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Marketing Tips & Tools * New Media * Web Finds * Upcoming Events
October 2008
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Greetings!
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Small (and not so small) Business by the Numbers
...a record number of Americans started new businesses in 2005 and Q1, 2006. ...there were 12% more startups than at
the height of the dotcom surge in the mid-'90s. "In other words, entrepreneurship is hotter now than at any other time in
modern history--despite the negative economic indicators." Source: WomenEntrepreneur.com
Microsoft paid $10 million to Jerry Seinfeld for the ads they pulled within only a few weeks of airing. The entire campaign cost $300 million. Just goes to show that deep pockets aren't always a good thing.
Intuit, the maker of Quickbooks, in an April survey, reported that 9 out of 10 U.S. small business owners see opportunities in the current recession, and more than 75% expect growth. ...to do so, they'll rely on their experience and passion; nearly two-thirds have survived previous downturns. And to recession-proof their businesses, respondents plan to put customers first, with 63% naming customer retention as their top priority, followed by focusing on finances. Source: Reuters
That was 6 months ago. I wonder what they'd say now? Well, if you're interested in seeing how the latest downturn has changed attitudes, even for the better, see the charts in this article from the NFIB
While much of big business earnings are crashing, McDonald's reported an 11% increase in earnings on the 22nd of October. Must have been that discounted latte they've been promoting. Proof that some businesses do great in a bad economy.
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Doing Business in a Tough Economy
If you're looking for ideas, tips and just plain motivation to get you and your business through this weird economic period, take a look at these articles from Harvard Business Review and other gurus.
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Upcoming Workshops & Events
9 Ways to Market Your Business with Social Networks
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 9am-5:30pm -- North Seattle Community College
Wondering about the time investment you should be making in social networks, like LinkedIn and Facebook? Part of the Money Wi$e Business Women Conference, this talk covers all the basics of social media. The all-day event features two keynote speakers and 16 breakout sessions. register by October 23 and enter "Business Women Block" under Coupon Code for a $15.00 discount.
Web Analytics: So who's visiting your website anyway?
Friday, October 31, 2008 (boo!), 1pm-3pm at Seattle SCORE
All
those numbers have your head in a spin? We take a look at
the tools you can use to see your website traffic. You'll
also learn how to analyze the information, so you can make improvements
in your website and your marketing for the coming year. $25. Sign up at Seattle SCORE
Marketing 101
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 12pm-4pm at Seattle SCORE
This class is a great foundation for any business, whether you're just starting or reviewing your plans for 2009. It's a comprehensive workshop that puts all the pieces together for you. $45. Sign up at Seattle SCORE
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 Need a Speaker for Your Next Event?
Robbin Block covers marketing, Internet marketing, entrepreneurship, Web 2.0, and social media
like nobody's business. learn more
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