Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from personal experience founding and growing small businesses--been there, done that.
Apprenticeships were once a path to a career. Young people in their early teens signed up with experienced tradespeople and learned a craft--from the bottom up.
Today, we take a much more enlightened view. We've largely outlawed youngsters going to work. We might feel good about this, but it's the youngster who suffers the consequences. Our child labor laws have put years of leisure time in the hands of immature kids.
Some teenagers are lucky enough to be guided through their difficult years by an adult. Teens can seek out internships or part time work where they learn the interactive skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Interns and part timers learn how the world really works.
Example: As he was growing up, Billy worked part time helping a neighbor who ran a landscaping business. Billy learned a lot about maintaining lawns, pruning shrubbery, mulching flower beds, keeping equipment in good repair--and handling customers. His young mind was particularly impressed with the interactions his neighbor had with homeowners. When he graduated high school, Billy went on to college. Today, he runs a marketing consulting firm, and talks about the valuable experiences of his early years handling all kinds of customers.
Small businesses can benefit from hiring young people. It's part of passing the culture on to the next generation. A youngster has energy, enthusiasm, and wants to learn. Hiring a part timer helps the youngster and helps the small business.
Example: When she turned 16, Susan went to work part time at a local hair salon. She handled the receptionist desk, scheduled appointments, sold products over the counter, and assisted the stylists. She went on to attend a professional school, and today she owns a salon of her own. Without that early start, she might have spent years "finding herself" and putting in place a rewarding career.
Starting early in life to learn how life works is valuable. Part time work by teenagers introduces young people to possibilities they will not learn elsewhere. Not in school. Not in university. Not in playing around and not in hanging out.
My lifetime in founding and running businesses is at your disposal. These days I'm retired. I spend my time writing about small business and helping others with their problems. Email me your questions for quick--and free--answers. Send to AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected, and I'm not selling anything.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Rentals
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from a lifetime of personal experience founding and operating small businesses.
You might be missing opportunities to grow and expand. Rentals can be a path to increase your income.
Look around your business for rental possibilities.
Examples: A restaurant that's closed on Mondays can rent out the kitchen on that day to a beginning bakery that needs an inspected and licensed kitchen. A cafe that serves only breakfast and lunch can likewise rent out the kitchen in the evenings when it is idle.
These days you can rent almost anything from a rental center business. These operations rent everything from furniture to televisions, chainsaws to lawnmowers, vehicles to boats, tents to portable toilets. Renting is the main thrust of the rental businesses. But you can do some rentals of your own.
Examples: Florists and garden centers can rent out baskets of flowers and artificial arrangements to corporations, banks, medical centers, offices and others on a revolving basis. Painters and photographers can "rent" their framed works to these same places on a monthly basis--with a written agreement and insurance.
Caterers in my area regularly rent the tables, chairs, even the silver and glassware to clients for events. One caterer I know also offers tents and dance floors. In other words, whatever the client needs.
Example: A lady farmer in my area raises goats--and she rents them out. Goats will eat just about anything. Her rented goats clean out pastures and hedgerows. The goats eat poison ivy and those multiflora roses that are highly invasive. Goat rentals are not the lady's main business, but it provides an extra measure of income.
All sorts of possibilities are available to you if you have a large space. Got an empty garage or barn? Rent it to local bands needing space where they can make some noise. Got a back room that's hardly used? Turn it into a meeting space for local clubs, organizations, and others.
Example: A local winery rents out its facilities for private parties, corporate meetings, organizational gatherings, and other events. The winery setting is unusual and can add that extra edge to any event. And the wine maker is available for talks and tastings.
Put on your thinking cap. Find ways to add rentals to your offerings.
Small-business people need someone to talk with. Someone who understands the problems of small business. Someone who's been there, done that. I can put my lifetime of experience to work for you. Send me your questions for quick answers--no charge. Put BLOG in the subject line and email to AlWarr16@gmail.com.
from a lifetime of personal experience founding and operating small businesses.
You might be missing opportunities to grow and expand. Rentals can be a path to increase your income.
Look around your business for rental possibilities.
Examples: A restaurant that's closed on Mondays can rent out the kitchen on that day to a beginning bakery that needs an inspected and licensed kitchen. A cafe that serves only breakfast and lunch can likewise rent out the kitchen in the evenings when it is idle.
These days you can rent almost anything from a rental center business. These operations rent everything from furniture to televisions, chainsaws to lawnmowers, vehicles to boats, tents to portable toilets. Renting is the main thrust of the rental businesses. But you can do some rentals of your own.
Examples: Florists and garden centers can rent out baskets of flowers and artificial arrangements to corporations, banks, medical centers, offices and others on a revolving basis. Painters and photographers can "rent" their framed works to these same places on a monthly basis--with a written agreement and insurance.
Caterers in my area regularly rent the tables, chairs, even the silver and glassware to clients for events. One caterer I know also offers tents and dance floors. In other words, whatever the client needs.
Example: A lady farmer in my area raises goats--and she rents them out. Goats will eat just about anything. Her rented goats clean out pastures and hedgerows. The goats eat poison ivy and those multiflora roses that are highly invasive. Goat rentals are not the lady's main business, but it provides an extra measure of income.
All sorts of possibilities are available to you if you have a large space. Got an empty garage or barn? Rent it to local bands needing space where they can make some noise. Got a back room that's hardly used? Turn it into a meeting space for local clubs, organizations, and others.
Example: A local winery rents out its facilities for private parties, corporate meetings, organizational gatherings, and other events. The winery setting is unusual and can add that extra edge to any event. And the wine maker is available for talks and tastings.
Put on your thinking cap. Find ways to add rentals to your offerings.
Small-business people need someone to talk with. Someone who understands the problems of small business. Someone who's been there, done that. I can put my lifetime of experience to work for you. Send me your questions for quick answers--no charge. Put BLOG in the subject line and email to AlWarr16@gmail.com.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Events
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from a lifetime of personal experience in business--been there, done that.
Events are a good way for a small business to get the word out, create some excitement, reach out to new customers, move some merchandise, get better known in the community, and more.
Events come in different sizes and shapes. Holding a sale is an event. Holding a grand opening (or an anniversary) is an event. Holding a special reception to honor someone in the community is an event. Partnering with an organization to hold a fundraiser is an event. Throwing open your place to a networking group is an event. Show a movie, bring in a band, partner with the local baker for cookies and cake. You get the idea.
Events attract attention. Do a write up ahead of time and send it to your local newspaper. Post it on your Facebook page and other social media. Send out announcements to your email list. Announce it with a poster in the window, with a banner across your street, with a magnetic sign on your delivery van--use your imagination.
Example: Frank runs a specialty shop. Here, it's all about fun on the water--sailing and boating, swimming and snorkeling. One summer he decided to host a party at the local lake--he set up a big tent, displayed sailboats, offered quickie sailing lessons and rides on the lake, partnered with a caterer, brought in a few vendors and musicians, and spread the word everywhere he could think of. This event cost Frank some bucks, but he saw sales at his shop double in the following months. His event had the effect of educating people in the joys of sailing, and they are buying sail boats and taking sailing lessons.
Events can be elaborate and costly, or they can be simple and cost little.
Example: Marie also runs a specialty shop. She offers one-of-a-kind, handmade items consigned by artists and artisans from far and near. It's a fairly large store--jewelry and blown glass, leather bags and paintings, turned wood bowls and silk scarves, women's clothing and children's games, and much more. The store attracts customers looking for unusual gifts, keepsakes and wearables. Marie wanted to attract attention at the Christmas season. She cleared everything out of the shop's big window, lined it with reflective foil, and installed a Christmas tree--upside down. The tree was fully decorated and hanging from above. On the floor, she scattered gift-wrapped boxes with fancy ribbons. People passing on the sidewalk stopped in their tracks--and came inside. The local paper sent a photographer, and a color picture of her shop's window appeared on the front page. This was an event that resulted in lots of free advertising, people talking, tweeting and emailing pics to their friends.
Events don't have to cost a lot to be effective. Put on your creative hat and come up with events to promote your business. You must be creative, or you wouldn't be in business.
I've spent a lifetime in business. These days, I've sold my last business and spend my time writing about business, plus a weekly business column, plus this free daily blog, and coaching an occasional business through rough times. I'll answer your questions at no charge--simply email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected.
from a lifetime of personal experience in business--been there, done that.
Events are a good way for a small business to get the word out, create some excitement, reach out to new customers, move some merchandise, get better known in the community, and more.
Events come in different sizes and shapes. Holding a sale is an event. Holding a grand opening (or an anniversary) is an event. Holding a special reception to honor someone in the community is an event. Partnering with an organization to hold a fundraiser is an event. Throwing open your place to a networking group is an event. Show a movie, bring in a band, partner with the local baker for cookies and cake. You get the idea.
Events attract attention. Do a write up ahead of time and send it to your local newspaper. Post it on your Facebook page and other social media. Send out announcements to your email list. Announce it with a poster in the window, with a banner across your street, with a magnetic sign on your delivery van--use your imagination.
Example: Frank runs a specialty shop. Here, it's all about fun on the water--sailing and boating, swimming and snorkeling. One summer he decided to host a party at the local lake--he set up a big tent, displayed sailboats, offered quickie sailing lessons and rides on the lake, partnered with a caterer, brought in a few vendors and musicians, and spread the word everywhere he could think of. This event cost Frank some bucks, but he saw sales at his shop double in the following months. His event had the effect of educating people in the joys of sailing, and they are buying sail boats and taking sailing lessons.
Events can be elaborate and costly, or they can be simple and cost little.
Example: Marie also runs a specialty shop. She offers one-of-a-kind, handmade items consigned by artists and artisans from far and near. It's a fairly large store--jewelry and blown glass, leather bags and paintings, turned wood bowls and silk scarves, women's clothing and children's games, and much more. The store attracts customers looking for unusual gifts, keepsakes and wearables. Marie wanted to attract attention at the Christmas season. She cleared everything out of the shop's big window, lined it with reflective foil, and installed a Christmas tree--upside down. The tree was fully decorated and hanging from above. On the floor, she scattered gift-wrapped boxes with fancy ribbons. People passing on the sidewalk stopped in their tracks--and came inside. The local paper sent a photographer, and a color picture of her shop's window appeared on the front page. This was an event that resulted in lots of free advertising, people talking, tweeting and emailing pics to their friends.
Events don't have to cost a lot to be effective. Put on your creative hat and come up with events to promote your business. You must be creative, or you wouldn't be in business.
I've spent a lifetime in business. These days, I've sold my last business and spend my time writing about business, plus a weekly business column, plus this free daily blog, and coaching an occasional business through rough times. I'll answer your questions at no charge--simply email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Deja vu
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from my lifetime of personal experience founding and operating small businesses.
What's old can be new again. It happens with every new generation when it discovers what went before.
Small business can take advantage of this phenomenon. A deja vu business can have the feel of an antique shop. But there is an important difference.
The market for deja vu clothing items is limited--but it is real. And buyers have the money to feed their interests.
Example: A local store is similar to a thrift shop, but It specializes in vintage clothing only. The place is packed with women's clothing and accessories from bygone eras. Dresses, hats, purses and jewelry from the decades of the 1920s onward fill the racks and display cases. Some men's clothing is offered--remember the leisure suit or the Nehru jacket? Customers come here on word of mouth--teens looking for a new look, high schoolers needing a certain look for plays and musicals, local theatrical companies, party goers planning unusual events. The owner of the place adds new stock from mom's closet or grandma's attic.
Example: Another local shop specializes in repairing and selling older appliances. Popular items are older American-made vacuum machines--these used strong metal components, not the flimsy plastic of today. Briskly selling items include reconditioned manual typewriters--youngsters buy these as gifts for grandma or as one-ups with their friends. And an antique mimeograph machine brought top dollar. The owner of this shop has turned his long experience in repairing appliances for owners into something quite different--he now buys the broken appliance, puts it back in tiptop condition, and offers it for sale at prices that will support the business. How about an antique waffle iron? Toaster? Maybe your interests run to pinball machines and juke boxes?
The deja vu market is alive and well. All sorts of possibilities exist. How about board games and jigsaw puzzles? Extinct electronics like tape recorders and 8-track players. I know a man who collects the tubes from old radios and televisions--and he sells them for handsome prices in the Japanese market. It's a small business, but it supports a family.
I've spent a lifetime in small businesses of my own and I've worked with thousands of people in small business--advising, coaching, helping them get to the next level. Free answers to your questions--email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Up your game
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from personal experience--been there, done that--in a lifetime in business.
Big businesses are continually looking to up their game by exploiting new and emerging markets. When they identify a likely avenue, they go all out to make it their own.
Small businesses deserve no less. The idea is the same. Up your game by reaching out to a new breed of customer/client.
Example: Pet stores nowadays frequently offer fresh foods for dogs and cats. Big business long ago discovered this niche market and they offer local pet stores various pre-packaged meats. I know one pet store that has taken it a step beyond--they put the word out that no pre-packaged meats will be found in their store. Instead, they made local arrangements with local butchers for "fresh and local" and thereby tapped into the leading edge of a trend.
Upping your game doesn't necessarily mean an expensive re-work of your business strategy. Look instead for the leading edges of popular culture.
Example: Technological change offers a rich vein of possibilities to up your game. A machine shop I know specialized for many years making parts to spec for all types of customers. Recent advances in 3-D printing caused the owner to investigate and install one of these new printers. Now his shop can produce certain items more cheaply, making his shop more competitive in the marketplace.
The technology of 3-D printing is currently galloping ahead at a furious pace. It holds the promise of revolutionizing older manufacturing industries.
Example: Fresh foods, locally-grown, have recently become the rage. I know three dairies that have taken advantage of this. No longer do they sell milk to the big consolidators. One dairy converts all its milk production to artisan cheeses. Another produces yogurts and cheeses from all the milk produced. And the third sells whole raw milk--to area health food stores as well as at the dairy farm store (legal in Pennsylvania and other states, not so in New Jersey and elsewhere). The milk produced at these three dairies now commands a much higher price and a healthier bottom line than was previously realized.
No matter what your small business is, look around for the possibilities to up your game. Think through the social and technological changes occurring right in front of you. Changing with the times can make you more successful.
I've spent a lifetime in business--several of my own. And I've written all my life. I do this blog for the love of it. Questions? Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected.
from personal experience--been there, done that--in a lifetime in business.
Big businesses are continually looking to up their game by exploiting new and emerging markets. When they identify a likely avenue, they go all out to make it their own.
Small businesses deserve no less. The idea is the same. Up your game by reaching out to a new breed of customer/client.
Example: Pet stores nowadays frequently offer fresh foods for dogs and cats. Big business long ago discovered this niche market and they offer local pet stores various pre-packaged meats. I know one pet store that has taken it a step beyond--they put the word out that no pre-packaged meats will be found in their store. Instead, they made local arrangements with local butchers for "fresh and local" and thereby tapped into the leading edge of a trend.
Upping your game doesn't necessarily mean an expensive re-work of your business strategy. Look instead for the leading edges of popular culture.
Example: Technological change offers a rich vein of possibilities to up your game. A machine shop I know specialized for many years making parts to spec for all types of customers. Recent advances in 3-D printing caused the owner to investigate and install one of these new printers. Now his shop can produce certain items more cheaply, making his shop more competitive in the marketplace.
The technology of 3-D printing is currently galloping ahead at a furious pace. It holds the promise of revolutionizing older manufacturing industries.
Example: Fresh foods, locally-grown, have recently become the rage. I know three dairies that have taken advantage of this. No longer do they sell milk to the big consolidators. One dairy converts all its milk production to artisan cheeses. Another produces yogurts and cheeses from all the milk produced. And the third sells whole raw milk--to area health food stores as well as at the dairy farm store (legal in Pennsylvania and other states, not so in New Jersey and elsewhere). The milk produced at these three dairies now commands a much higher price and a healthier bottom line than was previously realized.
No matter what your small business is, look around for the possibilities to up your game. Think through the social and technological changes occurring right in front of you. Changing with the times can make you more successful.
I've spent a lifetime in business--several of my own. And I've written all my life. I do this blog for the love of it. Questions? Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Branding
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from my lifetime of personal experience founding and operating businesses.
Branding means positioning your business in the community. And it happens with every business, large or small.
Branding is who you are and how you are perceived. Your customers/clients get to know you and they spread the word. This means you need to be fully aware of your reputation, because it is spreading in the community.
Small businesses create their brand--either consciously or unconsciously. Since branding happens whether or not you pay attention, it behooves you to focus on what's important to you. If it's important to you, it's likely to be important to others.
Build your brand on what you know.
Example: I know a small restaurant that brands itself as a "scratch" kitchen. What the owner means is that everything served in her place is made "from scratch." By working her magic in her kitchen, she has tapped into the public's growing reaction against fast foods, frozen foods, prepared foods and the like. As the word spreads in the community, her restaurant grows.
This lady recognized a growing social trend in the community she serves. That one word "scratch" conveys the focus of her branding. Branding helps separate her from the crowd. Other restaurants focus on "soul food" or "locally-grown foods" or foods specially prepared for vegetarians or vegans or allergy-sufferers.
Branding works across a full spectrum of businesses.
Example: I know a computer expert who runs his own one-man operation. He specializes in small business networks, set-ups, troubleshooting, clean-ups and clean-outs, and providing support to small businesses having up to 10 computers. Early on he branded himself as the "jack of all trades" in computers, focusing on that gap that frequently exists between business owners and the machines they've installed. He answers all questions in non-technical ways, trains employees, shows them how to better do their jobs, and develops close relationships. His focus has made him the "go-to" guy who solves problems, and clients enthusiastically refer others to him.
Careful branding cements your relationships with your clients/customers. Branding defines who you are, and just about everything you do will reflect this. And, most importantly, branding brings in referrals.
Questions? Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com (put BLOG in the subject line) for quick answers that are FREE and private. After a lifetime in business, I have tons of experience with all sorts of problems--and a sympathetic ear. I'm not selling anything, and your privacy is always respected.
from my lifetime of personal experience founding and operating businesses.
Branding means positioning your business in the community. And it happens with every business, large or small.
Branding is who you are and how you are perceived. Your customers/clients get to know you and they spread the word. This means you need to be fully aware of your reputation, because it is spreading in the community.
Small businesses create their brand--either consciously or unconsciously. Since branding happens whether or not you pay attention, it behooves you to focus on what's important to you. If it's important to you, it's likely to be important to others.
Build your brand on what you know.
Example: I know a small restaurant that brands itself as a "scratch" kitchen. What the owner means is that everything served in her place is made "from scratch." By working her magic in her kitchen, she has tapped into the public's growing reaction against fast foods, frozen foods, prepared foods and the like. As the word spreads in the community, her restaurant grows.
This lady recognized a growing social trend in the community she serves. That one word "scratch" conveys the focus of her branding. Branding helps separate her from the crowd. Other restaurants focus on "soul food" or "locally-grown foods" or foods specially prepared for vegetarians or vegans or allergy-sufferers.
Branding works across a full spectrum of businesses.
Example: I know a computer expert who runs his own one-man operation. He specializes in small business networks, set-ups, troubleshooting, clean-ups and clean-outs, and providing support to small businesses having up to 10 computers. Early on he branded himself as the "jack of all trades" in computers, focusing on that gap that frequently exists between business owners and the machines they've installed. He answers all questions in non-technical ways, trains employees, shows them how to better do their jobs, and develops close relationships. His focus has made him the "go-to" guy who solves problems, and clients enthusiastically refer others to him.
Careful branding cements your relationships with your clients/customers. Branding defines who you are, and just about everything you do will reflect this. And, most importantly, branding brings in referrals.
Questions? Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com (put BLOG in the subject line) for quick answers that are FREE and private. After a lifetime in business, I have tons of experience with all sorts of problems--and a sympathetic ear. I'm not selling anything, and your privacy is always respected.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Testimonials
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from a lifetime of personal experience founding and growing small businesses.
Testimonials are referrals that are blind. Nevertheless, they are valuable.
A referral occurs when Sue tells her friend Mary that Bill runs the best auto repair shop in town. The message is straightforward and between two women who know each other. Mary goes to Bill's shop on the word of Sue, thus confident that Bill will do a good job.
A testimonial occurs when Sue allows Bill to quote her good experience in his advertising. Bill might put Sue's words in a brochure or on his website page--Sue's testimonial lends credence to Bill's service and reputation. He might also put her testimonial in a social media setting.
Angie's List is built on the testimonial concept. People provide their experiences with a variety of businesses--electricians, plumbers, landscapers, carpenters, florists, and many more. It helps people who don't know you to come in on the word of someone else.
Your small business might or might not be part of Angie's List. But you can still ask your customers/clients for testimonials. When you do this, try to get their permission to use their name--full name is best, first name only is second best but valuable--and their city. When people read the testimonial, it helps them put a face on it.
Example: After repairing her brakes, Bill asked Sue for a testimonial. As she paid the bill, she wrote the following: "Bill's Auto Repair gets you in and gets you out--pronto. His technician fixed my brake problem while I waited and I was on my way." She signed it simply "Sue" and declined to name the town or use her last name. Bill has used her testimonial to good advantage ever since, including the "like" Sue placed on his Facebook page.
Testimonials can be powerful. They inspire confidence in potential customers/clients by bringing in the word of a disinterested third party.
Get testimonials whenever you can, and use them wherever it makes sense.
After a lifetime of founding and operating several small businesses, plus working directly with more than 2,000 small business owners, I am now retired. I'll happily answer your questions at no charge. Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line. Your privacy is always respected.
from a lifetime of personal experience founding and growing small businesses.
Testimonials are referrals that are blind. Nevertheless, they are valuable.
A referral occurs when Sue tells her friend Mary that Bill runs the best auto repair shop in town. The message is straightforward and between two women who know each other. Mary goes to Bill's shop on the word of Sue, thus confident that Bill will do a good job.
A testimonial occurs when Sue allows Bill to quote her good experience in his advertising. Bill might put Sue's words in a brochure or on his website page--Sue's testimonial lends credence to Bill's service and reputation. He might also put her testimonial in a social media setting.
Angie's List is built on the testimonial concept. People provide their experiences with a variety of businesses--electricians, plumbers, landscapers, carpenters, florists, and many more. It helps people who don't know you to come in on the word of someone else.
Your small business might or might not be part of Angie's List. But you can still ask your customers/clients for testimonials. When you do this, try to get their permission to use their name--full name is best, first name only is second best but valuable--and their city. When people read the testimonial, it helps them put a face on it.
Example: After repairing her brakes, Bill asked Sue for a testimonial. As she paid the bill, she wrote the following: "Bill's Auto Repair gets you in and gets you out--pronto. His technician fixed my brake problem while I waited and I was on my way." She signed it simply "Sue" and declined to name the town or use her last name. Bill has used her testimonial to good advantage ever since, including the "like" Sue placed on his Facebook page.
Testimonials can be powerful. They inspire confidence in potential customers/clients by bringing in the word of a disinterested third party.
Get testimonials whenever you can, and use them wherever it makes sense.
After a lifetime of founding and operating several small businesses, plus working directly with more than 2,000 small business owners, I am now retired. I'll happily answer your questions at no charge. Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line. Your privacy is always respected.
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