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| April 11, 2012 |
Why you must work to keep the trust of employees, customers
The public resignation of a Goldman Sachs employee, who criticized the company in a letter published in The New York Times, has focused attention on the importance of maintaining trust, writes Greg Link. "We may have higher expectations of ethical high-trust behavior in the financial services sector, but [the] letter is a clarion call for higher trust standards that is reverberating in all industries," he writes. CNBC (4/9)
Google's search ads may be more effective than you think
A recent study has found that customers who are acquired via search advertisements on Google are worth more than previously thought. "In their lifetime, they could be an active customer, repeatedly making purchases, and the cumulative amount of these purchases, that's sort of the profit stream we should take into account," said researcher Ying Xie. BusinessNewsDaily.com (4/9)
Beware the aggressive marketing of airline credit cards
Airlines are flooding the market with frequent-flier credit cards that promise a world of great perks but may come with unexpected costs. The experts urge consumers to know what they're signing up for before entering into a contract with a new credit card provider. "I've been in this business a long time and there definitely have been times of very aggressive marketing of airline and other travel cards. We happen to be in one of them now," said David Gold, general manager of Chase Card Services. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (4/9)
5 tips to protect sensitive data from mobile apps
Some unscrupulous companies and individuals are using mobile applications to steal personal information from smartphones, but you can protect yourself by looking for apps only in the app store available on your operating system, writes Riva Richmond. Also, research companies before downloading apps that they have created, and don't buy apps that require excessive access to your data. Entrepreneur online (4/9)
What's a business owner to do when the customer is just wrong?
Paul Downs, founder of Paul Downs Cabinetmakers, ran into a tricky situation with a client after some small scratches were discovered on a boardroom table that Downs' company had built. The scratches were likely the client's fault, but Downs agreed to fix them anyway. Downs writes he doesn't blame the CEO of the client company for trying to get what he wanted and feels he made the right choice in offering to fix a problem he didn't cause. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/You're the Boss blog (4/4) The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/You're the Boss blog (3/29)
How to avoid doing yourself in with do-it-yourself online ads
There are a wide assortment of do-it-yourself online ad options in addition to Google, Hollis Thomases writes. If you decide to use a do-it-yourself platform, it's important to test out different ideas and make sure you understand the costs involved. You should also realize that there might be some trial and error involved. Inc. online (free registration)/Digital Entrepreneur (4/6)
Is your company prepared for "digital Darwinism"?
The business landscape is changing -- not because companies have learned to tweet, but because the rise of social media has created new customer expectations, writes Brian Solis. That has given rise to a kind of "digital Darwinism" in which firms that fail to adapt grow distant from their customers, and ultimately fall by the wayside. "Your job is not to embrace new technology with arms wide open, but instead to ... learn which disruptive technologies separate you from existing and potential customers," Solis writes. Forbes/CIO Network blog (4/8)
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5 ways to prepare before a business crisis strikes
Identifying your company's core values can help you to manage a business crisis when one arises, said Cindy Rakowitz. "If a crisis takes place, at least you know what your core values and vision are, and know it was always your intention to run the business ethically." It's also important to have a mission statement, become proficient at social media and understand your audience, she said. Fox Business Small Business Center (4/9)
Why you should worry about what your employees aren't telling you
Leaders might expect other people will speak up if they have doubts about a project, but that isn't always the case. "If most people aren't telling us what we need to know, we are all flying blind," Margaret Heffernan writes. People sometimes fear the consequences of speaking up, but trust is key for business success, she explains. Inc. online (free registration)/Serial CEO (4/9)
2 lists you need to succeed
One way to get better at delegation is to list all of the tasks that need to be done and attach a hypothetical monetary value to them, writes John Jantsch. You can easily relegate the low-value tasks to your "to-delegate" list, but the higher-value tasks may prove trickier to deal with. "Identifying the things you've come to realize you can and should delegate, but still do on a daily basis, will train you to focus on getting them off your to-do list," he writes. Duct Tape Marketing (4/6)
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How to survive a trip down the cash runway
Managing your company's cash runway -- the length of time your business can operate at a loss -- is complicated because there are several factors to consider. For example, if they don't have equity, your employees might be less committed to riding out the tough times, Sam Hogg writes. "Keeping the team onboard via equity, options and other noncash compensation is a smart way to smooth out times of low-cash turbulence and to get employees more invested in the company's long-term success," he writes. Entrepreneur online (4/10)
Why you should consider a health savings account
There are a number of tax benefits to having a health savings account, according to accountant Mark Kohler. However, you must have a high-deductible health plan, he notes. 
Entrepreneur online (4/9)
How do you handle negative online comments about your business?
| Answer them as soon as possible |
59.00%
|
| We don't even look out for comments online |
28.33%
|
| Answer them when we can |
6.33%
|
| Ignore them |
6.33%
|
Do you purchase online ads to market your business?
Yes
No
Featured Content
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Scammers target businesses with fake BBB e-mail
Scammers are trying to infect business computers with a virus by circulating an e-mail that purports to be from the BBB. The e-mail directs recipients to open an attachment to learn more about a complaint that has supposedly been filed against them. To spot these scam e-mails, it's important to remember that complaints are typically handled by local BBBs. ClipSyndicate/KSHB-TV (Kansas City, Mo.) (4/4)
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