STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 15, 2009-- The prevalence of social media today has ushered in a new era of Web 2.0 technologies that small businesses must take advantage of for new revenue growth — especially in a recovering economy. These technologies have the ability to transform a small business, enabling greater access to deals, information, services and profits.

In a newly-published White Paper, mailstream technology leader Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) offers a set of concrete suggestions to help small businesses take advantage of web-based technologies that will work for them.

Titled “Wired for Growth,” the new White Paper is available on the Pitney Bowes Web site: http://news.pb.com.

“Technology has evolved to a point that small business owners can use it for their advantage,” said Christine Martin, senior director, customer marketing and strategy, Pitney Bowes. “As new marketing techniques have moved from “push” to “pull”, use of social media and online networking sites for customer retention and growth is a business imperative.”

The white paper includes the following advice for small business owners hoping to capitalize on a digital strategy:

• Be prepared to invest time and effort into social networking sites. Today, most conversations are taking place online. Join the conversation to ensure that your products, services and ideas are a part of it. This means: start a blog, join Facebook or open a Twitter account.
• How can small businesses achieve the greatest flexibility in running their businesses? Let technology do the work for you. If your business doesn’t have a Web site, make this a priority. It’s an inexpensive way to promote an established, reputable business. In addition, explore other ways to automate seemingly complex and time-consuming tasks.
• Optimize your current investments. Enhance your Web site so that your company comes up higher in searches. Use keywords that a potential customer might use in searching for your products and services. Make sure that those words appear in the content on your page
• Reduce costs in a virtual world. Temporary assistants can be hired to handle a key project or provide ongoing support, at less cost than a full-time associate. To downsize your office space, let your full-time employees work from home or hire at-home freelancers.

“In a few simple steps, a small business can take full advantage of technology to control costs and benefit its bottom line,” said Martin. “Not only will new technologies help small business work smarter, it will help them work more effectively—for increased business success and results.”

About Pitney Bowes:

Pitney Bowes is a $6.3 billion global technology leader whose products, services and solutions deliver value within the mailstream and beyond. Founded in 1920, our company's 35,000 employees deliver technology, service and innovation to more than two million customers worldwide. For more information about Pitney Bowes, its products, services and solutions, visit www.pb.com.

Source: Pitney Bowes Inc.

Media:
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Elizabeth Reinhart, 203-351-6152
Elizabeth.Reinhart@pb.com