For me, the importance of having connected sales and service teams can be summed up in one frustrating experience I had as a consumer. I was a long-time loyal customer of a particular company and called for assistance with a relatively routine issue. The service rep did not have access to my sales record...
If there is one thing we know for sure, it is that everyone is distracted all of the time. Whether it is the “ping” of notifications on your smartphone, your teammates sending funny gifs over Slack, or the stream of never ending emails being thrust into your inbox, there are a countless number of little...
Video is all the rage right now. The question is: are you riding this wave to accelerate your business growth? Video allows you to create a connection with your audience fast. Moreover, it’s the best form of visual content, allowing you to pass on complex information quickly. Think about it: by 2020 video is expected to...
When it comes to creativity, sometimes it feels like you either have it, or you don’t. There are the Elon Musks and the Steve Jobs’ of the world who have a gift for sparking up innovation…and then there are the rest of us who, although trying, end up believing that, “I’m just not a...
Based on ReachLocal data of over 3,000 small businesses, nearly a quarter (23%) of local business leads come in after hours through emails, form fills, calls, and chats. Additionally, research shows that 50% of consumers will choose to do business with the company that responds to them first. The problem isn’t that leads aren’t responded...
Video was one of the most talked about marketing strategies in 2016. According to experts, it will continue to command attention in 2017 with trends such as Facebook Live video, and other video apps. Although some small businesses have been slow to embrace the use of video, it is the one marketing strategy you...
Seasons change and with them so do the cash flows of many small businesses. The “small business” designation is not one-size-fits-all. If you’re the local mom & pop hardware store, your spring and summer peak season is very different than the boutique retailer down the block who thrives during the holiday. Ensuring your business has the...
Today marks the fifth anniversary of my business, Ledaza, a company that helps small and family-owned businesses succeed in marketing and sales. I noticed lately that so many entrepreneurial stories begin with, "I left a very successful career…" Therefore, I decided to take a different approach: an open letter addressed to the clients I...
When you envision “success” for your business, what does it look like? Is it a team that works as one cohesive unit? Is it a company that optimizes productivity and maximizes output? Is it one that can work from anywhere, at any time, and with anyone? In partnership with Microsoft, Smart Hustle is sharing this...
The Short Version of the Story I had coffee yesterday with someone who blogs for a major business publication. She asked if I was interested in being interviewed for her column. I said, “Sure.” The Slightly Longer Version A couple of months ago, my friend and client, Alisa, sent one of those “you two should meet” emails to...
