Archive for July, 2009
Universal Agents
When I worked in ad agencies, some clients fancied themselves as Copywriters and Art Directors. As these dilettantes flawed each perfect work, we creative types used to mutter: ‘Why buy a dog and then bark yourself?’
This blog has made me realise I’ve been barking mad for years:
My bookkeeper said I should learn my accounting [...]
The Dirty Dozen – Part 2
Welcome back to the second instalment of the 12 most common small business marketing mistakes. Last Thursday we looked at the first six marketing mistakes that so many business owners make that ensure their marketing activities a waste of time and money. In Part 2, we look at even more specific strategies to provide you [...]
The Dirty Dozen – Part 1
Today we welcome back Malcolm Owens. With experience as both a small business owner and in senior management in large corporates, Malcolm has a unique perspective from both sides of the tracks. Today he shares the fruits of his two decades in marketing to highlight the most common marketing mistakes made by small businesses.
As the CEO of a [...]
Speak or ZING?
Alas! My business coach, Winston Marsh , gave my expensive new online shop the thumbs down! On the topic of ZING-based copywriting, we’ve long been at odds. It’s time to analyse the sticking place.
In the blue corner is me. I believe the message is everything. As I used to tell my Copy School students:
If you have [...]
Trial by Fire
I was grateful for the many considered comments on No Guarantees. So grateful, that I just did something I’ve never done.
I offered a guarantee.
Yes, it was in pursuit of new business. Nevertheless, it was still a big new trick for a relatively old dog. On spotting the word ‘readvertised’ in a job ad, I emailed [...]
Dear Mr Bank Manager
Today’s guest blogger is Sonia Cuff, owner of a Computer Troubleshooters franchise based in sunny Queensland. Sonia is passionate about helping small business owners around the world with the right technology advice and support – please make her feel welcome with this excellent first post on Small Business Owner.
On most days I love being self-employed. I like [...]
Impersonal Banking
Bank bashing is easy, unproductive and old hat. Therefore, let me say this: if I lent hundreds of thousands of dollars to a virtual stranger so he could buy a home, run a business and do up his kitchen, I’d certainly expect to hold the whip hand.
Though it concerns banking, this post is about [...]
Necessary Evil
Google’s informal (infernal?) motto is ‘Don’t be evil’. Opinions vary as to how well they’re doing. Though this benevolent dictator has deemed me terminally evil for one purpose (AdSense), I’ve lately found I’m not too evil for another (AdWords). Like Dante, therefore, I’m qualified to give some morality tips.
Google AdSense comprises ads you permit on [...]
No Guarantees
My business coach insists that guaranteeing my work is crucial to my success. I’m good at what I do. I like my clients. I respect my coach. So why don’t I offer guarantees?
At a superficial level, it’s the fear of giving money back or doing something again. It’s hard enough to make a living [...]
