Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
from personal experience in small business.
If you have been thinking about starting a business, stop second-guessing yourself and do it. No matter your situation, the time to start that business is now.
It is never too early in life to start a business--consider the 10-year old boy next door who shovels snow for the neighbors. And it is never too late in life to begin--consider the lady in one of the examples that follow.
Example: A lady who worked in Corporate America left her job every day to hurry home. There, she pursued her first love--at her potter's wheel. When she thought she was ready, she took early retirement from her corporate position. She set up her own pottery operation. Her special glazes attracted early attention and her reputation spread. Today, her pottery commands high praise and high prices. And she's still in her 50s.
Adults are frequently locked in pursuits that they little enjoy. Some change career directions. Others start a business built around a compelling interest. They are looking for more fulfillment than that which they are leaving behind.
Example: I once helped a retired woman in her late 70s start up a new business. She wanted to establish a bagel house. She bought used equipment, rented a high traffic space, and in less than a year, she had established a thriving operation, selling bagels retail as well as wholesale. The key here was her drive, her persistence, her belief in herself, and the excellence of her bagels. To her mind, age was of little consequence.
Seniors have gained much from life's experiences. They can turn a long-held interest into a small business, avoiding the setbacks younger people might experience.
Example: A teenager named Tom came to me once for advice on growing his business. He had spent time after school throughout his teens cutting grass, trimming shrubbery and doing yard clean-ups. He wanted to grow his business into a full landscaping operation after he graduated high school. I helped him do a business plan and he was on his way. It was an easy transition for him to grow his business based on the customers and reputation he already had. While his high school classmates went on to college and were trying to sort out their life's path, Tom was expanding his business and buying a house for his growing family.
Teenagers are good at starting businesses. They are quick learners and have the energy and attitude to see a project through. They have not yet learned all the excuses that hold back the rest of us.
Starting a small business is a now or never proposition. I'm fond of quoting the Good Witch of the North in the Wizard of Oz: "The place to begin is at the beginning." And, as all of us know, we make our own beginnings.
Like the lady who started the bagel shop, I'm now in my late 70s. I've started several businesses and I've retired several times. Retirements last about 10 days.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Freebies promotions
Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
that can work to promote your small business.
No matter how many times you hear the word free, it moves you. It is a magic word that people in small business can use to attract attention.
You hear it and read it all the time. But you don't have to sell on television or mobile devices to take advantage of the free word.
Examples: Any small business can offer free workshops, seminars, demonstrations, information sessions, open houses, and the like. People are hungry for information and will attend free sessions. Chiropractors can explain just what chiropractic is--and offer free demonstrations. Music and dance studios can show just what classical, modern, hip hop and jazz dancing is all about. Restaurants can hold cooking classes. Accountants can talk about taxes--always a concern for small business owners and the general public. Any place offering food can set up a free sample table.
Examples: A fitness operation or massage therapist can set up free demos and introductory sessions. People attend, discuss, ask questions and perhaps sign up. The same holds for yoga and other holistic practitioners. It is an hour well spent by the business owner. Even if no one signs up, a good impression is made--and the word spreads in the community.
Example: I've run into construction outfits and home improvement businesses that charge a fee for an estimate. The company's reasoning is that it costs them to send out an estimator. In today's world, this can leave a bad impression. Estimates for work to be done should be free. People expect it. Put the word out that your estimates are free--and emphasize it. It just might be the edge that gets a new customer to call you instead of your competitor.
Put on your thinking cap and figure out how you can use the free word in your business. It can be a valuable part of your on-going promotion.
Many of my blogs are about promotional methods that can be used to good advantage in small businesses. At this point, there are over 200 write-ups--check out the listing.
that can work to promote your small business.
No matter how many times you hear the word free, it moves you. It is a magic word that people in small business can use to attract attention.
You hear it and read it all the time. But you don't have to sell on television or mobile devices to take advantage of the free word.
Examples: Any small business can offer free workshops, seminars, demonstrations, information sessions, open houses, and the like. People are hungry for information and will attend free sessions. Chiropractors can explain just what chiropractic is--and offer free demonstrations. Music and dance studios can show just what classical, modern, hip hop and jazz dancing is all about. Restaurants can hold cooking classes. Accountants can talk about taxes--always a concern for small business owners and the general public. Any place offering food can set up a free sample table.
Examples: A fitness operation or massage therapist can set up free demos and introductory sessions. People attend, discuss, ask questions and perhaps sign up. The same holds for yoga and other holistic practitioners. It is an hour well spent by the business owner. Even if no one signs up, a good impression is made--and the word spreads in the community.
Example: I've run into construction outfits and home improvement businesses that charge a fee for an estimate. The company's reasoning is that it costs them to send out an estimator. In today's world, this can leave a bad impression. Estimates for work to be done should be free. People expect it. Put the word out that your estimates are free--and emphasize it. It just might be the edge that gets a new customer to call you instead of your competitor.
Put on your thinking cap and figure out how you can use the free word in your business. It can be a valuable part of your on-going promotion.
Many of my blogs are about promotional methods that can be used to good advantage in small businesses. At this point, there are over 200 write-ups--check out the listing.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Taking risks
Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
for better managing small businesses.
If your mother had not taken the risk of carrying you to term, you would not be reading this. Likewise, if you had not taken the risk of failing, you would not be in business.
Life is full of risks. A tree limb can fall on you, but you walk under trees. An oncoming vehicle can swerve in front of you, but you still drive.
In business you are continually taking risks. You bring in new additions to your product lines. You make adjustments to your customer service. You change the way you manage.
You always face the danger of failing. The small risks you take will help to inch you toward that overall goal. The small risks prepare you to take the big risk.
I have seen this in many small businesses. The massage therapist who could expand into a wellness center, but doesn't. The landscaper who could expand into a garden center, but doesn't. The tax specialist who could expand into a full accounting operation, but doesn't.
To grow a small business into a larger operation takes a dream, a plan, and a follow-up. Taking the risks along the way is part of the game. Of course, if you've built your small business to the size that you're comfortable with and you don't want to grow bigger, that's one thing. But, if your dream is still not realized, then taking risks can get you there. Do the planning, step lively and look back only to learn from it.
Example: Mary tried baking all sorts of goodies in her bakery until she settled on the mix of products that brought in retail customers and wholesale clients. She let the business "settle in" for a few years. Then, Mary decided that the time was right for taking the big risk. She took a big loan, expanded her facilities, hired additional people, and purchased a delivery van. When this new operation "settled in" Mary headed toward offering her first franchise. By taking the small risks over time, she was following her long term plan--and the biggest risk of her business life.
A funny thing happens to many business owners. They get into business and it works. Years of struggle establishing the operation finally are in the rear view mirror. So, they become fearful that any changes will destroy what they have built. They avoid even the little risks, much more so the big risk. They continue to nibble around the edges making little changes. They become complacent, and they never become all they can be.
The key is this--never take unnecessary risks. And before taking that giant leap, think through what you're about to do. That fear of failure can serve you well. Just don't let it keep you from taking the big risks. Your mother didn't hesitate carrying you.
Business teaches the owner many things. One valuable lesson is learned when you realize that everything you do carries a risk. And not all risks turn out well. Consider the risk, and try to minimize it. But don't let it stop you from taking the next step.
for better managing small businesses.
If your mother had not taken the risk of carrying you to term, you would not be reading this. Likewise, if you had not taken the risk of failing, you would not be in business.
Life is full of risks. A tree limb can fall on you, but you walk under trees. An oncoming vehicle can swerve in front of you, but you still drive.
In business you are continually taking risks. You bring in new additions to your product lines. You make adjustments to your customer service. You change the way you manage.
You always face the danger of failing. The small risks you take will help to inch you toward that overall goal. The small risks prepare you to take the big risk.
I have seen this in many small businesses. The massage therapist who could expand into a wellness center, but doesn't. The landscaper who could expand into a garden center, but doesn't. The tax specialist who could expand into a full accounting operation, but doesn't.
To grow a small business into a larger operation takes a dream, a plan, and a follow-up. Taking the risks along the way is part of the game. Of course, if you've built your small business to the size that you're comfortable with and you don't want to grow bigger, that's one thing. But, if your dream is still not realized, then taking risks can get you there. Do the planning, step lively and look back only to learn from it.
Example: Mary tried baking all sorts of goodies in her bakery until she settled on the mix of products that brought in retail customers and wholesale clients. She let the business "settle in" for a few years. Then, Mary decided that the time was right for taking the big risk. She took a big loan, expanded her facilities, hired additional people, and purchased a delivery van. When this new operation "settled in" Mary headed toward offering her first franchise. By taking the small risks over time, she was following her long term plan--and the biggest risk of her business life.
A funny thing happens to many business owners. They get into business and it works. Years of struggle establishing the operation finally are in the rear view mirror. So, they become fearful that any changes will destroy what they have built. They avoid even the little risks, much more so the big risk. They continue to nibble around the edges making little changes. They become complacent, and they never become all they can be.
The key is this--never take unnecessary risks. And before taking that giant leap, think through what you're about to do. That fear of failure can serve you well. Just don't let it keep you from taking the big risks. Your mother didn't hesitate carrying you.
Business teaches the owner many things. One valuable lesson is learned when you realize that everything you do carries a risk. And not all risks turn out well. Consider the risk, and try to minimize it. But don't let it stop you from taking the next step.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Beyond the rut
Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
together with examples from small businesses.
You've done it. I've done it. It happens to everyone, all the time.
We tend to pigeon hole each other. We remember Judy as the lady who leads the meditation classes. But she also is an expert massage therapist. Who knew?
Running a business, you must guard against this. Your customers/clients tend to remember you in one category only. While everything you do might be related, it needs to be pointed out.
It's a continuing problem. You must tell, remind, inform and otherwise educate your customers/clients. If you don't, they might not think to call you when they need another service.
Example: You hired a web designer and you were pleased with the result. Then you needed someone to set you up in social media. So you called your web designer and asked for a recommendation. That's when he told you, "I can do that." You had only thought of your web designer in one way. And he had not informed you of the other things he could do.
Example: Clients depend on your accounting firm to handle their taxes. But they are not aware that your firm also helps business owners prepare for the eventual sale of the business. You must remind them from time to time that you have additional expertise. When the time comes that they need your other services, you get the call.
Example: Regular diners are very happy with the healthy meals they enjoy at your small restaurant. But they forget that you also run a catering operation. When they need to prepare for that corporate meeting, they call a caterer. You've missed an opportunity because you did not remind them that you also cater events.
Reminding people of all the things that your business does should be on your to-do list. If you depend on them to remember that you can cater their get-together, then you are depending on them to do your selling for you. Not that you should get into the blatant business of selling. But a gentle mention, tucked into another conversation, can be a valuable part of keeping your customers/clients informed. And coming back.
My first business was in the graphic arts field. Then I took on partners and we expanded into printing. I found it necessary to continually remind customers that the firm could handle the job from beginning to end, from design to artwork to printing and delivery.
together with examples from small businesses.
You've done it. I've done it. It happens to everyone, all the time.
We tend to pigeon hole each other. We remember Judy as the lady who leads the meditation classes. But she also is an expert massage therapist. Who knew?
Running a business, you must guard against this. Your customers/clients tend to remember you in one category only. While everything you do might be related, it needs to be pointed out.
It's a continuing problem. You must tell, remind, inform and otherwise educate your customers/clients. If you don't, they might not think to call you when they need another service.
Example: You hired a web designer and you were pleased with the result. Then you needed someone to set you up in social media. So you called your web designer and asked for a recommendation. That's when he told you, "I can do that." You had only thought of your web designer in one way. And he had not informed you of the other things he could do.
Example: Clients depend on your accounting firm to handle their taxes. But they are not aware that your firm also helps business owners prepare for the eventual sale of the business. You must remind them from time to time that you have additional expertise. When the time comes that they need your other services, you get the call.
Example: Regular diners are very happy with the healthy meals they enjoy at your small restaurant. But they forget that you also run a catering operation. When they need to prepare for that corporate meeting, they call a caterer. You've missed an opportunity because you did not remind them that you also cater events.
Reminding people of all the things that your business does should be on your to-do list. If you depend on them to remember that you can cater their get-together, then you are depending on them to do your selling for you. Not that you should get into the blatant business of selling. But a gentle mention, tucked into another conversation, can be a valuable part of keeping your customers/clients informed. And coming back.
My first business was in the graphic arts field. Then I took on partners and we expanded into printing. I found it necessary to continually remind customers that the firm could handle the job from beginning to end, from design to artwork to printing and delivery.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Business core
Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
with examples from small businesses.
Businesses have a way of pulling you in various directions. No matter your business, you'll be tempted to head off down a side road.
More people are turning to therapy for weight reduction, so should you go off in that direction? More people are looking for healthy foods, so should you turn your cafe into a place for gluten-free and vegetarian meals?
You've created your business out of a dream. That dream is the core. Messing with that core can destroy your business. Be careful.
Example: Jennifer opened a bakery. She was inspired by the looks on children's faces when they sampled her brownies. Her baking passion caused her to expand into high-end, high-priced cakes. It was a good move. The business thrived because she took advantage of a market that was ripe for the taking. But she missed the children's faces. She kept the high-end cake part of her business, but she brought back the brownies and added cookies. One evening each week, Jennifer holds an open house. Kids are invited to sample the goodies at no charge. Their parents buy more to take home, and they remember Jennifer when there's a need for a high-end cake.
If you move completely away from your business core, you are leaving something behind. Perhaps, as in Jennifer's case, you can incorporate that previous dream into the new entity and be a better business because of it.
Example: Josh is an environmental engineer. Frequently, he gets caught up in the lengthy permitting process for a project. Getting permits in place means keeping abreast of local regulations and permits, and this saps his time and energy. He decided to put part of the process onto his clients--he required them to go for permits and deal with the local bureaucracies. This left Josh with more time to devote to his first love--environmental engineering. But clients resisted his new procedures, and he lost some work because of it. He did a U-turn and, again, as before, began offering to handle the whole project, end to end.
What saves you time might weigh heavily on your customers/clients. Changing the way you offer your goods/services can have dire consequences in the marketplace. People know what they want, and they trust you to provide it.
I am reminded of the robins that return year after year to the nest they long ago built under the eaves of my front porch. When they find something that works, birds don't change their core. I am the customer of these robins, and I look forward to their return year after year.
Your business core is who you are. The business, along with you, can change, grow, expand, and even go off in a new direction. Just be careful messing with your original dream.
with examples from small businesses.
Businesses have a way of pulling you in various directions. No matter your business, you'll be tempted to head off down a side road.
More people are turning to therapy for weight reduction, so should you go off in that direction? More people are looking for healthy foods, so should you turn your cafe into a place for gluten-free and vegetarian meals?
You've created your business out of a dream. That dream is the core. Messing with that core can destroy your business. Be careful.
Example: Jennifer opened a bakery. She was inspired by the looks on children's faces when they sampled her brownies. Her baking passion caused her to expand into high-end, high-priced cakes. It was a good move. The business thrived because she took advantage of a market that was ripe for the taking. But she missed the children's faces. She kept the high-end cake part of her business, but she brought back the brownies and added cookies. One evening each week, Jennifer holds an open house. Kids are invited to sample the goodies at no charge. Their parents buy more to take home, and they remember Jennifer when there's a need for a high-end cake.
If you move completely away from your business core, you are leaving something behind. Perhaps, as in Jennifer's case, you can incorporate that previous dream into the new entity and be a better business because of it.
Example: Josh is an environmental engineer. Frequently, he gets caught up in the lengthy permitting process for a project. Getting permits in place means keeping abreast of local regulations and permits, and this saps his time and energy. He decided to put part of the process onto his clients--he required them to go for permits and deal with the local bureaucracies. This left Josh with more time to devote to his first love--environmental engineering. But clients resisted his new procedures, and he lost some work because of it. He did a U-turn and, again, as before, began offering to handle the whole project, end to end.
What saves you time might weigh heavily on your customers/clients. Changing the way you offer your goods/services can have dire consequences in the marketplace. People know what they want, and they trust you to provide it.
I am reminded of the robins that return year after year to the nest they long ago built under the eaves of my front porch. When they find something that works, birds don't change their core. I am the customer of these robins, and I look forward to their return year after year.
Your business core is who you are. The business, along with you, can change, grow, expand, and even go off in a new direction. Just be careful messing with your original dream.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Street smarts
Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
to help you better operate your small business.
Stores and salons, coffee shops and cafes line Main Street everywhere. This is where small business lives. Gas stations, chiropractors, and garden centers--these make America work.
The media pretty much ignore Main Street. They pay attention to Wall Street where big business congregates. Every day the New York Stock Exchange closing prices are announced with gusto.
Wall Street is the world's largest casino. It's all about guessing the future and playing the odds. Who will be worth how much tomorrow, and how much should we discount that?
Meanwhile, there are upwards of 25 million small businesses in the country, and they provide most of the jobs. Main Street is all about today. Who's buying what and how much will they pay for this or that? Main Street is where the rubber meets the road in the national economy. It's where America lives.
But the elephant in the room is K Street. This is where lawyers and lobbyists have taken up residence in Washington DC. The silk suits who inhabit K Street are all about making the future happen to the liking of their special interest clients. A steady stream of big bucks flows through K Street and into the halls of the federal government. How can we influence what Congress does and how much will it cost us?
Small businesses on Main Street are left out in the cold. Yes, the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and other organizations such as the National Federation of Independent Business claim to represent Main Street. But, taken together, these two groups account for fewer than a million members.
What's a small business owner to do? Main Street faces its struggles alone. You and almost all of your small business compatriots must keep the national ship afloat--with precious little help. Wall Street and K Street are doing their own thing. And the media, having little appreciation for business and economics, post a daily menu of juicy sensationalism.
Keep on truckin' and never, never give up! You are the backbone of the nation.
Two things in the U. S. Constitution account for our economic success--private ownership of property and contract law. Even the Chinese came to recognize the value of these principles. When they put them in place back in the 1980s, look what happened.
to help you better operate your small business.
Stores and salons, coffee shops and cafes line Main Street everywhere. This is where small business lives. Gas stations, chiropractors, and garden centers--these make America work.
The media pretty much ignore Main Street. They pay attention to Wall Street where big business congregates. Every day the New York Stock Exchange closing prices are announced with gusto.
Wall Street is the world's largest casino. It's all about guessing the future and playing the odds. Who will be worth how much tomorrow, and how much should we discount that?
Meanwhile, there are upwards of 25 million small businesses in the country, and they provide most of the jobs. Main Street is all about today. Who's buying what and how much will they pay for this or that? Main Street is where the rubber meets the road in the national economy. It's where America lives.
But the elephant in the room is K Street. This is where lawyers and lobbyists have taken up residence in Washington DC. The silk suits who inhabit K Street are all about making the future happen to the liking of their special interest clients. A steady stream of big bucks flows through K Street and into the halls of the federal government. How can we influence what Congress does and how much will it cost us?
Small businesses on Main Street are left out in the cold. Yes, the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and other organizations such as the National Federation of Independent Business claim to represent Main Street. But, taken together, these two groups account for fewer than a million members.
What's a small business owner to do? Main Street faces its struggles alone. You and almost all of your small business compatriots must keep the national ship afloat--with precious little help. Wall Street and K Street are doing their own thing. And the media, having little appreciation for business and economics, post a daily menu of juicy sensationalism.
Keep on truckin' and never, never give up! You are the backbone of the nation.
Two things in the U. S. Constitution account for our economic success--private ownership of property and contract law. Even the Chinese came to recognize the value of these principles. When they put them in place back in the 1980s, look what happened.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Daily hustle
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
from actual small business experiences.
It began many years ago when I was in college. To pay my way, I always had two or three part time jobs. Classes were every day, but these were just the beginning of the schedule.
If it's Tuesday afternoon, I'm working in the library's stacks. Thursday evenings, sweep the floors of the local drugstore. Every day, find the time to edit the student newspaper and study all those organic chemistry equations.
At some point, I began keeping a written list of things to be done. It was always with me. As I thought of things, I would jot them down on my list. As the list grew, I began another list--one for today and one for tomorrow.
I came to depend on my lists. I didn't have to clutter up my thinking by remembering all the things I had to do. I simply consulted my list, checking off those things done and adding additional items as they occurred to me.
Keeping a daily list organizes you. It frees up your thinking so you can concentrate on other things--like being creative, dreaming, planning, thinking through ideas. The daily grind is kept in strict perspective because it's on the list. Meeting schedules becomes a breeze.
Joining Corporate America after college, my daily list grew. It included items with a star beside some of them. These were the things important to the boss. They took priority over the others on the list. My desk was a mess, but my list organized me.
When I left Corporate America and set up my own business, that's when the list came to full maturity. Follow up with my last customer. Meet the banker. Update insurance coverage. Do some tax planning with my accountant. Order supplies. Interview a prospective employee. Take out the trash.
My daily list became a weekly list. A small business has many more things to be accomplished. Attend a networker on Wednesday. Meet a new client Friday for breakfast. Call three new suppliers and home in on one to deal with.
In business, the list becomes a record--the date you bought that new car, the date you applied for the loan, the date you looked at new space and signed the lease, the date you first talked with that new prospect. All these dates exist in papers you've collected, but your list pulls everything together in one place. These days you can maintain a list on that latest electronic device you carry around with you.
Retired now, I still do a daily list. Out of habit, I still do it on paper--I don't have to worry about a virus wiping everything out or a power breakdown. It is a useful habit, and I recommend it. Critical things to do today get done and checked off. I look at the list two or three times a day to make sure I'm on track. New items are added as they occur to me.
No matter how you do it, get the crap out of your head and onto a list. You'll then have more time to think about the important stuff. Free up some brain cells to dream about next year instead of increasing your stress trying to remember what has to be done today.
A daily list is a good way to collect information you'll need for your business plan. No mistake about it, you'll need a business plan--not just to support a loan request, but for the growth of your business.
from actual small business experiences.
It began many years ago when I was in college. To pay my way, I always had two or three part time jobs. Classes were every day, but these were just the beginning of the schedule.
If it's Tuesday afternoon, I'm working in the library's stacks. Thursday evenings, sweep the floors of the local drugstore. Every day, find the time to edit the student newspaper and study all those organic chemistry equations.
At some point, I began keeping a written list of things to be done. It was always with me. As I thought of things, I would jot them down on my list. As the list grew, I began another list--one for today and one for tomorrow.
I came to depend on my lists. I didn't have to clutter up my thinking by remembering all the things I had to do. I simply consulted my list, checking off those things done and adding additional items as they occurred to me.
Keeping a daily list organizes you. It frees up your thinking so you can concentrate on other things--like being creative, dreaming, planning, thinking through ideas. The daily grind is kept in strict perspective because it's on the list. Meeting schedules becomes a breeze.
Joining Corporate America after college, my daily list grew. It included items with a star beside some of them. These were the things important to the boss. They took priority over the others on the list. My desk was a mess, but my list organized me.
When I left Corporate America and set up my own business, that's when the list came to full maturity. Follow up with my last customer. Meet the banker. Update insurance coverage. Do some tax planning with my accountant. Order supplies. Interview a prospective employee. Take out the trash.
My daily list became a weekly list. A small business has many more things to be accomplished. Attend a networker on Wednesday. Meet a new client Friday for breakfast. Call three new suppliers and home in on one to deal with.
In business, the list becomes a record--the date you bought that new car, the date you applied for the loan, the date you looked at new space and signed the lease, the date you first talked with that new prospect. All these dates exist in papers you've collected, but your list pulls everything together in one place. These days you can maintain a list on that latest electronic device you carry around with you.
Retired now, I still do a daily list. Out of habit, I still do it on paper--I don't have to worry about a virus wiping everything out or a power breakdown. It is a useful habit, and I recommend it. Critical things to do today get done and checked off. I look at the list two or three times a day to make sure I'm on track. New items are added as they occur to me.
No matter how you do it, get the crap out of your head and onto a list. You'll then have more time to think about the important stuff. Free up some brain cells to dream about next year instead of increasing your stress trying to remember what has to be done today.
A daily list is a good way to collect information you'll need for your business plan. No mistake about it, you'll need a business plan--not just to support a loan request, but for the growth of your business.
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