Today's Issue
- Editor's Take: Sharpening Your Edge
- Article: Entrepreneur’s Notebook
- Testimonial Callout
- Events: Food Safety (Monday 22 January), Expanding Business Through Export - Basics of Exporting (Tuesday 23 to Friday 26 January), Understanding Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights (Thursday 25 January), CWC Career Fair (Thursday 25 and Friday 26 January), The Ultimate Wedding and Debut Fair (Friday 26 to Sunday 29 January), and Go Big Time! Sykes Asia Career Booster 2007 (Saturday 27 January)
Entrepreneur’s Notebook
Tech Tip: Folders as Directory. Instead of launching a database for telephone numbers you regularly contact, a simple solution is to create a master folder filled with empty folders.
The titles of the empty folders are the abbreviated names and telephone numbers you call on a regular basis. Keep this master folder on your computer desktop within easy access, and it can save lots of time.
Total Cost Add Up. The lowest priced unit might not always be the best value for your business...
To read more, click here!
Testimonial Callout
For those who want to share their thoughts, just simply send us an email to info@sme.com.ph and place on the Subject header: SME Testimonial. The best testimonial will also be featured in our SME.com.ph Web site.
Editor's Take
This year is expected to be an exciting one for SMEs, with new opportunities to grow the business. To help boost sales, entrepreneurs will need to sharpen their competitive edge.
Check out the competition. Visit their stores, real and virtual. Try out their products or services. Read their ads, annual reports and publications. Do this with regularity.
Do things differently. Being different could mean better faster service, extra-friendly, accommodating staff, discounts for repeat customers. The list could go on.
Give away free stuff. Everybody loves a freebie. Get people to try your menu by offering free samples. Provide free information downloads from your website or volunteer your time as a resource in community events.
Focus, focus, focus. Companies like coconut-based resins supplier Kemwerke, Inc. and Orange Juice clothes boutique have earned success by concentrating on specialized or emerging niches in the market.
Talk to your customers. Solicit ideas from your buyers to try to shape your product or service to better meet their needs.
Embrace Technology. Haven't got a website yet? It's about time you did!
Keep honing that edge to razor sharpness.
Russelle S. Trinidad
SME BizLink Editor
