Paul Edwards | local marketing center|Paul and Sarah Edwards |Working From Home |

How to Use Digital Technology in Your E-Commerce Business

May 10, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

By Courtney Rosenfeld

E-commerce is a great way to make money online, but it’s not going to work if you don’t fully integrate it into your business strategy. The Digital Marketing Institute notes that this means taking time to plan your digital strategy and determining the role that digital technology will play in your overall strategy.

If you decide to start your e-commerce business on a whim, you’re likely to fail as soon as your first customers start placing orders. That’s because you won’t have fully integrated your digital strategy into your business strategy.

Planning for success involves determining what digital strategies you’ll employ in your e-commerce business. Local Marketing Center explores some of the most successful that other businesses have used. We’ll also discuss their place in the hierarchy of your strategy.

Integrate Wholesale and Drop-shipping Platforms

Now that you’ve fully integrated your digital strategy, it’s time to integrate your wholesale and drop-shipping strategies.

Wholesale partners can help your business reduce its operating costs. That’s because they can negotiate lower rates for you, allowing you to pass those savings on to your customers.

In addition, working with a wholesale partner can allow you to diversify your product offering. That’s because you can supplement your inventory with products that you don’t produce yourself.

When you’re partnered with a third-party drop-shipping platform, you can also take advantage of their marketing resources. That can help you promote your business, drive sales, and achieve deeper penetration into your target market.

Batch Processes and Data

One of the most effective ways to integrate your digital strategy is to use batch processes and data. Techopedia explains that batch processes are basically functions that you can run over and over again without human interaction. That way, you don’t waste time, money, or resources on non-essential tasks.

Batch processes can be extremely useful for integrating your digital strategy because they enable you to automate certain processes. That gives you more time to focus on other tasks, like product design or marketing.

Batch processes can also be used to collect data. That’s because every time you run a batch process, you collect data about the process. From there, you can use that data to analyze your business and identify areas that need improvement.

Remote Employees

It is a good idea to allow some members of your staff to work remotely. But in doing so, you must ensure effective communication among your team. A process template map is a great way to achieve this.

This tool will keep your team current with all the expected goals, thereby keeping productivity at its peak.

Be sure to spend your time and effort on big-data analysis in addition to your process mapping template. You will be able to discover, validate, and improve your workflows through process mining.

Process Mining

Process mining can help increase sales, reduce costs, and mitigate risk. You can also look forward to discovering hidden opportunities to expand your e-commerce company. Begin by identifying data sources. Next, identify potential data sources and create a timeline. Then determine your key stakeholders.

Keep in mind that there’s a difference between process mining vs process discovery. The latter is actually one step beyond process mining, as the discovery aspect is used to identify areas in need of improvement in the “white spaces” between data input and gathering that would otherwise go unnoticed. Then, reports are generated to share with all the team members to use for improvement and optimization of those areas. Once implemented, these automated processes allow you to respond faster to customer demands. They also reduce human oversight while allowing you to concentrate on more strategic tasks, like product development.

Mobile Apps

Another important feature you should consider is mobile apps for your business. If you don’t provide your customers with an easy way for them to pay online, you are missing significant revenue.

It is crucial to protect your mobile payment app, which is where authentication API comes into play. Customers can instantly verify routing numbers and bank account details by paying with ACH. All ACH processors are compatible with the app, meaning that customers will find the app easy to use, accessible, and intuitive.

With these digital strategies now in your hands, you’re better able to approach e-commerce in a new, more profitable light. Understanding how to effectively integrate drop-shipping and use the latest tech tools like process mining and mobile apps can springboard you toward long-term growth and sustainability.

Paul Edwards of Local Marketing Center with his wife, Sarah Edwards, are award-winning authors of 17 books with over 2,000,000 books in print. Paul provides local marketing consulting through the Small Business Development Center. Read more informative articles today!

Tips for Launching Your Business While Preparing to Welcome a Baby

April 13, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

Establishing your own business is empowering while welcoming a baby is a beautiful and life-transforming experience. But both have their fair share of challenges that can be harder to overcome when the two are happening at the same time.

Still, new or expecting mothers are increasingly finding satisfaction in the opportunities entrepreneurship offers. The tips here will help you as you prepare for your own “mompreneurship” journey.

While designing a startup budget is always a wise move, it’s all the more crucial as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. You’ll have to add a lot of detail, too, while making sure to reconcile the budget with the funds you’ve put aside for the baby.

A baby’s arrival and launching a business are both events that can be fraught with unforeseen expenses. That’s why you should set a healthy buffer aside in case of emergencies. If you’re having trouble seeing where to allocate money for this, reevaluate your business startup fund. Look for areas where you can reasonably cut costs without compromising on quality.

Outsource Some Aspects of Launching Your Business

Your brand’s logo is an essential part of ensuring a strong market entry, so consider hiring a freelance illustrator if you lack the experience to design one yourself.

You may also need to find a freelance web designer and social media marketer. You can find and hire these professionals through online job boards or marketplaces such as Fiverr and Upwork job boards. These platforms enable you to evaluate potential candidates based on experience, past projects, client reviews, and pricing.

You’ve hired a social media marketer—now you’re ready to create your Facebook ad. Save by using a free ad template that you can customize with your own text, logo, color schemes, and layout.

Free Your Time and Do More Using Technology

Using modern apps and gadgets can enable you to do more with the limited time you’ll have. Virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant can help you perform simple operations hands-free.

Likewise, robot vacuum cleaners will help keep your office space and home tidy. And wearable tech such as smartwatches can make answering calls easier when caring for your baby would otherwise make it inconvenient to do so.

With working mothers reporting burnout in recent years, using technology to lighten your load will preserve your energy.

Perform the Most Time-Consuming Tasks While You’re Pregnant

You likely won’t have as much time once the baby arrives, so take care of the tasks that require the most time and energy before then. Of course, make sure not to strain yourself too much. And, if you’d like to plan ahead, find a sitter so you can pick up the pace again as soon as you’re ready.

Brisbane and most major cities have services that do thorough vetting to find nannies who are qualified to care for infants.

The Right Planning and Habits Make Everything Possible

In many ways, welcoming a baby equips you to be an even better entrepreneur. Use these tips to ensure you can balance enjoying precious moments with your baby and the demands of launching a new business.

By Courtney Rosenfeld

Design Your Dream Work From Home Space on a Budget

March 7, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

Millions of workers across the United States aren’t going back to the office, and it’s easy to see why. Even with the pandemic winding down, employers are still reaping the benefits: a happier and more motivated workforce, reduced operating expenses, and fewer hours lost to water cooler chat.

So if you’ll be working remotely full- or part-time, it’s time to ditch the couch or dining room table and build your dream workspace at home, using these expert tips from Local Marketing Center.

Choose the Right Location

Start by taking a tour of your home as though you’ve never been there before. Walk through each space and imagine it without furniture. Where can you add a workspace? If your home has a basement, this may be the obvious choice. Basements are usually isolated from the rest of the house, so if the kids come home from school, they won’t disrupt your Zoom meeting.

To DIY or Not to DIY?

If you’re looking to cut costs, a DIY home office renovation might seem like the best bet. But consider your starting point first. A finished basement already has the basic flooring, drywall, and electrical you’ll need for a safe and comfortable office. You may only need to add a fresh coat of paint in a soothing hue. But an unfinished basement is trickier. Case in point: you’ll need to install subfloor insulation before the carpeting to prevent condensation and mold. These larger tasks are often best left to a pro. Otherwise, you could pay more for repairs down the line.

Wellness While You Work

Next, it’s time to add furniture. Choose a high-quality, comfortable desk and ergonomic chair that are suited to your height. Head to your favorite secondhand shop or look online for affordable options. You may want to consider an adjustable sit-stand desk to switch things up throughout the day. In either position, ensure that your monitor is at the proper distance and viewing angle to reduce eyestrain.

Hack Your Productivity

Now that the heavy lifting is done, it’s time to stimulate your creativity and get you in the zone. Add a smart speaker for some relaxing tunes or white noise. (Unlike the office, you won’t need to wear headphones!) Did you know that certain scents, especially pine and cinnamon, have been associated with alertness and focus? Light a scented candle or use a plug-in oil diffuser for a boost.

Add Self-Care to Your Workspace

You spend more of your waking hours at your workstation than almost anywhere else. As you put the finishing touches on your new home office, take another tour of your home and gather items that help facilitate a feeling of peace and joy. It could be a houseplant, a family photo, a lamp to add brightness, or a yoga mat for a comfy place to stretch and reset between tasks. These items will truly help you feel like you’re working from the comfort of home and enhance your work-life balance. Best of all, they don’t cost you a cent!

Everyone longs to escape those stuffy office buildings, but few take the necessary steps to turn that dream into a reality. By following these simple tips, though, you’ll be enjoying your new home office in no time!

Local Marketing Center consists of Paul and his wife, Sarah Edwards, who are award-winning authors of 17 books with over 2,000,000 books in print. Paul also provides local marketing consulting through the Small Business Development Center. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email paul@localmarketing.center.

Written by Courtney Rosenfeld

How to Incorporate Data Analytics Into Your Business

March 3, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

From Unsplash If you run a business then you need to know about data. After all, these essential numbers and facts tell you how your business is improving, where fixes should be made, and how you can best market your products, amongst other benefits. If you aren’t incorporating analytics already, then this is the time to start. Here at the Local Marketing Center, we consult small businesses on how they can succeed and extend their reach, so we have some tips for how you can incorporate analytics into many areas of your company.

Use Data to Manage Your Inventory

Companies that sell and move physical products need to have data analytics as part of their inventory system. It is really the most accurate way that you can verify what you have, what you need, and what you have sold. Analytics is even more important if you have multiple sales channels because analytic systems can handle these complex situations without the potential of error. Your analytics can also tell you which of your products are flying out the door faster so you can restock or think of other ways that you can capitalize or expand that product line.

Plus, when you always have the products that you advertise available for purchase then you will not only make more money but your customer satisfaction will likely increase as well because you will be a company they can depend upon.

Data for Risk Management

As our world continues to evolve so do the threats posed by cybercriminals, so it is important that you are always analyzing data so you can catch potential threats before they happen. Even if you are not an exclusively online business, if you have any digital components as part of your company, then you are at risk.

However, even with the best data analytics, you cannot catch everything, so it is important to also have an IT security recovery plan in place in the case that you are hacked. This plan should detail what should happen immediately after a threat is identified, including which programs need to be recovered first when each deadline should be met, and who on the team will be responsible for each task.

Data for Marketing

One of the most important places to use data analytics is with your marketing and advertising campaigns. By crunching the numbers, you can determine what type of people are buying your products including where they live, what else they like, and more. Once you have built a profile for your primary demographic, you can begin to focus all of your attention on that audience for maximum profitability.

Data analytics can also help you to understand the best ways to market to your audience. For instance, analytics may tell you that direct mailing is not the best strategy because those customers are not responding, and at the same time, the data could tell you that social media marketing is firing on all cylinders. You don’t want to waste too much time on an unsuccessful marketing tactic, so you need analytics to find the right answers.

Analytics for Retention

While you may be able to sell your products, if customers are returning what they buy and not coming back then you have an issue. The answer is to use data analytics to follow the patterns, so you can see who is sticking around, which products customers are not so fond of, and an alternative strategy to reach a wider audience.

You can also use data to determine why you are unable to retain employees. Whether it is the length of the commute, the pay rate, management style, or anything in between, there are many ways that an employee might not stick around. By looking at the data, you can see why people are leaving and fix those areas so you can show your employees that they are valued. They will work twice as hard because of it.

As you can see, data analytics is an essential part of a successful company, so consider the advantages above and incorporate this strategy into your business. If you have other questions about how to market to your employees, then give Local Marketing Center a call at paul@localmarketing.center.

Written by Courtney Rosenfeld

Great Cities for Gig Economy Nomads

February 19, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

Although leaving you free to travel anywhere, living the solopreneur lifestyle doesn’t require you to surf on a different couch every night. In fact, settling in for a few weeks or months in a digital nomad-friendly community is a much more rewarding way to make the most of your untethered lifestyle. Here are four top places to hang your hat as a wandering worker.

Sacramento

Located less than a day’s drive from beaches, mountains, major metropolises, and natural wonders, California’s capital city is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the west coast. It boasts a favorable business environment, mild climate, and fast internet speeds, and the city even provides free Wi-Fi in 27 local parks.

According to PayScale, housing costs in Sacramento are nearly 40% lower than in Los Angeles, making it a more affordable option for wanderers looking to enjoy all the Golden State has to offer. Try using search filters to find a Sacramento apartment that meets your needs in terms of budget, pet-friendliness, and a number of rooms; you can even set parameters for various amenities, so you won’t waste time looking at incompatible options.

Kansas City

Earning a cost of living rating nearly 14 points below the U.S. average, Kansas City is a top spot for cost-conscious roamers. This affordable Missouri town offers a growing number of co-working spaces along with high Wi-Fi speeds, making it a great choice for nomads who want big perks on a small budget.

Check out the city’s visitor website to get a feel for which of Kansas City’s 240 neighborhoods is the right fit for you. You’ll find short-term rentals available in most areas, whether you prefer being close to the town’s eclectic dining and shopping or its world-class museums.

Seattle

The US northwest’s largest city is an excellent place to make your stay as a digital nomad. The scenic views of nearby nature and the many tech industry companies are equally compelling draws to the city on Puget Sound. It may be a pricey destination, but who can argue with the view and the vibe.

When it comes to housing, rentals in Seattle, WA, certainly aren’t cheap. A one bedroom apartment can average more than $2,300, so don’t expect to be building a nest egg unless you’re pulling down a pretty penny. But a beautiful, vibrant city that’s the destination in the Pacific northwest is worth it.

New York City

First things first: New York City isn’t the place for roamers with small budgets. However, what it lacks in affordability it makes up for with its accessibility to international commerce and its cultural and culinary diversity. If you want to take a bite out of the Big Apple, you can still find ways to economize, like taking advantage of New York’s extensive bus and subway systems to get around on the cheap.

While you need a realistic outlook when it comes to housing prices in New York, if you’re open to co-living you can keep costs down. Some neighborhoods are more affordable and signing weekly leases can keep you from getting in over your head with a longer commitment.

Although each of these cities is unique, they all have something to offer those living the solopreneur lifestyle. Any one of them can be the perfect next step in your nomadic lifestyle. Take advantage of your freedom to roam and explore one or more of these digital nomad-friendly U.S. destinations.

This article was written by Courtney Rosenfeld, For more information about the Gig Economy, contact Paul Edwards!

4 Ideas for Improving Collaboration in the Workspace

February 3, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

When it comes to meeting business goals, collaboration is key. As employees work in sync, it becomes easier to share information, overcome challenges and avoid bottlenecks. Additionally, it helps to improve morale and create a positive work environment. But, having seamless collaboration throughout an organization requires sound planning and consistent effort. In this article, Local Marketing Center explores four tried and tested ways to help your business achieve the highest level of collaboration possible.

Lead from the Top

As the business owner, you cannot expect your team to be collaborative if you work in isolation. Rather than allowing employees to work in their silos, create a culture where employees collaboratively work on projects. Additionally, when it comes to making decisions, organize discussions with appropriate teams, receive suggestions, and move forward with mutually agreed upon goals and timelines. There will be times when you’ll need to put your foot down and instruct your team to work based on your expectations, but in the long run, a collaborative effort will help employees feel empowered and develop good critical thinking skills.

Develop a Culture of Innovation

Managers often want employees to come up with creative solutions to business problems, however, their imagination is stunted due to traditional top-down structures of communication. If employees are hesitant of presenting ideas due to the fear of being ridiculed or judged, it is bound to impair the success of your business. To overcome such situations, practice an open-door policy, i.e. encourage employees to connect with their managers or you directly with ideas or concerns. To make this system successful, it’s important to:

Be receptive to new ideas which could alter your current business practices.

Train managers across all departments to develop the same attitude as well.

This approach will help you gauge how well your business is doing in terms of collaboration. If employees seem unaware of the progress of other departments, it points towards the need for stronger communication. Similarly, if you realize you’re out of touch with updates team members are providing on projects, it’s time to start actively communicating with your employees more often.

Encourage Cross-Department Collaborations

A common problem faced by businesses is poor cross-department communication. For example, let’s say the product team launches a new service on the platform to attract more customers. But, as the marketing team was not aware of the launch, there was no promotional activity and the project eventually was considered a failure. Not only do such situations lead to wastage of precious time, money, and resources, but can also lead to a business going under if it occurred consistently.

As reported by Idealist, an effective way to overcome this problem is to create cross-departmental teams, i.e. choosing representatives from each department to work on the project. As all members will be mutually dependent on the other to achieve goals, it’ll encourage communication and lead to everyone being on the same page.

Adopt the Right Technology

Whether you have 10 employees or 100, it is not possible to keep a check on them individually. Business goals are often dynamic and employees need to be proactive in their approach and adapt quickly to ensure projects are completed on time. Additionally, relaying the required changes verbally or through mails can lead to loss of information and time.

Here’s where process mapping comes into the picture. As reported by Miro, a process map allows you to break down each project into stages which can include required deliverables and project owners. Additionally, as the map can easily be shared with everyone in the organization, it promotes cross-departmental communication by providing complete clarity of expectations and timelines.

Using the process map, managers can track the progress of tasks at any time and make necessary changes as needed. Furthermore, as the owner, it’ll provide you an overview of your business in real-time allowing you to maintain operational efficiency and ensure completion of set goals.

By implementing these strategies in your business, you’re bound to experience an increase in productivity. Additionally, you’ll create a work environment where employees feel heard and respected, making it easier to retain and attract top talent.

Written by Courtney Rosenfeld

Entrepreneurs Should Be Utilizing These Leading Business Methods

January 23, 2022 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

Running a small business comes with a lot of responsibilities, but it’s important not to overlook the details. The way you treat your employees, solve problems, and handle vendor relations is just as important as the way you take care of your business’s finances, marketing, or customers. Keep in mind that you’re not in this alone; millions of entrepreneurs are taking the initiative to update their business applications and ensure they’re on the right track. Here are a few tips on how to build better business practices for your company.

Update your website

One major aspect of your business that should be given attention to is the website. It’s not enough to make it easy to navigate or to fill it with product and information; you also need to be thoughtful with the execution and ensure that the site is accessible to people of all abilities and well-designed. The good news is, you don’t have to take care of it yourself. You can find a qualified, professional web developer via a job site, where you can read reviews and figure out the fees and delivery time before you hire.

Boost your communication

Communicating with your customers and clients is essential, but it’s just as important to make sure you know how to talk to your employees, vendors, and anyone else your business relies on. Many entrepreneurs tend to multitask, but this can provide distractions that keep you from listening to the people around you. Utilize technology for communication, but don’t rely on it solely. Maintaining in-person meetings or even video calls can help eliminate misunderstandings and mistakes, as can responding to problems or conflicts right away rather than pushing them aside to focus on other things.

It’s crucial to your business’s success that you fully understand your cash flow and have a full understanding of how much money is coming and going out. When you have visibility on your cash flow, you’ll be able to make more accurate estimates about future income. It’s also essential that you understand any liabilities and how much debt you owe. Fortunately, Plaid’s API credit loan tool allows you to retrieve up-to-date information on all your liabilities and loans.

Look for opportunities for growth

Good communication skills are just one area where you can learn and grow as a business owner. It’s important to look for opportunities that will allow you to tackle new challenges or simply become more educated about the field you’re in. It’s also a good idea to take the initiative to update your knowledge of the legalities and regulations surrounding your small business and keep an eye on the latest tech so you’ll always have access to tools and resources that can boost your sales. This might include things like customer relationship management software, which can help build customer loyalty.

Innovate

Growth comes in many forms, and it’s important to keep your employees in mind as you move your business into the future. How will you support them and keep fresh ideas flowing? There are endless possibilities, from providing assistance with childcare in order to reduce their stress to offering a relaxed atmosphere in the office where everyone is free to be creative. Your business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and there is real power in knowing you can provide a supportive environment and work culture for your team.

Figuring out the best practices for your company can take some time, but you can always ask for input from your employees. Work together to find ways to build your brand and grow your ideas in order to secure the future of your business.

Written by Marjorie Jones

Decorating Your Home To Suit Your Work Needs

December 8, 2021 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

Decorating Your Home To Suit Your Work Needs

Workplace changes influence how you utilize your house. For people who work from home, some may only need a corner of the room or a comfy couch and laptop. Others might need a designated room with a door for privacy while on client calls or quiet to read over documentation. Whether you intend to redecorate your existing space or find a new home that fulfills your work needs, these decorating ideas presented by Local Marketing Center can help you create an inviting home office.

Reinventing Your Existing Space

Create a distinct area that keeps you away from distraction and manages work items. This can be a small desk in your bedroom, an unused corner of the living room, or a free wall in the spare bedroom. When space is limited, think vertical rather than horizontal. Shelving going up the wall will save floor space, and you can add wicker baskets for storage. Utilize natural light, but add decorative task lighting that coincides with the rest of the room.

This is a good time to reinvent your front porch or back patio to provide a special relaxing nook for breaks from work for you and the kids. They then can serve as entertaining areas by adding comfortable outdoor furniture and creative lighting.

Finding New Accommodations

If purchasing a new home is your best option to ensure success in your career, start by researching the housing market in your desired location. Hire a real estate agent in that area that understands the local market and will search for homes that fulfill your parameters and budget. If the market is limited and an extra room is not an option, consider expanding your mindset to sectioning off an extra-large bedroom or refinishing basement or attic space in the new house.

Setting Up Your Home Office

No matter what nook and cranny or room in the house you take over for your office, make sure you are comfortable and inspired to maximize productivity. Studies have shown that productivity can be increased by 20% with well-designed office space, so have fun creating the special hub that speaks directly to you.

Having a tabletop to spread out papers, storage to keep documents safe, a comfortable chair to support your back and appropriate lighting are all high on your decorating list. Aesthetics play a role in inspiration, so hang plants, add family photos, and light a scented candle. Take a break from your desk by sitting in your dependable, super comfortable chair while planning, organizing or drafting. If it is worn or has been damaged, now is the time to consider a furniture upholstery service to recover it with a unique fabric suited for your office design. Search online for “furniture reupholstery near you” and start reading customer reviews. Reach out to discuss your specific needs and get quotes. Depending on the size of the chair, fabric and any customization will influence the cost of upholstering. For example, a large couch can cost between $1,200 to $3,500.

Your work needs and the space you require to be productive and successful will dictate your actions in creating and decorating a home office. Regardless of what storage, privacy, and organization you require, take time to assess the benefit of staying where you are and just cutting out and redecorating or making a move that will provide what you need for inspiration.

The Art of Marketing for Senior Business Owners

December 2, 2021 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

As business owners age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that what worked for you in the past will work today. If you’re not careful, this assumption can lead to your failure to take advantage of the changing marketing landscape and losing ground to younger businesses with fresher ideas and newer strategies. Local Marketing Center presents some of the most effective marketing techniques that senior business owners like you should start using today to stay competitive in your local marketplace.

Networking

As a senior, you probably have a network you’ve built over time. People are more likely to do business with you if they like and trust you. Spending time building a relationship with your customers will make it easier when they need something from you. If you’re already networking regularly, don’t let those connections wither away.

Asking for Referrals

People love to talk about themselves, and people love to talk about their business. Referrals from current customers are some of the best leads you can get, as these people have already heard your pitch and were impressed enough to pass it on. They’re a little more qualified than a cold lead, and they come with an implicit recommendation from someone they trust.

Designing a Website

Aesthetics are one of many important factors when it comes to your business’s website. Visitors aren’t just interested in seeing what you do — they want to know how you can help them. Because of that, it’s important to consider every element on your site: Each word on a page, each image and design choice, everything from color scheme to structure can impact whether or not someone decides to click through.

Basic Guidelines For Using Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool that can help grow your brand and generate leads. Decide which social media platforms are best suited to your business. Use consistent branding across all platforms. Keep your content focused on your customers’ interests, not just yours. Post at regular intervals throughout each day, but never spam. Use a strong call-to-action to entice users to go to your website or call you directly.

Local SEO Strategies

If you want to be found in local search results, there are some options:

Optimize your website to show up organically
Pay for local advertising in Google Ads
Participate in local online business listings
Use Google My Business

Giving Something Away Free

If you’re looking to bring in new customers, one great way to do so is by offering something away free. People are more likely to try out your product or service if they don’t have to spend any money upfront—and once they try it, they might become long-term customers.

Earning an MBA

In many industries, an MBA can serve as a gold-standard business credential. Getting your master’s degree can help you understand all aspects of running a company, from profit and loss statements to managing a team. Consider an online MBA program if time or location is an issue. An online course gives you the flexibility to balance your existing schedule with learning. Things you can learn are:

Economics
Accounting
Marketing
Strategic Planning

Ever-Changing Marketing Technology

Effective marketing is imperative to running a successful business. As a senior business owner, you’ll need to keep up with ever-changing marketing technology. Visit Local Marketing Center for more business and marketing help. You can get ideas from this link: https://creately.com/blog/marketing/how-to-do-a-competitive-analysis/

Written by Carleen Moore

Top Success Tips for Aspiring Solopreneurs

October 19, 2021 by Paul Edwards Leave a Comment

Becoming a solopreneur and pursuing business on your own can be thrilling. You have to make your own decisions and put everything on the line for the success of your new business. This can be nerve-wracking as you don’t have a partner to support you through different challenges. Between utilities, startup costs, paying bills, and gadgets, it can be shocking to think that you have to find the money to market your services to the world.

It’s important to understand how to market yourself without spending a lot on traditional marketing. These guidelines will help you get started as a solopreneur. Make sure to visit Paul and Sarah’s blog for more marketing insights.

Know Your Passion

First, it’s important to do what you love to be successful as a solopreneur. Running a business solo requires a lot of sacrifices. Forget about achieving a work-life balance, as this will be nonexistent in the initial stages. Follow market trends, so ensure this is something you’re passionate about. Doing something that drives you will give you a better chance to succeed.

Be Confident

Another successful tip for a solopreneur is to be confident. This may sound generic, but confidence is the foundation for success if you’re running the show solo. It’s one of the characteristics of every successful solopreneur. This is the one thing that will keep you going when things don’t turn out as planned.

It’s a prerequisite for starting out as a solopreneur. You don’t expect anyone to invest in a dream you don’t believe in. If you have confidence in the project you’re pursuing, other people will do too.

Hire Freelancers

One of the ways you can make it easy to manage your business as a solopreneur is to collaborate with freelancers. The internet offers opportunities to connect with experts from different parts of the world. You can use job boards to find professionals who can help you in different aspects of your business.

While hiring freelancers from countries like the Dominican Republic, know that you must find the most convenient payment channels. Options like wire transfer are cost-prohibitive, so opt for low-cost services like Remitly.

Build a High-Quality, User-Friendly Website

Websites are a channel you can use to connect with your target audience. Having a high-quality website is a necessity if you want to succeed as a solopreneur. To get started with building a website, you don’t need coding skills. There are drag and drop platforms you can use to build an impressive website for your business. Most of these platforms offer ready-to-publish templates, and you also have a content management system. All you need is to fill in the blanks with content and titles and the website will be up in no time.

Social Media Marketing

Marketing is a core aspect of running a business as a solopreneur. You need to share with the world about your business by using the different marketing channels. As a solopreneur, social media marketing is something that will bring your goods and services to millions of people. Social media gives you no-cost networks you can use to target audiences. It makes it easy to showcase your content via videos, photos, and written posts. For your social media handles, use your brand name to make it easily memorable for people. Using these platforms helps you maintain a presence across all outlets.

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Automate Via Apps

If there are tasks you want to complete, you can find an app for each. Some of the apps you can use to save time include content scheduling tools. These are programs like Hootsuite that help you to upload content, which is auto-posted to social media at specific dates and times. This means you don’t need to stay online all the time. When you use automation tools, you get the time to focus on other business needs. It’s a good solution as you don’t need to neglect your social networks to make your business a success. In addition, automation tools offer real-time dashboards for audience insights and other statistics.

Conclusion

It’s possible to succeed in running a business as a solopreneur. You need to show confidence in your project and pick a niche that offers you a chance to explore your passion. If you want to make things easier, collaborate with freelancers for different tasks. Also, embrace automation to improve efficiency and save time.