What Makes a Successful Public Speaker? These 3 Key Points

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a networking luncheon hosted by my alma mater’s alumni association. While I always look forward to meeting fellow Flashes, I was particularly interested in hearing our city’s mayor speak. Mayor Horrigan was as good as I thought he would be, which made me think about what makes publicContinue reading “What Makes a Successful Public Speaker? These 3 Key Points”

4 Lessons Learned in 4 Years as an Entrepreneur

On Sunday, my company, Clearly Conveyed Communications, celebrated its 4th anniversary. Along with some gray hairs and a sense of accomplishment, I’ve learned numerous lessons along the way. 4 Lessons I’ve Learned in 4 Years as an Entrepreneur: Starting and growing a business is a thrilling roller coaster ride. If you love roller coasters (like I do),Continue reading “4 Lessons Learned in 4 Years as an Entrepreneur”

Movin’ on Up: Small Businesses Go to the Big Game

It all started with a groundbreaking company that just wanted to encourage more interest amongst girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Who could predict that Goldieblox would become the first small business to advertise during the Super Bowl? In 2014, Intuit ran a contest to award one small business the opportunity of a lifetime — the chanceContinue reading “Movin’ on Up: Small Businesses Go to the Big Game”

5 Smart Steps to Become a Better Small Business Owner

As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you dream big. That’s probably one reason you pursued this career path in the first place. Dreaming big is great, but it can also be paralyzing. Where do you start? “Entrepreneurs are often defined by the size of our ambitions, but the best way to make a big impactContinue reading “5 Smart Steps to Become a Better Small Business Owner”

How the Gift-Giving Process Makes You a Better Marketer

I love to give gifts. Part of it is seeing the joy that the recipient expresses, but part of it is the process. Finding the perfect gift for someone isn’t easy and shares a lot in common with the marketing process. First, there’s the research into what the recipient likes and how he spends hisContinue reading “How the Gift-Giving Process Makes You a Better Marketer”

Small Business Saturday: FREE Writing Guide

It’s Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving that is set aside each year to celebrate and support small businesses. We appreciate the love, but we hope that you support small businesses the rest of the year too. Why? Nearly 80% of small businesses are self-employed individuals.^ Businesses with fewer than 5 employees make up 62%Continue reading “Small Business Saturday: FREE Writing Guide”

Gratitude Is Good For You & Your Business

“Thank you.” These two words are so simple yet so powerful. They can be the difference between a one-time customer and a loyal one, a vendor and a partner, a co-worker and a colleague. It turns out that gratitude is not only good for you, but it’s good for business too. Showing gratitude to yourContinue reading “Gratitude Is Good For You & Your Business”

Social Media Isn’t Easy: 5 Reasons Why It’s Worth It

Last week, we reminded everyone that social media isn’t free and recommended five ways to maximize your time and money. This week, we’re addressing another misperception.   Social media isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. We’re not talking about the act of tweeting itself or posting pictures of your kids on Facebook or Instagramming everyContinue reading “Social Media Isn’t Easy: 5 Reasons Why It’s Worth It”

Social Media Isn’t Free: 5 Ways To Maximize Your Time & Money

Social media isn’t free. There, we said it. It’s been said before, but no one seems to believe it. Even if you’re not advertising or boosting posts, someone (or multiple someones) is spending time strategizing, creating content, posting and engaging with community members. Or at least we hope they are. Social Media Isn’t Free TimeContinue reading “Social Media Isn’t Free: 5 Ways To Maximize Your Time & Money”

Essential Guide To Creating A Memorable Brand For Your Small Business

Branding is all about resonating with your target audience. If you want to cut through the incessant chatter of the online world or make an impact in the offline world, then your brand needs to say a lot about you. But how do you go about creating a brand that both reflects what you doContinue reading “Essential Guide To Creating A Memorable Brand For Your Small Business”