Sam’s Club has developed a series of educational articles designed to help small-business owners succeed. Heather Mayo, vice president of grocery for Sam’s Club, has contributed to the fourth piece in the series, specifically focused on how small businesses can differentiate themselves from the competition and retain old customers while working to gain new ones.

“Running a small business in today’s world is very demanding; in some cases more so than running a large business. Small-business owners face many of the same challenges as big businesses, but deal with them using fewer resources,” Mayo says. “Sam’s Club is committed to being a tool to help small-business owners succeed, by providing resources and assistance on topics and tasks they face daily.”

The article, titled Innovative Ideas: Creating Demand for Your Small Business, addresses the current state of the small-business economy and the challenges that are facing small-business owners today. It details ways to stand out from the competition and retain current customers, including proper employee training and maintaining strong customer relations. Tips for gaining new customers are also incorporated, from requests for proposals to social networking.

Sam’s Club estimates that more than 600,000 small-business owners or their employees walk through its doors every day. Sam’s Club offers small-business members access to affordable health insurance and other services, such as merchant credit card processing solutions and time-saving solutions including online ordering through its “Click n’ Pull” ordering process.

Business members can shop at Sam’s Club when it’s convenient for them, with clubs open seven days a week and special “Gold Key” shopping hours exclusively for business members. Unlike most distributors, Sam’s Club does not require long-term contracts or minimum purchases, which can keep inventory costs lower and help with cash flow. Members can buy what they need, when they need it.

Additionally, the opportunity to request a cost comparison is available at any Sam’s Club location by calling 800-726-7258 or going online to samsclub.com/smallbusiness, where related resources and tips from business owners are also available.

Year to date, Sam’s Club estimates it has identified more than $781 million in savings for small businesses, and since the launch of its “Small Business Savings Drive” in April 2009, Sam’s Club associates have contacted more than 300,000 small businesses to help them identify ways they could be saving.

The Sam’s Club commitment extends beyond its business members to the communities where its members live and work. Sam’s Club supports the Small Business Administration, the National Restaurant Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business, whose initiatives protect the interests of small businesses.

To read this entire article or to find more helpful tips for running a small business, visit the Sam’s Club website at samsclub.com/smallbusiness.