Target Smartphone Generation

Stauer's New Year's Resolution 2011 advice is squeezing productivity from the smartphone revolution. People now use their smartphones for everything. They are a challenge for marketers and managers. The smartphone does not have the capacity of a laptop, but many execs are now eschewing the bulky laptop and going without. It will be important for Stauer and other businesses to figure out a way for smartphones to work seamlessly to increase sales.

What's Your Money Mindset?

Improve your money mindset for the New Year. If you have any negative thoughts toward money hidden in your subconscious, you could be sabotaging your own business success. Your subconscious controls your spending habits, your saving habits, and your productivity at work - which can hurt your profits. Take a few minutes each day to remove negative thoughts about money and self-worth. Then, reprogram your money mindset for building abundance and great wealth. You are worth it!

Finishing Trumps Starting

Pick one thing and see it through. Nothing drives in cynicism like starting an initiative and letting it drop because 'we just got so busy'. People respect action, not words. The best excuses are seen as that - excuses. Make check points to keep yourself and your team on track for success.

Multiple Ways to Connect

I'm often amazed by advertising, which gives me only a website address. What if I want to talk to them on the phone? Where do I mail a letter? I resolve to make it easier for customers to contact me by supplying multiple ways to connect with my business. I will give them my cell number, my office number, and my fax number, plus my mailing address, along with my website address and my e-mail. Make it very easy for customers to reach you by giving them multiple ways to connect with you.

2011 - An Eventful Year

2010 was the year of the discount. 2011 will be the year of the event.

Stop offering more discounts or lowering prices (of which you can do only so much). The key to business success in 2011 will be getting people together around exciting events at your place of business. You will create 'buzz' for your business and loyalty to your brand, while price perception will stay intact. Use all new media to promote your events!

Be Realistic

Be realistic about your business. If it has slowed down because of the economy, stop waiting for it to "get better". Cut expenses and make changes now. If you wait too long, you will be out of business. If the economy has hurt your business, remember that there is no shame is closing shop. Henry Ford went bankrupt five times before he made it with the assembly line. People say that opportunity only knocks once, but I believe that opportunity is always there. It is up to you to recognize it!

Master Your Domain

Rather than focusing solely on the usual SEO/SEM, email marketing and shopping cart conversion techniques, marketers should consider developing a strong domain name strategy in the New Year. Domain names can maximize search engine rankings and help capture web traffic and cultivate clients. While big ticket domains garner media attention, many premium names are sold for an average of only $2,000. SMBs can produce premium business benefits with the right domain investment.

Thriving in the New Year!

A successful 2011 will be greatly increased when businesses focus on building more resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back and recover after adversity. Let's take it one step further and bounce ahead to build resilient teams, businesses and leaders. Three tips to build resilience in the New Year:
1. Be clear on your goals and take daily action on each goal.
2. Build your team, resolve conflict and strengthen relationships.
3. Learn from the past and celebrate successes!

Go Big or Go Home

"Go Big or Go Home." In a crunch economy, you have to go way out of the box to grab a dollar or an ear. Folks are overwhelmed, under-funded and scared to spend, unless something really touches their heart. Make your small business a force for social change and watch the magic.

Trust me. Go Big or Go Home, because some seat-of-the-pants, balls-to-the-wall entrepreneur like me will if you don't and you'll be limping home to your foreclosure sign.

Faith Creates! Love and gratitude...