"What Is An Independent Business Owner?"

This is a repost of something I scribbled down on a torn piece of paper one night; exhausted from a fourteen hour day - and yet magically at 10:15pm, restored and renewed by the love and support of my wonderful and loyal customers.

Less Than a Month Until Google Plus Is Gone Forever

Good morning folks,

As you probably have heard by now, Google+ will be shutting down in April. Now is the time to take a look at your photos, download data, etc. It's a great idea to put a post on your profile as well as business pages to let your followers know where they can continue to keep up with you. NOTE: the ending of the Google+ platform does not affect the Google My Business components (see here for more about that).

Small Business And The Big Game | Marketing Ideas for Retailers and Restaurants

Celebrate the biggest sporting event of the year by catching football fever! Engage with your customers and followers, both online and in-store, with football-themed promotions, catchy displays and signage.

Know Your Niche | The Need To Define What Sets You Apart

What sets you apart from the rest may also be what elevates you to new levels of success, right? I think most of us would agree on this, however, the fear of "spelling it out" frequently appears to be what holds people back. Why are we so hesitant to "own our uniqueness" - and broadcast it as an attribute? Here are my thoughts on "why you must be able to define your niche market", as it relates to growth or expansion of an existing company.

Getting Out There | Networking Tips for Small Business Owners

Do you struggle with meeting new people? As a small business owner I know how difficult it can be to find time; let's face it, entrepreneur life is often about juggling many tasks so interactions after hours just aren't easy to find. But do you actually know your fellow business owners and nearby retail shop owners well enough to plan a promotion or joint event? There is certainly value found in conversation and sharing of experiences and goals! Far too often we find ourselves shrinking into our own little worlds however, avoiding the social layers of our town or city and heck - sometimes even forgetting to venture out of our comfort zones and storefronts.

"Looking Forward" Reflections on 2018 and Thoughts for the Year Ahead

Today's post focuses on some thoughts and musings which have been percolating around in my brain during the last few days. While I haven't always taken time to reflect on the past, this week I've definitely taken time to pause and ponder the year which stretches out behind like the wake of a passing boat.