Becoming accustomed to a growing economy is easy and dangerous. Although there are always pockets of problems, we forget that success is often more the result of a good economy than our business acumen. If everyone else is doing well, our major challenge becomes how to pull ahead of the pack. Unfortunately, many business people tend to get a bit lazy-and that's when we can get caught.
There are ways to become more successful, keep business booming, and give companies the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage. Here are 15 ways to develop an extra edge:

Despite fax, e-mail, and Web site marketing, direct mail remains one of the most effective methods for conveying your company’s message to prospective clients. John Graham provides tips for making your direct mail efforts as powerful as possible in this document.

Times have certainly changed. It wasn’t so long ago that you could open your doors and find a steady stream of customers ready to buy whatever you offered them. If they liked your company, they were loyal 'customers for life.'

SUPER SERVICE: A PROCESS, NOT A PROJECT by George Nordhaus We often see 'service' as a magic word-the 'open sesame' that will somehow ensure customer retention and build bottom-line profits....