You can’t always get to the phone when clients, partners, investors, or colleagues call you. When this happens, a professional voicemail greeting helps you make a positive impression and tells them what to do next. There are a variety of ways to convey your message. If you’re not sure what type of message to record for your own voicemail box, here’s a definitive guide to get you started. Why Your Business Should Have a Business Voicemail Greeting A voicemail greeting is a simple message that plays before callers leave a message. It may play either when you don’t answer or if your phone is off. A professional greeting may encourage people to leave messages, which in turn makes it easier for you to… [Read More...]
Spotlight: Two High School Students Use Entrepreneurship to Give Back
There is no age limit for entrepreneurship. Two Pennsylvania high school students embody that idea with their company, Apollow Pillow. Their company sells whimsical pillows. But that’s not all. Instead of just keeping all their profits, the company includes a social element. Read about the mission and the journey of these young founders in this week’s Small Business Spotlight. What the Business Does Sells and donates throw pillows. Founders Olivia and Shayna told Small Business Trends, “We sell colorful throw pillows to customers and donate throw pillows to young cancer patients.” Business Niche Bringing a social element to the business. Olivia and Shayna add, “People like to support the community through their purchases. And this way, they are supporting local fabric stores… [Read More...]
10 Tips to Help Your Small Business Effectively Manage Employees
The workforce is changing, from adding more remote jobs to changing how employees are evaluated. If you want to keep up, you need to understand the relevant trends. Below, read insights from members of the online small business community to help you manage your own team. Use These Tools to Manage a Hybrid Workforce Many businesses are still finding a balance between working in their office and allowing remote work. A hybrid model leaves room for a little of both. If you’re considering this option for your team, consider the tips in this Noobpreneur post by Ivan Widjaya. Offer Constructive Writing Feedback Writing blog posts, social media copy, and client pitches takes skill. If you have team members responsible for writing, you can help them hone… [Read More...]
Spotlight: How This Founder Brings Passion and Experience to Mobile Music and Education for Kids
Some entrepreneurs go into business to make money. Others aim to make a difference in the lives of their customers. Mobile Music and Education for Kids is a passion project that falls into the latter category. The founder uses her background in music and education to provide a unique approach to learning. Read about the philosophy and the organization in this week’s Small Business Spotlight. What the Business Does Provides music and overall education for the whole child. Founder Wanda Micheal told Small Business Trends, “A whole child approach to education is defined by policies, practices, and relationships that ensure each child, in each school, in each community is healthy and safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, sets the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement and… [Read More...]
10 Online Marketing Tips to Gather and Convert More Leads
All small business owners want to make more sales. Luckily, there are tons of online marketing channels to help you accomplish that goal. From email to social media ads, these tips from the online small business community can help you gather and convert more leads online. Update Your Cold Email Strategy Cold emailing involves making contact with a prospect via email for the first time. If they’re not already familiar with your business, this tactic may be challenging. But updating your strategy may help. Brooklin Nash shares thoughts in this GrowMap post. Generate More Leads with Social Media Automation Social media isn’t just about communicating with current customers. It can also help you find potential leads. And automation can help you save time while finding… [Read More...]
10 Ways to Take Advantage of New Business Opportunities in 2021
If you’re feeling discouraged after a rough 2020, you’re not alone. But all is not lost in the business community. This year may actually offer some unique opportunities for small businesses to grow, market, or even get started. Here are some thoughts from members of the online small business community. Take Advantage of Opportunities in 2021 Last year was a tough one for many businesses. But challenging times often lead to opportunities. In fact, 2021 may be an ideal year for certain businesses to grow. This Business and Tech post includes an interview with Small Business Trends Founder and CEO Anita Campbell about the unique opportunities businesses face this year. Consider Why People Purchase Franchises Franchises give aspiring entrepreneurs the ability to start new businesses quickly. It’s… [Read More...]