Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from my personal experience founding and running businesses of my own
and helping thousands of other business people with their problems.
People in small business are experts. Yes, they run a business, but they are experts in the products and services they sell.
Expansion opportunities in small business are often overlooked. Consider teaching others what you know.
Example: Jenna is a professionally-trained chef who opened a small upscale cafe. While she did everything in the kitchen, her first love was designing and making spectacular cakes. These were colorful and edible sculptures. Her cakes attracted much attention, and they were soon to be found in other restaurants, at wedding receptions, and local gala events. People wanted to know how she made the New York skyline out of cake, and other chefs wanted training in her techniques. This caused her to face alternatives--should she continue as is, or should she close the cafe and just make cakes, or should she keep the cafe and add teaching sessions? She set up teaching sessions, from simple to complex, and is headed down the road to transitioning entirely to teaching cake sculpture.
Example: Jon owns and operates a garden center. He has expanded his business considerably by offering "learning sessions" to customers. Some are free, others bring in revenue--but all these sessions bring in referrals. Some classes teach homeowners how to take care of houseplants, or how to select and grow plants outside, or how to control pests in the garden. Other sessions show how to select and lay pavers, or how to build and take care of small fish ponds, or how to build fences, trellises and gates. These sessions bring new customers to the garden center and encourage existing customers to return. And the teaching sessions continually help spread the word about Jon's garden center.
Example: Bill has many years experience running his stained glass studio. He creates spectacular windows for churches, corporations, offices and homes. He also repairs and restores antique stained glass using traditional techniques. He began offering instruction sessions for beginners and advanced students in group and one-on-one sessions. These bring in a continuing stream of revenue, and the students spread the word far and near.
Offering to teach others what you know can be a good way to add to your bottom line. And there are other rewards--like the personal satisfaction that comes from passing on what you know to others. It's the reason I write this blog for you.
All my life I've been fascinated with the business model, the mechanisms that make business work, founding and growing small businesses. Over the years, I have helped thousands of small businesses with the problems of operating and expanding small businesses. Send me your questions for quick, free answers--email AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected--don't give me your name or location, just an email address so I can respond.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Your own past
Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
from personal experience founding and growing small businesses--been there, done that.
Discarding yesterday's ways of doing business can work against you. Better to take a second look. If something worked in the past, it might offer new business opportunities today.
Small antiques and collectibles stores are good examples. Many of them have closed. They gave up for lack of business.
The market for antiques and collectibles changes with every generation, of course. But the market is still there. It's the browsing that has changed. People used to spend an afternoon looking through antiques and collectibles at brick-and-mortar stores.
Today, the customers browse Ebay and other sites in the convenience of their homes. All those stores closed because the market found a better way to browse.
Small businesses are fleet of foot. In your own business, looking to the past can reveal new marketing strategies.
Example: Doctors wear white coats in their offices and clinics. I know one doctor who has hung up his white coat for the last time. He decided to re-introduce the house call. Today, he's seeing elderly and indigent patients in their own homes. His office is in the trunk of his car. He is busier than ever, and patients avoid emergency room visits and hospital stays. And they love the personal attention.
Sometimes, discarded methods can make sense again in today's brave new world.
Example: I know a computer expert who discontinued the training sessions he once provided. Although the sessions were popular, he thought he was moving ahead with the times. Wrong. The furious pace of today's technology has left most of his clients more confused than ever. He decided to re-introduce his training sessions for clients. Now his reputation and referrals are stronger than ever. And the training sessions--re-structured and re-formatted--now provide a significant additional source of income for the business. And they attract the attention of people who become new clients.
The times, they are a'changin' and business people must keep up. If you don't, you run the risk of not being here tomorrow.
Sometimes, a good idea is lurking in your own past. Taking a look over your shoulder can be productive. You just might find an idea to increase sales and expand.
I've worked with thousands of people in small business. And I've founded and operated small businesses of my own. Still active in retirement (I'm 78), I offer free tips and information based on experience. Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line. You'll get quick, free answers--I'm not selling anything. And your privacy is always respected.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Hiring youngsters
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.
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.
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.
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