Yahoo! Small Business Advisor Slideshows: Ideas and Advice for Your Business

Small Businesses That Pulled Outrageous Publicity Stunts

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:30:57 -0400

Anyone running a small business knows that one of the most difficult challenges is effective publicity. If people don't know the business exists, they won't walk through the doors—and a business location, staff and start-up capital become irrelevant points. Publicity can be acquired with billboard space or TV commercials, but many small businesses just don't have that kind of money. For mom and pops, a little creativity and a flair for the theatrical can go a long way. In short, they need to rely on good old-fashioned, attention-grabbing publicity stunts. Some businesses have seen stunts become catalysts that take them to the next level. Others see efforts fizzle out, and in some cases turn into horrific disasters. But while there's no guarantee a publicity stunt will accomplish what it's designed to do, many businesses take that route anyway, always hoping for the best. Here's a list of businesses that engaged in noteworthy plays for the public's attention. Some of these businesses used promotions that exceeded expectations. Other businesses made headlines and were soon forgotten, and others were unmitigated calamities. But whatever the case, all these businesses deserve credit for trying to do something a little different. Read ahead to see our list of outrageous publicity stunts engaged in by small businesses over the years. Tune in to " Crowd Rules " on CNBC Prime, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET By Daniel Bukszpan

Small Businesses You Can't Believe Exist

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:15:40 -0400

The Snuggie. The Flowbee. The Whoopee Cushion. The nonconformist spirit that gave us many one-of-a-kind business ideas is alive and well today, despite a still somewhat sluggish economy. It can be found within the companies that offer products and services founded on ingenuity, inspiration and utter disregard for the phrase, "You're crazy." CNBC.com presents 10 small businesses founded on unorthodox ideas. Some have proven track records of success, while others are still struggling just to stay open for business. But either way, their very existence violates conventional wisdom and provides inspiration for future entrepreneurs to forge ahead with original ideas. " Crowd Rules " appears on CNBC Prime Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET By Daniel Bukszpan

Best and worst cities for small businesses

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:10 -0400

Three California cities ranked as the three worst cities for a small business, and Sacramento ranked lowest of all. Entrepreneurs there gave failing grades to their city for overall small business friendliness and overall regulatory friendliness. The city was graded F for 7 other specific factors too.

World's coolest offices (and runners up)

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:23:07 -0400

How'd you like to work in a transformed train station, or be able to skateboard in your office? For the second year, Inc.com and Architizer scoped out the most unique and impressive offices in the world.

Too Tasteless for Prime Time

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:59:59 -0500

Women's groups were outraged (and mystified) by this ad, which they said exploited a cliché about women suffering from PMS. The ad pictures a hapless man holding out three cartons of milk and the title "I apologize for not reading between the right lines," and a tag-line that reads "Milk can help reduce the symptoms of PMS." San Francisco-based advertisers Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, which ran the ad on behalf of the California Milk Processor Board, said that pulling the campaign in July 2011 created some great publicity. "Rather than to continue the campaign, it's better to have this bigger discussion," Jeff Goodby, the co-chairman with Rich Silverstein at Goodby & Silverstein told The New York Times. So much for censorship. To see all 9 examples, visit the "Too Tasteless for Prime Time" slide show at Inc.com Read more at Inc.com: Overworked? 4 Signs You Need to Recharge How You Can Tell a Customer is Ready to Say Yes The Easiest and Hardest Way to Be More Creative