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Social media marketing appears to be one of the biggest buzzwords in the modern marketing world. But how does a small business do that? Can small businesses really rely on social media to increase their revenues and if so, how? In this article we’ll delve into three ways small businesses can use social media to transform their businesses and convert fans into cash generating customers.
The Right Data Could Help Local Cafes Compete with Large National Coffee Shops
Everyone loves coffee, especially early in the morning, after they've showered and dressed for work. Drinking coffee at a favorite coffee shop or cafe offers a welcomed energy boost, an invigorating way to fully wake up after a long night of sleep. It's also a great way to make friends, especially considering the fact that the same people generally visit their favorite cafe at the same time each day. Furthermore, the introduction of gourmet coffee (think Starbucks) only seems to have strengthened our appetite for a robust cup of coffee, not to mention fresh pastries.
Why Business Cash Advances are Important to Business Growth
Although the government describes small and medium sized business as ‘vital’ to the UK economy, it’s still far too difficult for them to access appropriate small business finance. While mortgages and lending to large companies are on the increase, the level of small business loans remains stubbornly flat.
However, SMEs are not surrendering to this situation and are creating opportunities from alternative small business financing options. Business cash advances are becoming more popular in the UK because of the credit squeeze.
Essential Elements of Business: Infographic
The best way to start a successful business is to identify a problem and charge more to fix the problem than it costs. It seems simple enough, but many people still have a problem in their head but miss so many of the essential elements to make the business viable. The method is the same for businesses that have operated for many years because it is never too late to do things properly and it generally improves profits.
The Biggest SME Financial Challenges (& How to Overcome Them)
As a business owner you’ll know all too well the steep financial demands of running a small business in a difficult environment, such as financing business loans or securing business cash advances. We’ve recently looked to the Institute of Directors to see what they consider the main concerns for small business. We then pulled together a handy check-list to help you through some key challenges.
Positive Growth Forecast for SMEs: Infographic
It’s nice to hear some good news now and again, especially when everything we’ve heard in the last couple of years has put our optimism well and truly down in the dumps. Stats are only as good as their interpretation and you can always find a negative if you really look, but we prefer to find the positives because it breeds more positivity.
Take the blow infographic for instance...
Three Great Ways to Finance Growth
Growth is a business term thrown around a lot, but not everyone appreciates its importance. If a hairdresser has enough appointments to stay in business, why grow? Although without something growing they’d have nothing to cut, but seriously, why would a hairdresser need to have more appointments than manageable?
Business Refurbishment: How to Triumph from Start to Finish
In some sectors, image is everything...and we’re not talking fashion or fragrance. First impressions count in hotels, restaurants, bars and beauty salons and the way the premises look can determine whether customers come back for more or turn on their heels.
Refurbishing a new or existing business is an exhausting but exciting project.
A Celebration of SME Success (and Keeping it Going)
The path of the SME can be a treacherous one but it’s not the doom laden experience that some would have us believe. According to the Small Business Administration, 70% of businesses still operate after two years and 51% are in place after five years. Small business success depends upon realism rather than pessimism and there are ways of improving the chances of popping the champagne cork this year and for years to come.
The Trials and Tribulations of Late Payers: Cash flow and how to rake it in
We all know healthy cash flow is the life blood of any business. Cash flow has been named as one of the single most important factors in avoiding business failure. The results from recent research by BACS have highlighted that small to medium business in particular are struggling to get payments both from their clients and customers, and suppliers and B2B partners.
Business Cash Advance announced as finalist in prestigious Credit Today Awards
Merchant Cash Express, which offers the product Business Cash Advance, has been nominated for the Alternative Commercial Lender of the Year award.
The finance firm, which provides small and medium-sized businesses with flexible cash advance payments linked to their card sales, will find whether it has won on May 9 during an awards ceremony in London.
Why Choose a Cash Advance Over a Business Loan?
Merchant or business cash advances are a relatively new form of 
commercial financing. Because they depend upon the company using debit and credit card payment systems, merchant cash advances are more popular in the hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors, according to the ‘Startups’ website.
Credit Where Credit’s Due – Invest to Grow Your Business
Businesses rarely exist without experiencing some form of debt. And that’s not a bad thing. From the bond issuance of multinationals to the overdraft’s of sole traders, businesses at all levels will often be required to take on debt to finance their ambition or operations, and this is no less true for SMEs.
Where is the Smart SME Marketing Spend?
The internet has done for SME marketing strategy what business cash advances have achieved for small business finance; it has opened up previously unavailable options.
But where should a SME concentrate what marketing funds it has?
Innovative Lending for Small Businesses
Today’s economic climate can look a little bleak to the untrained eye. Lenders throughout the UK have downscaled or are no longer able to help applicants and potential borrowers are increasingly struggling to secure the money they need. But there are opportunities out there to secure small business finance.
Budget offers good news for small business
There was a lot of tension in the air before the coalition government’s budget for 2013. There was a strong feeling the general public were beginning to rebel against the crippling austerity measures which did not appear to be having any positive effect on the UK economy...
