for growth and improvement. As the CEO & Founder of getWise, I am going through the same process myself.

Inflation can have a significant impact on businesses of all sizes. It can lead to higher costs for materials, labor, rent, and other expenses, ultimately reducing profit margins and impacting cash flow. To stay afloat and thrive in an environment rife with financial uncertainty, it's crucial for businesses to take appropriate steps to protect themselves.

Many people think signs are only relevant for brick-and-mortar stores, but the truth is that every type of business can benefit from a great sign. They are an effective way to promote your brand, convey important information, or attract potential customers. And, no matter your industry, there’s a right sign for you.  Here are some great examples of signs for different types of businesses:

Not sure when to do a sign refresh? When it comes to running a successful business, first impressions matter. Your signs are often the first thing customers see when approaching your business, so it’s crucial to ensure they are up-to-date and visually appealing.

When selecting a sign for your business, it's important to consider the type of signage that best fits your goals as a business owner. Signs serve many functions, from advertising and promotion to navigation and even advisories. Depending on your target audience and desired outcome, some store banners or signs may be more beneficial than others.

Effective signage is not only a great way to promote your latest campaign, but it can also help you reach your business goals. The types of business banners or signs you use will affect factors such as foot traffic, brand recognition, sales, and more. Therefore, understanding the different kinds of signage available and the best situation to use them is essential for the success of your promotional campaigns.

Didn’t have time to send out holiday cards this year? Join the club!  The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with old and new clients and friends but it can also be extremely busy and it can be tough to find the time to get our act together with respect to sending out holiday cards.  

Many believe that business cards are "old-school" or outdated, but I'm here to tell you that this isn't true. Last November, I was honored to be selected as a delegate to represent women in technology on a U.S. trade mission that spanned three countries: Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Portugal.

In today's digital-first world, print materials are often overlooked as a marketing tool for businesses. However, the truth is that print can still be incredibly powerful and effective in building customer relationships if done right. That's why quality remains paramount when it comes to printed materials - from brochures and flyers to business cards and postcards - as it speaks volumes about a company’s brand identity.

When it comes to your brand, every decision you make matters. What you print on, how you print it, and where you print it all contribute to the overall perception of your business. Your print choices can showcase the level of professionalism and detail that your business puts into its products and services.

As a small business owner, you know that promoting your company is essential to its success. But with so many different marketing channels and strategies to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. One way to make sure your promotions are effective is to plan them out in advance. By taking the time to work on your overall goals, you'll be able to create a promotional strategy that gets results. Here are a few tips to help you plan your promotions for the year:

Feeling anxious about your next product launch, or do you simply want to jumpstart your sales? The good news is you don’t need a huge budget to create an attention-grabbing marketing promotion. However, in today’s competitive marketplace you won’t gain much traction with discounts alone. To spark your creativity, here are eight promotional campaign ideas you can use to boost sales.

Getting ahead in your career can be tough. There are always new challenges and obstacles to overcome. But with the right advice, you can stay ahead of the curve and reach your goals. We asked 7 experts in their field what's the best career advice they received. Whether it's about work-life balance or taking risks, their advice will help you navigate your career confidently.

Nobody goes into business alone, even if you're a solopreneur. At every stage of your journey, there are people who have come before you who can offer their advice and expertise to help you succeed. We asked a group of entrepreneurs to share the best business advice they've received, and here's what they had to say:

When it comes to finding new customers, there is no better resource than the experts in the industry. These are the people who have been through it all – from trying multiple marketing strategies and failing, to finally finding the thing that works for them. So, what is the best advice that these experts have received when it comes to finding new customers? We’ve gathered some of their top tips to help you out.

Your email inbox may be bursting, but your actual mailbox is probably a lot emptier than it used to be. That’s a huge marketing opportunity for businesses, says Elizabeth Terchunian, associate category merchant at Staples. “With the move to digital marketing, customers are constantly bombarded with emails and online advertising. This makes direct mail a great way to really make your campaign stand out and increase awareness in a select area,” she says. But marketers can’t just put themselves in a mailbox and expect to get traction – launching a successful direct mail campaign takes some thought. Here are five steps to creating a strong campaign.

Do you know why approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of operations? Some may say that it is the lack of planning, limited funding sources, or marketing approach, which are valid reasons. However, beyond that, part of the business journey is the investment you make in yourself and the bold actions that are needed to scale your business.  Here are five key reminders to help you make that mindset shift as you start your new business: