Every small business has the same basic problem – a great service or product and not enough dollars to market it properly.

Advertising is expensive and can be hit or miss. How do you make your target audience pay attention to your message? What sort of budget and time should you allocate?

Before you start down that road however, go back to basics and make money now. Here’s how:

Re-connect with old clients. People drop off for a variety of reasons – often because you’ve simply not kept up the relationship. Go back through your old contact list. Email then, then phone them offering a special offer.

If you’ve a local business, connect with local residents and business with something quirky Read the rest of this entry »

Every school fundraising committee has the  same problem – what’s hot right now, will it raise a ton of  money and might even be remembered for the fun that was had by all! Not too hard an ask surely!

Herewith a series of fun ideas – but don’t forget some of the simplest are just a click away at  Handbands – from keychains to sell with the school name on them, to dogtags and timestable bandz and collectibles. Handbands make it easy to earn money and help brand the school.

1. Write down a series of things for students to enjoy on a hundred or so coupons. For example; a plate of sweets, or a homework-free night, or handband collectibles or packs of chocolates – anything fun and desirable… but, and here’s the big one; include Read the rest of this entry »

BETHEL — Bethel Middle School raised $400 from selling wristbands that say “Band Against Bullying” and continue to sell the bands in the main office.

They cost $3 each and for every band sold $1 goes to the school’s programs that raise awareness about bullying.

Students who purchase a band also are asked to sign their name on a banner displayed in the school lobby.

Merchants who have helped with the fundraiser include Molten Java, Sal’z Pizza, The Toy Room, Famous Pizza, and Cupcakes and Milkshakes.

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North Hampton Town Clerk Sue Buchanan said the town has purchased a number of the blue Michael Maloney memorial wristbands to make it easier for residents to help honor the fallen chief’s memory and contribute money to the victims of the April 12 Greenland shootings.

Buchanan said the bands are now available for purchase in the Town Clerk’s Office for $5. Read the rest of this entry »