This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.
When customers can easily comparison shop online with a few mouse clicks, the notion of loyalty seems almost old fashioned. Your best customers are someone else’s most sought-after prospects. Read the rest of this entry »
Thanks to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, consumers have a new set of financial protections in place. In order to maximize the provisions of the act, MetroAction encourages consumers to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by it and reminds you that it’s your responsibility to become familiar with the changes and take action if necessary. Read the rest of this entry »
Aspiring entrepreneurs, from across the region, are invited to compete for cash and in-kind services through The Great Valley Technology Alliance (GVTA) Business Plan Competition.
Do you know a business that represents the very best of our local entrepreneurial spirit? MetroAction is accepting nominations for small business awards including the 2010 Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank Small Business of the Year Awards. Read the rest of this entry »
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.
Broad economic slowdowns can often trickle down to small businesses, including those in relatively stable industries or geographic locations. Individuals tend to cut back on discretionary spending while corporations curb routine activities, delay major purchases, and shelve new initiatives.
For many small businesses with limited resources, these and other factors often combine to pressure bottom lines past the breaking point, creating a domino effect of other dilemmas such as a credit crunch or layoffs.
A downturn doesn’t have to spell disaster for your small business, however. Good financial management practices will help you weather even the worst of economic times, and be ready to capitalize on new opportunities will inevitably come with good times return. Read the rest of this entry »
In honor of Women’s History Month, MetroAction salutes women-owned businesses. 2002 census statistics show that there were nearly 6.5 million woman-owned businesses in 2002, with women owning 28 percent of all non-farm businesses. Providing 7.1 million jobs, there’s no doubt they are bolstering the economy!
Despite the great entrepreneurial strides women have made, a 2009 report developed under contract with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) indicated that women are still much less likely to become self-employed than men.
MetroAction knows that America’s entrepreneurial women are capable of creating opportunity and wealth in our communities that can carry our nation to economic recovery and beyond. We’re working to make that kind of success possible for women entrepreneurs in the nine counties we serve by providing counseling, training and small business financing.
We invite women entrepreneurs, at every business stage, to learn more by logging on to www.MetroAction.org or phoning (570) 341-0270.
First Friday Scranton
Join us this week for First Friday in downtown Scranton! For a full list of www.firstfridayscranton.com. Read the rest of this entry »
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.
Without a steady flow of cash to cover expenses, your company can quickly stumble.
Cash flow troubles can develop even when sales seem strong. Facing a continuous cash crunch makes it difficult to conduct your business properly. And while it may be tempting to seek out fancy financial formulas for predicting and tracking business cash flow, the basics tend to be plain common sense for most small businesses. Read the rest of this entry »
MetroAction will partner with Community Bank and Trust to present its Marketing 101 seminar on Thursday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the bank’s Tannersville branch, Rt. 611.
The seminar offers simple and effective small business marketing techniques that focus on real world, proven strategies. Topics covered include: packaging your business; creating cost effective marketing materials; communicating your message and avoiding common marketing mistakes. Cost is $10 and includes materials. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270 to register.
In today’s changing economy, businesses need to re-think how they are doing business and be more creative. In response to this need, MetroAction will kick off its spring Business LINK series with a seminar on fusion marketing on Tuesday, March 9 in Scranton.
“Fusion marketing allows businesses to partner with other like-minded businesses to promote each other. It’s the perfect way to collaborate with fellow businesses, while expanding customer base. And it’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to grow a business,” says Dara Coslett Granza training and development specialist.
Presenter Catherine Bolton, principal of River Rock Communications, will teach how to identify non-competitor businesses that share the same customers and how to develop marketing techniques to promote partnerships.
The fusion marketing seminar will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on March 9 at MetroAction, 222 Mulberry Street. Cost is $30 per person and pre-registration is required. Visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270. Participants are encouraged to bring brochures and/or business cards to share with other participants.
Business LINK seminars focus on learning, innovation, networking and knowledge. Upcoming topics include green IT, customer service training and strategic planning. For more details visit www.MetroAction.orgg or call (570) 341-0270.