The calla lily image way of marketing
Many small businesses advertise because they know they should. Only a few put any planning into the ads beyond what they want to say. This lack of planning causes the business owner to miss out on some of the best advantages of advertising.
Business planning 101
Developing a business plan is hard work and at times a daunting task for business owners. However, business planning can help move any company or small business forward. "Why write a business plan?" you may ask. There are many reasons why writing a business plan is essential to any owner.
The secret to a successful business plan
As a current or future small business owner, you will experience the opportunity to write a business plan. It is not an evil invention of the financial or business industry full of hoops to jump through in order to delay your dreams. It is a tool to help you evaluate your idea’s potential before you talk to the bank or share it with other potential partners.
Branding your local business
As we think of a company, what do we remember about it? The logo, the slogan, the price or the experience we have with the store or product? For most shoppers, it is the experience they have that they remember the most and for the longest, particularly if it was helpful in solving a need or involved a pleasant impulse purchase.
Making your ad more creative
We sometimes see an ad that really catches our eye or ear and think, “Why can’t I come up with something like that?” You can, if you follow some time-honored points in advertising creative strategy.The five points for better creative advertising are:
Your banker and your small business
Many small business owners have mixed feelings about their bankers. One day they are happy and the next day they are upset with them. Plus, many small business owners are unaware of how to work with bankers other than to go in and ask for money when they need it. They do not know the importance of keeping the banker in the loop on many decisions affecting the owner’s small business.
Balance sheet – Does it matter to a business?
One of the three forms a business owner often does not understand is a balance sheet. This form is one of the best methods for an owner to determine the financial health of a business and possibly start to see where to improve the business.
10 do's for website promotion
The internet has become a household tool that it seems everyone knows how to use. Even first graders know how to wiz around on the web faster than I do sometimes. But while it is now a commonplace part of our lives, do you effectively use it as a small business owner to benefit your own business?
Using your website to generate repeat traffic
Many small businesses have their own website now. In fact, it is often the first marketing tool used by owners to help increase sales over traditional marketing efforts. Unfortunately, many websites, once hosted, are never changed or updated to keep attracting repeat traffic to the site. This lack of updating causes people to find the site stale and not return to it.
Kathleen Quinn named senior program director for health and safety
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Kathleen Quinn, associate dean for rural health at the University of Missouri, has been named senior program director for health and safety. This new position is a collaborative effort between the MU School of Medicine and the MU Office of Extension and Engagement. One goal of the position is to solve rural health care challenges, a key aim of the NextGen Precision Health Initiative.
Connecting with science
COLUMBIA, Mo. – More than 600 young scientists and their families joined University of Missouri researchers Feb. 7 at the second annual Columbia Young Scientists Expo, sponsored by The Connector, a program that builds relationships between researchers and communities. Scientists, graduate students and others shared demonstrations and presentations during the afternoon event at the Memorial Union at Mizzou.
Lessons in leadership from Mr. Rogers
Many of Americans grew up watching “Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,” which first aired in February 1968 and ran for almost 900 episodes, until 2001. Reruns continue to be aired. That adds up to over 50 years of exposure to the gentle wisdom of Fred Rogers.
Seeding oats and clovers now improves spring grazing
STOCKTON, Mo. – Now is the time to seed oats and clovers to improve spring cattle grazing resources and reduce costs, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis.“Feed is a major cow-calf operation cost,” says Davis. Oats and clovers are forages to seed now to improve spring grazing resources and help reduce supplemental feed costs.“Proper establishment and grazing management of oats and clovers is key for…
Side inlet irrigation demonstration
Side inlet rice irrigation conserves water and improves production management.
Several lessons can be learned from one-room schools
Historic one-room schools still dot the landscape in the Ozarks. Several fine examples exist with others moving toward restoration. The old schools are an icon of America and are historically tied to agriculture in Missouri. According to David Burton, civic communication specialist with University of Missouri Extension and director of the Ozarks Country School Program, one-room schools are still revealing valuable historical,…
Neighboring has both personal and community benefits
How well do you know your neighbors? Can you name each of the neighbors that adjoin your property or apartment? Do you know a personal fact about each one? Do you speak to your neighbors? It turns out that less than two percent of Americans can say yes to all three of these questions.
Learn to be a positive leader in your community
Your focus often determines the type of leader that you are. According to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension, our communities need more positive leaders. It often begins with the issue of your focus.
Rural schools history book updated and available from Greene County Extension Center
The book, “A History of the Rural Schools in Greene County, Mo.,” was updated in 2010 by the author to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the book’s original release in 2000.
“Missouri Directory of Historic and One-Room Schools” is now available for purchase
The "Missouri Directory of Historic and One-Room Schools" has been published and is now available for purchase on Amazon.com or at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County in Springfield.
Are you crazy busy? Setting priorities are key to regaining joy (and sanity)
“Hello, I am busy.” That has nearly become the standard greeting in the United States of America. But there is an answer that brings improvement, and it is not simply better “time management,” according to David Burton, county engagement specialist in community economic development with University of Missouri Extension.
Quality county roads aid agriculture; broadband could do the same
There is a lot of talk about the importance of affordable and high-quality broadband Internet access in rural America. While on the Greene County Commission Ag tour Sept. 25, 2019, one farm family shared about how the lack of broadband negatively impacts their farm. One could say that broadband is the new “road” for agriculture and has the potential to change life on the farm nearly as much as electricity did in the early part of the…
Like a rainbow, iris comes in colors everywhere
COLUMBIA, Mo. – According to Greek mythology, the gods sent the goddess Iris to bring messages to mortals. Dressed in colorful robes, the golden-winged messenger traveled to earth on a rainbow.Fittingly, the flowers that bear her name burst with intricate, delicate beauty in a rainbow of colors, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The National Garden Bureau named iris as its perennial plant of the year.
Creating a legacy through business and philanthropy — Joe and Judy Roetheli
Joe and Judy Roetheli, recognized as the Missouri SBDC Most Impressive Client (Photo used by permission)Joe and Judy Roetheli have been recognized a