There is a lot of disagreement about what’s meant by the term “influence.”   In the old bricks-and-mortar world, influence referred to the ability to sway people’s beliefs or actions.  The people wielding the influence were usually recognizable names. Defining Influence Influence in the online world still has to do with impacting behavior, but influencers – now sometimes called “e-fluentials” – can be almost anybody.  Further, social influence doesn’t just affect buying habits, it can...

During the last few years, social media has stolen some of the thunder of traditional public relations in the eyes of businesses of all sizes. Even prior to the explosive use of the Internet, small businesses in particular often put advertising and marketing ahead of public relations, perhaps because of insufficient budgets, and in some cases, because of a lack of understanding of how public relations is different from the other two communications practices. However, small businesses would be...

As a small business, you can think of endless reasons that you don’t need to worry about branding. You may tell yourself: “Branding isn’t necessary for small businesses.” “I’m too busy.” “I can’t afford it.” You tell yourself these things, and yet you still feel a little uneasy. You know that your business needs an identity. So what do you do? First, it’s important to understand what branding is and is not. Branding is not a logo. Branding encompasses much more than a symbol, name or...

by PR_Boston Business owners large and small are looking for ways to cut expenses. So the question arises: Do I need PR? Here are a few reasons why you should say yes and feel good about the expense. PR is a cost effective alternative to advertising. Even though web ads can cost 25% of those in old-line media, advertising is expensive. And, there are so many ads you have to wonder which ones really stick. People are exposed to thousands of messages everyday: in the supermarket line, at the...

There are more resources than ever available to America's eco-friendly entrepreneurs. Take advantage and help your green business stand out from the pack. By Max Berry It's common knowledge among small business owners that going green has a positive effect on the environment. Perhaps less known is how to successfully manage your green business in a world where more and more entrepreneurs are laying claim to the word. The secret may lie in the acknowledgement that words alone will only get you...