"How do I increase sales?" is often the topic that clients  give as their most important need.  Perhaps that's because many business owners have expertise in their field or industry, but have limited sales experience, so we're featuring articles with helpful tips on selling that are applicable for both new and experienced sales people.

"How can I reach out to clients and prospects in a cost-effective manner?"  is another question that's asked frequently. Keeping in touch with clients and prospects is critical to the success of your business. There are many vehicles to do this, but one of the easiest and most cost-effective is through email, so we're sharing articles on this subject.

We're also sharing information about a new on-line tool that may help you find the right lender when seeking financing.

Speaking of sharing, many SCOREBOARD readers have asked how they can share an article with others, or comment to Knoxville SCORE about an article. Well, we've added tools that allow you to do so. Each article has a link to our Facebook page which you can "Like," add comments or reaction to an article, and see what's happening between issues of SCOREBOARD. We've also added an email link you can use to share articles you think would be beneficial for friends and colleagues by coping the URL of the article and pasting it into the email's comment box.  For Facebook users, you can share an article with other Facebook friends by logging in to Facebook, inserting a comment and the URL link, clicking "SHARE," and selecting the recipients.

May 16-20 was designated Small Business Week, which Greater Knoxville SCORE observed by recognizing clients who have achieved success with their business. This year's recipients are David Glass, owner of Cable TEnsion LLC, and Mike Robinson, founder of Heatseeker Technology and Design. Be sure to read their stories to see how they found a need, devised a way to solve it, and how they've utilized SCORE counseling to achieve success.

We encourage you to read these articles to make your business even more successful, and remember that SCORE is here "For The Life Of Your Business."

Every business must sell their products or services, so learning how to sell is critical. Here are three ways to sharpen your sales skills to increase your sales.  

Your presentation sometimes is to a group, which can be nerve-racking at the best of times, but especially when pitching for new business. Here are seven tips from public speaking experts on how to make small business pitches more effective. "How To Pitch To Clients" offers advice on how to make your pitches more effective.  

Sales often are gained or lost not by your product's quality or price, but by how your "front line" is perceived by the customer. This may be clerks, customer service, or sales people. Learn how to improve these areas of your business in "Invest in the Front Line to Grow the Bottom Line." Note: while addressing the retail industry, the lessons are applicable to all businesses.  

The Young Entrepreneur Council recently asked 11 successful young entrepreneurs to share how they  market a business. Read their answers in "11 Ways to Create Sales."  

Some great reasons for using email include that it's relentless, inexpensive, and responsive.  Read more in "The Power of Email Marketing: Yes, It's Still the King!"   

 There are many ways to use email, and the most five are explained in "Top 5 Ways to Use Small Business Email Marketing."  

"How Can Small Businesses Elevate Their Email Marketing?" explains how  blending technology and classic marketing techniques can help small businesses achieve higher response rates and bigger profits.