Stay informed and inspired with our curated selection of essential reads for small business owners. From innovative funding strategies and adapting to workforce changes to enhancing customer experiences and leveraging answering services, these articles provide practical insights to help your business thrive.
The halfway mark of the year is the perfect time for small business owners to pause, reflect, and make meaningful changes. Amid the many tasks on your mid-year checklist, one area often overlooked is how your business handles phone calls, especially the ones you miss. We say it often, but it bears repeating: every missed…
When summer rolls around, home service businesses heat up—literally and figuratively. Whether you run an HVAC company, plumbing business, or landscaping crew, you know that warmer weather means increased customer demand. But with that surge in service calls comes an equally steep rise in incoming phone traffic, and missing those calls can mean missing out…
Ever launched a killer marketing campaign, only to find out later that half the calls went unanswered? When launching a marketing campaign, your goal is clear: drive as many leads as possible. But if your team isn’t available to answer the phone, you could miss out on valuable opportunities. That’s where a virtual receptionist comes…
Every missed call is a missed opportunity. For many small and medium-sized businesses, the phone is still the lifeline of new business, customer support, and client trust. But when calls go unanswered, the consequences go far beyond inconvenience. From lost revenue to damaged customer relationships, the cost of missed calls can quietly erode your bottom…
Growing a business comes with its fair share of challenges. This is especially true when it comes to managing customer calls, appointments, and inquiries while staying focused on core operations. For small to medium businesses (SMBs), answering services offer an efficient, cost-effective way to enhance customer service, capture more leads, and maintain professionalism without the…
As the weather warms up and people start thinking about spring cleaning, demand for home services skyrockets. Whether you’re a contractor, cleaning service, HVAC technician, roofer, or plumber, spring is the perfect time to refresh and optimize your business. A well-organized, efficient operation sets the foundation for a profitable busy season. This guide will walk…
![The Power of Customer Reviews: Why They Matter and How to Get More [with Free Templates]](https://www.patlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Blog-Banner-5-768x432.png)
We live in a digital world where customer reviews have become a critical driver of business growth, influencing potential clients and shaping brand trust. Whether you run a home services business providing hands-on HVAC, roofing, or plumbing maintenance, repair, and installation or operate a legal firm or small business, positive reviews can set you apart…
Running a successful home services business in HVAC, roofing, or plumbing means keeping up with customer calls, managing appointments, and ensuring that no lead slips through the cracks. But as your business grows, handling incoming calls can become overwhelming which leads to missed opportunities, frustrated customers, and unnecessary stress. If you’re experiencing any of the…
Why Appointment Scheduling for Home Services is Essential In the fast-paced world of Home Service Businesses, time is everything. From HVAC repair teams to lawn care professionals, efficient appointment scheduling can be the difference between a smooth operation and a chaotic day. With technicians in the field, unexpected changes in job lengths, and customers needing…
Small businesses and their owners are the unsung heroes of our economy, deserving of every accolade and celebration. They inject creativity, passion, and resilience into our communities, embodying the spirit of innovation and hard work. National Small Business Week (NSBW) is a time when these tireless entrepreneurs are spotlighted, reminding us of the importance of…