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Low-cost marketing techniques for introverts

Question:
Dear Judy:

I recently started drawing up a business plan to start my own pet bath business. I've looked into financing and have already met with the Small Business Administration, so I feel that I am headed in the right direction. However, I am not much of a marketing person and don't really know where to start. Could you give me some low-budget ways to promote my business? By the way: I am a bit of an introvert.

Thanks so much for your time!
Marketing introvert

Answer: [...]

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Am I ready to be an entrepreneur?

Question:
Dear Judy:

I've been a loyal employee of a small manufacturing company for more than 20 years. However, as I am nearing retirement, I am ready to start my own small business (selling homemade cookies to local bakeries, which I have successfully done for years). However, I am a bit scared and hear that many small businesses fail within the first years. Which skills do you think I need and where can I get them?

I look forward to your response.
Cookie monster

Answer:

[...]

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Should I hire an accountant?

Question:
Dear Judy:

We have a New Year's resolution: in 2012, my husband and I want to open an art gallery. However, our backgrounds are more in the artistic/creative field. Do we need to hire an accountant, or could we do our own accounting and/or taxes? We are not afraid to learn, but have never taken any accounting classes.

Thanks for your help!
Doing the math

Answer:
Dear Doing the math:
Happy 2012 to you and congratulations on opening an art gallery! It's businesses li [...]

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Time-saving e-mail techniques

Question:
Dear Judy:

I am an older small business owner, and while I think the idea of e-mail is great, it turns out that I spend a big part of my day simply answering e-mail, responding to customer inquiries about the rates for my services, etc. Do you have any advice on how I can optimize the process of answering e-mail so I have time to do my actual work?

Thanks for your help!
Pressed for time

Answer:
Dear Pressed for time:

I feel your pain. As small business owners, we a [...]

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Acquiring clients at industry trade shows

Question:
Dear Judy:

I own a small industrial supply business in the southwestern U.S. I have frequently heard that it might be a good idea to look for business at industry trade shows. I am in the lucky position to live in a major city with a busy convention calendar. However, I have no idea where to start. I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have.

Thanks for your help!
Ready to Tackle Trade Shows

Answer:
Dear Ready to Tackle Trade Shows:

Going to trade shows and ind [...]

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The trouble with low rates

Question:
Dear Judy,

The new year is just around the corner, and while my business is doing quite well, I am constantly running into clients who challenge my rates and want to negotiate me down. I am not the cheapest provider of graphic design services, but I am well-recognized in my field and I feel that my rates are fair and justified. I recently had a bad experience during which a customer, who had verbally agreed to my rate, refused to pay, saying the price was too high. Any advice on how to deal with the constant downward pressure?
[...]

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The art of remembering names

Question:
Dear Judy,

I enjoyed your article about networking a few weeks ago. I am quite outgoing, so I don't mind networking to promote my small printing business, but I am terrible at remembering people's names. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help!
My Memory Fails Me

Answer:
Dear My Memory Fails Me,

Thanks for your note. I know the feeling -- it [...]

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Networking for non-networkers

Question:
Dear Judy,

I am a small business owner in the creative field, and I know that I am supposed to go out there and network. However, I don't really enjoy it. Do you have any networking tips for people who really don't enjoy networking?

Thanks for your help!
Timid Entrepreneur

Answer:
Dear Timid Entrepreneur,

I know the feeling. As outgoing as I am, it's not that much fun to walk into a room full of people you don't know to try to establish business contacts. It's actu [...]

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Applying to B school

Question:
Dear Mr. Greechie,

I live in Melbourne, and I want to apply to business schools in the USA. I understand that there are several parts to an application. Could you say something about this?

Ken, U. of Melbourne

Answer:
G’day mate!

I’m glad you realize that there are several components involved in applying to a B school. Here's an overview of the most common elements.

1. Application Form. This can be a chore. Fortunately, many application for [...]

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Business School Accreditation

Question:
Mr. Greechie,

I’m exploring business programs. One of the issues I don’t understand is accreditation. What does it mean? Should I consider it in applying?

Sanford M.
Nashville TN

Answer:
Hi, Sandy!

I’m glad you brought up this issue; I’ve received several inquiries about it. Accreditation is largely misunderstood. However, students should be aware of it as a factor in choosing a business school.

Accreditation means that the school or program meets the [...]

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