Small Business Tips & Tricks

From the various business owners we have assisted, we are sharing these tips and ideas.

Monthly Email Office Tip

Each month we send out an email outlining a few office tips to help you be more effective and efficient. To receive this, sign-up here. For a sample from a previous month, click here.

Networking?

See a great list of networking opportunities in Northern Colorado compiled by Lisa Eaton of Shoot for the Moon Coaching. Dorsi Smith of NEA belongs to eWomen network and BWNFC networking groups.

We Recommend...

These are companies we know and recommend based on our experiences. That's not to say others in these fields are not great businesses as well.

Green Cartridge Colorado - ink and laser cartridges 35-50% off! They recycle and refill locally. Plus they pay you for empties and refill those on site. All guaranteed! 4031 S. Mason (next to Recycle Cycle) and 223-0766. Ask for Nate or Chris.
Tupperware Representative - I have worked with Sylvia for YEARS! Her customer service is impeccable. Contact her at tupper911@sylviascheel.com or 970-352-7976.
Ultimate Window Tinting. Shannon and Nathan Lopez have years of experience installing window tint treatments on homes and offices. My own west bedroom was noticeably cooler after their installation during 100 degree temperatures. Call them at 970-213-9464.
Adrienne Zoble & Associates - Adrienne is a marketing consultant and dynamic speaker. For a taste of how she can help, attend one of her Marketing Forums in Fort Collins, Colorado. See her website calendar for details.
ForeverGreen - Holly's mission is to help people understand whole foods and reap the healthy benefits.

Documents for Your Use

These are written at somewhat of a summary step level, so feel free to call for any explanations. We use these as "cheatsheets" while helping clients and reviewing their techniques for business chores.

What Software Do You Need on Your PC?

NEA created a one-page chart listing types of software (email, Anti-Virus, Contact Management, electronic calendars, electronic postage, etc.) along with software recommendations - including many free ones!

Do Your Emails Look Professional or Like a Letter to Your Sister?

Try these tips on good and bad email techniques. Learn how to create professional emails with MS Word and Outlook.

Is Your Email Address Saying "I'm in Business" or "This is a Hobby?"

Learn how easy and inexpensive it is (starting at $130/year) to move off the common email servers (@yahoo, @aol, @hotmail, @comcast, @frii, etc.) and obtain your own personal, professional website and email addresses. Your webmaster helps with the setup, NEA can help with the training and transition. This price is often cheaper than the fees you pay now plus provide more options for group mailings, mailings without attachments yet colorful and professional-looking.

Where are the Business Cards You are Collecting?

Try this document to learn about various methods for keeping track of all those business cards we collect - from filing them in a box to using ACT! software. NEA has a card scanning machine you can rent, or we'll scan the cards for you at under 20¢ each.

Do You Know Your Keyboard Shortcuts?

Try this document to learn about various keyboard shortcuts that work in many applications (not just Microsoft).

Mailings?

Try www.vistaprint.com or www.cardsdirect.com or www.sendoutcards.com (Kimberly Gilbert sales rep). These websites offer great options for postcards and greeting cards. NEA can help if you have inserts and multiple items (business card, catalog, cover letter, pricing sheet, brochure, etc.) to go inside a mailing.

Have Your Customers Heard from You?

Those people that already like you and know what you can do? Here are some opportunities for contacting your current customers.

Seasonal Communications

Thank You during November; Holiday cards in December; "Love Your Business" in February; Client Birthdays or Anniversaries - all year round
Introduce new product or service
Reiterate (or introduce) a referral program
New brochure or price lists
Remind them of **ALL** your products and services
Notify them of a job change - new title, new office, new accreditations

Ways to Communicate

Include new information (or refresher information) in with your invoices
Emails - remember to BCC the email list to keep your customer contact information private
Postcard - only 23¢ postage - cheap medium and no opening required
Greeting Card - easy to insert business cards
Clear envelopes - make sure they open the envelope