MelissaBeth Gets a Facelift.... that's the website not the designer!

If you haven't already noticed MelissaBeth.com got a facelift!

We feel 10 years younger already!!

Our new website isn't just about looking good (although our new website is v. pretty!) - now when you shop its WAY easier to find what you are looking for.

Check out our list of cool new features that make shopping online a breeze!

1) Sort by size or sort by color

If you are like me than you know what you want, so just click on the top right sort by laptop size by or color section and you can easily see a list of items that fit your criteria.

2) Refer a Friend

When you refer a friend to our website (and they make a purchase) we send you a free gift certificate for $25.00! Who knew making money was this easy!

3) Product Views

Want to see every angle of our products? Just click on our alternate views to check out additional views.

4) Retailers Section

Want to check out a bag in person? Check out our new retailers section which helps you find a store closest to you. You can even view the stores on google maps.

5) Featured product section

Like to be the in the know? Now with our specialized feature product section and easy access to our newsletter you can be the first to know the latest deals at Melissa Beth

BisBuzz: Tip of the week "Get an Intern"

Businesses need interns and college grads, you need internships.

This recent article on CNN Living highlights the importance for job seekers to have an internship.

Benefits for potential interns:

Besides getting a foot in the door with a potential employer and looking good on a résumé, internships have other advantages:

• The opportunity to "test drive" a career (Would I be happier in marketing or advertising? Am I more comfortable working with patients or in a lab?)

• Chances to network

• Establishing relationships with mentors

• Possible college credit or certification

• An introduction to the field's culture and etiquette (Are clients addressed by their first name? Are jeans appropriate for Casual Friday?)

• Accumulating new skills

• Gaining a "real world" perspective on an occupation (How much overtime do employees really work? How much time is spent behind a desk versus in the field?)

Check out the article which talks about other benefits for employers.

Interested in an internship at Melissa Beth? We are currently looking for marketing/PR interns and graphic designers. You do not need to be located in Toronto.

BisBuzz: Tip of the week "Increase Your Newsletter Subscribers"

One of my goals for the year is to increase our newsletter subscribers. MelissaBeth.com sends out quarterly newsletters with special deals, new product info and upcoming events. Currently have about 3000+ subscribers. I would LOVE to double this number by the end of 2010.

I found a great article about ways to increase newsletter subscribers. Don't go back to the website and judge me yet- I haven't quite put these into effect yet. But I will! It is a work in progress. And, if you are reading this and you haven't signed up for our newsletter- SIGN UP NOW!!! Please!

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5 Tips to Increase Email Newsletter Subscribers by Online Marketing Inside Out

Here is a brief synopsis of the article... but the article goes into more detail about how to bring these ideas to life.

1. Run a Contest

2. Offer Coupons/Discounts

3. Ask at Checkout

4. Use a Pop-Up Window on the homepage

5. Promote it on ALL of your communications

BisBuzz: Tip of the week "Just Do It"

Sometimes I find I can get overwhelmed with all the tasks the week or day may hold for me.

Or sometimes a challenging large project can leave me wondering- how am I going to do that?

However, after close to 6 years in business. I have learned you have to just do it. Nike had it right when they created this slogan. You have to make the time, make a list (so you don't get caught up with distractions, like writing this blog LOL) and just do it. The rest will fall into place.

So my advice this week is just grab life by the horns and JUST DO IT.

BisBuzz: Tip of the week

Small business owners:

My tip to you, is "when you can - pay by credit card!"

Charge it! It may not seem like an obvious choice, but credit cards offer many benefits for small businesses

1) If you do not get your goods/products/services you ordered from a company

Maybe they went bankrupt THIS RECENTLY HAPPENED TO ME!, or they just failed to ship you the goods or your products just arrived damaged. If the company will not fix your problem you can file a chargeback and in most cases you will win.

2) You get an extra 30 days on paying your credit card bill

3) You may get points for air miles or travel. Why not get a free trip somewhere when you spend money?!

4) You will have an extremely accurate record of your expenses

5) Build business credit.

"A small business credit card provides a newly established business the opportunity to build business credit. This will be useful in the future as your business grows and you need capital in the form of credit lines or loans". Although you may not need a line of credit or a loan, you may need it one day in the future and building your credit can help you in the future when you grow your business.

However, make sure you pay your credit card bill on time, as credit card fees can be extremely costly!