Free Useful Tips About Why Advertising Is Critical During Slower Economic Times

19 02 2009

When the economy plunges, many business owners cut advertising and marketing dollars first. Initially, their reasoning seems sound —”I have to pay my employees, utilities and keep inventory. I’ll cut back on advertising and save money.”

What these business owners don’t realize is that it is advertising and promotions that drive their business’ income that pays the employees and the bills. Lets look at some reasons why it is important to continue advertising in difficult times:

* If you have a viable product, someone is going to need it. How are potential customers going to learn about your business? Word of mouth will only take you so far. Local customers generally read local shopper and subscriber based newspapers for not only news, but bargains!

* According to research , a consumer may need to see an ad seven times before deciding to make a purchase or use a service. If you limit your advertising, consumers may forget about you and use a competitor who is still advertising.

Since you still need to advertise but, like most business owners, may have a limited budget, you must determine where your advertising dollars are best spent . free weekly shoppers will give you the best options and return on your investment for several reasons:

* free weekly shoppers offer a mix of print classified advertising and display ads. You can use both types of ads for maximum exposure.

* Someone may pick up free weekly shoppers to look for a miscellaneous item or service, see your ad, and realize they are also in the market for your products or services.

* Advertising in free weekly shoppers. You can spend thousands of dollars on expensive broadcast advertising and never see a return on your investment. You can reach the same audience for a fraction of the costs by utilizing print classified advertising.

Prosperous times will return at some point in time as the economy is cyclical. Continuing to advertise will maintain your hard earned relationship and legitimacy within the community. Newspaper print classified advertising is affordable and effective. It will stretch your advertising dollar and can be an invaluable tool in economic slowdowns to help keep your business above water. Businesses that consistently promote themselves will be better positioned to thrive when economic times improve.

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Surviving the ebbs and flow of economy is much easier when you are prepared for it. The only mantra to survive during recession is to make smart moves. If you are prepared to handle the situation with all your creativity, things will be at ease. Here are a few important tips to survive and thrive during recession.



Learn To Control Access To Your firms site

19 02 2009

Inadequate security control leaves you a potential victim to bogus callers. They may be men or women, dressed in overalls or suits. Not only do they represent a threat to your business assets by possible theft or sabotage, but there is also the potential for violent attacks on staff or in some cases, even terrorist attacks.

Your main priorities when it comes to gaining control over access to your business premises should be safety, security, convenience and cost. Whether you are moving to new premises or revamping your existing access policies, there are a number of matters to consider.

External entrances

It is a good idea to limit the number of outside access points to as few as practically possible. This limits the areas to be monitored, thereby dropping costs. However, you do need to ensure that you meet current health and safety legislation on the required number of fire escapes.

Reception area

Its important to ensure that your reception area is constantly staffed either by a receptionist or security guard. Make failsafe cover arrangements for when they cannot be there, such as lunch breaks, illness, and holidays.

Control devices

There are a number of access control solutions, including:

• Standard Key lock - is suitable for a small number of users requiring infrequent access.

• Numerical Code lock - can be mechanical or electrical and requires a set code to be entered on a keypad to release the lock.

• Magnetic Access Cards - are becoming more affordable and use Photo ID Cards to control access electronically.

• Advanced systems - are available if high level monitored control is needed, such as systems that read eye retinas, fingerprints and ID badges.

Visitors/suppliers

For security and fire safety reasons, it is a good idea to get visitors and suppliers to sign in and out of the location, logging the time and whom they are visiting. You should also consider issuing visitor’s Photo ID Cards, and accompanying them throughout the building.

Internal access

Uninvolved employees and visitors should have no access to certain areas within your premises, such as:
• server racks/rooms
• Data archives
• Warehouses
• Payroll department
• Stationery stores

These areas are sensitive and likely to be the targets of sabotage and theft of both staff and outside intruders.

24 Hour access

If your business operates twenty four hours a day, then ensure that you have in place adequate security and health and safety procedures for the quiet periods. Weekend and night access can greatly increase your security overheads, so consider whether this is really advantageous.

Employee vigilance

Your fresh control measures will benefit in their effectiveness if they are backed up by staff to maximum effect. Train staff to be alert, awareness and vigilant, monitor the actions of visitors, and keep their own valuables (both business and personal) in safe places, and out of sight.

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