Here’s a timely article by Charles Holland, MU Extension business development specialist, that appeared in the August 2009 newsletter.

As the old saying goes ... "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade."

I recently received a newsletter from NJC Printing that contained a great article about business etiquette. The author, Catherine Franz, offered some useful tips about business lunches.

It’s hard to go a full day without hearing the word “Facebook” come up in a conversation. Once thought to merely be a passing fad, Facebook has become the biggest outlet of the social media world.

Facebook has evolved since its birth, however. It’s not just a way for college kids to publish questionable photos on the web. Facebook has become one of the most effective business tools to get your message across online. Forget about those quizzes that can determine, if you were a “Mixed Drink,” what kind you’d be. Your Facebook page is a great way for you to interact directly with your publics. Your customers can feel like their voice is being heard, and you can address their concerns efficiently.

You might be wondering “Why do I need to bother with a Facebook page if I’m just a small business.” Well, a page may better for business than you think. Here are some some reasons why:

It’s hard to believe that we’re already a third of the way through summer! The good news is: we still have two months to go until Labor Day. The bad news? What do we have to show for our labors over the last month?

Despite the rain and the heat – both of which provide lame excuses for our entrepreneurial inertia – it’s time to stop blaming The Economy and, instead, get on the ball and DO SOMETHING. Here’s a great idea to inspire you to action.

Use the phone. Go through your database and pick out a dozen reliable referral sources you haven’t heard from lately. Call each of them and have a friendly chat, beginning with asking them what’s new and how business is going. After you’ve shown interest in their business, say “maybe we can help each other.” Suggest that you get together to brainstorm ways to generate more referrals. Each of you should bring a list of prospects and strategize how you can connect with them. Make an action plan and schedule a time to follow up with each other. The old adage that “two heads are better than one” really works because – together -- you will create positive energy, new ideas and more business.

Look for another great idea in our next blog. Meanwhile, let us know if the referral strategy produces results for you.