Cbeyond SMB Expert Tips:

Communication is a foundation of effective leadership in today’s business environment. While many business leaders view these tactics as second-nature, it can be difficult with the rigors of the day to ensure you are asking the right questions, listening in a fully-focused manner and synchronizing your gestures with your meaning in every conversation. Unfortunately, one misinterpreted word or action can create unintended headaches.

Author, radio host and small business expert Mark Deo reveals the four most common communication pitfalls that plague even the most successful leaders, and shares practical tactics to ensure communication at all levels is functional, intelligent and seamless.

Professionals face a daily challenge to separate “urgent” tasks from “important” ones. While “urgent” matters are more deadline driven and require immediate attention, “important” ones can be delayed if necessary. However, the longer someone puts off an “important” matter, the greater the risk it will become “urgent”, creating a potential nightmare backup of time-sensitive materials for any individual to manage.

Author, radio host and small business expert Mark Deo reveals four proactive planning tips business professionals should consider to remain productive, schedule more efficiently and avoid “urgent” pitfalls.

With the economic uncertainties affecting the U.S. job market, some rural small businesses are changing the employment landscape.

According to a recent report by the State Journal, Craig Hartzell runs an engineering business based in Fairmont, West Virginia, and has grown his small business from two employees to more than 100 across five states.

“It was a pretty typical, grim startup,” said Hartzell. “I was doing everything but painting yellow lines on the parking lot to keep the lights on.”

To help strengthen the national economy, more outreach programs are being created and investments are being made to help small businesses grow, stated Karen Mills, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Also, Mills wrote “we just started partnering with more investors who want to help startups and high-growth firms in emerging industries and underserved areas, including rural communities.”

Small businesses remain the backbone of America. When difficult times hit the upper echelon of enterprises, it trickles down and affects local markets even more. During these harsh economic times, it’s a great sign that Hartzell’s company has experienced considerable success and hopefully more small businesses follow suit.

Both consumer and business spending have shifted more towards necessities, with purchases being more scrutinized. How can marketers and advertisers best offer the right incentives to convince on-the-fence customers to spend? Crafting a consistent, directed offer that keeps audiences interested across multiple channels is a vital element to any successful marketing message. Understanding what makes your customers buy, and providing specific reasons why they need your product now, can generate greater sales.

Author and small business expert Kim T. Gordon shares the five most effective tactics to persuade customers to take action, as well as the best ways to determine if your message is working.

The arrival of spring weather each year also brings a multitude of outdoor events that present sponsorship opportunities for your business. While having your company’s name on a race banner or parade float offers tremendous visibility, it is important to evaluate how each event will benefit your long-term marketing goals.

Author and small business expert Kim T. Gordon reveals the four factors businesses should consider to find the best return for their sponsorship investments.