Sometimes you just have to trust your gut

There comes a point in your business where you have to put down the books, the INC and Entrepreneur Magazine and the tips you get from your colleagues to listen to the inner voice in you that says, "I need to trust my gut." It's extremely easy to want to do everything right when it comes to your business. And believe me I understand. I've made a lot of mistakes, missed out on a few deals, and tried to replicate strategies others have used that didn't necessarily speak to what my business is about.

At the end of the day, I have to trust myself. I have to not be jaded by the formulas of marketing or business management and simply trust that I'm making all the right decisions. It took me an entire year to come to this realization and to be honest, it feels good.

I truly believe that business and marketing exist simply off of great ideas, experimentation and passion. Don't loose your passion in too much know-how rhetoric and books.

Free Things Small Businesses Can Do To Keep Their Customers During A Recession

You can’t watch the news or read the paper without hearing or reading about government bailouts, job losses and a slowing economy. Now more than ever small businesses have to find creative and low cost ways to keep their customers during a time where people’s budgets have tightened and their hands are sticking to their wallets.

Here are a few tips for small business owners to maximize their resources without spending a dime:

Revamp Your Website- Sometimes it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Let your customer know that you care about their needs and tell them why your product or service is better than anything else out there.

Hire Interns – Need some extra help? Offer industry experience to students looking to trade work for school credit. Increase your productivity and organization with the extra help.

Increase your word-of-mouth marketing - A satisfied customer will tell 3 satisfied customers. Reward your current customers with discounts and free services when they recommend a friend. You’ll increase customer loyalty and generate leads with little to no effort.

Repackage your services or products- Package several services or products together for a flat rate. Especially today people are looking for the most bang for their buck. Make your customers believe that they are getting more for less.

Offer Exclusive Information to repeat customers- Let them know before anyone when your newest product will be coming out, invite them to a special customer launch party where they can receive a percentage off of their purchase.

You know your business the best. Brainstorm with your employees, consult a colleague and pitch your ideas to your friends. There are many more things that you as a business owner can do in order to not spend a dime and enhance your marketing.