Author Archive

Betsy Brottlund

Betsy Brottlund is the Director of Marketing at Resource Nation, an online resource that provides expert advice on purchasing and outsourcing decisions for entrepreneurs and business owners ranging from payroll services to phone systems. Brottlund frequently contributes to several sites that offer tools and advice for business owners, including Dell and BizEquity. Previously a communications consultant, Brottlund has worked with start-ups to Fortune 500 companies managing their marketing and communication programs.

Fulfillment Services

Most businesses that ship products directly to customers have considered the idea of using a fulfillment service. Businesses use fulfillment services for convenience, for the ability to store more products, and for speedier shipping. Even businesses that manufacture their own products may lack the employee capacity to process bulk orders, or the facilities to store products at an on-site warehouse- these companies often use a ecommerce fulfillment service to take customer orders,…

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Direct mail

It’s reported that 98% of Americans check their mail box each day. From restaurants to credit card companies, direct mail still remains a strong advertising medium to reach customers. Why? Direct mail is used to get orders and take sales.

However, the same report indicates 86% of people sort their mail over the garbage upon retrieving – meaning if your piece doesn’t interest someone in four seconds, it’s going in the…

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Factoring for cash

Invoice factoring is an often-overlooked financing option for most small businesses. Factoring isn’t a loan or an automatic sale of future revenue, like a business cash advance. Factoring is the sale and assignment of your unpaid invoices to a third party factoring company- you turn over the right to collect on an invoice or account, and the factor cuts you a check. Many businesses use factoring services as a method…

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Digital copier

Reducing paper consumption is one of the easiest ways an office can contribute to a healthier and greener environment especially when the paper industry is the third largest industrial greenhouse gas emitter and the largest water consumer of all industrial activities. Printing and copying can add up to huge amounts of waste if you don’t have the correct office equipment. So what can you do to play your part and…

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Postage meter machine

Companies sending direct mail pieces between July 1^st and September 30^th of 2009 are eligible for huge discounts. Set by the U.S. Postal Service, if you own a company that meets certain guidelines, you could receive up to 4 cents per piece of mail in credits and 30% on postage costs. If your business requires you use direct mail for promotion, you should consider an in-office mailing system if you haven’’t…

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Busy point of sale

POS systems make transactions process more efficiently, improve management of inventory, and can even increase sales. Having a system that isn’t right for your business can actually end up costing you more money in the long run so it is important to find the right one. Whether you operate a restaurant or a boutique retail store, a POS system generates reports, processes transactions and sends information to other departments. …

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Business cash advance

As an entrepreneur, you’ve probably learned this lesson fairly quickly- using resources at your disposal and knowing what resources are out there will separate the successful business owners from the rest of the pack. With loan default rates at record highs and the economy making it harder and harder to obtain a line of credit and cash for your business, entrepreneurs are looking to other alternative financing options – merchant cash advance being one of these…

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With over 74% of American households online, your business can’t afford not to use online marketing strategies. Techniques like SEO (search engine optimization), email marketing, video campaigns and PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns allow you to reach your target customer faster, more easily, and for less money than traditional advertising – leading to increased sales and overall profits for your business.

Alright, so you’re sold – online marketing services are a great idea-…

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Small to mid-sized businesses typically use a standard phone system, but what happens when calls go unanswered because you need to tend to other more important items like managing cash flow? A VoIP service can save your business cash in a few ways and provide an answering service so your customers feel taken care of without getting a busy signal.

A recent MarketResearch.com survey estimates that just half of worldwide telecom needs are serviced using internet-based technology. VoIP…

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Telemarketing generates over 100 billion in yearly sales in all different industries and according to the DMA, over 66 million men and women buy products and services from telemarketers. Even if you are just starting out with your business, telemarketing can help you gather the information you need to get started or grow your business.

One type of telemarketing, inbound calling, involves a team of people to receive calls. If you…

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According to one study, 173 million people use credit cards. Personal debt is increasing from credit cards, but people still rely on them. Whether your company is online or offline, selling products or providing services, accepting credit cards and applying for a merchant account is a must. Before you decide on a merchant services provider, here are some tips to help negotiate a better deal.

• If your business is

…

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