Small Business Boomers

I remember when many companies did not shut down over the holidays; these days lots of larger companies do. But what about small businesses? Shutting down is not an option for many small businesses, particularly in the current economic slowdown.
The Wall Street Journal reports that many “solo-preneurs” are not planning to slow down or shut down over the holidays. I’m certainly not going to sit around and drink egg nog and watch old movies. This is a slow time, when many of your customers may not be working, but it is also a perfect …read more

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My all-time favorite quote, and one I think about every day:
“The life that conquers is the life that moves with a steady resolution and persistence toward a predetermined goal. Those who succeed are those who have thoroughly learned the immense importance of plan in life, and the tragic brevity of time.” — W.J. Davison
When I turned 60, my life changed. I began to think more and more about how much time I have left and how much I want to accomplish. I realized that my time was limited. We never know how much we have, or …read more

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If you are wondering who won the Holiday Movie contest from December 5th, I’ll tell you what is going on.
I did my Random Number generator thing and got the numbers for the two people. I sent out two emails asking them to confirm that they received them, so I could send them the Netflix gift certificates by email. No reply. So I tried again with two more people, same deal, no reply again, from either. And, yes, I was careful not to put anything SP#MMY in the emails so they would not get blocked. So …read more

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My CPA says I need to make some charitable donations before the end of the year. I have a few favorites I donate to, but I would like to “spread the wealth” (so to speak) and find one or more new charities. So I’m asking for your help.
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This contest is non-traditional, because I am not giving a prize to you, but to the charity you choose. Here are the rules:
1. Send me a response to THIS POST no later than 11:59 p.m. December 28.
2. Include the name of a charity you …read more

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Does your business target a local market? Are you still advertising in the Yellow Pages? Have you ever asked your customers or patients if they found you using the Yellow Pages? I’m betting very few of your your new customers found you with the Yellow Pages. Your business may be local, but your potential customers are on the web.
Online marketing expert Kathy Hendershot-Hurd reminded me that no one checks the Yellow Pages to find a local business and that Baby Boomers are the only people on the planet who check the YP at all. She also …read more

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I almost missed it. I just found out that tomorrow – December 18 – is FREE SHIPPING DAY. Many stores are offering free shipping if you shop online tomorrow only. Little stores, and big stores. Like Target, Sears, Zappos (great place to buy shoes), Brookstone (love those gadgets), Crate and Barrell, World Market, and Toys R Us.
I’m sure they are doing it to help sagging holiday sales, and they will all take a big hit from the shipping costs, but you can benefit from this promotion. The shipping companies – FedEx, UPS, ets. …read more

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Today’s my birthday, so as a treat for both of us, here is the movie I mentioned yesterday, complete on YouTube: Santa Clause Conquers the Martians. It’s a true Baby Boomer movie, from 1964. If you liked Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, you’ll like this one. Enjoy!

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I never expected there would be so many people who would be interested in telling me about their favorite holiday movies. I enjoyed reading all the comments, and I picked up some new movie favorites to watch this holiday season. I also discovered how many people watch holiday movies all year. I know I could watch A Christmas Story over and over during the year.
I had almost 160 entries, as of midnight last night. Before I announce the winner, here are the top movies mentioned:
A Christmas Story – 35
It’s a Wonderful Life …read more

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There are Baby Boomers… and there is Everyone Else. Or, “I’m Chevy Chase, and You’re Not.” Being a Baby Boomer, I get a little upset when people (those who are not Baby Boomers) try to tell us how to think, feel, and particularly what to do.  And I especially get upset when those Not-Boomers try to lump us all into one kind of vanilla person.
OK, we all lost a sizable sum of money in the market “crash,” but it’s only relative. If we decide to “retire,” whatever that means, we aren’t forced to do so. …read more

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Forget cable and … networks? what are they?  The newest trend in business shows is to put them on the Internet.  My favorite quilting show (The Quilt Show) has been on the web for two years and is is raking in the viewers.  Now, there are lots of new business shows to watch.  I have already mentioned  We Mean Business in a previous post.  It’s a business reality show, kind of an “Extreme Makeover” for business.  This weekend they are featuring an episode about a chiropractor who needs help.
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My problem with We Mean Business is their …read more

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