HeatherStone commented on the following stories on BizSugar
How to win new business by setting up an auto-responder
"Automating your customer relations is a great way to build more consistency into your business. And doing so does not need to take away from the human touch. If your business is online, then essentially it's open 24/7. Auto responders are a way of giving your customers quick feedback when you're not there and then follow up at your earliest opportunity. Thanks to Gail Gardner for sharing this with the BizSugar community."The Power of Podcasting: How to Grow Your Email List, Build Immense Trust and Leverage the Heck Out of Your Brand
"Hi Dean, As a writer, I'm definitely a fan of the printed word and believe it will always have its place both online and elsewhere, but there's no question that podcasts and video add spice to any content and should never be ignored. In addition to the ever increasing ease of creating content like this, the prospective content creator should also remember that they're just loads of fun to do. Thanks for sharing this great post and thanks to Rachel Parker for sharing it with the BizSugar community."Rules to Reduce or Eliminate Stress for Busy Leaders
"Hi Christina, It's important to limit distractions and eliminate interruptions from your work environment, but too often this is seen only from the standpoint of maintaining productivity. Of course, there's a lot more to it than that. A distracting work environment isn't just bad for productivity. It's hard on your state of mind too. Thanks to Dan for sharing this with the BizSugar community. "Lead Through Trust NOT Control
"Hi Emilie, Great content and thanks to Dan for sharing it with the BizSugar community. Who can forget Governor Tarkin's immortal words in Star Wars when boasting about the privileges of power? "Fear will keep the local systems in line." Of course, we all know what happened to him. Better management styles are both available and preferable. Let's make use of them! "Bloggers: Do You Need a Virtual Assistant?
"Hi Miranda, Bloggers who either create content for other Website owners or for their own monetized Websites are, of course, running a small business, though it may not be a brick and mortar store or a business offering a more conventional product or service. So logically, as business increases, just as in those instances, there may be a need to bring on additional help. One of the more important considerations when growing a business is that sometimes paying someone else to do more time-consuming and less mission critical tasks can free up your time for things that ultimately improve your business and make more money in the long run. The thing to remember is that refusing to outsource tasks or paying too little to have these tasks handled correctly can prevent you from having the time you need to grow your business in more profitable ways. Thanks for sharing this content with the BizSugar community. "Subscribe
Franchise Businesses Really Are Local Businesses
"Hi Joel, One of the interesting things about the buy local movement is that its ideals are, and to some degree must be, I suppose, relative. Besides local produce and perhaps a few locally manufactured products, how many businesses are truly local? Certainly, many community retailers buy their merchandise from the same national wholesalers chain stores do and independent restaurants, except for those that buy only from local suppliers, purchase at least some of their ingredients in exactly the same way. I think most small business owners understand the value of the buy local movement in supporting at least locally owned businesses. But why shouldn't this apply to franchise owners, who certainly own the businesses they operate in the community too? Thanks for sharing this post on BizSugar."