5 Holiday Gifts for Small-Business Owners

Here are presents that can fatten the bottom line

By Matthew Bandyk

Posted: December 17, 2008

Sanders says that to double as a marketing tool, the donation should be aimed at an organization that reflects something about your company's history or values. But what's just as important as where the donation goes is letting your customers know about it. Do an electronic outreach campaign to alert your customers to your charitable efforts, Sanders suggests.

5. An audio system for the office. Need something to raise your employees' morale in the winter months ahead? Music does not work in every office environment, but some studies suggest that it can often raise spirits—and productivity. A Spherion Workplace Snapshot poll of 1,613 working adults found that 79 percent of those who listen to music at work thought that it helped them get more done.

An audio system—like iPod speakers—could let everyone enjoy background music without shutting coworkers off in their own headphones, which might detract from a social work environment. How do you get your employees to agree on musical choices? Some businesses have found a few picks on which everyone can agree. For example, Jump Associates, a San Mateo, Calif., consulting firm, has an online list of the albums its employees have picked to create a "stimulating, supportive environment" in the office.

Online Invoicing

I find FastDue.com has an easier to use invoicing system than FreshBooks. Plus FastDue is free, whereas FreshBooks charges a monthly fee for complete functionality. FastDue also has customizable online business agreements that you can create, send, and sign online.

Jack of IA @ Jan 27, 2009 16:09:41 PM

Gift in a Testimonial

Hello. Don't forget how expensive it can be for small businessowners to advertise. Make a gift of a personalized

product giveaway - like pens or note pads - to help them market. How about a year's membership to their local chamber of commerce? But especially are sincere testimonials of praise for jobs well done. That will really help entrepreneurs with their marketing efforts!

Michelle - The AMPlady

www.AssertMarketing.com

www.bizbrandstory.com

M Moore of VA @ Jan 05, 2009 20:00:29 PM

What I Want for Christmas

For me and my small business, www.mypersonalfarmers.com, I want a video camera and a small refrigerated truck. No kidding!

For my fellow entrepreneurs, I highly recommend stamps.com. I've used it for years.

Maryanne Hedrick of NY @ Dec 21, 2008 11:30:38 AM

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