Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
The pet industry in America has been exploding for years. The trend is driven by more people having more pets.
It's not just dogs and cats, although they represent the main thrust. It's also pocket pets (hampsters, mice, etc.) as well as reptiles, insects, birds, fish and other aquatic species, and more.
People will spend as much on their pets as they will on themselves--sometimes more. Traditional veterinarians still treat injuries and maladies of dogs, cats, farm animals, and more in their offices. And some make house calls, and others, of course, make farm calls.
What's happening is enlightening. More and more holistic practitioners are offering their services. This segment is exploding the field again.
Example: June was a traditional vet. She treated dogs and cats in her offices. Today, she has become certified in acupuncture for animals. Many of her pet patients are helped with acupuncture procedures.
Example: Takisha used to treat only humans with Reiki and massage. She expanded her practice by becoming certified in canine massage. Today, she treats not only her human clients, but their dogs as well.
Example: Alan is a physical therapist specializing in rehabilitative procedures to help people recover from surgery, injuries, and problems experienced by the elderly. He expanded his practice by educating himself in the anatomy of dogs. Today, he still treats humans and also their canine friends that need physical therapy.
Example: Leeza specialized in equine chiropractic. She kept the horses in tip top shape with her therapies. She decided to extend her practice to include dogs and cats. This rounded out her practice by seeing more animals than just horses.
The marketplace has expanded for both veterinarians and holistic practitioners. And it shows no sign of slowing.
If you are either a vet or a specialist in any of the holistic practices, consider expanding in a direction you might not have considered.
No matter your business, keep a keen eye on the marketplace. It's always changing. And it can lead your small business in another direction.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Solving daily grind
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Running a business is hard work. No doubt about that.
Everything is on your shoulders. Little things, big things. You solve one problem and two more pop up. And all those bills are due next week.
Example: In my own experience starting and running businesses, it has been extremely useful to keep a daily list. Big problems, small problems, appointments, things that needed attention. My list was handwritten and always in my pocket--no fancy electronics. The list organizes my time on an hour by hour basis. It prioritizes daily activities. I found my handwritten list much harder to ignore than an electronic calendar--no batteries, no distractions, no time lost. My list keeps me on point solving problems--quickly and efficiently. Even today, in spite of all the usefulness of technology, I still use my handwritten list and recommend it to others.
Example: Julie provides massage services to a growing list of clients, including pregnant women and patients recovering from surgeries. Out of left field, she got an opportunity to respond to a request for a free press release describing her services. She entered the deadline on her electronic calendar so she would not miss the deadline. Days later, she had a software problem. By the time she got everything working again, the deadline for the free press release had passed. The opportunity for free publicity was gone.
Example: Bill operates a landscaping service. He keeps his cell phone with him at all times. But, sometimes, he's busily mulching a yard and lets calls go to voice mail. He will not ever let that happen again--he missed the call from a new corporate client and by the time he listened to the voice mail, the client had made other arrangements.
Small businesses operate in today's technological world. It's good to take advantage of all the help that tablets and iphones can be. But they are only helpmates, not the business you are running.
Keep your perspective. Your business focus is diluted when you get involved in the problems that technology brings to the table.
For all the help that today's electronic marvels can be, my solution--and ultimate backup--is still my handwritten daily list. It has never failed me.
to help you better manage your small business.
Running a business is hard work. No doubt about that.
Everything is on your shoulders. Little things, big things. You solve one problem and two more pop up. And all those bills are due next week.
Example: In my own experience starting and running businesses, it has been extremely useful to keep a daily list. Big problems, small problems, appointments, things that needed attention. My list was handwritten and always in my pocket--no fancy electronics. The list organizes my time on an hour by hour basis. It prioritizes daily activities. I found my handwritten list much harder to ignore than an electronic calendar--no batteries, no distractions, no time lost. My list keeps me on point solving problems--quickly and efficiently. Even today, in spite of all the usefulness of technology, I still use my handwritten list and recommend it to others.
Example: Julie provides massage services to a growing list of clients, including pregnant women and patients recovering from surgeries. Out of left field, she got an opportunity to respond to a request for a free press release describing her services. She entered the deadline on her electronic calendar so she would not miss the deadline. Days later, she had a software problem. By the time she got everything working again, the deadline for the free press release had passed. The opportunity for free publicity was gone.
Example: Bill operates a landscaping service. He keeps his cell phone with him at all times. But, sometimes, he's busily mulching a yard and lets calls go to voice mail. He will not ever let that happen again--he missed the call from a new corporate client and by the time he listened to the voice mail, the client had made other arrangements.
Small businesses operate in today's technological world. It's good to take advantage of all the help that tablets and iphones can be. But they are only helpmates, not the business you are running.
Keep your perspective. Your business focus is diluted when you get involved in the problems that technology brings to the table.
For all the help that today's electronic marvels can be, my solution--and ultimate backup--is still my handwritten daily list. It has never failed me.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Sifting through advice
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
When you run a business, everyone offers advice. It seems to come whether or not you ask for it.
Friends, relatives, acquaintances--all of them feel compelled to tell you how to run your business, how to tackle problems, how to improve.
Unsolicited advice is usually so much background noise. Listen to all of it, however, and discard most of it.
Example: Ana runs a frame shop. Most of her clients are companies, professional offices, galleries, artists and individuals. A big order came from a new clinic, and Ana scrambled to meet the deadline for the grand opening. When they didn't pay the sizable bill for several months, Ana mentioned the problem to a lawyer friend. He suggested sending the clinic a collection letter. Ana thought that too strong--it might jeopardize future business. Instead, she simply visited the clinic, engaged the administrator in a friendly conversation about future assignments. When she mentioned that the old bill had not been paid, she got immediate action. Today, she does continuing work for the clinic.
Relationships with your customers are important. Two martini lunches might have their place, but a friendly conversation with a client can be much more meaningful. Letters from lawyers can put a wall between you and your client.
Example: Ellen is an artist who makes jewelry. She has a website and sells to a growing list of repeat customers. When a friend asked Ellen why she could not find Ellen's jewelry on Facebook, she considered the idea. Today, Ellen posts pictures regularly on Facebook and has a wider circle of repeat customers.
Good ideas can come at you from any direction. While many suggestions don't quite hit the nail on the head, some can. Always listen and evaluate, and, if it makes sense, act accordingly.
To evaluate advice, test it against the marketplace. That's your first line of defense. If it seems to work in the marketplace, it's worth a try.
to help you better manage your small business.
When you run a business, everyone offers advice. It seems to come whether or not you ask for it.
Friends, relatives, acquaintances--all of them feel compelled to tell you how to run your business, how to tackle problems, how to improve.
Unsolicited advice is usually so much background noise. Listen to all of it, however, and discard most of it.
Example: Ana runs a frame shop. Most of her clients are companies, professional offices, galleries, artists and individuals. A big order came from a new clinic, and Ana scrambled to meet the deadline for the grand opening. When they didn't pay the sizable bill for several months, Ana mentioned the problem to a lawyer friend. He suggested sending the clinic a collection letter. Ana thought that too strong--it might jeopardize future business. Instead, she simply visited the clinic, engaged the administrator in a friendly conversation about future assignments. When she mentioned that the old bill had not been paid, she got immediate action. Today, she does continuing work for the clinic.
Relationships with your customers are important. Two martini lunches might have their place, but a friendly conversation with a client can be much more meaningful. Letters from lawyers can put a wall between you and your client.
Example: Ellen is an artist who makes jewelry. She has a website and sells to a growing list of repeat customers. When a friend asked Ellen why she could not find Ellen's jewelry on Facebook, she considered the idea. Today, Ellen posts pictures regularly on Facebook and has a wider circle of repeat customers.
Good ideas can come at you from any direction. While many suggestions don't quite hit the nail on the head, some can. Always listen and evaluate, and, if it makes sense, act accordingly.
To evaluate advice, test it against the marketplace. That's your first line of defense. If it seems to work in the marketplace, it's worth a try.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Business decisions
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Never fear making a decision. Good or bad, you will learn something.
Everyone makes decisions everyday. Most are small with few consequences. These are throwaway decisions. They are part of living.
Big decisions, however, require careful thinking, planning and execution. Big decisions have big time consequences. Especially in your small business.
Example: Antwan started his business delivering packages. He delivered pizzas, auto parts, and other items to local people and businesses. Lots of competition taught him to be lean and mean--he didn't worry about UPS or Fedex. His dreams were bigger. He thought he saw a market for quick local deliveries--not only in his town, but others as well. He hired an employee to make deliveries in an adjacent town. His margins were very tight, but it worked. Then, the unexpected happened. The employee he had hired quit suddenly and Antwan scrambled to find a replacement. In his search, he talked with a lady who was interested. But she wanted to have a business of her own. The idea really came from her, but he set her up on a path to own a franchise. It took many decisions and time and hard work to get it to happen, but today Antwan has franchised his local delivery service and expanded into several towns. The basic idea is the same--local same day deliveries. But the overall business has grown into an operation much larger because of a critical business decision. Today, Antwan sells franchises to people who want to have a little business of their own. He no longer does the delivering himself.
Sometimes you are forced into decisions. To realize an ultimate dream for your business can take an avenue different from the original plan for your business.
Your own business forces you to make decisions. You are at the leading edge of the marketplace which is constantly changing. And, ultimately, it's the marketplace that puts you in a corner.
When you decide to change the direction of your small business, do that business plan. That planning is where you meet the marketplace.
to help you better manage your small business.
Never fear making a decision. Good or bad, you will learn something.
Everyone makes decisions everyday. Most are small with few consequences. These are throwaway decisions. They are part of living.
Big decisions, however, require careful thinking, planning and execution. Big decisions have big time consequences. Especially in your small business.
Example: Antwan started his business delivering packages. He delivered pizzas, auto parts, and other items to local people and businesses. Lots of competition taught him to be lean and mean--he didn't worry about UPS or Fedex. His dreams were bigger. He thought he saw a market for quick local deliveries--not only in his town, but others as well. He hired an employee to make deliveries in an adjacent town. His margins were very tight, but it worked. Then, the unexpected happened. The employee he had hired quit suddenly and Antwan scrambled to find a replacement. In his search, he talked with a lady who was interested. But she wanted to have a business of her own. The idea really came from her, but he set her up on a path to own a franchise. It took many decisions and time and hard work to get it to happen, but today Antwan has franchised his local delivery service and expanded into several towns. The basic idea is the same--local same day deliveries. But the overall business has grown into an operation much larger because of a critical business decision. Today, Antwan sells franchises to people who want to have a little business of their own. He no longer does the delivering himself.
Sometimes you are forced into decisions. To realize an ultimate dream for your business can take an avenue different from the original plan for your business.
Your own business forces you to make decisions. You are at the leading edge of the marketplace which is constantly changing. And, ultimately, it's the marketplace that puts you in a corner.
When you decide to change the direction of your small business, do that business plan. That planning is where you meet the marketplace.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Getting the word out
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
So, what's the best way to get the word out and promote your small business? What methods work best?
Many avenues are available to you--social media, websites, direct mail, print, radio, television, and Internet advertising.
To figure out what avenue is best for you, look to the future market for your goods and services.
Social media is the new kid on the block. Think Facebook, Twitter, LInkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram--the list is long and confusing.
Websites provide a business with an anchor. Keep your website simple and easy to navigate with information viewers deem critical.
Direct mail can be a post card resembling Facebook. Among all the forms of print advertising, the simple post card most closely resembles social media in effectiveness.
Print, radio, television and Internet advertising might work for your business. Or they might not--they can be costly.
The key to sorting through all these possibilities can be daunting. To figure it out, keep your eye firmly focused on the marketplace you serve.
Example: Jen's business is counseling clients on nutrition and lifestyle. She helps clients with weight, health, and lifestyle. She struggled to get her business off the ground and to the next level, tried many things.
She had a website and she placed ads in local media and sent out news releases. The results were poor. When Jen looked at her target market, one thing seemed to pop out--weight. Weight was a problem on several levels with many people. She began to post before-and-after photos on Facebook and had post cards printed showing similar photos. This double-pronged approach worked well and was inexpensive. The Facebook photos got passed around, and more people began to call. The post cards included a discount--they got passed around also and they had a longer life out there in the marketplace. Jen's business increased.
Only you can decide on the best way for you to get the word out. Whatever you decide, the methods you use must be in sync with the marketplace.
You have lots of options today. But, remember that the marketplace is in constant flux. To get the word out effectively, use the methods that work for you and the market you serve.
In business, the marketplace rules. You are the supplier of goods and services. Always study the market to home in on what works best for you.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Client inputs
Free daily tips, information, advice, and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Clients and customers tell you what they want. These conversations can be a gold mine of new ideas for your business.
Example: Jake is an herbalist. In a conversation with a local farmer who supplies fresh herbs and veggies to chefs, Jake learned that a big problem on the farm was purslane. The plants seemed to pop up everywhere, and the farmer was spending an inordinate amount of time weeding out the purslane. Jake suggested that the purslane might be an extra crop to be exploited. The farmer might offer the fresh purslane to his chef clients. Suddenly, both the farmer and the chefs have a new ingredient for omelets, salads and side dishes. And the farmer is calling Jake more frequently.
Example: Eve runs a restaurant. It's a popular lunch destination for corporate workers in the area. One of her customers asked Eve if she might be planning to get app for the restaurant. Eve said she would investigate. Today, Eve's restaurant has an app. Customers can check out the daily specials and order ahead--their lunch will be ready for them when they arrive.
Example: John is a chiropractor. One of his clients asked him to recommend a nutritionist--this lady wanted help getting in better shape. Today, John has arranged with a certified nutritionist to be on hand every Friday to talk about nutrition, make recommendations and hand out information. He announces the sessions on social media every week. These sessions are bringing new clients to John's chiropractic practice. He is considering making a more permanent arrangement with the nutritionist.
Example: Eric is an attorney with a private practice. While working with a client on a business problem, the client asked how to handle a simple traffic ticket. This led Eric to think about how to use this to bring in new clients. Today, Eric offers a series of informational brochures on common problems--how to react to a lawsuit, simple traffic problems, different ways to organize a business, what to do when you get a subpoena, and more. No legal advice is offered, just information. He has these brochures displayed in his office and on his website and on social media. They enhance Eric's reputation and bring in new clients.
It's the marketplace in action. Put your ear to the ground. Listen to your clients and customers. They can point the way to a better future.
If your clients are not talkative, engage them in conversation. Talk with them. Ask questions. Listen.
to help you better manage your small business.
Clients and customers tell you what they want. These conversations can be a gold mine of new ideas for your business.
Example: Jake is an herbalist. In a conversation with a local farmer who supplies fresh herbs and veggies to chefs, Jake learned that a big problem on the farm was purslane. The plants seemed to pop up everywhere, and the farmer was spending an inordinate amount of time weeding out the purslane. Jake suggested that the purslane might be an extra crop to be exploited. The farmer might offer the fresh purslane to his chef clients. Suddenly, both the farmer and the chefs have a new ingredient for omelets, salads and side dishes. And the farmer is calling Jake more frequently.
Example: Eve runs a restaurant. It's a popular lunch destination for corporate workers in the area. One of her customers asked Eve if she might be planning to get app for the restaurant. Eve said she would investigate. Today, Eve's restaurant has an app. Customers can check out the daily specials and order ahead--their lunch will be ready for them when they arrive.
Example: John is a chiropractor. One of his clients asked him to recommend a nutritionist--this lady wanted help getting in better shape. Today, John has arranged with a certified nutritionist to be on hand every Friday to talk about nutrition, make recommendations and hand out information. He announces the sessions on social media every week. These sessions are bringing new clients to John's chiropractic practice. He is considering making a more permanent arrangement with the nutritionist.
Example: Eric is an attorney with a private practice. While working with a client on a business problem, the client asked how to handle a simple traffic ticket. This led Eric to think about how to use this to bring in new clients. Today, Eric offers a series of informational brochures on common problems--how to react to a lawsuit, simple traffic problems, different ways to organize a business, what to do when you get a subpoena, and more. No legal advice is offered, just information. He has these brochures displayed in his office and on his website and on social media. They enhance Eric's reputation and bring in new clients.
It's the marketplace in action. Put your ear to the ground. Listen to your clients and customers. They can point the way to a better future.
If your clients are not talkative, engage them in conversation. Talk with them. Ask questions. Listen.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Complaints resolved
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
You get complaints when you're in business. Complaints are part of the territory. They come in many colorful ways, but all are useful in helping you improve your operation.
Example: Gina runs a hair salon. When a new customer posted negative comments on Facebook, Gina responded in a professional way. She posted positive comments of her own, keeping the focus on every customer's concerns. She offered a free do-over for the lady who complained, turning the complaint into good vibes for the operation.
Example: Mary is an artist who makes mosaics using Venetian glass. She has a small studio where the public is welcomed. And she has a website and a Facebook presence. Her telephone number is published, and she gets calls. Sometimes, however, she is busy creating and lets the ringing telephone go to voice mail. While she tries to return calls promptly, sometimes she lets them go into the next day. One woman called every 15 minutes for two hours and left a telling message. "If you cannot pick up the phone, I assume you're out of business." That was it. When Mary tried to call back and explain, the woman hung up on her. These days, Mary has her phone on speaker beside her as she works.
Example: Karl is a massage therapist. A first-time client complained at the end of the session that she had been bruised. While nothing was apparent on the woman's skin, she insisted that it was a deep bruise and wouldn't show. Karl offered a double solution--he would waive the charge for this session and he gave her a gift certificate for a future session. He thought that this was what she was angling for all along. It satisfied her and today she is a regular client.
Example: Jill runs a breakfast cafe. One customer complained about the meal, although he had eaten everything--the eggs were runny, the coffee was cold, the orange juice watery. Jill wiped out the charge and apologized to the man. When he left, she immediately looked into the situation. She found that the cook was rushing things too much and the waitress was overworked. Jill used the customer's complaint to re-organize and hire a part-timer to absorb some of the work.
Whatever the complaint, it is an opportunity to consider improving your own operation. Of course, sometimes, people complain because that's who they are. Know the difference, and act accordingly.
Complaints represent useful curves in the road ahead. Use them to continually adjust to the changing marketplace.
to help you better manage your small business.
You get complaints when you're in business. Complaints are part of the territory. They come in many colorful ways, but all are useful in helping you improve your operation.
Example: Gina runs a hair salon. When a new customer posted negative comments on Facebook, Gina responded in a professional way. She posted positive comments of her own, keeping the focus on every customer's concerns. She offered a free do-over for the lady who complained, turning the complaint into good vibes for the operation.
Example: Mary is an artist who makes mosaics using Venetian glass. She has a small studio where the public is welcomed. And she has a website and a Facebook presence. Her telephone number is published, and she gets calls. Sometimes, however, she is busy creating and lets the ringing telephone go to voice mail. While she tries to return calls promptly, sometimes she lets them go into the next day. One woman called every 15 minutes for two hours and left a telling message. "If you cannot pick up the phone, I assume you're out of business." That was it. When Mary tried to call back and explain, the woman hung up on her. These days, Mary has her phone on speaker beside her as she works.
Example: Karl is a massage therapist. A first-time client complained at the end of the session that she had been bruised. While nothing was apparent on the woman's skin, she insisted that it was a deep bruise and wouldn't show. Karl offered a double solution--he would waive the charge for this session and he gave her a gift certificate for a future session. He thought that this was what she was angling for all along. It satisfied her and today she is a regular client.
Example: Jill runs a breakfast cafe. One customer complained about the meal, although he had eaten everything--the eggs were runny, the coffee was cold, the orange juice watery. Jill wiped out the charge and apologized to the man. When he left, she immediately looked into the situation. She found that the cook was rushing things too much and the waitress was overworked. Jill used the customer's complaint to re-organize and hire a part-timer to absorb some of the work.
Whatever the complaint, it is an opportunity to consider improving your own operation. Of course, sometimes, people complain because that's who they are. Know the difference, and act accordingly.
Complaints represent useful curves in the road ahead. Use them to continually adjust to the changing marketplace.
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