How The Cloud Can Boost Employee Productivity

Newsletter | November 7, 2017

How Cloud Computing Can Boost Employee Productivity Out of all the benefits of working in the cloud, one of the biggest, increased productivity, is also one of the hardest to quantify. A large part of that is because both the time and money saved can be more easily measured while productivity is a trickier metric to pin down. That said, there are some very real ways that the cloud can boost employee productivity and, if you're mulling over whether to move your small business into the cloud or not, the points listed here might just tip the scale to the "yes migrate" side.

Hot: Popular articles you might have missed this week!

New Facebook Feature Allows Small Businesses to Integrate Messenger on Their Websites 10 Must-Have Gadgets and Gear to Thrive in Your Home Office Tech Alliance Provides Obamacare Open Enrollment Assistance to Freelancers SignEasy Releases Small Business Features to Reduce Reliance on Paper Robotics Becomes Fastest Growing Skill Among Freelancers, Upworks Index Says

Get Networked: Where to meet people and find new opportunities!

Dreamforce 2017: Blaze Your Trail! Nov 06 - San Francisco, CA Discover an entire world of innovation at the Dreamforce event. Four days of transforming your career, innovating, giving back, having a ball, and connecting with your community of fellow Trailblazers — all at the largest software conference in the world. Sound amazing? It is. With 2,700+ sessions to help every role in every industry succeed, the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest product innovations, and 170,000 Trailblazers to learn from, Dreamforce is a must-attend event - register for a free Expo+ pass today! Read More Sales World 2017 Nov 08 - Online Sales World 2017 takes place November 8th to 9th, 2017, Online; Live and On Demand. It is the largest Sales Industry Event in the World and will be attended by over 10,000 Sales Professionals. It’s the one sales event you can’t afford to miss! Read More MAXIFY Your Business Power Lunch Q&A Nov 14 - Online In a showing of service and support for its small business, entrepreneurial and home office customers, Canon U.S.A. is partnering with Shark Tank™ favorites and founders of Wicked Good Cupcakes™ Tracey Noonan and Dani Vilagie. Moderated by New York Times bestseller Carol Roth, the self-made mother-daughter duo will host two Facebook Live events at Canon U.S.A. headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 14 (12:30 and 3:30 p.m. EST) offering first-hand insights, tips and advice for current and aspiring business owners as they head into Small Business Saturday. Viewers will have an opportunity to ask questions from these leading experts via the live feed. Read More Discover more events on the Small Business Trends event calendar or Submit your small business event for Free!

Spotlight: Get inspired by successful small business owners

Spotlight: Bonusly Offers a New Way for Businesses to Reward Employees Bonusly was born out of frustration. Find out the cause and how the company is solving the problem with its employee rewards software. Get Inspired by other Spotlights!

Book Review: What to read next

Get Known for Your Influence and Gain a Competitive Advantage Author Mark Schaefer uses KNOWN to offer advice to entrepreneurs on building a personal brand that has influence and is easier to maintain than fame. Read More Check out more books!

Small Business Trends Magazine

2017 - Cyber Security Edition By now, you know that your small business faces a real threat of being hacked. Hackers are targeting small businesses more and more because they believe they may be more vulnerable. But even if hackers were able to penetrate your cyber defenses, what damage could they really do to your company? In our latest edition of Small Business Trends magazine, we're helping you determine the risks YOUR business faces and how to react to those risks. Get your free copy now!

You are receiving this e-mail as part of your Small Business Trends newsletter subscription. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, please click here:  Unsubscribe. Questions? Please contact us. Having trouble viewing this email? Click here If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, sign up here. Copyright 2017 Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. Small Business Trends, LLC. 15275 Collier Blvd #201-367 Naples, Florida 34119 United States (888) 842-1186

Read More

Can You Network Like a Pro?

Newsletter | October 31, 2017

Small Businesses: How to Network Like a Pro Networking skills: sometimes it feels like you either have them or you don't. Putting yourself out there at social gatherings comes so naturally to a lot of folks, while others struggle when forced to strike up conversations with strangers. Networking can be especially overwhelming for small business teams, who usually don't have a safety net of colleagues at networking events - or a big company name in their back pockets. Yet networking has clear benefits that can help your company and career. Not only does it expand your network of contacts, it introduces you to new opportunities, advice and opinions. Here are seven tips for small business leaders to use networking to your advantage.

Hot: Popular articles you might have missed this week!

The ONE Big Secret of Local Marketing 10 Tips to Prevent Burglaries at Your Small Business The ZTE Axon M Gives Small Business Owners a Mobile Option -- with Dual Screens Small Business Security Experts Discuss Importance of Identifying Needs First 8 Tips for Boosting Revenue on the Top Offline Sales Day of the Year

Get Networked: Where to meet people and find new opportunities!

The 12th Annual Smart Hustle Small Business Conference Nov 01 - New York, New York The 12th Annual Smart Hustle Conference, produced by entrepreneur and best-selling author Ramon Ray, is the ULTIMATE event for successful small business owners to learn from each other and from event speakers. Register today! Read More Discover more events on the Small Business Trends event calendar or Submit your small business event for Free!

Spotlight: Get inspired by successful small business owners

Spotlight: Urban Bricks Pizza Stands Out in a Crowded Market The head of Urban Bricks PIzza says 4 things are key when entering a crowded market. Find out what they are in this week's Small Biz Spotlight. Get Inspired by other Spotlights!

Book Review: What to read next

From Breakdown to Breakthrough: How to Weather an Organizational Crisis In From Breakdown to Breakthrough, author Michael Papanek takes an unique look at conflict resolution in the workplace and your role in the process. Read More Check out more books!

Small Business Trends Magazine

2017 - Finance Edition If banks keep turning down your loan applications, don't lose hope! There are several other avenues to explore out there for acquiring funds to grow and improve your company. Discover the other creative options for accessing capital in the latest edition of Small Business Trends magazine.

You are receiving this e-mail as part of your Small Business Trends newsletter subscription. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, please click here:  Unsubscribe. Questions? Please contact us. Having trouble viewing this email? Click here If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, sign up here. Copyright 2017 Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. Small Business Trends, LLC. 15275 Collier Blvd #201-367 Naples, Florida 34119 United States (888) 842-1186

Read More

Why a CRM Is a Must-Have for SMB Sales and Marketing

Newsletter | October 24, 2017

3 Reasons a CRM Just Became a Must-have for SMB Sales and Marketing The relationship between sales and marketing has always gotten a bad rap. After all, both teams share the same ultimate goal, which is driving revenue. The problem is they use different yardsticks to measure their success along the way. Sales has specific quotas for deals closed and dollars earned. Marketers, on the other hand, use measurements like impressions, clicks and leads. As a result, it's always been difficult to coordinate efforts between sales and marketing. And it can be even harder to connect the dots between marketing efforts and sales results. In the last few years, though, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions have changed everything by combining sales and marketing tools in a single platform. For small and midsize businesses, CRM has been an especially huge boon because it gives them the same technology as larger enterprises. And now, B2Bs are in the midst of three dramatic changes that have made CRM more indispensable than ever for closing the gap between sales and marketing.

Hot: Popular articles you might have missed this week!

Build A Travel Business You Can Sell With These 5 Tips 50 Small Businesses You Can Start with Your Kids 7 Year End Financial Tips Your Small Business Should Consider 10 Brilliant Ways Non-Retail Businesses Can Celebrate Small Business Saturday Is Your Partner Being Too Generous with Contractors? 4 Questions to Ask

Get Networked: Where to meet people and find new opportunities!

Rule Breaker Awards Ceremony Oct 24 - Scottsdale, AZ On October 24, 2017 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Rule Breaker Awards will honor and celebrate those entrepreneurs who have succeeded by doing it their way in a ceremony featuring the Rule Breaker of the Year and Rule Breaker Award winners. Read More NextCon Oct 23 - Scottsdale, AZ At NextCon, you’ll gain: - Proven techniques to garner higher customer satisfaction. - Insider strategies from leading experts to help you provide amazing customer service. - Methods of engaging your employees to better deliver on your customer experience. - Hands-on training with Nextiva's technology and products so you can take advantage of tools you already have, or learn about new ones. Read More Discover more events on the Small Business Trends event calendar or Submit your small business event for Free!

Spotlight: Get inspired by successful small business owners

Spotlight: EcoEnclose Offers Earth Friendly Shipping Supplies EcoEnclose is helping small businesses solve one of their biggest bugaboos and protecting the environment with its earth friendly shipping supplies. Get Inspired by other Spotlights!

Book Review: What to read next

Hack the Entrepreneur Inspires the Hard Work Business Owners Need In Hack the Entrepreneur, business-building expert Jon Nastor shares advice on crafting a business that fits around the lifestyle you desire. Read More Check out more books!

Small Business Trends Magazine

2017 - Finance Edition Seeking a loan backed by the Small Business Administration? You MUST have 10 things in order to have a chance of getting approved for one. Download our latest edition of Small Business Trends magazine to find out what they are!

You are receiving this e-mail as part of your Small Business Trends newsletter subscription. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, please click here:  Unsubscribe. Questions? Please contact us. Having trouble viewing this email? Click here If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, sign up here. Copyright 2017 Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. Small Business Trends, LLC. 15275 Collier Blvd #201-367 Naples, Florida 34119 United States (888) 842-1186

Read More

Trailblazers Are Coming To Dreamforce 17

Newsletter | October 17, 2017

Dreamforce 17 Will Feature Keynotes on Growth, Small Business Breakouts, Big Names We're less than a month out from Dreamforce 2017 and if you're attending the marquee Salesforce event, prepare for an event featuring big names, keynotes on business growth and break out events focused specifically on small business. Headlining the keynote roster are former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor and noted investor Ashton Kutcher, the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA Sylvia Acevedo and former First Daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush. Dreamforce 2017 will be held in San Francisco from November 6 to 9. This year, more than 175,000 people are expected to attend the event. And if you think that's a lot, wait until you see what's in store.

Hot: Popular articles you might have missed this week!

Customers Can Now Order Food Right from Your Facebook Page Take Advantage of These 2 Small Data Hacks to Grow Your Business What is a Business Pivot and How Can it Hurt Your Company? The Power of Testimonial Videos for Amazon Product Pages Trump Executive Order on Health Insurance Aimed Directly at Small Business

Get Networked: Where to meet people and find new opportunities!

FACEBOOK LIVE Event: "One BIG Secret to Local Marketing - with Rev Ciancio of Yext" Oct 18 - Online, Facebook.com/smallbusinesstrends/ Join us on October 18th from 1 - 1:30 PM EST as we put Rev Ciancio of Yext on the “hot seat” for insights in local listings and marketing for local businesses. Rev is plain spoken and a former business owner himself, and is full of practical pointers and advice. Get to know Rev by joining us for this fast-paced, relaxed and informative live session - bring your questions! Read More Rule Breaker Awards Ceremony Oct 24 - Scottsdale, AZ On October 24, 2017 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Rule Breaker Awards will honor and celebrate those entrepreneurs who have succeeded by doing it their way in a ceremony featuring the Rule Breaker of the Year and Rule Breaker Award winners. Read More Discover more events on the Small Business Trends event calendar or Submit your small business event for Free!

Spotlight: Get inspired by successful small business owners

Spotlight: The Lost Cajun Brings Unique Food, Atmosphere to a New Location Discover how becoming a franchise helped The Lost Cajun restaurant expand into new markets and grow their business successfully. Get Inspired by other Spotlights!

Book Review: What to read next

10 Inspirational Business Biographies to Spark Your Inner Entrepreneur If you are ever in need of some entrepreneurial inspiration, take a peek at one (or more) of the inspirational business biographies on this list. Read More Check out more books!

Small Business Trends Magazine

2017 - Finance Edition 72% of all small business loan applications are denied. The good news is that there plenty of things you can do to improve your chances that your bank approves your request. We cover those things and more in our new Finance edition of Small Business Trends magazine. Get your free copy!

You are receiving this e-mail as part of your Small Business Trends newsletter subscription. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, please click here:  Unsubscribe. Questions? Please contact us. Having trouble viewing this email? Click here If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, sign up here. Copyright 2017 Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. Small Business Trends, LLC. 15275 Collier Blvd #201-367 Naples, Florida 34119 United States (888) 842-1186

Read More

Never Lose Data Again - How to Compare Backup Options

Newsletter | October 10, 2017

Small Business Technology Guide: An Essential Overview Do you how to compare backup options so that your small business never loses data? How do you know you're secure when using WiFi networks? These important questions and more are answered in our free 49 page ebook. Get your copy now!

Hot: Popular articles you might have missed this week!

Report: 5 Small Business "Sins" Potentially Leading to a Data Breach What is the Amazon Local Associates Program and How Can It Help Your Small Business? Shopify Adds Google Autocomplete to Speed Up Checkouts -- Especially on Mobile Why You Need to Hire for Soft Skills, Not Experience Promotional Product Secrets Revealed: Three Reasons They Still Work

Get Networked: Where to meet people and find new opportunities!

FACEBOOK LIVE Event: "One BIG Secret to Local Marketing - with Rev Ciancio of Yext" Oct 18 - Online, Facebook.com/smallbusinesstrends/ Join us on October 18th from 1 - 1:30 PM EST as we put Rev Ciancio of Yext on the “hot seat” for insights in local listings and marketing for local businesses. Rev is plain spoken and a former business owner himself, and is full of practical pointers and advice. Get to know Rev by joining us for this fast-paced, relaxed and informative live session - bring your questions! Read More Discover more events on the Small Business Trends event calendar or Submit your small business event for Free!

Spotlight: Get inspired by successful small business owners

Spotlight: Shippo Solves Shipping Issues for Businesses Shippo started as an ecommerce business but then become a shipping solution for ecommerce businesses. Find out why they change in this week's Spotlight. Get Inspired by other Spotlights!

Book Review: What to read next

Go Beyond Pitch Marketing with Out of the Box Owl Out of the Box Owl covers the latest forms of real estate marketing, including techniques that have proven to help sell more homes. Read More Check out more books!

Small Business Trends Magazine

2017 - Finance Edition One of the worst times to apply for a loan is during an emergency. So, if the unfortunate were to occur, are you prepared? In this edition of Small Business Trends magazine, we reveal the top 20 tips for saving money in an emergency fund so you don't have to turn to a bank in a time of desperate need.

You are receiving this e-mail as part of your Small Business Trends newsletter subscription. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, please click here:  Unsubscribe. Questions? Please contact us. Having trouble viewing this email? Click here If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, sign up here. Copyright 2017 Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. Small Business Trends, LLC. 15275 Collier Blvd #201-367 Naples, Florida 34119 United States (888) 842-1186

Read More