Starting a new business isn’t just about marketing and advertising your new product or service. Creating a solid foundation for the business to function on should be priority #1.

Here are some tips from Mary Ellen Martelli, a professional business consultant:

1. Have a Written Business Plan.
2. Begin Your Business Branding Immediately.
3. Get a Business Website.
4. Advertise with Consistency.
5. Get Your Business Publicized
6. Network - Network - Network
7. Assess and Redirect Along the Way

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Exposition organizers often start planning their shows months in advance, and smart exhibitors begin their planning shortly thereafter. By not waiting to the last minute to reserve your spot, you can put yourself in a prime location.

Once you’ve reserved the best possible location at an expo, these 9 easy steps can help make your next trade show experience a success:

1. Read your pre-show materials
2. Meet your deadlines
3. Set up early
4. Plan your booth
5. Utilize the right people to work your booth
6. Make people remember you
7. Capture qualified prospects
8. Reconnect with existing clients
9. Follow up

Source:
New Hampshire Business Review

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Trade shows can be a great way to showcase your products or services to a large number of people at one location. These gatherings also allow for excellent networking opportunities.

Forward planning is the key to trade show success.

1. Market prior to the show
2. Create an eye-catching booth
3. Provide promotional materials
4. Train your staff to market for you.
5. Create an appealing giveaway
6. Follow up on leads

Source:
MoreBusiness.com

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“Wireless networks transmit data over radio waves, which can potentially be intercepted. As a result, an unprotected wireless network is like an unlocked door–and too many small businesses are leaving their doors wide open.

By year’s end, about 75 percent of businesses with 1,000 employees or less will have wireless networks, according to research firm Gartner. Only half of all wireless networks are protected.”

You don’t have to be a “techie” to be concerned about security. The hacking of wireless networks is real. As wireless technology becomes more popular, the potential for abuse and crime will rise with it.

Here are steps you can take to secure your wireless network:

• Change your device’s default password.
• Change the default SSID.
• Don’t broadcast the SSID.
• Use encryption.
• Give off-site users a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
• Keep your wireless hardware’s firmware updated.
• Enable MAC address filtering.
• Set a wireless policy.
• Get help if you need it.
• Stay up to date.

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When it comes to business, a little face-to-face contact goes a long way. For those of you running a home based business, it’s especially easy to rely on technology to make contact with people.

“Not only are you missing out on potential revenue by staying at home, you’re also robbing yourself of continuing education, moral support, industry intelligence, personal fulfillment, and the serendipitous business opportunities that only arise when you take a few moments to meet someone new.”

Before you set out to meet with potential clients, equip yourself with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Take a pocketful of business cards with you and follow up strategically with the prospects you meet.

“When you invite someone to a structured meeting or lunch, spend time beforehand outlining what it is you want to accomplish, how you will present your business succinctly, and what the benefits are of doing business with you.”

Source:
BusinessWeek.com

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