Web Hosting, Networking and Growing -- What a July!

In the month of July, the blog focused significantly on resources, tips and tricks for new businesses. As we wrap up the month -- partly in denial, it can’t possibly be August next week -- we’re taking a look back at the topics we covered.

Preparing your Small Business for Growth

Last week, we shared four tips for staying grounded while your business takes-off. Growth is a positive piece of your business’s puzzle and in order to convert it into success, you have to be ready.

Understanding Affordable Web Hosting

Christian Habermann joined us as a Guest Blogger in mid-July to offer guidance for finding affordable web hosting. He discussed factors to consider during a web host search while keeping in mind your business’s needs.

Timeless Success for Small Business

Mid-month we spoke with an owner whose BBB Accredited -- family owned and operated -- business is celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2015. Michael Monahan feels that customers should be top-of-mind at all times and credits their long-time success to caring for their community. Congrats again to Monahan & Co. on your longstanding success!

Master Time Management and Give your Business a Boost

Guest blogger, Adam Koncius of Koncius Digital Marketing brought us suggestions for the business owner doing juggling acts to establish and sustain their business. Adam pointed to time management as the key to streamlining tasks both big and small.

Networking for your New Business

Adam also kicked-off July for the blog with his guest post about the importance of building a strong network. He addressed educating people about your business to create opportunity for securing clientele as well as staying in the forefront of the marketplace.

Is your business less than 1-year old? Join a community of trustworthy businesses and build a positive reputation while you grow your enterprise as a member of the New Business Sponsor Program. Is your business more established? Get Accredited with BBB as part of your formula for success.

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Preparing your Small Business for Growth

Your business is busy trying to deliver a solution while standing out in a crowded marketplace and keeping up with developments in your industry -- it can be exhausting. Things like your brand can sometimes get lost in the happy-to-have but crazy commotion that is growth. 

Here are a few tips for staying on track while your business is making moves: 

Set distinct goals. To improve and maintain traction in the marketplace you must set goals. An easy starting point: write down your business objective and then break down how this objective will be met. Make your business goals clear and definitive and most importantly, relevant. Establish who is responsible for meeting each aspect of the objective as well as a timeline, so that everyone is held accountable as your business evolves. As time and circumstances allow, employ analytical tools to evaluate what’s working and what needs tweaking. 

Understand your market. In order for a business to grow, doing your due diligence with market research is a must. It helps you understand your industry, competition and target customers. To start, conduct an internet search using trustworthy and credible sources. For more tailored results, connect with your customers through surveys, q&a's and focus groups. Once you have a stronger understanding of the customers who make up your demographic, reach out to them regularly via a blog or email newsletter. Interact with them on social media and most importantly, listen. Encourage your customers to give you feedback and embrace it as a way to celebrate and/or improve your business endeavors. 

Be the brand. Ensure your employees are educated -- and receive continued education -- on the business’s key points and purpose. You and your team are the best branding tools imaginable. Take advantage of this and empower your colleagues to bring the brand to life. They can communicate about your brand confidently and accurately while your business evolves. Developing an elevator pitch is a great way to give an employee a springboard for how they present themselves and represent your business in the community. 

Anticipate change. Change will happen. Be thoughtful of your core principles while you do your best to roll with the punches. You’ve made an investment and it’s important not to allow it to be lost in a changing marketplace. Staying true to your point of view will allow you to further strengthen relationships with your existing community while at the same time earning the trust of prospective clients. 

Are you a rising new business less than a year old? Apply to become a New Business Sponsor. The program will arm you with the tools you need to keep up with your business’s growth. Is your business more established? Get Accredited with BBB as part of your formula for success.

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Understanding Affordable Web Hosting for your Business

Making a decision regarding the right web host is important for your business. There are various factors you need to keep in mind when selecting a host and one of them is cost. It is possible to access affordable hosting while still enjoying quality services along with the features that suit your business's needs. Hosting forms the basis of your website and you should be able to comfortably afford it. 

Worthwhile Investment Good hosting is a worthwhile investment that does not have to cost you a fortune. During the process of creating your website, hosting should be included in your budget. Hosting companies that provide low cost services are ideal for business owners who want to save money without compromising on the type of features that are available.   

Cost is always essential when selecting a hosting plan for your business site. Find a hosting plan that
will meet your needs and be affordable enough for you to utilize the resources that you possess. Every business owner, especially if you are starting out, wants to be able to use an affordable provider. The provider should not only be affordable, but reliable as well. Along with helping you save money, the hosting company should be able to provide you with the support you need. Getting value for money involves finding the best and most reasonably priced provider who can help you develop a well performing website. 

Different Affordable Features When choosing web hosting, it is important to carry out comparisons regarding different features that are offered along with the costs involved. The provider needs to be able to offer you the features you need at a cost that fits within your budget. Determine how much you are willing to spend on web hosting and identify a provider that offers reasonable prices. It is essential for you to be aware of how much you are expected to pay in order for you to allocate the funds. A well priced hosting package will enable you to develop a suitable website for your business without straining your resources.   

Competitive Pricing The competitive nature of the industry has led to a continuous reduction in prices to give clients more options to choose from. You can easily find a hosting provider that will be able to provide you with more features at a lower cost. Carefully consider the features you need to run your site. The growth of your business is highly dependent on your online presence. Your web host is required to give you the space you need online with adequate space and bandwidth. There should always be room for growth because as your business develops, you will require more space. High speed connections are one of the most appealing factors because they influence how fast your website will take to load. Hosting provides affordable security for your website and this is facilitated by secure servers. Security makes it possible to safely and easily transfer data. An affordable hosting company will prioritize cost efficiency and reliability. You will be given the services you need at a price you can afford. 

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Become an Accredited Business and get information and services to give you the confidence that can help keep your business safe and secure. 

Written by Christian Habermann of BBB Accredited Business, Auctus Marketing

Christian Habermann is the founder of Auctus Marketing and is a leader and innovator in the online marketing world. He is very involved in the local start up scene in Boston, MA. He co-founded ConsumerUnited.com, now Goji.com, which is one of the fastest growing online insurance companies and has made the Inc. 500 List the past 3 years.  He loves to help companies of all sizes, from start ups to Fortune 500s, embrace the online marketing world to grow their business. He is the author of "SEO for 2014” and holds and MBA in marketing from Vanderbilt.

Master Time Management and Give Your Business a Boost

As a small business owner, you probably feel as if there are not enough hours in the day. Everything falls on you to get things done, so you often end up working nights, weekends and holidays.  One of the most important things you can master when running a new business is time management. If you have control over how you spend your time, you will feel more organized and efficient and ultimately be more successful.

Here are a few ways to accomplish this:

Set Priorities – At the beginning of each day, identify one or two tasks you absolutely need to complete by days end. Finish these before you start on anything else. You’ll also need to account for unplanned distractions such as phone calls, staff interruptions, etc. Planning ahead will keep you on task and you will feel like you have accomplished something each day.

Stay Organized – Keep track of your meetings on a calendar and if you have a staff, use a joint calendar so everyone knows when colleagues will be out of the office and the details of their meetings.  Also make sure to set aside time each week to catch up on paperwork and menial tasks that can pile up quickly when left undone.  Are you a smartphone user? Earlier this year, Business News Daily suggested several free apps to help you streamline your strategies. If you keep up with the smaller jobs on a daily or weekly basis, it will save you a ton of time in the long run.  

Delegate – You might be able to do it all but when you delegate, it takes a lot of pressure off you and frees up your time to tackle the larger ventures of your business.  Delegating is often one of the most difficult things for new business owners but if you find hardworking people you trust, it becomes easier.

Take Care of Yourself – This might not seem business related but when you are run down and stressed, your work suffers.  Give yourself a chance to recharge once in a while and you will return refreshed and more focused. This is more easily accomplished once you begin incorporating the lessons listed above.

Are you a rising new business less than a year old? Apply to become a New Business Sponsor.  The program will arm you with the tools you need to stay one step ahead. Is your business more established? Get Accredited with BBB as part of your formula for success.

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.


Written by: Adam Koncius, Koncius Digital Marketing

Networking for your New Business

Starting and growing a new business can be daunting. It's important to have a strong network you can rely on for help. Building a network can lead to more success down the road, so it is essential that you understand why it's important and how to accomplish this.

Networking brings your business to the forefront of the competition and helps secure potential clients. The more people you meet, the more chances you have to educate them about your business. New customers can learn what you do and what makes your business unique. Existing customers can learn about new products and services, and why they should stick with you and ultimately recommend you to friends. People will be more likely to select your business, if they feel they know you, or have received a recommendation from someone they trust.

Now that you understand why it is important to grow your network, here are a few ways to accomplish this goal:

Be Present Online – Have a strong social media presence on sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Google+. Writing blogs can also be a great way to get your mission across. You can get to know other companies in your field by following their posts. The more you know about your community and competition, the better you will be at anticipating needs.

Attend Events - Plan to regularly attend networking events both in and out of your field. You never know where or when you may meet a potential investor, colleague, or future client. Meet-ups like happy hours, workshops and conferences are great ways to speak casually about your business and make connections with interested parties.

Be Organized – People don’t have a lot of time on their hands, so make sure you know exactly what you want your message to be and how you will stand out from the competition. What makes you different and why should a client pick you over someone else? It is also important to know your audience. Someone may be more interested in one aspect of your business over another. Figure these answers out ahead of time so you are ready to network when the opportunity comes.

When in Doubt, Don't Be the Shark - No one likes being on the other end of an aggressive interaction. Whether networking in person or online, there's etiquette worth considering. Most often, networking translates to making a first impression and bad ones can turn into deal breakers down the road. Make an effort to approach people how you'd like to be approached. When face-to-face, try to actively and considerately listen, rather than simply waiting for an opportunity to pitch your message. In an online environment, like LinkedIn, be confident and passionate about your business but genuine. People can sense inauthenticity even from behind a computer. Definitely be creative and most importantly, have patience. Remember, you're in the majority -- the individuals you connect with are most likely in the same boat for their endeavor. If you don't put them on the defense or leave them feeling uncomfortable, you've avoided that shark mentality.

Are you a new business on the rise and less than a year old? The New Business Sponsor Program introduces you to a community of trustworthy businesses.

For more information you can trust, visit us a bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Written by: Adam Koncius, Koncius Digital Marketing

Reputation Management for New Businesses

Whether you are a large corporation or a small business of one, managing your reputation should be high on your priority list.  Online reviews, word of mouth and customer opinions can make or break your company. It's important to know what is being said about you and what to do in case a problem arises.  Here are a few tips for managing your reputation.

Act Quickly – Set up Google Alerts about your company and do periodic searches for customer feedback to keep tabs on both praise and criticism.  Don’t just ignore the bad reviews or negative comments, address them quickly and professionally.  Customers want to be heard. If they know you are listening –  and more importantly doing something to address their concerns –  you may keep that business you almost lost.

Recognize the Positive - Let consumers know that you hear and value their praise. Consider featuring positive feedback and/or testimonials on your website to publicly show appreciation for happy customers. Highlighting the relationship shows gratitude while at the same time, builds credibility in your community and with prospective clients.

Take it Offline – Keep an eye on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and your own website.  If you hear negative comments being made through a social media site, address them privately, if possible.  Email or call the customer to address their concerns and see what you can do to make things better.  They will appreciate the personal touch and you will save yourself from getting into a potential online battle.

Follow Up – Once a concern has been addressed, make sure to follow up with the customer to ensure they are still happy.  This could involve a simple phone call or email, or perhaps offer a coupon or discount on services.  This will confirm you are continuously working to please your clients and that you do not forget about them even when things are going well.

Take the High Road – Remember you cannot please everyone all the time. Address an unhappy customer's concerns and attempt to fix the problem to their satisfaction. If they are still not pleased, offer an apology, remain polite and professional and do your best to leave the situation in a positive light.

Are you a rising new business less than a year old? Becoming part of the New Business Sponsor Program will help you build and maintain a strong reputation.

For more information you can trust, visit us a bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Written by: Adam Koncius, Koncius Digital Marketing

The Importance of Knowing your Competition

It’s a competitive world and nowadays there are more options than ever for consumers.  As a small business owner it is important to know who you are up against and what you can do to stay competitive in the market.  The best way to accomplish this is to know who your competition is and what they are doing.  Here are a few tips on how to stay in the know.

Use the Internet – Set up Google alerts and search for keywords that relate to your industry – or specific competitors – as well as your own company.  You will be kept informed anytime someone pops up in the news.  Also, use social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to see what customers and the general public are saying.  

Look within the Business – Check out the competition's website to see how they are marketing themselves.  Research who they have on staff and if they are hiring for any new positions. This will tell you how big the company is and what resources they have to run their business.  If they are hiring, you can examine the request and see who they are looking to bring on and for what purpose.  This also allows you to see what benefits and salaries they are offering so you can stay competitive.  

Ask your Clients – One of your best resources for learning about your competition is your customers.  Talk to them about who they have worked with in the past and what they liked and disliked about them, as well as what they are looking for in your business. Likewise, do this if you happen to lose a customer.  You want to know why they may choose to look elsewhere – better pricing, friendlier service, etc – and improve for next time.

Are you a rising new business less than a year old? Becoming part of the New Business Sponsor Program will provide you with the tools you need to keep a leg up on the competition. 

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Written by: Adam Koncius, Koncius Digital Marketing

Hiring Tips for Small Businesses

Running a small business can often be stressful and especially difficult to do all on your own. It’s important to surround yourself with trustworthy and hardworking employees in order to grow your business and take some of the pressure off yourself. Here are some tips for hiring the best employees.

Find the Right Fit – Look for someone who complements your work style. You don’t necessarily want them to agree with everything you do, but you also don’t want them challenging you every step of the way. Find someone who is a nice balance – you trust their opinions but they have their own ideas as well.

Take Your Time - Allow plenty of time to find the right personnel for your company and don’t just settle because you are in a time crunch. If you are desperate for extra help and don’t have time to search through all the applications and websites, consider using a temp agency. This way you don’t have to commit to anyone in particular and they may end up working out for you anyway!

Define the Position - Make sure you know exactly what you need the new hire to do. Clearly articulate their responsibilities and what you expect of them, as well as what you can offer them (benefits, vacation, etc). This is a two-way street, you want them to be happy working for you so they give you their best work. Consider being more flexible either with hours or allowing some time to work from home. This makes your company more desirable.

Search Outside the Box - Treat everyone you meet and speak with as a potential candidate. This doesn’t mean you are constantly interviewing but you never know who you will meet that might be perfect for a position in your company. Keep track of top contenders and their attributes – they may not work for your current needs but down the road something may open up where they are an ideal fit. Also, don’t put all the pressure on yourself or one person in the office to be the sole recruiter. Allow everyone on staff to keep an eye out for potential new hires as they already have a great idea of what it takes to work for your company.

Are you a rising new business less than a year old? Becoming part of the New Business Sponsor Program will help potential employees see that your company is a trustworthy and reputable business.

For more information you can trust, visit us a bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Written by: Adam Koncius, Koncius Digital Marketing