Year-End Promotions a Good Idea for Small Business

The title said, “Don’t Make This Common Year-End Mistake” – and the first thing I see is a pair of holiday socks that eerily resemble a pair I’m fairly certain I own. Uh-oh! Was I relieved to see the writer was talking about promoting your business and not questionable taste in footwear. But Erik Sherman (whose Inc. article I tweeted about yesterday) raises a valid point: Why not take advantage of other people’s down time?

Should Small Businesses Do Pro Bono Work?

When people ask if their small business should do pro-bono work, I say YES! No business, big or small, can afford to give everything away all the time. But the occasional bit of free work offers so many benefits.

We Helped Raise $15,000 at the Holly's Hope Ski-A-Thon!

Despite warmer than usual temps, the 24-Hour Holly’s Hope Ski-A-Thon at Pats Peak was a success! The final tally was more than $15,000 towards the goal of a wheelchair-accessible van for Holly Franz, a New Hampshire teen with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. (Holly is pictured above with yours truly and Frank Tansey of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire board of directors.)

Business Advice from Ansel Adams

There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept. ~ Ansel Adams

I came across this great quote recently – and it reminded me immediately of some of the initial conversations I’ve had with people who eventually became regular clients... and a few who didn’t.

My 2012 Game Plan!

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

~ Mark Twain

Did you get through all the names on your Christmas card lists – personal and business? Me neither. But this time, I’m turning that minor failing into a game plan for the New Year! While holiday hellos to your grandparents and Great Aunt Mabel are a must, business acquaintances won’t hold a little lapse against you. So I’m going through my client and colleague list and prioritizing who to call when. That’s right... I didn’t say text, Facebook, or e-mail. I intend to pick up the phone and call!