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From the President: What A Year!
As you prepare to wind down 2010, it’s worth taking a look at how the business landscape has changed and how you can use those changes to your advantage in the year to come.
This issue of Self-Employed provides a road map to help you do just that.
Start with our cover article on Page 16. It takes an in-depth look at how economic factors have changed customer attitudes, buying habits and more. You’ll see how your fellow NASE Members are gaining a competitive edge by responding to new customer expectations.
Another big change in 2010 was the surge of online social networking as a way for micro-business owners to build their customer bases. Our article on Page 10 tells you how to put forward your best professional image when connecting online with clients and prospects.
Along with social media, building strategic alliances became a hot topic in 2010. Check out the article on Page 20 to see how these alliances can be a low-cost way to improve your marketing.
NASE Member Doug Springer will probably remember 2010 as a banner year for his micro-business, Springers Gymnastics Center in Ellsworth, Maine. He was the recipient of the NASE Achievement Award this year. Doug used his $20,000 NASE award to purchase additional equipment so he could coach more high-flying gymnasts. You can read his success story on Page 8.
I’m proud that the NASE was able to offer the achievement award to Springers Gymnastics Center. The award is one small way the association helps members succeed. Another way we try to help is by offering valuable benefits. And that’s what you’ll see on Page 24—a great new benefit called the NASE IT Help Desk.
I hope you’ll check out the NASE IT Help Desk and all of your NASE benefits as you prepare to close out 2010 and ramp up for 2011.
Sincerely,
Robert Hughes