KnowThis Blog Postings

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Published on September 25, 2009

Posted by Paul Christ

A Small Business Guide to Text-Message Marketing (New York Times)

Very, very few small marketers use text messaging as a promotional tool but that is changing.  For marketers who are unsure what to expect from this promotional channel, this story will bring you up to speed.

...at a time when in-boxes fill with hundreds of never-opened e-mail messages from direct marketers, 97 percent of all SMS marketing messages are opened (83 percent within one hour)...

Is text messaging bound to be abused and head in the same direction as spam-filled email?

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Published on September 25, 2009

Posted by Paul Christ

Here are a couple of good stories dealing with issues that arise between franchisors and franchisees

Pros and Cons Of Buying A Franchise (ABC News)

This video also offers a good primer for another marketing topic of interest to those with small business aspirations - franchising.  It covers the key issues that anyone should ask who is looking to start a business through a franchise relationship.

What makes it so popular is the fact that you're buying a business in a box so you're going into business on your own but not by yourself.  You're buying someone else's system and someone else's learning experiences.

As most of the world comes out of recession and spending picks up, what is the outlook for investing in a smaller, under-the-radar franchise compared to a well established franchise?

Franchisees Sour on Dunkin' Donuts (Marketplace)

But before you put down the money for a franchise take a look at this story.  Things do not always go so well with franchise ownership

It's like a food fight, with franchise-owners hurling accusations of harassment, and Dunkin' Donuts throwing back denials it's doing anything wrong.

How is this likely to end?

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Published on September 22, 2009

Posted by Paul Christ

Beyond Pipe and Drape (Exhibitor Magazine)

This is a good story that looks at several new developments in the trade show field.  Specifically, it looks at new ideas for smaller trade show booths that go beyond common styles.  But the best thing is the story offers information on what it costs to obtain these newer booths along with other specifics such as total weight and setup time requirements.

Most European exhibit halls use a sleek, streamlined shell or modular system, but their American compatriots cling to the dated drapery and show no sign of evolving anytime soon.

What are the key features separating the high priced displays from the low priced models and are these features worth the price difference?