Buying a franchise has its advantages. The largest and most obvious is that you’re buying into a known and established brand. Customers will know what to expect from you, and that makes many people more comfortable and eager to enter a place they’ve never been before. Bob’s Burgers may be a mystery, but McDonald’s is [...]
Continue Reading »
New users can be a little daunted by Facebook, especially when attempting to create a company page. With so many options, choosing the proper set-up for your Westchester business can be difficult. Knowing how to select the appropriate page type, category and information to include will optimize your Facebook experience and the benefits you will [...]
Continue Reading »
By Bert Shlensky, Score Westchester Small Business Coach
As a SCORE small business coach, I’ve been privileged to work with over 200 entrepreneurs and Westchester business owners over the past two years. During this time, I’ve found that there are two essential ingredients that separate the dreamers from the do-ers. Businesses that make it are run [...]
Continue Reading »
Many Westchester business owners come to SCORE uncertain about the best ways to attract customers and generate business. There are many different methods that have been used successfully by entrepreneurs in our region. Some businesses cold-call, soliciting business by phone. Others use e-mail marketing, direct mail, and print or television advertising. Lead generating services promise [...]
Continue Reading »
To run a successful Westchester small business, you need to have an effective online presence. There’s no getting around this. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what market you serve: your customers research and shop online. Building your Westchester business means connecting with your customers where they are – and your customers are [...]
Continue Reading »
Every business needs funding. Whether you’re in the planning stages of starting a new Westchester business or are more established and need an influx of capital to grow your small business, the quest to identify and connect with viable funding sources is a top priority.
Increase your chances of success by avoiding these common mistakes. These [...]
You’ve seen the commercials. There’s a guy or two (one may be in a funny costume) running around a car lot, trying to provoke a few smiles – and more than a few sales. Humor shows up in other advertising as well, from print (check out this great Fresh Step ad!) to billboards and outdoor [...]
Continue Reading »
If there’s a single factor that differentiates people who run a successful small business from people who open a small business only to have it flounder and fail, it’s planning. Planning is the essential process that allows Westchester small business owners to transform vision to reality.
“The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in [...]
One of the biggest challenges Westchester business owners face is identifying simple, cost-effective ways to promote and grow a small business. Online marketing can be a big part of the solution to this challenge, according to the Technology Therapist, Jennifer Shaheen, president and CEO of Technology Therapy Group.
“The most important thing any business can do [...]
What does your Westchester small business need – a mentor or a small business coach? Good question, right? The follow up question might very well be, “what’s the difference?” First, determine your needs as it pertains to running your Westchester small business. Consider every aspect. Then, review the characteristics detailed below to help you understand [...]
Continue Reading »