Would you like to start sending out an e-mail newsletter as part of the marketing campaign for your business? If so, here are some tips to get you started:

Send to a captive audience. Find ways that people can opt-in to receive your newsletters. You want to get a positive response from the people you send to, so give them the opportunity to make that choice. There are many ways that you could do this: you could create a sign-up on your website, give your clients the opportunity to receive your news, and reach out to your networks.

The relationship is what matters. Staying in touch regularly helps build a stronger relationship with your clients and potential clients. However, be careful of sending out your e-mail too often or not often enough. You’ll have to find a balance that works for you and your particular business. So, set up a schedule for yourself and follow it, adjusting it as needed.

Strive to improve your message. In addition to the feedback and direct response that you receive from your send out, you can also use reporting features to find out even more. For example, you can see how many people opened your email, who opened it, and what links they clicked on. Then depending on how effective your email was, you can work on tweaking it for next time in an aim to improve the overall response and connect to your audience more effectively.

Now what are you waiting for?! Go get started.

Valentines Day has come and gone, so now that you’ve shown your sweetie a little love how about focusing some of that TLC on your business?

Here are 3 ideas that you can implement right away:

1. Get some feedback on your image. Choose three people that you trust and have them go to your website. Within 5 seconds can they decipher the focus of your business? Can they navigate your website easily? Process their feedback and create a stronger, more concise message!

2. Create a presence for your business online. You probably have a website, but have you looked into the idea of creating a facebook page, twitter account, or blog for your business?

3. Utilize the power of e-mail. Put together an e-mail newsletter to notify your clients of upcoming discounts, new products, helpful tips, or current news about your business.

Remember a little TLC for your business can go a long way!

2010 is just around the corner. People will be pledging to lose 10 lbs, stop smoking, learn another language, and spend more time with the family.

We get very excited about our resolutions and the possibilities that can be foreseen in the New Year!  But all too often…a month passes and we may not even remember what was pledged in the first place!

Not only can we experience this on a personal level, but this is also relevant in business.  Many of us have ideas on how to make our businesses better in the New Year, but how far will we get without a plan? How about coming up with one?

Start simple…first think of 3 resolutions to better your business in the New Year. Then, write out steps that you can take toward seeing these resolutions come to fruition.  Once you have a plan, start following the steps!  If you feel that you’re falling away from your resolutions, go back and review, maybe even modify your plan of action and press on.  Then as you look back at 2010, your business will be improved and you will feel empowered by a job well done.

Wishing you a successful and prosperous New Year!