Archive for September, 2013

Bad Business Habits?

Friday, September 20th, 2013

Everyone can probably relate to a few of the items listed in this article about bad business habits…

Are you guilty of any of these bad business habits listed on inc.com?

“…lack of morning focus! Always scattered. Trying to organize the morning better and seriously prioritize!” — @rcsolak

“Bad habit: allowing the URGENT (and sometimes the TRIVIAL, such as an email with its hair on fire) to block out the IMPORTANT” — @KevinLMK

“Taking on too many projects at once…so I set a goal to work on high priority ones for >= 3 Hr per day.” — @BrentBrewington

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What are your bad business habits the you’re ready to break?

Web Design Mistakes Businesses Make

Wednesday, September 4th, 2013

This article found via LinkedIn really does say it all — so many business today still don’t have a website or utilize any social media.

The first place I look, and most people look, for a new business they are considering working with, purchasing from, etc. is the internet. When you are looking for something, the first & easiest place to find it is online. I always check out a company’s website, not only to get their phone number, address, or email, but to see if they look legit, have any pricing online, & the works. I am one of those people who read the about page too.

So many times, a company that I may potentially purchase from doesn’t have a website & I will frequently go elsewhere if a comparable business exists within the Amarillo area. The main reason is, I’m not a mind-reader & I don’t know if the other company has what I’m looking for, especially if I can’t scrounge up any info about what they offer online.

If you do have a website, it’s important to make sure it’s not too flashy or dated too. Many times, this will automatically send customers on their way to your competitor.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the web design mistakes you don’t want your business to make — to see the entire article, click here.

  1. // Lack of Market Knowledge
  2. // Too Flashy or Busy Designsure that flashy dancing cat is entertaining, but don’t let customers forget why they are on your site – you want business from them
  3. // No Clear Call To Actionyou need to direct customers visiting your site
  4. // Over or Under Paying – it is possible to do both :: don’t underpay & certainly don’t overpay just because someone is the flashiest around
  5. // Vague or Outdated Contenta website does need acurate, current content
  6. // Considering “Everyone” Your Target Audience
  7. // Believing You Can Do-It-Yourselfyour pretty busy already

Now, the last one on this list might be possible, but you have to think to yourself, 1) Will I do as good of job & 2) Do I really have all that time (you are running a business afterall).

>> office image via Pinterest