Do You Sell on Amazon?

Best Ways to Start an Email Message

How often have you written, “I hope you’re doing well.”? I confess I’ve likely written that or a similar phrase tens of thousands of times.

The Grammarly blog calls that and similar greetings the equivalent of small talk and says there are better ways to start an email, including saying nothing at all, or switching to less common small talk phrases. If you’re not comfortable with those options, they offer several other alternatives.

Read more about the best ways to write an email greeting.

Do You Sell on Amazon?

If you’re a retailer or e-tailer you also should be selling on the Amazon platform. Why? Because, according to eMarketer, that’s where millions of consumers are shopping. In fact, eMarketer reports Amazon will account for 39.5% of all U.S. retail e-commerce sales this year. The next 14 largest digital retailers will—combined—account for 31%.

Read more about how to become an Amazon e-tailer.

Women’s Business Centers Expand

Last week Isabella Casillas Guzman, the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), announced that with the launch of the 141st Women’s Business Center (WBC) in Anchorage, Alaska, WBCs will be active in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

In the last year, 24 new WBCs have opened across the country. At these centers, women (and men actually) can find one-on-one counseling, training, networking opportunities, workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring.

Read more about the Association of Women’s Business Centers and where to find a location near you.

Best Robot Vacuums

Running a business and juggling your personal life can be challenging. Any product that offers convenience and gives us more time is welcome. Robot vacuums are one of those items that handily take care of messes at home and work (or in your home workspace). While these may not be as useful as Rosie, the robot maid owned by the Jetsons, they will make your life easier.

But choosing the best one can be confusing. That’s why this review from CNET was so helpful. And you can even get a highly-rated robot vacuum for less than $200.

Read more about robot vacuums.

Resource of the Week: ICIC, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) drives inclusive economic prosperity in under-resourced communities through its innovative research and programs to create jobs, income, and wealth for local residents.

Founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter, ICIC is a national nonprofit research and advisory organization and the leading authority on U.S. inner city economies and the businesses that thrive there.

Learn more about the ICIC.