Feb. 4, 2010 - Businesses are one month into 2010, and there’s one thing on every business owner’s mind – increasing revenue. Last year, many companies cut down to the bone to survive the tough economic conditions; now, however, businesses are realizing the inability to continue to “cut to growth.”

Nov./Dec. 2009 - Know your customer. Develop the right products. Hone your marketing strategy. Sound simple? It’s certainly not a piece of cake or even easy as pie, but, this focused approach works whether you are selling Special K, S.M.A.R.T. interest checking accounts or something else that’s your business’ sweet spot.

Jan. 7, 2010 - The New Year is here, complete with all the anxiety and excitement of its promise. As many seek refuge from the negativity of the media, others look ahead to new beginnings. We are moving toward a pre-boom economy and selling professionals and managers will need to be more efficient and more productive in 2010.

Dec. 17, 2009 - This new book is a look at the expanding world of e-mail marketing. It has practical advice and good counsel that should be considered carefully.

Dec. 3, 2009 - No one knows how significant the impact of the H1N1 flu will be on residents around the world, much less here in southeastern Michigan. But this holiday season retailers are faced with the prospect of the H1N1 flu virus having an impact on their sales, which is bound to leave many business executives and retail managers feeling a bit ill themselves.

October 1, 2009 - The economy is problematic, it is challenging, and it is much more difficult, but it is not the problem. And anyone that identifies the economy as the problem will never find the solution or identify the opportunity that this contracting economy provides for their business. That is right, this economy provides opportunities! But first, back to the problem.

October 1, 2009 - This holiday season will certainly be one of the most competitive in many years. As our region strives to pull out of the recent economic tailspin, retailers and service companies will be battling for every disposable dollar, and that means discounting of all sorts to bring customers in the door. The good news is that consumers now depend on couponing more than ever, the result of careful budget control during the long recession. The bad news is that many businesses aren’t prepared to manage a coupon or discount campaign to their best advantage.

September 17, 2009 - You never get a second chance to make a first impression. For many businesses today, the opportunity to catch someone’s interest comes via your company’s Web site. Generally, if a prospective client is serious about seeking your services, that person will have “Googled” your company before even speaking to you. So is your Web site up to date?

July/August, 2009 - In a plummeting real estate market, marketing consultant David Berger unloaded his house earlier this year – from listing to close – in a mere 35 days.

June 4, 2009 - First things first. What the heck is Twitter?