aimcustom.com | Small Business Week

National Small Business Week May 4 to 8

Recognize and honor your local small businesses during National Small Business Week. It is May 4-8 this year. The theme  for small businesses across the country is “Dream Big, Start Small.” Since 1963, one week each year is National Small Business Week. Here in the RVA area as part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small […]

online marketing plan | content marketing tips

Inspiring Business Video – Controlling the Message

What made Steve Jobs a genius at communications? Watch this video published by the Stanford Graduate School of Business on YouTube and you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible about the secrets to business communications. It is a presentation on communications by Carmine Gallo, “Three Secrets All Inspiring Messages Share.” ..  

Facebook, YouTube, content and social media

A Future Perspective on Facebook

Trends evolve rapidly in the social media world and we all know content is king. How are tech companies using “your content” to sell advertising? Without a doubt, Facebook leverages and controls your content to the max as they rake in billions. However, YouTube (Google) on the other hand helps content creators (you) benefit. In […]

WordPress Blogging Platform best for small business

WordPress 3.3 Released Major Improvements

As you know, we are avid supporters of WordPress as a CMS; especially for small and mid-size businesses. And, the latest release, WordPress version 3.3, includes a host of major improvements. The following is a quick summary for you. For those interested, there is also an overview video and links for more info below.

Business Management Toolbox

Computer technology is deeply rooted in practically everything we do now. In fact, we all benefit by updating our business tool boxes. Here are a few tools that I started using recently. Are these keepers for our virtual business management tool boxes? Lino – Wondering where to quickly store and retrieve your sticky notes whether you […]

Ed Grier Named Dean of VCU School of Business

Ed Grier, who most recently served as president of Disneyland Resort, has been named the new dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. Grier’s appointment, which is effective March 8, results from a national search that attracted more than 70 applicants, including sitting deans. Grier spent 29 years at the $38 billion, Fortune […]

Iris Taylor’s Consumer Watch in the RTD

The Richmond Times Dispatch (RTD) publishes a consumer watch piece in the Metro Business section; Iris Taylor writes the column. About a month ago Iris contacted us for a few tips on e-commerce and later published the article, “Mistakes to avoid when setting up an e-commerce site.” Here’s an excerpt and link to the full […]

Small Business 2010 Website Marketing Plan

With 2009 coming to a close, small business owners are eager to ring in the New Year – new opportunities, new budgets and high hopes for 2010. And as you might guess, the vast majority of small business owners plan to use website marketing to bolster the bottom line. Will it work for your new […]

Workshop Presentation – Small Business Website Basics

Earlier today, I gave a presentation to entrepreneurs and new business owners at the monthly Richmond SCORE Small Business Workshop. The workshop is an all day event covering everything from writing an effective business plan to negotiating a commercial lease. Workshop Topics How to Write an Effective Business Plan Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business […]

digital AIM: Online Sales Continue to Rise

Shop till’ you drop, or nowadays, until your fingers cramp up! Cyber Monday reached $887 million in online spending, up 5 percent versus year ago according to comScore. Here’s an excerpt of the press release as well as a link to the full story: RESTON, VA, December 2, 2009 – comScore (NASDAQ : SCOR), a […]

Skills for Business Leaders

There are companies that go the extra mile; they are filled with business leaders that understand the importance of treating people well. And, these are the companies that always seem to do rather well. Have you noticed those focused on cutting corners often cut too deep and bleed as their competition races on by? To […]

SCORE Volunteer: The Foundation

As many of you know, I’m a volunteer for the local Richmond SCORE Chapter and a national blogger for SCORE. Today, I rec’d the info below from the SCORE Foundation. Consider getting involved as a SCORE client (great business resources and advice for entrepreneurs and small biz owners) and/or become a volunteer. It is very […]