Open for Business with Tom Egelhoff

Seven Low-Cost Ways to Advertise Your Small Business

2013-05-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

[PODCAST] 7 Low Cost Ways to Advertise Your Small Business. In this podcast Tom Egelhoff shares some of his favorite ways of getting your name out there at the lowest possible cost.

You can listen to Tom's "Open for Business" live podcast broadcasts each week from the studios of AM 1450 KMMS Radio in Bozeman, Montana. 11:30 to Noon Mountain Time. If you missed any of Tom's previous podcasts you can here them all at his PODCAST PAGE.

2013-04-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

An Interview with Best Selling Author Mike Michalowicz (April 13, 2013)

Tom and Mike talk about Mike's new book, "The Pumpkin Plan." In this revealing interview Mike talks about the amazing things about pumpkin farming that translate to small business. Mike is a wealth of small business information so get ready for a very interesting and insightful interview.

Check out this interview by clicking here.

Tom's "Open for Business Radio Show" airs each Saturday, 11AM to 2PM Mountain Time, from the studios of AM 1450 KMMS in Bozeman, Montana. Click Listen Live during the show. Call in # during the show (406) 522-8255.

[PodCast] How to Write, Create and Design a Super, Small Business Brochure or Mailing Piece

2013-04-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

How's your brochure or mailing piece working for your small business? Could it be better? In this podcast I cover all aspects of how to make your brochure better. I cover design tips, brochure do's and don'ts, the two types of brochures and how to use them and a lot more. You'll find this podcast and all previous podcasts on my web site.

These podcasts are broadcast live every Saturday on my "Open for Business Radio Show" at 11:30 AM Mountain Time on AM 1450 KMMS in Bozeman, Montana.Click "Listen Live."

To Listen to My Podcast on "How to Write, Create and Design a Super Brochure or Mailing Piece" Click Here.

[Podcast] Downturns: What to Do During Tough Economic Times

2013-03-31T20:55:00.001-07:00

In this weeks podcast, Tom talks about the "red flags" you should be looking for that can send your small business toward the scrap heap of history. Why is Circuit City gone but Best Buy is still around? Why is Border's Books gone but Barnes & Noble is still sending books out the door. Where will your business be a year from now? I'd like you to still be in business. Maybe this poscast can help.

If you missed any of my previous podcasts you can listen to all of them on my podcast page.

[Podcast] My 25 Favorite Small Business Advertising Tips

2013-03-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

[PodCast]
In this week's Podcast, Tom Egelhoff, host of "Open for Business" reviews his "25 Favorite Small Business Advertising Tips."

Not every tip will fit with every business but hopefully there are a couple here and there that will help your business be more profitable by reaching more customers for less money.

Tom's broadcasts free business tips each week on his weekly radio show, "Open for Business" airing each Saturday, 11:30 to Noon Mountain Time from the studios at AM 1450 KMMS in Bozeman, MT.The show streams world wide just click "Listen Live."

Check out Tom's Small Town Marketing books. Buy One for $14.95 get one FREE.

If you missed any podcasts you will find them all at Tom's Web Site.

Here is this week's Podcast:

The Six Types of Advertising and How To Use Them

2013-03-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

[Podcast] There are six types of conventional advertising that most small businesses use most commonly. Not all businesses will find the need or have the resources to use all six. Some businesses will only use one or two. In this podcast Tom looks at each one and gives some tips on how to use them.

Subscribe today so you won't miss any of Tom's Future Small Business Podcasts.

How to Advertise Your Construction Company on a Limited Budget

2013-03-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

On this week's PodCast, Tom offers some low cost advertising tips to construction company owners on this week's edition of his "Open For Business" Radio Show. The show airs weekly 11AM to 2 PM mountain time, online at http://kmmsam.com from Bozeman, Montana. Here is the podcast from the March 9th show.

Tom Egelhoff Interview on MSNBC

2013-02-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Tom was a guest interview on a recent edition of "Your Business" on MSNBC hosted by JJ Ramberg. Tom gave some tips on how to bring in business after the Christmas Holidays. His tips will also work anytime during the year.

You can check out the interview here: "Your Business Show" on MSNBC

Tom Egelhoff Tip Included In New Business Book

2012-10-17T17:08:00.001-07:00

I am humbled to have my tip (#142) included in the new book from Business Plus Publishing entitled "It's Your Business: 183 Essential Tips That Will Transform Your Small Business" by JJ Ramberg, host of MSNBC's "Your Business" TV show.

Last year I got a call from producer Frank Silverstein asking if they could use a tip they found on my web site, www.smalltownmarketing.com in an upcoming book. I told them I would be happy to be included and the book was just released and is available online or at fine book stores everywhere.

Please don't buy this book just because I'm in it. There are some great tips here and they are very expertly arranged in start-up tips, start-up money, sales, employees, advertising and marketing, promotion and much more. Check it out at Amazon, Barns & Noble or your local book store. I highly recommend it.

How to Spot Profitable Business Treands

2012-08-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Successful military engagements are not based on luck. They are well planned and they rely heavily on intelligence reports. The better the intelligence, the more successful the campaign. Gen. George S. Patton made a career of reading the books of famous military leaders both living and dead. By getting inside their heads, he was able to spot trends and tendencies that led to many victorious battles in World War II.

Smart business owners are also proficient at spotting trends and using that information to stay ahead of the competition. How do these business leaders do it? Here are some inside secrets that will help you get a glimpse of the future.

Click Here for 400+ Pages of FREE articles and small business tips.

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show and His Daily Radio Blog Here

How to Build a Strong, Small Town, Brand Name By Tom Egelhoff

2012-08-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

Small towns are peculiar animals. They are nothing like big cities. What works in New York City has no prayer in a town of a few thousand residents. Luckily it’s much easier to build a brand name quickly in a small town.
One of the charms about a small town is — everyone knows each other. That also might be a curse if you happen to be the local topic of gossip. But for this exercise I will focus on building your brand name in a small town or rural community.

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, Open for Business" Saturdays Noon to 2PM MDT, 1-3PM CDT, 2-4PM EDT. Click Listen Live

For 400+ web pages of free articles and tips, visit Tom's Web Site "SmallTownMarketing.Com"

How to Write a Direct Sales Letter That Gets Results

2012-08-13T09:50:00.001-07:00

Most advertising experts agree that, if done correctly, direct mail is the best way to sell any thing to anyone. Why is it so successful? Because direct mail uses a rifle approach rather than a shotgun approach. If I shoot a rifle at a target I have to be precise in my aim. The target is very small. If I shoot the target with a shotgun I have a better chance of hitting the target but a lot of my shot also misses the target. So those pellets are wasted because they missed the target. The same is true in advertising.

The more closely you can target your market and reach them with your advertising message the better your result will be. Almost any other form of advertising you can name uses the shotgun method. Direct mail is the only form of advertising that

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show Saturdays, Noon to 3 Central, 1-4 PM Eastern, Listen Live Call in number 406-522-8255 - Click Here

For 400+ pages of free small business help, tips and articles Click Here.

(Photo by Giorgio Montersino - Flickr)

How Does a Company Stay In Business 100 Years?

2012-06-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

This year, Owenhouse Ace Hardware, will be starting their 133^st year in business. That’s a pretty remarkable feat when you really stop and think about it. This store began operations when Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were still attacking wagon trains along the Bozeman Trail. Long before electricity, cell phones, automobiles, faxes, computers and most of the modern conveniences most of us take for granted, and would find it hard to do without, in today’s business world.

How many thousands of employees passed through the doors over this period of time? How many managers, owners? How many products rose in demand and just as quickly became obsolete as technology marched into the industrial and electronic age? They went through a depression, two world wars, ten recessions, and every economic condition imaginable, – yet they are still with us. And, they are still thriving despite the arrival of both Lowes and Home Depot. In fact, four years ago, they opened their second location.

So the question remains… how does a company stay in business 100 years? READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!

For 400 Web Pages of more small business help visit Small Town Marketing.Com Click Here.

Word of Mouth Advertising: When times are tough get customers talking.

2012-05-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

(photo by Paull Young's photostream)

If you asked 100 small business owners to name the most effective form of advertising almost all would say, “Word-of-Mouth.” One person, referring another person to your business. How valuable is that? The hard part is to find a way to get people talking about your business and telling others about it.

I have a weekly online business show called “Open for Business.” (http://kmmsam.com Saturdays Noon till 2 PM Mountain Time) At the beginning of each month I do a segment called “Recession Busting Businesses.” I ask listeners to call the show and talk about businesses that are doing it right. The ones that are going the extra mile in service, products, quality, procedures and policies. Businesses that are overcoming adversity and putting customers first.

I had hoped to get enough calls to do half an hour. I ended up getting so many calls it lasted over... READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

For More Great Small Business Tips and Articles Check out Small Town Marketing.

How Well Do You Listen To Your Customers?

2012-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

I was recently sitting in a very cramped seat at 35,000 feet on my way to Daytona Beach, Florida to address the National Senior Photographers annual convention.

Everyone who has ever flown knows that shortly before takeoff the stewardesses (Whoops, sorry — Flight Attendants) show you where the exits are, something about floatation devices, how to use the seat belts and other safety features of the airplane. As the plane rolls away from the terminal and they are going through this demonstration, I am observing the other passengers. Most are already deep into reading their books, newspapers or engaged in idle conversation with each other.

As a frequent flier, I too fall into this disinterested group. Having heard the talk many times, I could probably recite it verbatim as well as they can. The only people truly absorbing the information are the first time flyers, who are easily identifiable by the look of shear terror on their faces. So, the question becomes, why don’t people listen to this life-saving information?

Why Don’t We Listen

The simple answer is, Read The Full Article Here.

Business StartUp: Ten Things Every Small Town Business Owner MUST know!

2012-04-30T08:57:00.002-07:00

When I wrote my first book and started this web site it was with the idea of helping the small town business owners of the United States. I had no idea that business owners from over 100 foreign countries were going to show up and use the tips and advice offered here. But, that's exactly what has happened. At the present I sell more books in Australia and England than I do in Nebraska or Wyoming. So if you're in Nebraska or Wyoming...buy a book.

The point I'm trying to make here is that this site is not really a "how to" site. I don't have all the answers for every type of business on the planet. The purpose of these articles and tips is to... READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!

How To Get Noticed By The Media by Tom Egelhoff

2012-03-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Sooner or later you are going to need to generate some publicity for your business. When that time comes you are going to play a little game with the media. The difference between legitimate publicity and free advertising is a very fine line.

Please don't misunderstand, this is not a game of deception. No one is trying to pull a "fast one" on the other. Regardless of the media type, they are looking for a "news angle." If you are news, you will appear in the media. If you are not, you won't. The mere fact you are having a sale, is not news.

Here are some tips so you, and the media of your choice, can work together and both go home happy. READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE.

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE -- Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.

Graphic by Television Bureau of Advertising, Inc.

How To Prepare For The Prepared Customer

2012-03-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the phrase, "knowledge is power?" I'm sure most of you have, but have you ever taken the time to focus on what that statement really means?

To me, it means that I want to feel comfortable that the person that I'm buying a product or service from has the necessary knowledge to provide it. And therein lies the power.

Confidence in your shop and your personnel has to be in place or the sale will never happen. If your customer does not have total trust and confidence in you, they will walk.

So what am I talking about when I ask you to "prepare for the prepared customer?" Read the full article here....

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE -- Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Buy One Book, Get One FREE - ONLY $14.95 PDF or Free Priority Mail Shipping.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.

60 Ways to Increase Your Influence Online by Sam Rosen

2012-02-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

Sam Rosen has assembled a listing of great tips for improving your online influence like Guy Kawasaki, Gary Vaynerchuk, Robert Scoble, MarketingSherpa’s Anne Holland, MarketingProfs’ Ann Handley, David Meerman Scott, and many others.

Check out "60 Ways to Increase Your Influence Online" by Sam Rosen

For 400 pages of FREE small business articles and tips visit: Small Town Marketing.Com

Tax Tips for the Self-Employed

2012-02-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

IRS Tax Tip 2012-16, January 25, 2012 - From Small Town Marketing.Com

There are many benefits that come from being your own boss. If you work for yourself, as an independent contractor, or you carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor, you are generally considered to be self-employed.
Here are six key points the IRS would like you to know about self-employment and self- employment taxes:

Self-employment can include work in addition to your regular full-time business activities, such as part-time work you do at home or in addition to your regular job.
If you are self-employed you generally have to pay self-employment tax as well as income tax. Self-employment tax is a Social Security and Medicare tax primarily for individuals who work for themselves. It is similar to the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from the pay of most wage earners. You figure self-employment tax using a Form 1040 Schedule SE. Also, you can deduct half of your self-employment tax in figuring your adjusted gross income.
You file an IRS Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, or C-EZ, Net Profit from Business, with your Form 1040.
If you are self-employed you may have to make estimated tax payments. This applies even if you also have a full-time or part-time job and your employer withholds taxes from your wages. Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. If you fail to make quarterly payments you may be penalized for underpayment at the end of the tax year.
You can deduct the costs of running your business. These costs are known as business expenses. These are costs you do not have to capitalize or include in the cost of goods sold but can deduct in the current year.
To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of business. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary.

For more information see the Self-employment Tax Center, IRS Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses and Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, available at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS forms and publications order line at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

For 400+ advertising, marketing, and promotional articles and tips for a successful small business visit www.smalltownmarketing.com

Sell A New Item By Asking Customers To Bring In Their Old One

2012-02-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Small Town Marketing.Com Tip:

For years car dealers have been using the old "Push, Pull or Drag Sale" to bring in customers. It doesn't matter what condition your item is in, they will take it and give you a discount on a new one.

I have personally seen this work very well with a lot of different businesses. Bring in your old watch and get a discount on a new one. Am I really going to go anywhere else since I've brought my old watch with me?

There are a host of possibilities that lend themselves to this easy and fun promotion. Display the worst looking items to let people know the condition doesn't matter.

Bonus: Donate the products in the best condition to your local church or thrift store and enhance your name around town; plus taking a tax deduction.

For more tips like this see my "How to Build a Business" Directory"

Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Buy One Book, Get One FREE - ONLY $14.95 PDF or Free Priority Mail Shipping.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.

How To Move Your Business From Beginning To Success by Tom Egelhoff

2012-01-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

A business is never stagnant. It's always moving in one direction or the other. Either toward success or away from it. Today I want to discuss how to keep moving toward success no matter what stage of development your business might be in. You are going to be required to make a variety of business decisions; some will affect the long term life of your business while others will have an immediate impact. Here are some things to look for at each level of your businesses development. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Both Books ONLY $14.95 PDF or Free Priority Mail Shipping.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.

How to Prepare a Balance Sheet - Score.Org

2011-12-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Knowing how to prepare and read a Balance Sheet is critical to the success of every small business. SCORE offers many FREE online seminars on a variety of topics. Here is one that I think you will enjoy taking and will increase your bottom line.

How to Prepare a Balance Sheet - Score.Org - Click Here

Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Both Books ONLY $14.95 PDF or Free Priority Mail Shipping.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.

Self-Analysis for Going Into Business by James Plum

2011-12-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

This is an article by my good friend Jim Plumb I hope you like it.

Introduction

Owning a business is the dream of many Americans. Starting that business converts your dream into reality. But, there is a gap between your dream and reality that can only be filled with careful planning. As a business owner, you will need to avoid pitfalls to achieve your goals and to build a profitable business.

This "Checklist for Going into Business" is a guide to help you prepare a comprehensive business plan and determine if your idea is feasible, to identify questions and problems you will face in converting your idea into reality and to prepare for starting your business.

Operating a successful small business will depend on; ... READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE on business self-analysis HERE!

Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Both Books ONLY $14.95 PDF or Free Priority Mail Shipping.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.

Photo Credit
Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Merchants may require up to $10 minimum credit card purchase By Dana Dratch

2011-11-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here is an article by Dana Dratch that every merchant should be aware of.

Until 2010, most card networks prohibited merchants from setting minimums for credit card transactions, and even set up methods for consumers to turn in violators. The card issuers want cards to be universally accepted like cash, and minimum purchase requirements made them less, well, cashlike.

A coalition of retail and small business organizations asked Congress to change that. Because it costs retailers money to accept cards, small transaction amounts can make accepting cards unprofitable, especially at places such as convenience stores and gas stations, where profit margins are paper-thin. They asked for the option to require a minimum purchase amount for credit card transactions.
They got it. The request received little notice because it was tucked into a bill that became an

Read more: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-minimum-payment-purchases-law-1282.php#ixzz1eehJWrCk
Compare credit cards here - CreditCards.com

Buy "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service In A Small Town" for only $14.95 and get "The Small Town Advertising Handbook: How to Say More and Spend Less." ABSOLUTELY FREE. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Both Books ONLY $14.95 PDF or Free Priority Mail Shipping.

For more great small business marketing and advertising articles and tips visit Small Town Marketing.Com

Check out Tom's Weekly Radio Show, "Open for Business". Saturdays 11-2 PM Mountain Time.