New phishing scams are here
October 8, 2019
By Katie Ritchie October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. For the rest of October I’ll be sharing information on cyberthreats and how you can avoid them. This week is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
How to Pitch a Reporter and Be Heard
October 7, 2019
By Angela Rogers NP Strategy Today’s reporters – both print and broadcast – are always on the move. Pivoting from one story to another, preparing a “package” for the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
3 steps to own your digital marketing power
October 4, 2019
By Jerry Bellune We see many large and small businesses make these 3 digital marketing mistakes: 1. They have a family member set up a clunky web site that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Make your iPhone battery last
October 4, 2019
By Katie Ritchie The last in this series of battery boosting tips is for the iPhone. I saved the iPhone for last because iOS 13 released an update September 24.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
ABLE 529s: A Special Account for Special Needs
October 3, 2019
By Aaron E. Graham Abacus You may be familiar with 529 accounts. 529 Plans are so named from the originating IRS Code section and serve as tax-advantaged college savings…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, banking-and-finance
Tiny ads can pack a powerful punch
October 2, 2019By Jerry Bellune Imagine you are desperate for steady work to get your spouse off your back about feeding your family. Your kids are under-fed and always hungry. Then…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
You can boost battery life of Pixel 3
September 24, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Last week I shared ways to extend Note10 battery life. This week features tips to boost Pixel 3 battery life. Many of these tips also apply…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Unconventional Excellence
September 20, 2019
By Heather Matthews NP Strategy A standing ovation, mixed with enthusiastic cheers and a chorus of “good mornings” welcomed me as I walked in to get my car oil…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
5 questions all business owners must ask
September 18, 2019
By Jerry Bellune How do you build a business that rocks? Our friend Ruth King told us that Jim Howard who published her book, The Courage to be Profitable,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Tips to boost Note10 battery
September 17, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Last week I shared ways to extend your Windows 10 laptop battery life. This week I’m sharing tips to boost your Samsung Galaxy Note10. Have a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Extend your laptop battery life
September 11, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Does your laptop battery last long enough? Most folks answer that with an enthusiastic “no,” regardless of what device they mean. In this series, I’ll share…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Are starvation diets a dumb idea?
September 11, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Fellow Maverick Entrepreneur Suzanne Riley Whyte asks if you have ever been really hungry. Maybe you’ve gone on one of those diets where you eat almost…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Foreign Manufacturer + Union Campaign = Netflix Documentary (and Lessons for Employers)
September 9, 2019
This week’s article provides insight from Nexsen Pruet attorney William Floyd. NP Strategy is part of the Nexsen Pruet family, working collaboratively alongside lawyers for the benefit of clients. …
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Please, make a profit!
September 9, 2019
By Ken Gasque Have you heard the news media reporting that Warren Buffett wants to pay more taxes? “Please, raise my taxes.” Legendary investor Warren Buffett said on Monday…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
You should live large – like your dog
September 4, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Ace ad copywriter John Carlton reminds us of an essential truth. To be successful, rich and happy, “we gotta be healthy.” That means taking time every…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Be wary of stalkerware
September 3, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Jesse’s ex-boyfriend had always been difficult. He called it “over-protective because he cared.” Her family called him controlling. He wanted to know where she was and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
You’d better make a profit – or else
August 28, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Our old boss Don Carter liked to ask job applicants what they thought was the 1st duty of a business. A few got the right answer…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
AirDrop settings may put phone at risk
August 27, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Is your iPhone open to files from strangers? If you’re an Apple products user, you may have used a feature called AirDrop. It’s a handy filesharing…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Do you need a videographer?
August 26, 2019
By Taylor Kearns Finding the best videography services for your business Ask a barber, and he’ll tell you yes, you need a haircut. Ask a videographer if you need…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to super-charge your motivation
August 21, 2019
By Jerry Bellune An executive recruiter friend keeps on his desk a photo of a fire truck-red Lamborghini he wants. This is no toy. The car costs $200,000. The photo…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
New tech may prevent hot car deaths
August 20, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Each year infants, children, and pets are in danger during the summer months. The National Safety Council reports that 32 children have died so far in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
How Engaging with Stakeholders Supports a Company’s Bottom Line
August 19, 2019
By Peter LaMotte Senior Vice President, Chernoff Newman Far too often companies forget that a strong reputation is more than just keeping your nose clean in the media. The truth…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Don’t underestimate the power of a sticker
August 19, 2019
By Ken Gasque “The human race built most nobly when limitations were greatest.” – Frank Lloyd Wright. I think this applies equally to marketing and advertising. Any fool can…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to get free business publicity
August 15, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Savvy business owners seek relations with local newspaper, magazine and broadcast reporters, editors and news directors. When they have something about their business the community should…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Facebook, Youtube address ‘miracle cures’
August 13, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Have you ever been duped by a “miracle cure”? You wouldn’t be the only one. Phony physicians have promised cure-alls for health problems for hundreds of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Six Benefits of Stakeholder Engagement
August 12, 2019
By Jean Cecil Frick Business is about relationships, both good and bad. Successful organizations must be constantly aware of who will help move the organization forward, and those who…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Forget Your Job Title. Here Are 4 Reasons You Are in Sales and it’s a Good Thing!
August 10, 2019
By Dr. Cindy McGovern A firefighter, a professor, a computer repair technician and a lawyer are having dinner together. Which one is the salesperson? None, right? One is in the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice
Can you stand and deliver real value?
August 7, 2019
By Jerry Bellune What value do your products and services deliver to your customers? You know you will have to show that to your prospects. Your ‘value proposition’ is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Are generic cell phone chargers safe?
August 6, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Who made your cell phone charger? If it’s not your phone manufacturer, you may be at risk. Electrical Safety First, an electricity safety organization in the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Guarantee your advertising will work
July 31, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Highly successful retailer R.H. Macy said he suspected half of his advertising didn’t work. He just didn’t know which half. Macy was smarter than that. You…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Breaking the Bad News: How to best deliver tough information
July 29, 2019
By Sara McCarthy We receive bad news almost every day. It comes to us indirectly through the news and social media, or directly in emails, letters, phone calls, and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
What are your business’s values?
July 25, 2019
by Jerry Bellune Paul Davis believed that for your business to succeed you must always practice your basic values. What are yours? Here are 3 of our values: •…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Changes to Business Entertainment Expense Deductions
July 24, 2019By Eileen M. Stevens, CFP® The introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 brought many areas of uncertainty, some of which are only being clarified…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, banking-and-finance
Wait for a letter announcing jury duty
July 23, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Have you ever been summoned for jury duty? If so, you know official jury paperwork comes through the mail. For Federal cases, you may get a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Did your mama ever tell you not to judge a book by its cover?
July 22, 2019
By Ken Gasque Why did she tell you that? Did she feel that looks were superficial and shallow? Did she feel that looks could be deceiving? Did she feel…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Are the police after you for an accident?
July 17, 2019
By Katie Ritchie What would you do if you got a call from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department? The deputy on the phone claims he needs to discuss a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Rank your business on the SWAG Meter
July 17, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Last week we talked about you and your business’s SWAG. That’s: S = Self Confidence. Customers trust you because you believe in yourself. W = Wonderment.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Have you and your business got SWAG?
July 10, 2019
By Jerry Bellune If you are an entrepreneur or business owner striving to grow your business, you need SWAG. This attracts and keeps customers, says our friend MaryEllen Tribby.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Workplace Safety and Summer Heat
July 10, 2019
By David Dubberly Summer temperatures can create hazards for workers, and employers can be liable for not addressing conditions that could lead to injuries and illnesses, such as heat exhaustion…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, law, on-the-move
US Attorney prevents fraud with Bingo campaign
July 9, 2019
By Katie Ritchie “Fraud Bingo!” That was what seniors called out at a Justine Department awareness campaign. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Stephens and Rob Sneed shared tips for seniors.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
It’s a Match: Pairing Your Passions and Career Goals
July 8, 2019
By Amanda Loveday The perfect job can be described as the combination of your passion with your potential. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with interesting and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Maverick entrepreneurs’ independent lives
July 7, 2019
By Jerry Bellune When anyone asks what’s so special about maverick entrepreneurs, we laugh. It’s like asking why your faith is important to you or why it is that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Learn to code for free
July 2, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Do you have an aspiring software developer or web designer in your family? SC Codes is an online learning platform which launched in September of 2018.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Your local advertising drives higher sales
June 27, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Local advertising is a small business’s best bet to attract customers, say advertising experts Brian and Michelle Mattingly. A simple, targeted approach to advertising will almost…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
FCC responds to Robocall complaints
June 26, 2019
by Katie Ritchie Did you hear the good news? We might finally get some relief from robocalls. The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to give cell phone companies more power…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, on-the-move, technology
8 questions, millions of answers
June 19, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Ken Blanchard, co-author of “The One-Minute Manager,” “Raving Fans” and other books, has a challenge for us. As business owners and community leaders, we need to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Attorney General aims to close online sex-trafficking loophole
June 18, 2019
By Katie Ritchie Online sex-traffickers have been hiding behind a loophole in a South Carolina law. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and 46 other state attorneys general want…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
Four Common Mistakes When Engaging The Media
June 17, 2019
By Heather Matthews NP Strategy In all my years as a journalist, it never failed: 5:50 p.m. and my work phone would ring. Did the caller not know we…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Can Absolut vodka teach us anything?
June 12, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Have your products and services become commodities? Are you forced to compete on price, discounts and other concessions? Take a lesson from a former dish washer…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Try a free spam blocker
June 11, 2019
By Katie Ritchie If you followed the instructions from last week, you should be on track toward a much cleaner inbox. It can take up to 30 days for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, technology
