This newsletter contains images. To view online [ click here ].                     [ subscribe ] or follow on                   #2-3 in my top 10 small business marketing ideas for 2012: continuous improvement (no sacred cows) and stick around   elizabeth kraus | 12monthsofmarketing.com   [ read ] Continuous Improvement (and no 'sacred cows' ) Do you know what 'sacred cows' are in business terms? Over time, programs and departments in our businesses can assume this status. Find out what they are, and what small businesses need to do about them. [ read ] Stick Around. (Don't just take my word for it.) Sometimes this one thing is the only difference between successful and failure. Miss the first in the series? One: Process—not practice—makes perfect. [ read ] If anything in your business is repeatedly performed poorly or the wrong way, you kill your ability to compete, negate any chance of stimulating referrals and you even run the risk of losing regular clients. Read more and download a free worksheet to help you plan for the New Year.         12 trends that will change your marketing in 2012   prsa.org   Organizations will be defined by communication—just one of the 12 trends that will determine whether your business will be successful in 2012 and beyond. Find out why it's time to find your own brand journalist. [ go ]         why 2012 might be the right time to sell   nytimes.com   Make your business more attractive to potential buyers, investors and even your bank. Plus, in the example of Party Pail, Inc. on page two, you'll find a great model for leadership: surrounding yourself with good people, then training and empowering them to carry on, with or without you. [ go ]         silver lining: small business 2012 optimism checklist   openforum.com   Positive signs and silver linings have emerged out of the 2011 business landscape. Taking an honest inventory of all of your products, processes and productivity will be the key to more sustainable success. Here is a Small Business Success Checklist for 2012 to help you take that inventory. Honestly ask yourself if you and your business have these imperative areas in place and working. [ go ]         12 ways to benefit charities in 2012 (without donating money)   mentalfloss.com   If you have a business or even just a social media voice, you too can benefit charities without spending money, simply by raising awareness for these twelve or your own favorite charities. Resolve to spend some of your influence capital by lending support to worthy causes in the new year. [ go ]         most read on the blog: what to do when you have to be your own media machine   elizabeth kraus | 12monthsofmarketing.net   Small business or not, it's never been more critical that you get in the game if you want to be successful in 2012. Here are some recommendations to help you build an integrated web, email, blog and social media marketing program. [ go ]               © 2011. elizabeth kraus | be inpulse branding, marketing and design | 12monthsofmarketing.net