McKeon Funeral Home brings users in on Google Maps.

Adorned with retro fitting furnishings and a modern office space, Mckeon Funeral Home is a far cry from the typical neighborhood parlour. Once inside, you quickly realize that the front living room also serves as a communal space for patrons. “Our goal is to meet the needs of our clients so that their needs become our mission," a mantra shared by all of the parlor staff. Without prompting, William T. Curran, Director of the Mckeon Funeral Home, discusses the community impact of the shifting economy and details affordable funeral packages for disenfranchised families with limited resources. Without compromising the personal memorials of the departed, William outlines new cost effective packages that will capture the life, character and milestones of the departed in a professional and distinctive manner.  

Despite the array of quality service offered to the community, William acknowledged the importance of social media. He consulted with local Community Board 7 to inquire about nontraditional marketing strategies to help promote the establishment and was referred to Google Trusted Photographer and Creative Director of Business Live 360 Maureen Erokwu. Introduced to  Google Business Photos, Mckeon Funeral Home quickly adopted Google's newest initiative, becoming the first establishment of its kind in New York to complete the Google Business 360 tour.

Google Business View allows businesses to showcase their establishments and attract new customers by engaging them with an interactive 360 degree tour. Panoramic views simulate consumers and allows them to  explore a space as if they were physically at the location. With the completion of a few identifiable questions on the Google+ Local page, William T. Curran took advantage of this interactive marketing tool to enhance his already successful business. Mckeon Funeral Home transitioned from just another business, to a fixed staple in the Bronx,armed with a new prescription for success. Mckeon Funeral Home is now pleased to invite local residents into it's Google Hosted Virtual Tour.

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Twitter's Changing The GamePlan: What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Twitter is one of the main social media sites used by businesses, big & small, to promote their services & interact with potential customers. Twitter has recently made big changes in their policies & is attempting to launch new programs toward small businesses. Are these moves good for Twitter? Is Twitter the right platform for your small business? Let's get into the details & you decide.

Twitter recently discontinued their relationship with the social media network LinkedIn. An official letter was released by the LinkedIn offices stating that "Starting today Tweets will no longer be displayed on LinkedIn". In the letter, they explain that you can post first on LinkedIn & then 'Share' the post to Twitter, but not vice versa. These changes were made by Twitter since they've been re-developing their strategies. This change is good for (but might upset) those who use the auto-synchronizing option out of laziness & disorganization. As a business owner, you should already know that auto-synchronizing your social media platforms is a no-no; you want each to be unique with the approach by who you're targeting. As for Twitter, this move received mixed reviews. It would have seemed more legitimate if they would have given Facebook the same treatment, however they did not. This is a good strategy for LinkedIn; have you checked out your profile this week? The layout is definitely less focused on Twitter & more on the LinkedIn features. If you use your LinkedIn more often, this change is a win for you.

Switching gears a little, Twitter also started a new program for small business that might benefit you directly. This also received mixed reviews from the small businesses they targeted to test out the program. Twitter has been giving away $100 in free ads to small businesses, allowing them to promote their business across the site. There are pro & cons to investing in these ads:

Pros

• Your business spreads wider than your local community
• Inexpensive 
• Increase profits
• Increase followers

Cons

• If your service is given locally, a wider fan base wouldn't be necessary 
• For some businesses, Twitter ads are an expense that can make them lose money instead of gain
• Your tweets can be directed towards consumers that have no interest in your business

The two biggest points would be: (1) if your business is locally-based (plumber, nail salon, mom & pop store), these ads are not you. (2) You have to decide if the investment is within your budget (you do have a budget, right?). It worked for some, not so much for others. 

Does your company need to tweet-tweet? 

- Shantavia Thomas 

Dream Big, Think Smart

"Dream Big, Think Smart"

15 Tips for Start-Up Businesses

A business plan, a catchy slogan and a low interest loan…the key ingredients for a new venture, right? Maybe 20 years ago!! The reality is, when starting a business, how you think supports the development and implementation of your plan. Goal setting is essential, but proper execution is even more valuable. Let’s explore the fundamental stages of “thinking business” for a new start up. 

1. Complete a business plan. Remember content is more important than length. Formally developing your business plan brings it to life and allows you to make realistic assessments.

2. Attend free marketing classes and business seminars. Several business solution firms offer no-fee information sessions about their services and often have professional speakers willing to answer questions about resources to support your business ideas.

3. Add empowerment workshops to your annual vacation goals. When you think clearer and have a positive outlook, your attitude is reflected in your perception and treatment of consumers.  

4. Purchase the domain for your potential business. There’s nothing like coming up with a brilliant name and concept that’s owned by someone else!

5. Assess the location you would like to conduct business. Will your business rely on foot traffic? Do you prefer a residential or commercial area? It usually takes six months to a year to find an ideal location. Be prepared to sign a multiple year lease if you do not intend on purchasing the property. Virtual offices can serve as an option if you only need a telephone number and mailing address. Community office spaces are also affordable options.

6. Become your brand. Perfect your elevator speech. Be prepared to advertise, promote and consult with potential consumers at all times. You should always carry professional business cards, flyers, or advertising material. Tell your friends and family what you’re doing. While they may not possess the expertise that you do, they can promote and refer your business for free! Branding your business is a process and requires thought. Branding is not only about designing a great logo, but creating an image for your business that consumers will remember. Memorability can translate into 80% of your business.

7. Having an entrepreneurial spirit is just as important as having effective leadership abilities. Becoming your own boss requires great organization and customer service skills. Assess your strengths, and if you’re lacking in the most important areas, work on your professional/personal development. If all else fails, identify an individual who can collaborate with you.

8. Evaluate your team members. A new business should be careful not to exhaust funds on too many employees-if their role does not impact customer service or profits. At least for the first year, business owners should be hands on. Utilizing college interns may be another inexpensive option to reduce costs.

9. Decide if you are filing for a business certificate or forming a corporation. While becoming a corporation has additional financial implications, it might work to your best interest, when protecting your personal assets.

10. Identify a Marketing Campaign. Most businesses these days are retaining full service Marketing firms to promote their product. Monthly fees for these services can be tailored to your budget. Collaboratively, you can gauge which platforms are appropriate for your type of business. Don’t get distracted with companies promising to grow your business for you. You are the only person that can accomplish that mission. However, making well informed decisions and anticipating setbacks, will keep you focused.

11. Identify your financial objective. Is your business a supplement to your primary income or do you intend on opening multiple locations?  Nailing down your objective will help shape your business plan and future commitments.

12. Hire an Accountant. Even if you majored in finance, it is important to have an independent seasoned professional, reviewing your earnings and losses, quarterly. You may also not have time to keep up with new legislation and amendments. You don’t want to find yourself in a dilemma, filing a form with the IRS that was discontinued the year before.

13. Retain a Business Attorney. A good business attorney will help you with the business component of your business. This may include contracts, compliance, liability, zoning, etc. Be mindful that most attorneys have specializations. Avoid hiring general practioners that may or may not be up to speed with business standards in your state. 

14. Supporting your small business requires long days, a strong commitment and in some cases low wages.  Starting a new business is not a 9-5.  Anticipate up to 80 hours per week on average.

15. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. These organizations are designed to support business owners, whether you’re a start-up or an established entity. This may also be a great opportunity to network with other like minded individuals.

Still interested in starting a business? Here are a couple of helpful resources.

1. http://www.sba.gov.com
2. http://www.score.org/

- Natasha Watterson