Wearing New/Many Hats

Small business owners have always been required to wear many hats -- owner, cfo, hr, etc. Drew De Silver, business reporter for the Seattle Times, had an interesting story about how small business owners take on new responsibilities as they need to reduce staff overhead costs. Check out the article at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008771277_bizfinance22.html

As these small business owners have even more on their plates, what things can you be doing to market to this group? Here are some tips to consider:

1) Increase productivity message. Small business owners (SBOs) will be willing to listen to how they can get more done in less time.

2) Has to be easy. Now is not the time to be selling products or services that require an investment in time, resources or energy. SBOs want a solution that is seamless and not complicated. If you have a solution that requires a lot of commitment, you'll have to strongly communicate that the end benefit will be worth the pain.

3) Little cost. Right now, SBOs are having a challenging time getting an increase in their line of credit or even a small business loan. Therefore, future returns on their investment will be a harder sell than a solution that is less costly up front.

What are you seeing that is working today? Give us your views.