When it comes to achieving success in the business world, there are numerous components that you need to give your company a competitive edge.

An outstanding product or service is an absolute must. Memorable advertising, branding and marketing campaigns are crucial. But above all, the ability to create a personal connection with each and every client can be a defining factor in whether a potential customer decides to do business with your company – or go somewhere else. Read more

It’s been a few weeks since you’ve gotten a new edition of “Let’s Talk Business” in your email’s inbox. And there are a few good reasons for that.

Firstly, I spent some quality time celebrating the Passover holiday with my wonderful family. And in the weeks leading up Passover, I was busy preparing for my trip to Phoenix. You’re probably wondering what exactly Meny Hoffman was doing in the sunny state of Arizona – so I’ll elaborate.

Ptex Group was named an Ultimate Marketer finalist at InfusionCon 2012. This leading small business marketing conference was just held in Phoenix, Arizona, and recognizes companies who’ve created successful campaigns using Infusionsoft, an automated software program popular in the marketing industry. Read more

A quick search on websites like AOL and Yahoo show that articles about minimizing  gas expenses are all the rage now, ranging from lengthy op-ed pieces touting fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles to small news tidbits reminding you to keep your car tires properly inflated.

But there is one money-saving gasoline tip that I didn’t see on those websites. It involves a very simple action that can instantly help reduces the price of your next gas station visit: refer a friend to the Western States Insurance Company. Read more

Our consultation meeting was scheduled for 10:30am and the client, Marvin G. Hill, strode decisively into our conference room with a noisy Blackberry clutched in one hand and green-hued Starbucks coffee cup clenched in the other.

“I’m a busy man,” he said while glancing at his watch, “so let me get straight to the point. My company sells inventory software to retail store owners across the region and I’m looking to grow the business. Tell me, how can I get more people to buy my products?” Read more

At Boreal Mountain Ski Resort in Northern California, the absence of natural snowfall during an unusually storm-free winter isn’t keeping the company from attracting Ski Resort customers.

Ski resorts like Boreal Mountain are depending on commercial snow-making machinery this year to keep skiers happy, reports the Auburn Journal. “We’ve blown a little over 35 million gallons of water to make snow,” said Boreal Mountain’s marketing director Jon Slaughter.

The unique ability to turn barren hillsides into snow-packed trails provides companies that depend on Mother Nature with a hi-tech solution to help generate more business. Read more

If you are like 45% of the American population, you probably entered the beginning of 2012 with a fresh resolution. It could be to boost business profits, lose extra weight or spend more time with the family. But more often than not, these resolutions end before they even begin.

This reminds me of the story of a New Year’s party, where Sam turns to Joseph and asks for a cigarette. “I thought you made a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking,” Joseph says. “That’s true,” replies Sam. “I’m in the process of quitting. Right now, I am in the middle of phase one – quit buying.” Read more

Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again.

The holiday spirit fills the air. Colorful greeting cards arrive in the mail. And excited shoppers begin pulling out their laptops, iPads and smartphones to get the best possible deals on holiday gifts.

According to The Associated Press, this week marked the busiest week ever in online holiday shopping, with a record $6.3 billion click-to-pay online transactions documented. More impressively, shoppers have spent almost $32 billion online for the current holiday season to date – a healthy 15% increase from just one year ago. Read more

As we enter the very last month of 2011, I would like to share a metaphorical tale that holds true for every business owner.

The international flight is embarking on the last leg of its long journey. Throughout the airplane, weary passengers begin buckling their seatbelts while harried stewardesses prepare for landing.

Suddenly, the cockpit door opens and out walks the pilot with a smile on his face. He finds an empty seat in the first-class cabin, picks up a copy of the in-flight magazine, crosses his legs and starts to read. Read more