Wild CardEvery town has one; a mysterious business that nobody seems to know what they do. No one seems to know another person who works there, and the mysterious business seems to elude social events and sponsorships that other area businesses use to thrive. I wonder if these businesses know they are so mysterious. I wonder if it’s intentional or a horrific series of decisions that have led them down a path that has accidentally ostracized them from the rest of the community. [Read more...]

One of the most common concerns small businesses have about starting a blog for their business is the task of writing regular blog posts. [Read more...]

When you have a rural small business, your clientele and target customers are clients that are likely spread out and difficult to categorize in any one specific group. Marketing with social media to such a wide variety of people can be a challenge.  Knowing how to appeal to a diverse group of people is never an easy task. Here are three basic tips to keep in mind when marketing with social media. As you get more familiar with your target market’s presence on social media sites, you will get a better idea of how to tailor these tips for your specific needs. [Read more...]

Small businesses, especially in rural areas, can struggle with keeping customers loyal when big box and chain stores are opening in the nearest major city. Competing can be tough, but social media for small business can give you the edge that you are looking for. [Read more...]

I have met some amazing people in small towns across Minnesota. Recently I had the opportunity to give two presentation on social media in Arlington and Redwood Falls, MN.

At the end of the presentation, we do a group exercise and ask the participants to gather in groups of 5 to answer the question, “How could you use Twitter in your business?“  Below are some of the responses to the question. [Read more...]