Wilkes Community College Small Business Center: Your Launchpad for Success with Laurie Brintle-Jarvis Dreaming of starting your own business? Looking to take your existing business to the next level? The Small Business Center (SBC) at Wilkes Community College is your one-stop resource for free, comprehensive support and guidance. Led by the experienced and passionate Director,
The Yelp Illusion: Wall Street’s Grip on “Local” In a world increasingly dominated by corporate giants, it’s easy to feel like your choices don’t matter. But when it comes to supporting your local community, where you spend your money makes a big difference. While platforms like Yelp may seem like a convenient way to find
Don’t Forget the Real World: Offline Marketing Strategies That Still Pack a Punch In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in online marketing. But don’t forget the power of offline strategies! These traditional methods can still be incredibly effective for reaching your target audience, especially in local communities. Here are some offline
Level Up Your Business: A Guide to Small Business Resources Navigating the world of small business ownership can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. Numerous resources are available to help you succeed, from government agencies to non-profit organizations. Utilizing these resources can provide invaluable support, from funding and mentorship to training
Will we ever learn? The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and why “shop small and support local” should be an important part of our shopping rituals. “Shop local” – But does it matter? Let’s enter into the real story of local businesses: the good, the bad, the ugly, and why we should shop small and
Simple SEO Marketing: Improve Your SEO with a Newsletter or Blog Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can feel like a daunting task for small business owners. Where do you even begin with keywords, backlinks, and algorithms? But fear not, there’s a simple and effective way to boost your SEO: content marketing. By regularly publishing valuable content
The Stats Don’t Lie: Shopping Small Makes a Big Difference In an era dominated by retail giants and e-commerce behemoths, the call to “shop small” often echoes. But is it just a sentimental plea, or does it genuinely hold weight? The numbers paint a compelling picture: supporting small businesses isn’t just a feel-good gesture; it’s
Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Turning Customers into Your Biggest Fans The Power of Word-of-Mouth: Turning Customers into Your Biggest Fans In today’s saturated marketplace, where businesses are vying for attention, there’s one marketing strategy that remains incredibly powerful: word-of-mouth marketing. It’s the oldest form of advertising, and it’s still one of the most effective. Why? Because people
For Every $100 Spent at Local Small Businesses, $68 Stays in the Community. Invest Wisely. When you’re deciding where to spend your hard-earned money, it’s easy to default to big box stores or online giants. However, it’s crucial to remember that where you shop has a significant impact on your local community. Studies have shown
Wilkes Entrepreneur Network: Fostering Growth and Innovation in Wilkes County Wilkes County, nestled in the heart of North Carolina, is home to a vibrant and growing entrepreneurial community. At the forefront of this movement is the Wilkes Entrepreneur Network, a collective of like-minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders Their Mission They aim to create