“A lot of talented actors still have to pay their bills.” - Mark Wahlberg

Sometimes it seems like bills come through the door as much as customers do … And knowing which bills to pay in which specific order can be difficult. 

And just like some customers are worth more than others to your small business, some bills need quicker attention than others as well. You put things in priority order for your company every day. You should do the same for your expenses. 

We’ve got some thoughts on how to do that. 

Which bills to pay first and why

You’ve heard about keeping the lights on? It’s true. Whether your business relies on the internet, machinery, handwashing, or heating, your utility bills have to be near the top – if not always first – on your pay list.

You also need a place to work – there’s no debate if you arrive at the office one morning and find the door padlocked. Pay your rent. 

Now for bills that can have wiggle room (but precious little of it): 

1. Taxes. Fines and penalties are the stick for taxes. Fail to pay property or income taxes, fail to remit the sales or payroll taxes you’ve collected, and government action will be swift. Pay taxes, because they’re not going to go away. Also remember that what you collect from federal payroll taxes – Social Security and Medicare – and state sales and income taxes does not belong to you, no ... Read More…

 

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun." -Mary Lou Cook

I'll be honest ... I hate the buzz phrase "new normal".

None of us want this present reality to remain the permanent reality.

That said, I use it because I think you understand what I mean -- the ground has shifted under our feet.

So, what will we be doing about this?

I should state from the outset: I'm not a marketing guru. But, I keep my eyes open and notice what is working!

How do you do that?

1) Share Yourself
Chances are, you're not the only person selling what you're selling, right? But people will listen to what you're saying, not only because of your content or products, but because they enjoy hearing you share your actual experience.

If you've had a specific experience that relates to what you're talking about, share it. Believe it or not, this can actually have a big impact on people feeling like they can trust you. They'll feel as though they know you more. The internet has torn down the false wall of impersonality. The pathway to profit lies behind it.

Further, here in 2020, trust is at a massive deficit. But when you share more of yourself, you signal that you're worthy of it.

2) "What's In It For Me?"
The old "WIIFM" question is one you should answer as quickly as you possibly can, in any kind of marketing piece. Marketing content which rambles on and on without being crystal clear about what the reader is getting does not ... Read More…