Business, blog Caitlin Shogren Business, blog Caitlin Shogren

Should you be bartering and trading services to start your small business?

“Would you be willing to trade?”

Many people trade or barter for expertise, a good deal, or they are just starting out. And there’s no reason why you should totally dismiss all trade and barter deals as a new business owner.

Bartering and trading your services is totally up to you as a new business owner, but here are a few reasons why you should consider them and tips on how to handle them.

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Business, blog Caitlin Shogren Business, blog Caitlin Shogren

How to know when it's time to let a client go

One day, have the ideal client that you pictured on the day you decided to start your business. Until that day comes, you might have to make the decision, as a business owner, to let a client go a few times. Sometimes, you’ve just grown as a small business and you need to let a more ideal business take over.

Here are a few reasons I or other small business owners have had to let clients go.

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Business, blog Caitlin Shogren Business, blog Caitlin Shogren

5 Resources to include in your small business' client goodbye packet

You might think you are done when you submit a final project file to your client.

I was in the same boat. I would send a thank you note within an email with the final product and think my transaction was complete. But I wanted to make a longer and more personal connection to my clients.

Here are five must-haves to include in your own client goodbye packet to make a lasting impression on your customers.

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blog, Business Caitlin Shogren blog, Business Caitlin Shogren

7 Items to include in your client onboarding packet to explain your creative process

Providing your customer with a clear client onboarding packet or checklist is helpful to both you as a small business owner and for your new client.

Lots of business owners don’t know where or how to start their client onboarding packet, however. Here are 7 items to include in your client onboarding process and how to convey each part of your checklist to your client.

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blog, Business Caitlin Shogren blog, Business Caitlin Shogren

5 Client Appreciation gift ideas to show small business owners that you care

Many small businesses rely on referrals and word-of-mouth to keep their small business operating. So it’s only fitting to acknowledge our appreciation with some sort of gift and gesture to show how we care.

It might not be ideal to put your logo on everything, but putting in something that highlights your small business market can work wonders for a thoughtful client appreciation gift.

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blog, Entrepreneurship Caitlin Shogren blog, Entrepreneurship Caitlin Shogren

9 of the Best books for women in business as creative entrepreneurs to get motivated

It's not always possible to stay positive and motivated as a successful entrepreneur and small business owner. So it's essential to know how to invigorate your entrepreneurial spirit.

As a creative female entrepreneur, I tend to look at other creative females to spark my motivation.

Here are some of what I consider to be my favorite and the best books for women in business.

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