Twitter, Google, Bing, You and Your Small Business

Today, Google and Bing and FaceBook announced deals to include Twitter status updates in their search engine results. Let me say that again, soon, your Tweets and FaceBook status updates will appear real time in Google and Bing search engine results. The magnitude of these new developments cannot be understated. In a nutshell, it means…

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3 Steps To "Yes!"

A salesman once told me that he had to get through an average of 11 “no” responses before he got to one “yes.” He defined “no” responses as more than just the word. Also included, he said, are things like body language (excessive fidgeting, arms folded across chest, furled brows, etc.) and being easily distracted…

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Indie Business Movie Takes 2nd Place in WE Magazine Video Competition!

We won! I am delighted to announce that the Indie Business Movie won 2nd place in the WE Magazine For Women Video Competition, in the “Inspirational/Human Interest” category! When I say “we won,” I mean my husband business partner and the four fabulous small and independent business owners featured in the movie: Lisa Rodgers of…

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Announcing the iPhone App Winners!

Last week, I announced a contest for two people to win a free download of IBN member Bramble Berry’s new soapmaking iPhone app. All that was necessary was to share a favorite business tip. Out of the entries two names were drawn: Charlene and Renee! Congratulations to both of you ladies!! Even though there could…

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Vault Episode #169: Christy Strauch [Podcast]

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The Vault is an archive of my first podcasts so there is a record for you to enjoy. Welcome to the Vault Episode 169 featuring my interview with Christy Strauch, the author of “Passion, Plan, and Profit.” Christy specializes in assisting individuals in creating profitable businesses centered around work they are passionate about. She also…

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Announcing Indie Business Advocate.com!

For as long as I have served small and independent business owners, I have observed how challenging it is to have an impact on public policy that is commensurate with the positive impact we have on our communities and the American economy. I hope to change all of that with the announcement today of Indie…

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3 Reasons Why I Still Publish An Email Newsletter

There is no shortage of expert commentary and analysis on whether or not email is dead when it comes to business communications tools. On October 12, Jessica Vascellaro of the Wall Street Journal said email is dead. On the same day, Kit Eaton of Fast Company said email is alive and kicking. Because I have…

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Blog Action Day: No Child Left Inside

Yesterday, Mike Collins, a local talk show host, interviewed a representative of No Child Left Inside, a division of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. No Child Left Behind is devoted to ensuring that no child is deprived of the blessing of enjoying the great outdoors. I was not able to listen to the interview,…

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How To Bore Yourself To Profitability

A 1983 television commercial depicts “Fred, the Dunkin Donuts Guy,” who arose at 3:30AM daily, and headed to his Dunkin Donuts franchise to make donuts. As he rose from bed, he mumbled, “Time to make the donuts.” He also moaned, “I bet the guys who make super market donuts are still in bed.” I was reminded…

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Vault Episode #168: Shel Israel [Podcast]

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The Vault is an archive of my first podcasts so there is a record for you to enjoy. Welcome to the Vault Episode 168 featuring my interview with Shel Israel, author of “Twitterville: How Businesses Can Thrive in the New Global Neighborhood.” Shel is a social media journalist and public speaker who has extensively studied…

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Bramble Berry Launches First Indie Bath & Body iPhone Application

I am delighted to announce that IBN member and longtime sponsor of my work Anne-Marie Faiola, CEO of Bramble Berry, Inc., has launched the first iPhone application focused on the independent bath and body care products industry. I think it may even be the first iPhone app in the cosmetics industry, period. I am excited to…

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3 Brand Building Tips For Artists And Crafters

Yesterday, I delivered a branding presentation to the artists, crafters and independent business owners at the Arts & Sciences Council of Charlotte, NC. Branding is such a huge topic, and while it was impossible to treat it thoroughly in the hour I had today, I managed to cover a lot of ground, and the students…

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