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A Day in the life – How One Business Owner Simultaneously Runs 3 Businesses

November 30, 2016/in Featured Stories, Operations /by Wil Rivera

Will DeJesus is a special breed of entrepreneur. Instead of running one business and dealing with the busyness of a life that goes along with that, he manages three stand-alone companies in Queens, New York, and does it seemingly without breaking a sweat. His companies are: Rapido Tax a brick-and-mortar tax preparation business; Republic Groups, a financial management consulting firm; and TaxTerminal.com, an online tax prep service.

How does he do it?

DeJesus is a master of prioritization. With three businesses under his leadership, he is forced to “look at everything in the week and figure out what I can accomplish,” he says. “I try to allow some flexibility in my schedule, and it helps that my employees have more regimented calendars so I know where they are at all times.”

His advice to other small business owners starts with a real look at the bottom line.

“Do everything you possibly can that costs you time, not money,” he says. “I’m talking about research—research how to build a website, how to get products, where you can get things cheaper. Do all of those things before you spend a penny.”

Next: take things slow. He says it is better to spend a ton of time planning than to jump into something when you aren’t sure. “Measure twice so you can cut once,” he says.

“And if you want to grow, you need to understand the scalability of what you are doing,” he says. “Do you have a business that could be replicated without you being there or is the majority of the business you? Think hard about how you can scale because that is what will help you in the long run.”

Taking the entrepreneurial leap

Seeing DeJesus now, you’d think he was destined to be an entrepreneur. And while the endeavor did interest him, if you rewind the clock back 20 years, you’d have met a man with a vastly different job on the brain.

“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur … well, an entrepreneur and a baseball player,” he says.

DeJesus went to Queens College on a baseball scholarship and majored in accounting. He graduated and tried out for the Detroit Tigers in the late 90s. When that didn’t work out, he leaned on his degree and ended up working internationally for the next decade — from the U.S. to Latin American and beyond — auditing taxes for Fortune 500 companies and learning the ropes of what it meant to manage a business’s books.

In 2010, he found himself at an accounting firm without the advancement opportunities he desired. When a promotion didn’t happen, he decided to take a payout and start something new, albeit reluctantly.

“Honestly, it wasn’t a thing where I had a ton of courage to go out on my own, it was just a really good time to do it,” he says. “The economy had tanked, I got a package and I knew it was time to go.”

Will packed up his life in Manhattan and went home to Corona Heights, Queens. There was something comforting about going back to Queens. His family and friends had since moved away, but there was something about being home and building his business there that felt, “right.” A few months later he opened Rapido Tax in Corona Heights.

“Rapido Tax provides personal tax and business services,” he says. “It’s kind of like a year-round H&R Block for the Spanish community.”

Rapido Tax grew, but soon larger companies in need of DeJesus’s consulting services started calling, so he launched Republic Groups as a separate consulting company. For the next four years, he managed his Corona Heights location (with the help of an employee) and clients with Republic Groups.

RAPIDO TAX abre primera región de franquicias en Queens para empresarios latinos

Credit: Queens Latino

Expansion

Business grew quickly for DeJesus, and in 2014, he opened a second Rapido Tax location in nearby Jackson Heights, Queens. But DeJesus began feeling stretched too thin — clients were streaming in both for Rapido and Republic Groups. “With my consulting business, I didn’t feel like it was a sustainable model because it required me to physically be there all the time,” he says. “I needed to build a different kind of business that didn’t require such a time commitment.”

That business became TaxTerminal.com, an entirely online tax preparation business made to compete with bigger players like TurboTax. DeJesus’s main difference? Those in need of tax advice don’t have to figure out taxes on their own; TaxTerminal provides a certified professional to help every step of the way.

“There are only a few players in the industry and they are all very rich,” he says. “This model just isn’t attractive to them. They design their products around self-prepared returns and spend millions on advertising whereas we have professionals waiting to help people individually. We do individual tax returns, accounting and payroll and audits for businesses.”

DeJesus’s new business model has worked out so well that, with the help of small business financing, he’s most recently been working on opening another office — a loft-like space in Long Island City. “I’m really lucky to have had Strategic Funding with me this whole way,” he says. “They’ve helped me open every one of my new locations with short term business financing.”

Making it all work

So, how exactly, does one person simultaneously run three different businesses?

DeJesus: “I would love to say that I’m a morning person, but that just isn’t me. I have far more energy at night.”

Mornings, DeJesus walks the 19-minutes from home to his Jackson Heights office and usually gets there around 10 a.m. (much earlier during tax season), but only after first stopping at Starbucks next door for his daily cold brew. His days consist of answering questions from clients.

“I have a tremendous amount of email; I also text with them a lot,” he says.

He often doesn’t leave the office until 9 p.m. and goes to the gym, runs a few miles, lifts weights, stretches, and then goes home for a quiet night. “I don’t have cable because I’m just in front of my computer too much throughout the day,” he says. “I’ll usually eat something like Chinese food and relax with my collection of DVDs.”

DeJesus works even more during tax season and can often be found going between client sites.

While his work schedule seems quite taxing, DeJesus has learned the hard way to prioritize taking one day off per week. About two years ago, he decided to take a day off and woke up terribly ill the following morning.

“I remember planning a day off for friends to come over and watch the Mayweather fight,” he says. “It was really fun, but the next morning I couldn’t get out of bed. My body didn’t work. I had to sleep for three days straight and this was in the middle of tax season.”

The experience taught DeJesus the importance of relaxation and these days he takes a day off one day every week in addition to teaching IT Audit and Control at Baruch College every Friday.

“That is my fun day,” he says.

DeJesus’s drive to do better every day makes working so hard worthwhile.

What drives him, exactly?

“The pursuit of taking an original idea and proving the concept beyond a reasonable doubt drives me,” he says. “I’m driven by motivating my staff and students to the point where they surprise themselves with their accomplishments. I’m also driven because I know I have to lead by example.

“But most of all, I am driven to control my own destiny—to say that I’m going to build this house and when I’m done it will belong to me and others are going to build around me—that drives me every day.”

Kapitus provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped hundreds of industries including: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Rapido-Tax-Will.jpg 377 600 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-30 00:00:002020-12-17 15:11:07A Day in the life – How One Business Owner Simultaneously Runs 3 Businesses

4 Tech Solutions That Can Help Your Small Business Keep Pace With Big Store Competitors

November 28, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

The value of technology isn’t something small business owners can afford to underestimate. Case in point: according to a survey from Time Warner Cable Business Class, 56% of consumers said a relevant business website inspired confidence in a small business.

When you’re trying to match strides with larger competitors, embracing the possibilities tech offers should be a no-brainer. If you’re not sure where to start, here are four tech-based solutions that can help your small business hold its ground against larger competitors.

1. Mobile applications

These days, it’s possible to do just about everything from a smartphone or mobile device. This is good news if you own a small business. For example, apps like Gusto, Freshbooks, and QuickBooks allow you to manage payroll, create and send invoices, record sales and expenses, and create key reports such as profit and loss statements right from the palm of your hand.

So how do these and similar apps help your small business compete in the marketplace? The answer is simple. The more you’re able to streamline and automate key business processes, the less time and energy you have to spend managing them. Those resources can be redirected to things like fine-tuning your marketing campaign or planning an expansion so you can retain your competitive edge.

2. Integrated software

Integrated software is simply a bundle of applications designed to work together. Customer relationship management (CRM) programs can be particularly beneficial to businesses that struggle with organization or are looking to up their productivity factor.

For instance, you could have separate programs to manage accounting, payroll and invoices, another program for tracking sales and inventory and another program to maintain customer information for your mailing list.

Having so many different standalone programs in place means more work for you if you’re having to manually import data from one software to another. When you streamline your infrastructure with a program like Salesforce or Insightly, on the other hand, you can increase your business’s efficiency and speed, both of which make you better able to compete with larger companies.

3. Cloud technology

The cloud is also an alternative to consider for meeting your small business storage needs. Rather than backing up all of your data on a computer, upload that information to a cloud-based app. Besides that, you can use cloud applications for things like monitoring your cash flow and accounts payable, automating your marketing campaign, and updating your business’s social media sites.

Taking your small business into the cloud can be a strategic move when scaling up is one of your goals. For instance, if you’re hoping to boost online sales, think about investing in ecommerce software.  Tools like Magento or Shopify may help you increase revenues faster than simply installing a shopping cart plugin.

4. Web-based communications

If you run a business that has employees, you need to be able to communicate with them quickly and effectively.  This is of particular important if you’re working on a project and your employees are assigned different tasks.

When you need to keep everyone on the same page, technology can be your best friend.  Tools like Trello, Asana, Basecamp, and Slack are some examples of apps that make it easier to connect with employees. By taking out the hassle of collaborating, your business can get more done. Which, in turn, keeps you from struggling to play catch up with competitors both large and small.

Final word: Know what your goals and objectives are

Technology holds a lot of potential for small businesses who are eager to innovate.  You should just avoid blindly venturing into new technology options.  Before you start shelling out money on technology, take some time to map out your short- and long-term goals. Having a clear understanding of what you hope to accomplish will help you in choosing the best tech tools for your business.

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped hundreds of industries.  Industries served include: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-28 00:00:002016-11-28 00:00:004 Tech Solutions That Can Help Your Small Business Keep Pace With Big Store Competitors

4 Ways to Keep Your Retail Store Organized During the Holidays

November 23, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

;As the holidays approach, retailers begin prepping for the anticipated boost in business that the months of November and December typically bring. While an increase in sales is most welcome, dealing with a steady barrage of customers can leave you feeling frazzled at the end of the day.

Having a plan for staying organized is essential to keep your small business (and your sanity) from coming apart at the seams. Here are some things you can do in front of and behind the scenes to maintain order in the midst of the holiday rush.

1. Mark your calendar

A well-planned schedule can be your best friend during the holidays.  Let these tips help you avoid being overwhelmed by your to-do list:

  • Pencil in Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday first so you can begin planning your promotions for these events early.
  • Jot down when you’ll be running sales or hosting special in-store events
  • Take note of inventory delivery dates so you know when new stock will arrive.
  • Coordinate with your employees to plan out your seasonal schedule.
  • Mark off any days you’ll be closed, as well as days when you plan to close early or extend your hours.
  • Use a scheduling app like Evernote to keep track of key dates on the go.

 

Planning ahead means you can worry less about unexpected surprises and it’s easier to make changes if necessary.

2. Create a housekeeping schedule

At the end of a long shopping day, your store could easily be confused for a war zone.  Using a simple maintenance list can keep the chaos to a minimum.

  • Assign your employees to specific zones in the store for which they are responsible.
  • Schedule regular sweeps throughout the day for tidying up displays and restocking merchandise when needed.
  • Delegate opening and closing clean-up tasks, such as sweeping, cleaning windows, taking out trash and vacuuming.
  • Create a filing system for unpaid invoices if you don’t have one.
  • Choose one day a week to review and pay any outstanding invoices.
  • Schedule one day a week to review sales and order inventory.

 

Assigning essential tasks to a specific day of the week ensures that you’re getting the most important things done without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Streamline your marketing

Managing a holiday marketing campaign can leave you feeling frenzied, but using tech-based solutions can relieve some of the pressure.

  • Use an app like Hootsuite to manage your various social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
  • Compose messages for future updates ahead of time.
  • Draft messages for your email marketing campaign or your business’ blog in one batch.
  • Create a separate calendar for when you want to send out emails or add new posts to the blog.
  • Have posts and emails scheduled to be delivered automatically through your email or content management platform.

 

Putting as much of your marketing on autopilot as you can eliminates a certain amount of stress while still keeping your business visible.

4. Get your holiday budget in shape

Just like holiday shoppers may tend to overspend without a budget in place, retail store owners can end up in the hole if they’re not running the numbers beforehand.

  • Go over your existing budget and consider which expenses may increase over the holidays.
  • Review any temporary additions to your budget related to the holidays, such as the cost of decorating or anything you may need to spend to host an in-store event.
  • Look for expenses you could reduce over the holidays.
  • Review last year’s sales figures and work up an estimated sales projection for this year’s holiday season.
  • Consider your cash flow to determine whether you’ll have enough money coming in to pay for any added expenses.
  • Apply for a small business loan if necessary to purchase inventory, cover payroll or manage other expenses during the holidays.

 

Taking a closer look at your budget before the holidays get in full swing allows you to pinpoint potential trouble spots so you can find solutions sooner rather than later.

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped businesses from hundreds of industries.  Industries served include: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-23 00:00:002016-11-23 00:00:004 Ways to Keep Your Retail Store Organized During the Holidays

How to Create a Year-End Checklist for Your Small Business

November 21, 2016/in Business Productivity, Operations /by Wil Rivera

The holiday season is always a hectic time for small business owners , but before January rolls around there are important housekeeping items to attend to. This quick primer breaks down what your year-end checklist should include so it’s business as usual come the new year:

1. Compile key documents

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to gauge your business’s financial health. Organizing and updating some basic documents can tell you where your business stands. Here are three key documents to focus on:

  • Profit and loss statement: Summarizes your revenues and expenses over a specific time period.
  • Cash flow statement: A record of cash intake and outflow for your business.
  • Balance sheet: Outlines your business assets, liabilities and equity.

 

Together, these documents should give you a balanced snapshot of how well your business is doing and what trouble spots you may need to address.

2. Review accounts, payable and receivable

Once you’ve run some basic reports, the next step is tying up loose ends with vendors and/or contractors. Look for any invoices that need to be paid and check your bank account to make sure that you have the funds to pay them. If not, reach out to vendors to see if it’s possible to extend your payment dates.

From there, review accounts receivable to determine if there are any payments owed to you. Send reminders to customers or anyone else who has an outstanding invoice. Check for accounts that are significantly past due and consider whether you’ll initiate collection actions or write them off as a loss on your taxes.

3. Prepare your final quarterly tax payment for the year

January 15th is the deadline for filing your last quarterly tax payment for the year. That payment is based on earnings from September 1 through December 31. Underpaying quarterly taxes or paying them past the due date can trigger penalties and interest so it’s a good idea to figure out what you’ll owe sooner rather than later.

4. Organize payroll

If your business has employees, you’ll want to review and update your payroll records before the year is out. Make sure you’re withholding and reporting Social Security, Medicare, income and disability taxes accordingly so that you can process employee W-2 forms on time. You should also decide whether you’re going to give bonuses to your staff, what form they’ll take and when you’ll hand those out since that can affect your tax filing for the year.

5. Track your inventory

Keeping tabs on inventory is important because lost inventory means lost profits for your business. If you run a retail store or a service-based business such as a salon, for example, you’d want to spend some time doing a thorough inventory count to see if it matches up with your sales records. While you’re at it, look for items that may need to be marked down or written off because they’re not selling well or they’ve exceed their sell-by date.

6. Review your insurance coverage

Insurance is designed to protect your small business from losses associated with liability claims or physical damage to your premises, inventory and business vehicles. Take a glance at your policy to see if there are any gaps in your coverage. Review your coverage limits and deductibles to see if those need to be adjusted. For example, you may need to increase your coverage if you recently invested in an expensive piece of equipment.

7. Update your goals

Setting annual goals for your business gives you a road map of what you need to work towards over the next 12 months. Look back at what your business has done over the last year and think about what it is you’d like to achieve going forward. Use that as a template for creating a list of goals for the new year. Be specific and include actionable steps whenever possible so you have a clear-cut plan for taking your business where you want it to go.

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped hundreds of industries including: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-21 00:00:002022-04-07 18:37:52How to Create a Year-End Checklist for Your Small Business

4 Smart Holiday Marketing Moves for Pet Care Businesses

November 16, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

When you own a business that caters to critters of the four-legged variety, the holiday season is likely to be one of your busiest times of the year. For example, people who are traveling for the holidays may need to board their pets or hire pet sitters. Meanwhile, those who are sticking closer to home may be buying gifts for their furry (or sometimes no-so-furry) friends. Pet-sitters, groomers, pet boarders, and pet supply retailers alike are all poised to reap the benefits when their services are more in demand.

If you’re hoping to capitalize on the holiday cheer this year, making some adjustments to your marketing plan could help you to stand out from the crowd. Here are four ways to build some positive buzz for your pet care business.

1. Make marketing a team effort

Running a cross-promotion with other pet-based businesses can be a great way to increase your visibility.  These partnerships can also give you an opportunity to tap into a new customer base. By joining forces with another business, you create a strategic partnership that can benefit both of you.

For example, if you run a pet daycare you could team with a pet photographer and run a joint promotion. When someone makes a purchase with the photographer, they could receive a 10% off coupon good at your business and vice versa. That’s a very simple cross-promotion option, but it can be effective in driving traffic your way.

As you look for potential partners, focus on businesses whose clientele reflects the kind of patrons you’d like to cultivate. Most importantly, when crafting a promotion be sure the incentive you’re offering is something new customers will be eager to use.

2. Get active in the community

During the holidays, many pet-based charities step up their fundraising efforts and encourage people to give for a good cause. Getting involved with one or more of these organizations open up a new path to promoting your business.

Organizing a fundraiser for your neighborhood animal shelter or another charitable group that’s dedicated to the needs of animals, is one option. For example, reach out to local pet advocates to see if they’d be interested in doing a charity auction.

If you don’t think you can organize a large-scale event of your own, you can still give back and market your business at the same time. Groomers, for instance, could visit animal shelters on adoption day and give free holiday makeovers to all the pets waiting for homes. Their new humans may be so pleased with the results they make you their go-to groomer going.

3. Host a pet-themed event

Another way to appeal to pet lovers is to hold a special pet-focused event that showcases your business. A prime opportunity for pet-based business owners to connect with new customers is Small Business Saturday.  But any time during the winter holiday season has potential for success.

Throwing a holiday-themed pet party, for example, can help you grab attention for your pet supply store. To set a festive tone, you could hold an ugly holiday sweater contest for both pets and their owners.  You could also set up a photo booth with Santa or a friendly elf.  Other festive ideas include offer door prizes, providing stocking stuffers, and serving pet- and human-friendly holiday treats.

4. Offer a referral discount for current customers

A simple way to expand your customer base during the holidays is to offer a timely referral discount. Offer your existing clients a discount redeemable during their next visit if they refer a friend or family member who utilizes your business.

You can then extend the same referral discount to the person they referred in order to encourage them to become a regular customer. Referrals can be an exceptionally powerful way to attract attention to your business. If you’re not using them to your advantage already, the holiday season is an ideal time to incorporate this kind of promotion into your marketing plans so you can benefit well into the new year.

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped business in hundreds of industries.  Industries served include: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-16 00:00:002016-11-16 00:00:004 Smart Holiday Marketing Moves for Pet Care Businesses
Book More Tables at Your Restaurant

How to Book More Tables Online

November 14, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

To give customers what they want, traditional brick and mortar retail is rapidly morphing into e-tailing, or electronic retailing. Providing customers a seamless omni-channel experience across multiple platforms requires technology to manage everything from online ads to checkout and payments.  But how do restaurants book more tables?

Many restaurant owners haven’t made the leap to e-tailing, either because they don’t see the benefits, or because they find it a challenge to adapt; however, effective tools for online booking with up-sell capabilities can turn a restaurant’s website into a robust online marketplace.

Online Booking Systems

Different than reservation systems, online booking systems manage venue rentals for events, accommodations and tours. Most booking systems use software that seamlessly integrates into your existing website using modules or plug-ins, unlike a third-party reservations sites like OpenTable. These systems feature calendar management, photo galleries, payment management, contract execution, and cancellation processes.

Additionally, these systems give you the ability to create alternative revenue streams.

Up-Sell Using Add-Ons

Seek a booking software provider that includes the “add-on” feature. It’s an extension that allows for the customization of add-ons during the online checkout stage. An add-on is the inclusion of additional products or services. This unique up-sell tool is a great way to maximize revenue generated through space rentals and special events.

Why stop at holiday parties when you can host year-around events? For instance, what about booking professional networking events, social mixers, wine classes, cooking classes, or selling online gift certificates? Bar owners might offer advanced seats when broadcasting sporting events.

Cost-Efficiency

Depending on your web platform, you may be able to use a free or a low-cost cloud-based service provider. Check out providers like Event Compass, Skeeda, Zozi Advance, or Checkfront.

And don’t panic if you’re not tech savvy. Most website management systems permit module and plug-in installs using “one-click install” from website control panels. If yours doesn’t, most providers offer tech support and easy to follow guides to get you up and running.

Read Attracting Holiday Business This Year for tips on booking more parties and creative add-on ideas to book more tables.

 

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/how-to-book-more-tables-online.jpg 1282 2200 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-14 00:00:002016-11-14 00:00:00How to Book More Tables Online

4 Ways Your Website Can Tank Your Cyber Monday Success

November 9, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

Along with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday is part of the new holiday sales trifecta many small business owners look forward to all year long. Your Cyber Monday sales success hinges on how ready your business website is. If you haven’t updated your site recently, take a look to see if it’s suffering from any of these potentially sales-killing flaws.

1. It’s not optimized to convert

Having a website does little good if it’s not designed to convert window shoppers into customers. Closing the deal on a sale can be an uphill battle if:

  • Your design is clunky. If your site is hard to navigate or the pages are cluttered, your pages may push customers away instead of drawing them in.
  • The headline is boring. A succinct, clearly worded headline, showing your business’s value proposition is a must if you want to grab shoppers’ attention.
  • The wording is stiff or overly formal. Aim for an inviting, conversational tone instead of sounding like a robot.
  • Online forms are a hassle. If your email sign-up or check-out forms are overly complicated, they can frustrate potential customers.
  • The site’s short on information. Your site should address the most common questions your customers have, rather than leaving them in the dark.
  • It’s not mobile-friendly. The site’s formatting and design shouldn’t lose any functionality for customers who shop via mobile devices.
  • There’s no defined call to action. Give your customers a reason why they should buy something from you versus a competitor.

Addressing these kinds of issues is important for converting sales on Cyber Monday, or any day of the year for that matter. If you’re not an expert in web design, it may be worth it to invest in bringing in a pro to do some clean up work.

2. You buried your message

To build a loyal customer base, you need to have a clearly defined brand.  If someone clicks on your site, they should immediately be able to recognize:

  • What your business is about and why they should be shopping with you. For example, has your business been around for 50 years? Do you offer a money back guarantee or other benefits the competition doesn’t? In other words, what makes your business special?
  • What you’re promoting for Cyber Monday. The whole point of planning a Cyber Monday promotion is to attract shoppers who are eager for deals. Burying your sale on an internal page instead of showcasing it on the home page is a major missed opportunity.

Bottom line, if it’s not clear what your sale is, it’s going to be tough getting shoppers to stick around.

3. The site’s not shareable

Social media is a powerful marketing tool but if you’re committing any of these faux pas, you may not be getting much traction:

  • There are no social media sharing buttons. If you have accounts on any social media sites, you want your shoppers to know about them. Install a social media plugin and link your accounts to encourage sharing.
  • Your images aren’t eye-catching. Free stock images may not cost you anything to have on your site, but they can cost you sales if your site feels generic.
  • Your page titles and descriptions lack pizzazz. If you want people to share your links, you have to make sure what you have to say is interesting. When crafting sales pages for Cyber Monday, be sure to include a compelling title, description and reason for them to share.

Investing some money in better-quality images and incentivizing visitors to share can add to your site’s appeal and make customers more eager to spread the word.

4. Grammar and spelling errors abound

Part of your business’s credibility stems from observing the basic rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation. If your site is littered with misspelled words or grammatical errors, customers may think your attention to detail could be low elsewhere in your business too. Therefore, you should take some time to proof your site carefully to weed out any embarrassing gaffes before the holiday season gets underway.

Your small business’s website can make or break the success of your Cyber Monday promotion. As you’re prepping for the big day, be sure to be on the lookout for these snafus that could cause your Cyber Monday sale to be a flop.

 

 

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped businesses in hundreds of industries.  Industries served include restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-09 00:00:002021-07-12 17:17:434 Ways Your Website Can Tank Your Cyber Monday Success

Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

November 7, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to attract attention, drive traffic into stores on- and offline and generate more sales. According to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, sales last year topped $16.2 billion, up 14% from 2014.

With so much attention paid to Black Friday, you might dismiss Small Business Saturday as less important.

In our previous article, we discussed some general marketing ideas that could help to boost your Small Business Saturday sales. In this piece we are highlighting other effective strategies that have been successfully implemented. We asked business owners for recommendations for before, during and after November 26:

Create an offering unique for the day.

Consumers love special deals or exclusive offers, so why not put together a special product or service bundle available only to shoppers on November 26. You could marry complementary products, create a discounted bundle of items, or roll out a limited edition offering.

Giveaways and raffles are popular and effective tools that companies, including Dr. Squatch Soap Co. of Fort Collins, Colorado, use to drive foot traffic. For 2015, A.J. Fountain, president and co-founder of men’s soap company, Dr. Squatch, reached out to 10 outdoor companies in Colorado and Wyoming.  He asked them to each chip in 10 items worth between $25-50 to be part of a raffle package. The result was a bundle worth nearly $500! Each of the 10 companies were than able to offer this bundle to its fans as a prize. Fountain says there was a backpack/travel pillow, a hat, a ski bumper, and several other items, including soap, that customers and prospects could win.

The giveaway attracted close to 2,000 entrants to the contest, says Fountain. Each of the 10 companies also gained 500 followers and saw a bump in sales. The giveaway “drove publicity for each company during the prime time of the year.”

Leverage social media.

Syd Suntha, co-founder of a Seattle-based portfolio of restaurants and food trucks, including Bread and Circuses, hits social media hard to promote his Small Business Saturday event. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, he also relied on Nextdoor, a locally-focused site for neighbors to share intel as well as announce parties and events.

Partner on a promotion.

Combining efforts with other businesses and charities can help promote your business while helping the community. Suntha created a Small Business Saturday event that partnered several local vendors to raise money for the local food bank.

For $20-30, attendees at his special Small Business Saturday promotion received a sample plate from three participating food trucks, a flight of four beers, and a raffle ticket for $2,000 worth of gifts donated by local businesses. Last year, Suntha and his partners raised more than $5,000 for the local Greenwood Food Bank and introduced hundreds of area residents to his food trucks’ menus.

Capitalize on your success with lead generation.

When your promotions succeed in attracting new prospects to your business, don’t lose the opportunity to find out who they are. Set out a guest book, offer an incentive to subscribe to your free newsletter, or hand out cards requesting feedback through SurveyMonkey which can capture their name and email address for follow-up.

Small Business Saturday is an annual opportunity to turn shoppers’ attention from big box stores to smaller outlets. Bringing attention and awareness to your business in smart ways can help your bottom line not only on November 26th, but also throughout the rest of the year.

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped hundreds of industries including: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-07 00:00:002016-11-07 00:00:00Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

How Your Restaurant Can Win Local Holiday Party Business Using Facebook Groups

November 4, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

The holiday season can bring a boost in business for restaurants, as customers leave their homes to shop, meet up with friends, or enjoy a great meal out with family. December also brings holiday office parties, which increasingly rely on food from local restaurants and caterers.

How do you get businesses to choose your restaurant for their holiday celebrations?

Traditional methods such as paying for local ads and mailing flyers to local businesses can still be effective. However, many businesses realize that today’s customers get most of their information online. Restaurants interested in reaching out to consumers are more likely to find them on social media, but getting the word out can be difficult with so much competition.

In recent years, Facebook traffic began moving toward Groups, where members find others who share their interests. With groups, Facebook members can interact directly with people who share interests. Groups has 700 million active monthly users, making it a great addition to any marketing campaign. On a local level, restaurants can reach customers through community groups, whether it’s a group that represents an entire city or a popular neighborhood. Here’s how your restaurant can use Facebook Groups to get the word out about your venue this holiday season.

Make It Exclusive

Facebook doesn’t currently allow businesses to join groups, so it is best to join a local group you are interested in. Groups are almost always available for local neighborhoods, sometimes representing a city as a whole. Once you’ve joined a Facebook Group, read over the page rules and note any restrictions about promoting your business. If you do promote your restaurant’s holiday offerings, make sure your post stresses the value to group members. Offer an exclusive deal or discount specific to that group. In doing so, you’re more likely to be seen as helping members rather than trying to make money off of them.

Maintain a Presence

Focus on interacting as an active, supportive member of the community. Respond to any comments on your original promotional post and interact on other posts in a helpful, friendly manner. Avoid getting involved in any negative discussions, especially if they involve other local businesses. If you monitor the page long enough, you’ll likely find someone requesting restaurant suggestions. It is at this point that you can speak up and let them know about your special deals.

Share Photos of Events

As your restaurant begins hosting events, encourage attendees to share photos on their personal pages, as well as in groups. Upload your own pictures of various events to your own Facebook page. You can even share those photos to the group!  Just make sure you focus on showcasing the local group that celebrated the holidays with you, rather than using it to promote yourself.

The holiday season is a great time to show local customers what your restaurant has to offer. With the right marketing approach, you can encourage businesses and organizations to host their parties through your business, which will introduce your food to local residents who might not have tried it otherwise. The key is to use Facebook Groups to establish your presence as an active and supportive member of the local community.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-04 00:00:002016-11-04 00:00:00How Your Restaurant Can Win Local Holiday Party Business Using Facebook Groups

Attracting Holiday Party Business this Year

November 2, 2016/in Sales and Marketing /by Wil Rivera

Tis’ the season to start thinking about holiday bookings. While most retailers see a spike in sales – which can account for as much as 30 percent of their annual sales volumes according to the National Retail Federation (NRF) — many restaurants lose money during the holiday months.

In 2014, an independent study conducted by Thanx, Inc. showed that restaurant revenues can decrease by as much as 45 percent during November and December.

So, how do restaurants drive business during a time of year when consumer spending, at least in this sector, traditionally takes a dip? Ramp up marketing efforts to target individuals appointed to organize this year’s office holiday party – they’re the Office Managers, Administrative Assistants and Marketing pros.

Accurate and Timely Information is Critical

Accurate and timely information is important when doing business with busy professionals. Make sure websites are up-to-date with photos, room dimensions, calendars, a group size cost estimator, menu offerings, booking and cancellation policies. Furthermore, you should add a prominent web page that details this information. Expect customers to call in to confirm bookings and make sure your website information is accurate. All staff should be trained to deliver not only correct, but also consistent information. It’ll make doing business with you a lot easier.

Boost Web Presence and Online Marketing Campaigns

You’re marketing to busy, time-constrained professionals. They’re short on time with a short list of questions. Simply put, whether they’re familiar with your business or not, they expect to find you after a brief internet search. Be sure to optimize your website and online ads for SEO. Add high-ranking, relevant keywords to web copy and meta descriptions. Then, ask search engines to recrawl your website. And be sure to use the same keywords across social media campaigns.

Adapt to Any Time, Anywhere Marketing

Marketing is becoming increasingly ‘on-demand.’ Today purchase decisions happen through a funnel and across multiple channels. Various research studies have concluded that retailers must adapt to omni-channel marketing in order to meet consumer demand. Deloitte calls it “e-tailing” and says, “omni-channel retailing means being available at any time anywhere, making it convenient for the customer.” When dealing with holiday bookings, restaurants can take a page out of the retailer’s playbook. The easiest way for a small business to adapt is by having a responsive website design that converts seamlessly to mobile-friendly. Busy professionals won’t go on a scavenger hunt for information. Relevant information needs to be accurate and highly visible across the web.

Implement a Complete Online Booking System that Up-Sells

Make booking your event space easy and convenient by using a simple cloud based solution that integrates with your website. Your system could be up and running in as little as 24 hours. It’s best to choose a system that offers chat and 24/7 online support. Most importantly, it needs the ability to up-sell through add-ons. The add-on feature allows customers to add extras to party bookings. An extra might be open bar, premium liquor open bar, cell phone charging stations or a delicious dessert cart, at prices you set.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Grassroots Marketing

Now that you know your audience, capture their attention by reaching them where they are. Consider sponsoring after-work and professional mixers. Community engagement, direct mail campaigns and word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing are all powerful outreach tools. In addition, local chambers of commerce and professional associations can make great allies.

For more information about online booking software,up-selling and recommended service providers, read Book More Holiday Parties Through Online Software That Up-Sells.

Strategic Funding provides needed operating funds to small businesses. Strategic Funding has helped hundreds of industries including: restaurants, personal services, construction, medical, manufacturing, agriculture, retail stores, automotive, and food stores.

https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png 0 0 Wil Rivera https://kapitus.com/wp-content/uploads/Kapitus_Logo_white-2-300x81-1-e1615929624763.png Wil Rivera2016-11-02 00:00:002016-11-02 00:00:00Attracting Holiday Party Business this Year

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