From Paris to Tel Aviv: The Global Intrigue of ‘Lovers of Franz K.’ by Burhan Sönmez

‘Lovers of Franz K’ is the new novel by Burhan Sönmez. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Burhan Sönmez is the author of six novels, which have been published in more than thirty languages. He was born in Turkey and grew up speaking Turkish and Kurdish. He worked as a lawyer in Istanbul before going into political exile in Britain. Sönmez’s writing has appeared in such publications as The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and La Repubblica. His previous novels include “Labyrinth” and “Stone and Shadow.” He was elected president of PEN International in 2021.

His new novel “Lovers of Franz K.: A Novel” is an inventive literary obituary for Kafka, perfect for both Kafka fans and lovers of historical literary page turners in the vein of Anne Berest’s “The Postcard” and Colm Toibin’s “The Magician.” Translated by Samî Hêzil, it will be released on April 1, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

About the Translator: Samî Hêzil is a writer and translator from northern Kurdistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, and has been translating literary and scientific works from English into Kurdish since 2000. His short stories and scholarly articles in Kurdish have been published by a variety of literary publications. He teaches Kurdish literature at Kurdî-Der (The Kurdish Language Association) in Van, Turkey.

“Lovers of Franz K: A Novel” – This thriller of love and revenge brings the Cold War to life, from Paris and Istanbul to West Berlin and Tel Aviv.

Amid the student protests in 1960s Europe, Kafka’s best friend Max Brod becomes a target of their ire. Against the dying writer’s wishes, he had published texts that never should have been part of his legacy. After Brod is injured in an attempted assassination, assailant Ferdy Kaplan is captured and questioned by Commissioner Müller at the West Berlin police station.

As his interrogation progresses through dialogues in the police station, the courtroom, and prison, Kaplan’s background is revealed piece by piece. From the love story between him and his childhood friend Amalya, to their shared passion for Kafka, it leads them to join a radical group. But when a shocking discovery is made about the person who ultimately set Brod’s attempted murder in motion, Kaplan and Müller agree to work together to expose the truth.

In this gripping, thought-provoking tribute to Kafka, Burhan Sönmez vividly recreates a key period of history when the Berlin Wall divided Europe and women were fighting for freedom and against tradition, adopting Jean Seberg’s iconic short haircut from Breathless. More than a typical mystery, “Lovers of Franz K” is a brilliant exploration of the value of books, and the issues of anti-Semitism, immigration, and violence that recur in Kafka’s life and writings.

“PEN International president Sönmez (Stone and Shadow) wrestles with fraught questions of loyalty and legacy in this contemplative literary thriller…Sönmez’s sharp thematic layering and concise worldbuilding impress. This is a good bet for mystery readers seeking something off the beaten path.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“A gripping tale of youthful single-mindedness and institutionalization…a glass-bottomed boat swirling through the Bosphorus of Kafka’s consciousness and works, glaring into the depths of him, his mercurial shadows and shifting states.”
—Lemn Sissay, author of My Name Is Why

“Lovers of Franz K. is a gripping tale of idealism colliding with history and moral uncertainty. It portrays characters scarred by their past as they grapple with unanswerable questions and make startling decisions. Exploring passion, loyalty, and history, Sönmez’s novel will leave you questioning what it truly means to write, to love, and to honor the literary creator versus the creation.”
—Ava Homa, author of Daughters of Smoke and Fire

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Brains, Humor, and Science: A Fun and Illustrated Journey with ‘Out of Your Mind’

‘Out of Your Mind’ by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

“Out of Your Mind” by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin is an engaging and visually captivating exploration of the human brain. This illustrated book takes readers on a journey through the complexities of neuroscience by blending humor, vibrant artwork, and scientific insight to make an often-intimidating subject accessible and entertaining.

Cham, known for his Piled Higher and Deeper (PhD Comics) series, brings his signature wit and illustration style, while neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin provides expert knowledge in an engaging, digestible format. It begins by touching on the subject of identity and what makes who we are and covers a range of topics, including how neurons communicate, the mysteries of consciousness, and the quirks of human memory and perception. The illustrations and comic-style storytelling make complex scientific concepts understandable and fun to explore.

Chapters include:

Where Is The Mind?
Why Do We Love?
Why Do We Hate?
Will an AI Take My Job?
What Are the Limits of Memory?
What Is Addiction?
What Is Consciousness?
What Makes Us Happy?
Do We Have Free Will?
What Happens When We Die?
What Makes Us Human?

Highlights:
3. Why Do We Hate? – explores ideas about where hate comes from and how to combat hate, including some self-reflection because some hatred can be projections of the things we hate in ourselves. “Not only do humans have the capacity to hate, we also use our intelligence to organize and find ways to spread it.”

4. Will an AI Take My Job? – it addresses questions such as whether or not AI can gain consciousness (maybe, but not one that we would recognize) and if AI will eventually take over the world (the jury is still out on that one).

Despite the advanced topic, it manages to balance education and entertainment by using language simple enough to make the material understandable. The humor and visual storytelling ensures that even complex topics remain engaging, making it an excellent read for students, educators, or anyone looking to better understand the brain in a fun and interactive way.

Overall, whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about how the brain works, “Out of Your Mind” offers an enjoyable and informative experience. By making neuroscience fun and more accessible for everyone, it reaches a wider range of readers. It is recommended for readers who enjoy science and comics and can appreciate the humor involved in learning something new.

“If your Mind is the sum total of every way you process information and interact with the world, then anything that affects any part of your brain will change you, even if only a little.”

*The author of this blog received a copy for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Survival, Suspense, and Adrenaline: New Survivalist Thriller ‘To Die Alone’

*To Die Alone* will be available on all major digital platforms on March 25. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Survivalist thrillers create high-stakes scenarios where characters must overcome extreme challenges to stay alive. These films often explore themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and human instinct, making them both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether set in the wilderness, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or disaster-stricken environments, these movies keep viewers on edge with intense action, suspenseful storytelling, and psychological depth. The appeal lies in the raw tension and the characters’ fight against overwhelming odds, allowing audiences to experience danger vicariously while contemplating their own survival instincts in similar situations. These films offer both adrenaline and emotional depth.

If you like these types of movies, there’s a new one coming out next week: To Die Alone.

Following its world premiere at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and its Audience Award win for Best Narrative Feature, the survival thriller To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms starting March 25.

Directed by Austin Smagalski
Produced by Connie Jo Sechrist, Austin Smagalski
Starring James Tang and Lisa Jacqueline Starrett

In this gripping survival thriller, after suffering a devastating injury while hiking the remote Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must navigate the treacherous wilderness alone, battling not only physical pain but her own inner demons. With only a stranger named Ford to help her, she faces her deepest fears to survive.

To Die Alone movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Unleash Your Creativity: Teen Night at Contemporary at Blue Star

Teen Night at Contemporary at Blue Star is this Friday March 21, 2025. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star.

Join Contemporary at Blue Star for Teen Night on Friday March 21 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. Admission is free. Participants can view our exhibitions, enjoy artist-led art activities, perform at our open mic and mingle with other art-minded San Antonio teens. Teen Night is scheduled in conjunction with our exhibition, Mosh Now, Cry Later, reflecting on San Antonio’s love for sad rock music and its influence on visual culture and community building. Register for Teen Night here. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)

Teen night activities:

One aspect of alternative and independent rock genres, which you can also find in the artworks of Mosh Now, Cry Later, is the use of DIY aesthetics.

For Teen Night we’ll be exploring various methods of art making that align with this tendency. Some of the staff lead activities include creating zines, buttons, and screen printing.

Open Mic! Express yourself through poetry, music, and more. The stage is yours, literally. Bring your friends to cheer you on or come solo and make new connections with fellow creative teens.

Make a collage with Christie Blizard!

Led by Mosh Now, Cry Later exhibiting artist Christie Blizard, teens will take magazines, paper scraps, and other materials to create a unique artwork.

Blackout Poetry with Lilith Tijerina and Sarah Tijerina

In this activity, led by artists and performers Lilith Tijerina and Sarah Tijerina, teens will create a poem by taking found writing (from books, articles, etc.) and use a marker to blackout some of the words on a page. The words that remain will create a finished poem.

This event is exclusively for teenagers. In an effort to maintain a safe and relaxing environment for San Antonio teenagers, school IDs will be needed to enter. There will be Contemporary staff chaperoning, as well as two security officers for the duration of the event. Visiting hours during this time will also be exclusively for Teens.

More about Mosh Now, Cry Later: San Antonio’s love of sad rock and its impact on visual culture. It is on view through June 8, 2025.

Featured Artists: Christie Blizard, Justo Cisneros, Joe De La Cruz, Juan Flores, Angela Fox, Brian Gonzalez, Nick Hay, Dom Jimenez, Ashley Mireles, Charlie Morris, Theresa Newsome, Ashley Perez, Kristy Perez, Anthony Rundblade

Mosh Now, Cry Later is an exploration of alternative and independent rock genres—from punk and post-punk to new wave, emo, screamo, hardcore punk, goth, and more—and their effect on San Antonio’s visual culture.

“The exhibition pinpoints the shared sensibilities of a cultural undercurrent within the visual art and music scenes of San Antonio and explores parallels in emotional undertones.” – Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray

In this exhibition, fourteen San Antonio-connected artists work with an array of media to create artworks that echo these musical subgenres, either through their emotional undercurrents or aesthetic approaches.

Emerging from a rebellious response to mainstream music and practice, these subgenres embrace an ethos of DIY principles that challenge conventional methods of music-making. Similarly, the featured artists operate within counterculture, deviating from mainstream practices in subject or material.

This exhibition also examines how San Antonio’s Latinx youth are especially connected to these subcultures, drawing parallels between DIY aesthetics and rasquache, counterculture and machismo, and vocal techniques like screaming and the grito—a traditional emotional outcry in Mexican culture.

Central to this exhibition is the community archive and listening room or Mosh Pit, an interactive installation of photographs, ephemera, records, tapes, and more lining the walls. The Mosh Pit will highlight musicians from major and indie labels, local bands, and mixtapes and playlists contributed by the exhibiting artists. The inclusion of this installation serves to emphasize the dialogue and intersection of disciplines in San Antonio’s artistic community.

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204
(210) 227-6960

Contemporary at Blue Star

311’s Action Packed 2025 Tour includes Long Beach Warped Tour

311 announces new tour and the 30th anniversary re-issue of their iconic self titled *Blue Album.* Photo: Brian Bowen Smith, used with permission.

311 is an alternative rock band known for their signature blend of rock, reggae, and funk influences. With a devoted fan following and a legacy spanning three decades, the band continues to innovate and bring fresh energy to the music scene. Formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska, 311 features Nick Hexum (vocals/guitar), Chad Sexton (drums), Tim Mahoney (guitar), SA Martinez (vocals/dj), and P-Nut (bass). 33 years later, the band is still regarded as one of the most entertaining and dynamic live bands in the U.S. 311’s celebrated live shows and touring schedule have earned them a vast and dedicated following nationwide. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

Following the release of their long awaited 14th studio album Full Bloom, the Grammy nominated, platinum certified rock band is gearing up for an exciting 2025. This year marks their fifth appearance at the revival of Van’s Warped Tour, set for July 26–27. Additionally, the band will headline major festivals, including Pointfest in St. Louis, Point Break Festival in Virginia, and the recently announced Minnesota Yacht Club Festival.

Upcoming 311 Dates
March 21 – The Fillmore – New Orleans, LA
March 22 – The Moon – Tallahassee, FL
March 24 – House of Blues Orlando – Orlando, FL
March 26-31 – 311 Caribbean Cruise – Miami, FL
May 17 – Pointfest – St. Louis, MO
June 22 – Point Break Festival – Virginia Beach, VA
July 20 – Minnesota Yacht Club Festival – St. Paul, MN
July 26-27 – Van’s Warped Tour – Long Beach, CA

On the heels of the release of Full Bloom, the group was recently crowned one of NPR Tiny Desk’s Best Performances of 2024 and continues to thrive after more than three decades on the road. From performing at halftime during the Las Vegas Raiders’ final home game to a run of recently announced US dates, 311 continues to redefine what it means to be one of the longest-running touring bands.

311 commemorated their legacy with the announcement of a 30th anniversary reissue of their iconic self titled Blue Album out July 11. The Blue Album reissue will feature a 2-LP set with seven bonus tracks and will be available in two color variants – a direct to fan exclusive citrine shade and retail release blue smoke color via Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. The strictly limited package is the latest in the band’s series of 30th Anniversary “Pearlized” special editions, and also includes an embossed gatefold sleeve with exclusive art. The reissue is 21 tracks on 2 LPs and brings together every song that was recorded by the band during the Blue Album sessions, and marks the first time the bonus songs have ever been released on LP.

Blue Smoke + Citrine Vinyl Variant. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Crash Course’ by Ricardo Jiménez: A Raw and Honest Look at Startup Failure

‘Crash Course’ is an insightful look into the volatile world of startups. Photo: Amazon

In “Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity,” Ricardo Jiménez offers an unfiltered and deeply personal account of his startup journey—one marked by ambition, struggle, and eventual failure. Unlike typical business books that focus solely on success strategies, Jiménez takes readers through the hard lessons learned when things don’t go as planned. His honest storytelling makes this book a refreshing and invaluable resource for entrepreneurs who want to avoid common pitfalls.

In the Introduction, he bluntly states “I was a startup founder, and I failed.” He is sharing his experiences because he believes we can all learn from someone else’s struggles. Failure is a way of life in business, it’s not you personally.

Jiménez doesn’t just recount his failures—he analyzes them, offering insights on leadership missteps, financial mismanagement, and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. He highlights the dangers of burnout, poor decision-making, and ignoring red flags, making this book as much about mental resilience as it is about business strategy. The writing is engaging and candid, making complex business concepts accessible to new and experienced founders.

It is divided as follows:

Section 1: Beginning with an Ending
Section 2: Starting Up
Section 3: Market (Mis) Fit
Section 4: Fighting for Survival
Section 5: The End
Section 6: What I Learned, What I Felt, and What I Still Don’t Know
Section 7: Finding the Rewards Among the Risks

Highlights:

Section 4, Chapter 14, Breaking Down – the author shares the importance of self care and work/life balance when all you do revolves around starting your company. People only wanted to talk to him about Plushkies or their ideas for a business and that’s all he was to them. It began to wear him down. “Entrepreneurs are often judged more by their company and product, which is what the public gets to see, than they are by their character and personality.”

Section 4, Chapter 17, Bro Savior Turns Bro Bully – He was so desperate to succeed, he almost lost sight of his principles. He stresses the importance of taking the red flags seriously. “My desperation had caused me to ignore all the red flags flying around that guy and our interactions, almost from the beginning.”

Overall, “Crash Course” is a must-read for anyone navigating the unpredictable world of startups. Above all, Jiménez’ candidness makes him relatable. Rather than glorifying the “hustle culture,” he advocates for balance, self-awareness, and learning from failure. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find comfort in his experiences, realizing that setbacks are not the end—but rather opportunities to grow. It is recommended for readers interested in memoirs and business motivation and self improvement books.

“The hard truth about being an entrepreneur is that, whether it’s building or selling, if it’s your startup, you can’t just rely on other people to build your company.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Bakery Lorraine’s Macaron Magic: Special Offers for National Macaron Day

Satisfy your sweet tooth this National Macaron Day at Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

National Macaron Day, celebrated on March 20, is a tribute to the beloved French confection. These delicate, colorful cookies, made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, boast a crisp shell with a soft, chewy center, often filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. People adore macarons for their airy texture, vibrant hues, and endless flavor possibilities, from classic vanilla to exotic passionfruit. Their elegance makes them perfect for celebrations, gifts, and indulgent treats. On this day, bakeries worldwide often have promotional sales, encouraging everyone to savor the artistry and deliciousness of this timeless pastry.

As National Macaron Day approaches on Thursday, May 20, celebrate by indulging in USA Today-recognized Bakery Lorraine’s delectable macarons.

Sweet tooth enthusiasts can select from a variety of flavors, including lemon-lime, salted caramel, Earl Grey, pistachio, raspberry, triple vanilla, chocolate, and more. Each macaron is crafted with the finest ingredients to guarantee that every bite is pure indulgence. Macarons are available in assorted packs of 6 or 12. If purchased in-store only, Bakery Lorraine is offering discounts for the 12-pack, available for $30 (originally $36) and the 6-pack, available for $15 (originally $18).

With locations across San Antonio, Boerne, and Austin, Bakery Lorraine makes National Macaron Day unforgettable by offering delightful beverage and bite pairings such as lattes, matcha, veggie frittatas, opera cakes, turkey pesto sandwiches, pop tarts and more—making it Texas’ go-to destination for all things Parisian patisserie.

Bakery Lorraine – Pearl Location

Mujer-Eres: Raíces – Celebrating the Strength and Stories of Women Through Art

Mujer-Eres: Raíces is currently on view at the San Benito Cultural Center until June 7. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Art plays a vital role in fostering community, especially when created by women artists who bring diverse perspectives and unique storytelling to the canvas. Their work highlights social issues, cultural heritage, and personal narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. For art lovers, these creations offer not only beauty but also a meaningful connection to different experiences and viewpoints.

Public art, galleries, and community exhibitions provide spaces for dialogue, inspiration, and empowerment. By supporting women artists, communities enrich their cultural landscape, encourage creative expression, and promote inclusivity, ensuring that art continues to be a powerful force for unity and change.

The current exhibition at the San Benito Cultural Center, Mujer-Eres: Raíces, features women artists and their diverse experiences, both personal and societal. It runs until June 7 and admission is included with your visit to the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum. Exhibits include mixed media, ceramics, and paintings. If you’re an art lover, make plans to see this exceptional exhibition that will no doubt resonate with you, especially if you’re a woman. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this exhibition to San Benito.

Mujer-Eres: Raíces is a contemporary art group exhibition that showcases the diverse talent of women artists and is currently on view at the San Benito Cultural Center. The exhibition was coordinated by RGV artists Sam Rawls and Ceci Sierra and curated by Aleida García and Joaquin Castillo. (San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, 2025)

The well attended opening of Mujer Eres: Raíces was held on Saturday March 8 and coincided with the International Women’s Day celebration. The evening’s event brought together art lovers, family, friends, and community leaders to celebrate the diversity of women artists and their contributions to the art community. It consisted of special speakers, snacks, and best of all, live DJ music by Queen Killa Bee.

The exhibition is divided as such:

Exhibition Room 2: Fragments of Youth and its Discomforts – these works explores the concept of youth in all its intricacies.

Works:
“Ice Cream Cone”
“Learn from MeMe”
“Tequila Sunrise (undone)”
“Buried Under Conformity and Obligation”
“Uneven Lines”
“Dyed Hair”

Exhibition Room 1: Sacred Self, Self Aware, and Ritual Healing – an amplification of the societal demands of works in Room 2.

Works:
“Sumision”
“Prickly”
“Whispers of the Unseen”
“Pray With Me”
“Recetas, Remedios y Raices”
“Memory Weaving: Mi mama y yo y el arbol grande”

Exhibition Room 3: Snapshots in Approach of Resolution – explores the capacity to exist in and commit acts of softness and harshness.

Works:
“Disquietude”
“Untitled”
“War”
“Sunrise”
“Abridged”
“Impression: Sunrise at a Restaurant”

Museum Hours:
Monday through Thursday
10a.m. to 4p.m.
Fridays
10a.m. to 1p.m.

San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum
250 E. Heywood St
San Benito, TX 78586

San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum

Brad M. Meslin’s ‘The Moldavian Gambit’: A Modern Geopolitical Thriller

‘The Moldavian Gambit’ is the new geopolitical novel by Brad M. Meslin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Geopolitical thrillers explore the complex and often dangerous world of international relations, power struggles, and high-stakes conflicts between nations, often involving espionage, terrorism, and political intrigue. They create a sense of urgency and realism. Readers are drawn to their fast-paced narratives, intricate conspiracies, and morally ambiguous characters, which reflect real-world tensions.

The genre offers both escapism and insight, allowing audiences to experience the adrenaline of global conflicts while considering the ethical dilemmas of diplomacy and war. With unpredictable twists and meticulously researched details, geopolitical thrillers keep readers on edge, making them a compelling blend of suspense, intelligence, and real-world relevance.

Today’s new book spotlight is on “The Moldavian Gambit” by Brad M. Meslin. It was recently certified Amazon bestseller status (Top 100) in two categories: #43 in Espionage Thrillers and #21 in Political Thrillers and Suspense.

Brad M. Meslin draws on nearly 40 years of experience in the aerospace, defense, and national security sectors, where he advised global private equity firms on over 1,000 merger and acquisition transactions. His firsthand knowledge of military and intelligence operations lends unparalleled authenticity and depth to his storytelling. “The Moldavian Gambit” is his first novel. Inspired by actual events, this heart-pounding geopolitical thriller transports readers to a world filled with nuclear blackmail, political deception, and high-stakes espionage. (Mosaic PR, 2025)

“The Moldavian Gambit” – In the summer of 1991, as the Soviet Union teeters on the edge of collapse, a violent uprising erupts in the Soviet Republic of Moldavia. Amid the chaos, a portable nuclear weapon is stolen from a secure armory by nationalist forces seeking to blackmail the Kremlin. When the weapon’s location is uncovered, the world faces a terrifying threat that could draw NATO and the United States into a nuclear conflict of unprecedented scale.

A classified U.S. Nuclear Emergency Search Team is deployed to locate the weapon, as a legendary Mossad agent and a tenacious KGB investigator each uncover evidence pointing to a complex – and seemingly contradictory – international conspiracy. The final hours to the climax are a riveting blur of geopolitical brinksmanship that can change the course of history – or possibly end it.

“…an ambitious and frighteningly convincing international thriller…” -BookLife Reviews

“Meslin’s debut novel is an action-packed thriller featuring a robust cast of characters contending with sky-high stakes.” -Kirkus Reviews

“…cinematic in its delivery…[a] shocking thriller” -Pacific Book Review

Tips For Running A More Effective & Successful Business

Portrait of a woman wearing a blazer. Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.

Being a business owner takes a lot of hard work and dedication. What you choose to do and focus on daily matters and will make an impact regarding how much you can achieve.

The good news is that there are always ways to improve and do better. All it will require is an open mind and willingness to head down a different path. It’s worth taking the time to evaluate your management and leadership style and figure out what changes can help you get the results you desire. Here you can review some tips for running a more effective and successful business.

Use Project Management Tools

There are likely many different assignments and projects that you and your team are tackling regularly. You need a way to keep track of all the necessary tasks and ensure you stay on schedule. Therefore, you should consider using project management tools so you can accomplish all you set out to do. Hire a project manager who can be in charge of the various to-dos and monitor the progress you’re making. These tools can enhance collaboration, increase productivity, and help you mitigate risk so you can find business success.

Prioritize Enhancing the Customer Experience

Another tip for running a more effective and successful business is to prioritize enhancing the customer experience. It’s especially important if you are in retail and have customers coming in and out of your store. You want to make a good impression and ensure a smooth and seamless shopping journey. For example, if you sell CBD or hemp products then you may want to look into enhancing the customer experience by exploring CBD processing solutions. This way you can offer your customers the opportunity to pay for purchases using a credit card instead of cash. It’s often more convenient and customers may end up spending more when they can put their items on a credit card.

Analyze Your Target Market

Marketing should be a top priority for you as a business owner. You want to avoid assuming everyone will want to work with you and sending out board messages. Instead, take the time to reflect on and analyze your target market. It’s important that you know who is most likely to make purchases from you and where they are spending their time. Your goal should be to tailor and personalize your marketing messaging based on what you discover. You want to understand their needs and preferences better so you can achieve greater customer satisfaction.

Establish Policies & Procedures

It’s important that everyone at your company is working together and is on the same page. You want to ensure high productivity and avoid duplicating efforts. Run a more effective and successful business by establishing policies and procedures to follow. Gather your teams and brainstorm and discuss what these are and the best ways to tackle various tasks. You’ll soon find that there is better consistency and efficiency and that your employees improve their performance overall. It’s a useful way to streamline operations and reduce ambiguity so that you can run a more effective and organized business.

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