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October is the new December: Shop early, shop indie local

By Small Biz Survival

Heads up, rural retailers: holiday shopping has already started! Guest post by Jen Risley, AMIBA Why promote Shop Indie Local early this holiday season? Because more of us are shopping early for holiday gifts. From National Retail Federation: Over the last decade, consumers have been kicking off their holiday shopping early in order to spread […]

October 5, 2023 Filed Under: entrepreneurship, marketing, rural, shop local Tagged With: retail, shop indie local, shop local, shop small, small business

Turn free advice requests into paying clients

By Becky McCray

Becky McCray is talking with a woman with dark skin and hair who cradles her head on one hand while thinking.

Years ago, Thursday Bram asked me some questions about how freelancers and other consulting and professional folks can avoid giving away too much of their knowledge for free. Her article at Freelance Switch is no longer online, so I thought it was time to share it here, as well. Here’s some of my best advice […]

October 3, 2023 Filed Under: entrepreneurship, marketing, rural Tagged With: building a business, coaching, consulting, freelancing, selling services, service businesses

The Allure of Authenticity: Rural stories can give your product a leg up

By Small Biz Survival

An open retail space with colorful and appealing displays of handcrafted goods

Why Rural Craftsmanship Resonates in Online Sales Guest post by Tance Hughes In today’s digital age, the online marketplace is bustling with options at every click. Amidst the buzz of big brands and flashy advertisements, there lies an understated yet profound power: the allure of authenticity. For rural entrepreneurs, this authenticity is rooted in their craft, […]

September 13, 2023 Filed Under: entrepreneurship, marketing, rural, social media Tagged With: effective marketing, guest post, small business success, Tance Hughes

Get started as an outdoor outfitter without breaking the bank

By Becky McCray

Three kids in a canoe

Our latest Survey of Rural Challenges said natural resources are rural communities’ best rural assets, but most places don’t have enough outfitters to take advantage of them as tourism development. Here’s how rural people like you can take small steps to grow into outdoor outfitters.  Gather Your Crowd to attract groups and organizations that want to help […]

August 28, 2023 Filed Under: economic development, entrepreneurship, ideas, rural, Survey of Rural Challenges, tourism Tagged With: economic development, Idea Friendly Method, natural resources, small business, Survey of Rural Challenges, tourism

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