T his article is provided by the NEPA SCORE chapter.
Today, the importance of business cards and brochures are just as important as having a company Web site. Web sites provide a simple and easily accessible source of information about your business’s products and services. In fact, they are commonly the centerfold of many companies’ marketing programs. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE Chapter.
A popular American tradition is the family business. It gives spouses, parents, children, and others a chance to share a dream that can continue to grow and prosper generation after generation. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.
Sales and advertising are often associated with marketing. While these are an important part of marketing, there is a horde of other tools and tactics. These tools help to enhance your business’s attractiveness and customer visibility. Using these resources along with careful research and planning, help to yield a successful marketing strategy. (more…)
We have some exciting news to share with the NEPA small business community!
At a press announcement in Scranton this morning, we introduced several new and expanded components to our existing financing programs: (more…)
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. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.
As you launch or expand a business, keeping track of the money, preparing tax returns and performing other financial tasks can quickly become a burden. If you need more time to do other things, it might make sense to turn over tax, accounting and other financial chores to outside specialists. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE Chapter.
Small business owners often try to save money—especially in the early going—by using independent contractors instead of hiring full time employees. Using independent contractors, or “contract workers,” means the business doesn’t have to withhold taxes, pay Social Security or Medicare or meet numerous other employer responsibilities. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE Chapter.
Owners of new and growing small businesses today know one thing for sure: conditions on the business playing field can change rapidly. The technology that seemed cutting edge last year is now outdated; or worse, obsolete. Buyer moods can swing dramatically, and marketing strategies are in constant flux. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE Chapter.
E-commerce sales by small businesses are increasing rapidly and could double, triple or more during the next five years. Web sites are no longer a novelty; they are a necessity for small firms, solo operators and home businesses of almost any type. (more…)
This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE Chapter.
For a small business, taking the first steps into advertising can be an intimidating and mysterious process. Even though we see advertising everywhere, creating and using ads ourselves can seem alien and expensive. Understanding how the medium works and what it can and cannot do for a small business is tougher than it seems. And there is always uncertainty over results. (more…)
