News

You Can Use Microsoft Bot Framework to Build Small Business Bots

You have heard of bots, so by now you probably know they are applications that perform automated tasks. So how can the new Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Bot Framework help you build one for your small business? Microsoft wants to help you build a chatbot that the company says will, “Interact with your users naturally wherever they are.” It wants the bots to ... Read More »

Why Customer Experience Matters Now More Than Ever

On May 19, 2001, Apple Inc. officially opened its first two retail stores in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and Glendale, California. The initial public opinion was along the lines of Apple being scoffed at and written off by critics as doomed from the start. But unfortunately for the critics, Apple’s retail operation would go on to become one of the most ... Read More »

10 Mobile Apps Guaranteed to Make You a Smarter Employer

When it comes to managing employees, every small business owner wants a leg up. Thanks to technology, there are many mobile apps for business, for both mobile phones and tablets, that can help you do more, no matter where you are. 1. Basecamp When I have multiple projects running simultaneously, Basecamp helps me assign tasks to team members, set milestones ... Read More »

Judy Chan of Urban Airship: 82 Percent of Millennials More Likely to Use a Loyalty Card on Their Mobile Device

Small Business Trends: Give me a little bit of your personal background. Judy Chan: I am a product manager here at urban airship. So my primary role entrepreneurship is really to talk about mobile wallets. So what I like to tell everyone is you know in many ways I have a really fun job. I get to basically market to ... Read More »

How an Old School Business Discovered the Internet and Grew 350 Percent

What do you do when you’ve been in business for years, and have a crisis of confidence? One day something happens that forces you to confront some cold hard facts: The world has changed. Your business hasn’t changed with it. And now your business is in jeopardy. That’s exactly what happened to Brian Young, owner of Home Painters Toronto. He ... Read More »

Facebook’s Early Christmas Gift: Advice on Managing Your Page

Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) has an early Christmas gift for small businesses this year — Facebook page moderation tips for the holiday season! Here’s an overview of Facebook’s top tips for Page owners and admins on how to manage Page content, moderate comments, prevent abusive activity and more: Facebook Page Moderation Tips These pointers are particularly important during the Christmas holiday season because it’s ... Read More »

How to Use the New Instagram Live

In the last few weeks, Instagram announced it was adding a live feature to its now popular Instagram stories — and it has. Live videos are already popping up on Instagram! The new feature allows users to stream real-time videos via Instagram Stories. But unlike Facebook Live and Periscope, Instagram Live videos aren’t hosted on the platform. They are immediately deleted ... Read More »

Now What? CEO Asks Users How to Improve Twitter

Has the future of Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) come down to this — asking users for ideas on how to grow? It seems so. On Thursday, Twitter CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey took to the site soliciting ideas for Twitter’s future. Follow jack ✔@jack Following in the footsteps of Brian Chesky: what’s the most important thing you want to see Twitter improve ... Read More »

FantasySalesTeam Has Games that Make Sales Teams Better

For those looking to give your sales team a bit more incentive to try their best, one company has created an app that makes their sales statistics as simple and competitive as fantasy sports. The app, created by FantasySalesTeam, provides a creative alternative to boring sales contests by using your team’s own competitive spirit to drive sales and inspire them ... Read More »

24 Team Building Games and Exercises

You spend just as much time, if not more, with the people you work with as you do our families and friends. When it comes to the workplace, understanding your fellow employees, how they think and why they think that way can make communication easier. These team building games are designed to help you get to know your fellow workers, your team of ... Read More »