Small Business

Q: I hear a lot about small business and e-mail marketing these days. Does SCORE offer any tips on how to apply e-mail marketing to my small business? A: Recently, SCORE released a Q&A from Simms Jenkinshas, one of the leading experts in the fast-growing e-mail marketing industry. Here are a few of his thoughts on how e-mail marketing can benefit small businesses. How widely used is e-mail marketing today? E-mail has achieved almost universal penetration. Studies show that 97 percent of consumers use e-mail.

Q: We are just a month away from opening our new small business and are suddenly aware that we really need a better marketing plan, especially as it relates to targeting our customers. Can SCORE help us? A: Good timing! For starters, we recommend that you attend the next SCORE roundtable, scheduled for Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Always Ron's restaurant, 29 N. Burhans Blvd. in Hagerstown. This is a free event but food will be available for purchase. The roundtable will acquaint you with some local marketing research resources available through the Washington County Free Library system.

Q: My husband and I are totally wrapped up in our small business. I am afraid that we will soon suffer burnout. Any suggestions? A: Being your own boss has many rewards, but long hours and merciless work can affect your emotional well- being. This can result in burnout, a condition that takes a toll on you, mentally and physically. You can safeguard your well-being by taking some time off to rest and refocus. But there's a problem. Many business owners are afraid to leave, even for a short period.

Q: My small business has a website and I would also like to participate in social media. Does SCORE offer any educational assistance here in our area? A: You are in luck. The July SCORE Business Roundtable, titled “Using Social Media for Business Success,” will address your interest and needs. It will take place Thursday, July 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Always Ron's restaurant, 29 N. Burhans Blvd. in Hagerstown. Register at www.scorehagerstown.org/calendar.html or by calling 301-766-2040.

Waynesboro, like many small towns, lost downtown businesses when the economy soured, but it is starting to experience an influx of new restaurants and gift shops. At the helm of economic development is Patrick E. Fleagle, a former politician now working for downtown revitalization organization Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. When walking through downtown, the Waynesboro native often refers to buildings by their long-gone tenants, but he also sees what could be on the horizon. He pins all hopes for economic vitality on smart proprietors.

Q: We are looking at equipping a new small business but, so far, have been unable to come up with loans to cover the cost. Some have suggested leasing as a way for us to consider. What thoughts can SCORE provide us about utilizing leasing for our small business? A: Not only does leasing help you conserve your cash, it also ensures that you don't wind up paying for equipment that quickly becomes obsolete or unsuited for your needs. Also, if you need the equipment only for a short time or special project, leasing saves you the hassle of having to be both a buyer and seller.

Q: As I look into starting my own business, I am overwhelmed by all the things I will have to know to be successful. What kind of training does SCORE suggest and what is available locally? A: First, there is no substitute for getting your own practical experience in the kind of business you hope to start. Knowing your marketing and tax issues, technology, finances, human resources management and many other aspects of small business will help you be successful in your own business.

Q: Our son is completing his military duty and looking forward to possibly starting a small business. However, he needs some help in preparing for a business career. What kind of assistance is SCORE able to provide, especially for veterans? A: There is a wealth of small-business resources and expert assistance available, specifically for veterans. At the U.S. Small Business Administration's website - www.sba.gov - the Office of Veterans Business Development serves as a central service access point for a wide range of training, counseling and other assistance.

Q: No one in our small business has had any sales experience, and our slumping sales are proving to be a dilemma. Any helpful thoughts from SCORE to encourage us and grow our sales? A: Among the many titles you take on when owning a small business is chief salesperson. Your business literally cannot live without sales growth, and it is up to you to start - and keep - customers coming. Some people understandably have doubts about their ability to generate sales. They might worry that they simple are not “sales-savvy” or associate selling with negative stereotypes often seen on television.

Alexis “Lexi” Amy Bryan received a bachelor's degree in business supply chain and information systems from the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University.  Bryan spent four years at the main campus in University Park, participating in Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity.  She served an internship in 2012 with IBM and will begin her career with IBM as a consultant in July. She is the daughter of Tim and Kendra Bryan of Williamsport.