Don't cry over spilled ketchup!

"Most people have never learned that one of the main aims in life is to enjoy it."

                - Samuel Butler

This quote by Samuel Butler holds an important message for us all. It really does not matter how we live our lives, what we do for a living, or how successful we are at what we do. The important thing is that we find joy and meaning in what we do.

Whenever you find yourself in an undesirable position, rather that be a lack of motivation, a time of financial hardship, or simply an inconvenient ketchup spill that occurred at the end of a rough day, think back to what originally drove you to be where you are. There is a purpose to everything that you do. You have to persevere through the trials and tribulations of running a business in order to get through to the greener side of the grass! 
 

Today, towards the end of my work day, I discovered that 10 gallons of ketchup had spilled under a cabinet and on to the floor. It was the quote by Butler that helped me turn this undesirable cleanup task into something enjoyable! It seems pointless to spend my day complaining about the little (and sometimes big) messes that I find myself cleaning up! It is much easier to take a step back and look at an obstacle with a new perspective. 

When you find yourself in a tricky situation, just remember to treat it as a learning experience. Doing so is much more professional. Besides, who wants to cry over spilled ketchup?

Affordable Marketing Strategies for Your Small Business

Do you have an idea? A great idea? A great idea for a business?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you are probably looking for a way to turn your great business idea into a reality. Turning your idea into a profitable business is a big challenge in itself, but what happens once the doors are open? How do you attract customers? How do potential buyers benefit from your great idea?

Perhaps even a greater challenge than turning an idea into a physical business is the seemingly overwhelming task of attracting a clientele. Sure, you are open for business, but will the customers actually come? In all honesty, the answer is "probably not."  You have to find your customers, not let them find you. Developing an effective marketing campaign can be very challenging, but not at all impossible to do!

Perhaps the easiest way of advertising is through word-of-mouth. Tell your friends and family about your business. Then, they will spread the word to others, and soon enough, you will have a small network of people talking about your pride and joy! Unfortunately, word of mouth only travels so far, therefore you will need to use a variety of marketing techniques to promote your business.

Just over a year ago, I came across a reputable-looking printing business. VistaPrint offers high quality, yet very affordable advertising solutions. Their products range from professional business cards, flyers, vinyl banners, website design and hosting, engravings, clothing, and personalized stationary. They also offer many free products such as business cards or banners. You just have to pay shipping and handling fees.

My first order from VistaPrint was a promotional 250 business card offer. The entire order only cost around $5.95 (the cost of shipping), and I received my cards in just a week and a half. The overall quality was superb, and the detailing was absolutely fantastic! I have been a valued VistaPrint customer ever since!

If you are looking to spread the word about your business, I would recommend giving VistaPrint a try! Try a sample order of business cards. If you love them, great! If you aren't satisfied, send them back! I highly doubt that you will send them back. In fact, you will probably want to continue to use VistaPrint for all your promotional needs! I know I have!

Enjoy $5 off your order at VistaPrint by purchasing through this link: VistaPrint.com

Swipe with Square - Mobile Card Processing

Imagine a simple, intuitive way of accepting credit card payments on-the-go. Eliminate the hassle of setting up payment gateways, purchasing expensive equipment, and constantly dealing with monthly fees and transaction limits.

Introducing Square, the convenient, mobile credit card processor that works on Android, iPhone, or iPad. "Never miss a sale again," states the SquareUp website for the Square Card Reader.
 

 
With only a 2.75% fee per swipe (or 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction on manually-entered cards), Square is extremely affordable.

There are two versions of the Square App. The Square Card Reader allows anyone to accept credit card payments. Simply enter the amount you wish to charge, add a description of the sale and photo if desired, and then swipe (or manually enter the card number) to authorize the sale. You have the option to require a signature for purchases (Square requires a signature on transactions $25 and up).

Square also calculates taxes once you configure the tax percentage for your area. Upon checkout, tax and an option to leave a tip are added to the sale.



The second version of Square utilizes the advanced features of the iPad. The Square Register allows you to add and control inventory, create an elegant checkout experience for your customer, and utilize wired/wireless printers and cash registers.

You get all the features of the Square Card Reader in addition to first time and loyalty rewards, coupon discounts, and enhanced statistics.

Square Register allows you to add and edit inventory, create a favorites list, and secure important features (such as discounts) with a PIN.


I have experimented with both the Square Card Reader on iPhone and the new Square Register on iPad, and have determined that on both devices, Square has proven to live up to its expectations.  The square credit card reader is a simple device that you plug in to the headphone jack of your android or iOS powered phone or iPad.

The process is simple:

1. Download the Square app and Sign Up for free (in app)
2. Receive your free Square card reader in the mail (up to 10 business days for shipment)
3. Link your bank account to your Square account

Once everything is set up, Square will automatically deposit funds into your bank account on the following business day that the funds were received. So, for example, if you were to initiate a sale of $10 on Wednesday, you will see the $10 (minus the 2.75% transaction fee) appear in your bank account on Thursday.

If you are looking for an affordable way of accepting credit card payments for your small business, perhaps Square will be able to help! Their card readers are free and can be ordered online, in-app, or at a retail store such as Best Buy.

Have you started utilizing Square yet? If so, I would love to know how you are implementing this innovative, mobile reader with your business!

Visit the Square website at http://www.squareup.com

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to my business blog, where you will find many useful tips, tricks, and ideas to help you with your entrepreneurial journey.  My name is Jeremy Collins, and I am currently an International Business major at Arkansas State University.

My passion for entrepreneurship and international studies continues to grow every day. My hopes for this blog are to inspire others, like myself, to take on their own adventure. I will share my experiences, knowledge, and ideas with my readers, and collaborate on their ideas as well. 

Please feel free to leave your thoughts, suggestions, or other comments throughout my blog. Let us keep our comments professional and informative. 

If you have comments, suggestions, or inquiries that you would like answered via email, please email me at: jctrumannar@gmail.com. 

Happy reading, and good luck with your own entrepreneurial adventure!