Free daily tips, information, advice, ideas, with business examples
from my lifetime of personal experiences starting, operating, growing businesses.
Expanding? Need space for that new business? Moving it out of the house?
You have three choices--lease the space you need, share a space with another business, or you can buy a building.
Example: Rita was excited. She was about to realize her dream of establishing her own retail shop. She found the perfect storefront in an upscale small town. The landlord asked a reasonable price, but he wanted a one-year lease. This raised a red flag in Rita's mind. On the one hand, if her store didn't do well, she would be out of the lease in 12 months. On the other hand, if all went well, she would be in a bad position to negotiate a continuing lease. The landlord could insist on doubling the rent, knowing she would not want to move. Or perhaps he had other plans for the building and was simply looking for rental income for one year. Rita held her ground--she told him she wanted a 5-year lease or she would look elsewhere. Her persistence paid off. The landlord counter-offered and they settled on a 3-year lease at a slightly higher rent.
Example: John is a furniture designer. He could not afford a storefront on his own, so he went looking for a another type of space. He found a gift shop that catered to buyers of works produced by up-and-coming artists and artisans. He made arrangements to display his chairs and tables on a consignment basis. Also, he uses Facebook and Etsy to reach out to buyers.
Example: Diane is a personal trainer. She sees clients in their homes, and she sees employees in company fitness centers. She is building up a following with an eye to the day when she can open her own facility. Her plans don't stop there. She would like to expand eventually into a full wellness center, offering space to nutritionists, Reiki practitioners, massage specialists, and other holistic experts. With her goal firmly in place, her business plan writes itself.
Example: Elise is a ceramicist. She used a part of her inheritance to buy a small building. There, she established her working studio and display shop. She is supplementing her income by teaching small classes along with individual instruction. She is set up so that the business pays her back with a monthly rental income, thereby recouping over time the money she spent buying the building.
Finding the space you need for your business can be daunting. Opportunities can vary.
Explore all the possibilities and work each one through your overall business plan. Make certain that the arrangement you make matches your long term goal.
Elsewhere in these write-ups, you'll find other entries on finding and leasing space. It's just another part of managing your business. Many will tell you that in today's computerized world, you don't need a space. Well, you must do your work somewhere, even if it's done at home.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Partnering with others
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, with business examples
from a lifetime of personal experiences---been there, done that.
Small businesses can extend the reach out into the community by partnering with other businesses. It can be as simple as joining together to hold an open house.
Example: A chiropractor partners with a nutritional expert. They announce an open house. Emails go out, phone calls are made, a news release is sent, and the event is posted on Facebook. The big day arrives and people hungry for information show up. The chiropractor and the nutritionist talk about what they do and answer questions. The session results in additional clients for each of them.
Example: A potter partners with a florist and they put together a workshop. Attendees can learn hands-on how to throw a pot on the potter's wheel and learn how to make flower arrangements and take care of house plants. The workshop attracts many more people than either could do alone. Several new customers result, and the subsequent Facebook pictures attract even more attention.
Example: A small independent book store partners with an ice cream shop. Book signings and readings (adults and children) are held while attendees enjoy a free scoop. The sessions bring new people to each operation--particularly when pictures later show up on Facebook.
Example: A computer expert partners with a local cafe. Everyone has questions about computer problems, and everyone has to eat.
Events create excitement in the community. The word goes around on Facebook and other social media. When two businesses get together to hold an event, more people are introduced to each of them.
Success depends on getting the word out ahead of time.
More partnership possibilities are to be found in other write-ups in this series. If you know of others, send me an email. Put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Send to AlWarr16@gmail.com. No names, please.
from a lifetime of personal experiences---been there, done that.
Small businesses can extend the reach out into the community by partnering with other businesses. It can be as simple as joining together to hold an open house.
Example: A chiropractor partners with a nutritional expert. They announce an open house. Emails go out, phone calls are made, a news release is sent, and the event is posted on Facebook. The big day arrives and people hungry for information show up. The chiropractor and the nutritionist talk about what they do and answer questions. The session results in additional clients for each of them.
Example: A potter partners with a florist and they put together a workshop. Attendees can learn hands-on how to throw a pot on the potter's wheel and learn how to make flower arrangements and take care of house plants. The workshop attracts many more people than either could do alone. Several new customers result, and the subsequent Facebook pictures attract even more attention.
Example: A small independent book store partners with an ice cream shop. Book signings and readings (adults and children) are held while attendees enjoy a free scoop. The sessions bring new people to each operation--particularly when pictures later show up on Facebook.
Example: A computer expert partners with a local cafe. Everyone has questions about computer problems, and everyone has to eat.
Events create excitement in the community. The word goes around on Facebook and other social media. When two businesses get together to hold an event, more people are introduced to each of them.
Success depends on getting the word out ahead of time.
More partnership possibilities are to be found in other write-ups in this series. If you know of others, send me an email. Put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Send to AlWarr16@gmail.com. No names, please.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Engaging customers
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, with business examples
drawn from personal experiences starting, operating, and growing.
Customers who come to your retail place of business can be a gold mine. But only if you show them that yours is the best place to spend their time and money.
Today, customers can buy by pressing the "Place Order" key. They can do it on the run. Coming to visit your bricks-and-mortar shop can be an inconvenience--so it's up to you to make it worth their while. And bring them back again.
Being offered tea and biscotti is the least customers expect these days. They want information. They want to be entertained. They want answers. It's all about them.
Being totally focused on making the sale in front of you is risky. You lose the opportunity to learn what else the customer is interested in. And you might be risking losing the customer entirely, along with all their "likes" on Facebook.
Taking an interest in your customer helps establish and enhance the relationship. Dig deeper in conversations, expanding beyond the subject at hand. It will pay off in the future.
Example: A hand painted silk scarf catches the eye of a browsing customer in your shop. She asks about it, and you describe the artist who does the painting. You show how the colors can be arranged in puffs and folds so that the scarf is very versatile--it can enhance any number of different outfits. The customers buys not only the scarf, but she orders two suits as well.
This example, simple and certainly not original, can be used in other businesses.
Example: A customer likes a recliner at a furniture store. It's common to engage the customer in a conversation about a matching sofa. But a conversation that leads into room layouts and design can open new possibilities. Put computer layouts to work. It elevates the relationship to a new level, and that can bring an otherwise one-time shopper back and back again.
Expanding the conversation can work in service types of businesses as well as retail.
Example: An accountant sees clients only at tax time. Take it to the next level. Invite several of them to attend a special session where you'll educate them on the latest tax rules and regs. You'll answer all their questions, serve coffee, and demonstrate new software for handling accounts. You become the go-to place for expert information, and your clients refer others to you.
Turn customer contacts into fun experiences, educational sessions, and a go-to place for information. The idea is to position your operation at the forefront of your customer's mind. Engage your customers and they will come back again and again, bringing others with them.
Other ways to enhance and grow your customer base are scattered throughout these write-ups. Put your creativity to work and come up with additional ways to engage the customer.
drawn from personal experiences starting, operating, and growing.
Customers who come to your retail place of business can be a gold mine. But only if you show them that yours is the best place to spend their time and money.
Today, customers can buy by pressing the "Place Order" key. They can do it on the run. Coming to visit your bricks-and-mortar shop can be an inconvenience--so it's up to you to make it worth their while. And bring them back again.
Being offered tea and biscotti is the least customers expect these days. They want information. They want to be entertained. They want answers. It's all about them.
Being totally focused on making the sale in front of you is risky. You lose the opportunity to learn what else the customer is interested in. And you might be risking losing the customer entirely, along with all their "likes" on Facebook.
Taking an interest in your customer helps establish and enhance the relationship. Dig deeper in conversations, expanding beyond the subject at hand. It will pay off in the future.
Example: A hand painted silk scarf catches the eye of a browsing customer in your shop. She asks about it, and you describe the artist who does the painting. You show how the colors can be arranged in puffs and folds so that the scarf is very versatile--it can enhance any number of different outfits. The customers buys not only the scarf, but she orders two suits as well.
This example, simple and certainly not original, can be used in other businesses.
Example: A customer likes a recliner at a furniture store. It's common to engage the customer in a conversation about a matching sofa. But a conversation that leads into room layouts and design can open new possibilities. Put computer layouts to work. It elevates the relationship to a new level, and that can bring an otherwise one-time shopper back and back again.
Expanding the conversation can work in service types of businesses as well as retail.
Example: An accountant sees clients only at tax time. Take it to the next level. Invite several of them to attend a special session where you'll educate them on the latest tax rules and regs. You'll answer all their questions, serve coffee, and demonstrate new software for handling accounts. You become the go-to place for expert information, and your clients refer others to you.
Turn customer contacts into fun experiences, educational sessions, and a go-to place for information. The idea is to position your operation at the forefront of your customer's mind. Engage your customers and they will come back again and again, bringing others with them.
Other ways to enhance and grow your customer base are scattered throughout these write-ups. Put your creativity to work and come up with additional ways to engage the customer.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Facebook etc.
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, with business examples
from a lifetime of experience starting, operating and growing businesses.
Getting the word out is always a problem. Keeping it out there floating around your area of influence is another problem.
People in small business have wrestled with this problem since the beginning of time. And they have spent many dollars trying to advertise--who they are and what they do.
Facebook came along with a solution to this advertising problem. Along with other social media, Facebook is quick, easy, effective--and free!
If you are just starting up, don't be intimidated. Log onto Facebook.com, follow some very simple instructions and you're suddenly out there in the big new world of connectivity. If you're still intimidated, simply ask any teenager for help.
Example: A small women's clothing store uses Facebook to stay in touch. Upcoming sales are posted with pictures. Coupons are posted with pictures. An upcoming open house is posted with pictures.
Example: A massage therapist posts pictures on Facebook showing people (no faces) getting all sorts of treatments--just hands working on bodies. The comments are about relieving muscle aches and pains, relieving stress, relaxing--and extending an invitation to get a free introductory session.
Example: A garden center announces a half-day free hands-on session on Facebook showing homeowners and professionals how to build a patio, a fire pit, a brick wall. The pictures show hands only hard at work with pavers and bricks.
Example: A law firm uses Facebook to announce upcoming free sessions on elder care, social security concerns, and how to deal with all those speeding tickets. Releases are always obtained from people whose faces are shown in the pictures.
Example: A consignment shop reaches out to Facebook friends, showing new items arriving at the bricks and mortar store. Pictures of jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles and furniture attract attention and bring new customers to the shop.
Facebook and other social media can work for any small business. Some will work better than others. But you don't know until you try. Run with what works.
The icing on this cake is that Facebook reaches out to your friends and customers, and then they pass the word on to their friends. Your posting on Facebook can start the ball rolling.
The key is the picture. People in small business should be snapping pictures every day. Upload them to Facebook with a brief comment and you're done. Pictures do not have to be professionally done. These are quick snapshots to promote--they don't have to be gallery-grade.
Get in on the revolution. Use Facebook and other social media to get the word out--at least two or three times each week. Today, it's a fast-moving world.
from a lifetime of experience starting, operating and growing businesses.
Getting the word out is always a problem. Keeping it out there floating around your area of influence is another problem.
People in small business have wrestled with this problem since the beginning of time. And they have spent many dollars trying to advertise--who they are and what they do.
Facebook came along with a solution to this advertising problem. Along with other social media, Facebook is quick, easy, effective--and free!
If you are just starting up, don't be intimidated. Log onto Facebook.com, follow some very simple instructions and you're suddenly out there in the big new world of connectivity. If you're still intimidated, simply ask any teenager for help.
Example: A small women's clothing store uses Facebook to stay in touch. Upcoming sales are posted with pictures. Coupons are posted with pictures. An upcoming open house is posted with pictures.
Example: A massage therapist posts pictures on Facebook showing people (no faces) getting all sorts of treatments--just hands working on bodies. The comments are about relieving muscle aches and pains, relieving stress, relaxing--and extending an invitation to get a free introductory session.
Example: A garden center announces a half-day free hands-on session on Facebook showing homeowners and professionals how to build a patio, a fire pit, a brick wall. The pictures show hands only hard at work with pavers and bricks.
Example: A law firm uses Facebook to announce upcoming free sessions on elder care, social security concerns, and how to deal with all those speeding tickets. Releases are always obtained from people whose faces are shown in the pictures.
Example: A consignment shop reaches out to Facebook friends, showing new items arriving at the bricks and mortar store. Pictures of jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles and furniture attract attention and bring new customers to the shop.
Facebook and other social media can work for any small business. Some will work better than others. But you don't know until you try. Run with what works.
The icing on this cake is that Facebook reaches out to your friends and customers, and then they pass the word on to their friends. Your posting on Facebook can start the ball rolling.
The key is the picture. People in small business should be snapping pictures every day. Upload them to Facebook with a brief comment and you're done. Pictures do not have to be professionally done. These are quick snapshots to promote--they don't have to be gallery-grade.
Get in on the revolution. Use Facebook and other social media to get the word out--at least two or three times each week. Today, it's a fast-moving world.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Getting beyond today
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, plus business examples
from a lifetime of experience in business.
Problems are common in every small business. No matter who you are, no matter what your business, there are problems.
Accountants and attorneys understand numbers and legal matters. But who among them has walked in the shoes of their clients?
They have. They run businesses, too.
Different small businesses are different. But they have much in common. Owners must worry about finding new clients, promoting the business, staying on top of developments in their field, managing on-going operations, dealing with the effects of technology, and running faster--just to stay in the same place.
Facing all the problems in small business requires a certain attitude. In my experience, that attitude has three components.
Keep the focus. Day to day activities can eat up every hour of your time. When you are overwhelmed, your decisions might not be your best. Get a clear idea of who you are and what you are doing. Clear goals will get you where you want to go. They can change, but that is no reason not to have them.
Plan ahead. Markets and customers change. In business you're sailing your ship on a vast ocean. Planning ahead helps you weather storms. Your business plan is your guide--whether you write it down or keep it churning in your head. I've found it useful to jot down ideas as they occur to me, throw these notes into a cigar box, and every couple of months go through the notes. Some of the ideas are good, others not. But this activity helps you keep perspective and helps in finding your unique path into your future.
Never give up. Giving up is the easy way out of problems. Throw up your hands, and it all goes away. But that's not who you are. You thrive on creative solutions to problems. You must go on--deep down it's you. Giving up is not a part of your attitude. Today's storm will pass, and the sun will come out tomorrow. Keep faith in yourself and in doing what you're doing. Find the way ahead.
Running a race is never easy. If it were, everyone would be running. And in today's politically correct society, everyone would be a winner. Nice sentiment, but it ain't true. Each of us is different, and each of us finds a unique way ahead. It's part of being human.
from a lifetime of experience in business.
Problems are common in every small business. No matter who you are, no matter what your business, there are problems.
Accountants and attorneys understand numbers and legal matters. But who among them has walked in the shoes of their clients?
They have. They run businesses, too.
Different small businesses are different. But they have much in common. Owners must worry about finding new clients, promoting the business, staying on top of developments in their field, managing on-going operations, dealing with the effects of technology, and running faster--just to stay in the same place.
Facing all the problems in small business requires a certain attitude. In my experience, that attitude has three components.
Keep the focus. Day to day activities can eat up every hour of your time. When you are overwhelmed, your decisions might not be your best. Get a clear idea of who you are and what you are doing. Clear goals will get you where you want to go. They can change, but that is no reason not to have them.
Plan ahead. Markets and customers change. In business you're sailing your ship on a vast ocean. Planning ahead helps you weather storms. Your business plan is your guide--whether you write it down or keep it churning in your head. I've found it useful to jot down ideas as they occur to me, throw these notes into a cigar box, and every couple of months go through the notes. Some of the ideas are good, others not. But this activity helps you keep perspective and helps in finding your unique path into your future.
Never give up. Giving up is the easy way out of problems. Throw up your hands, and it all goes away. But that's not who you are. You thrive on creative solutions to problems. You must go on--deep down it's you. Giving up is not a part of your attitude. Today's storm will pass, and the sun will come out tomorrow. Keep faith in yourself and in doing what you're doing. Find the way ahead.
Running a race is never easy. If it were, everyone would be running. And in today's politically correct society, everyone would be a winner. Nice sentiment, but it ain't true. Each of us is different, and each of us finds a unique way ahead. It's part of being human.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Replacing customers
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas with business examples
from personal experiences--been there, done that.
Sooner or later, you will lose every customer or client you have.
They move away. They grow older. They seek out a competitor. They no longer need your product or service. Their brother-in-law opens a similar business.
So it goes.
Example: Greta runs a yoga studio offering private and group sessions. When she lost one of her private session clients, she was prepared. The long time client one day announced that she was retiring from her corporate office job and moving away to another state. This would be her last session, she told Greta one evening. Greta hated to lose a client, especially one who had become a business friend. She took immediate action. She emailed the private time slot opening to all her group session clients and posted it to Facebook. The slot was quickly filled--because she had already decided how she would react when a private client dropped out.
Think ahead. Have a plan in mind to deal with replacing clients.
Example: Carl is an interior decorator. He concentrates on corporate clients, small businesses, professional offices, along with some residential clients. One well-heeled matron was difficult to deal with, complaining loudly to Carl in front of others about a job in progress. The job he was doing for her required everything to be special-ordered on schedules out of Carl's control. But she was accustomed to having her way and disregarded all his explanations. She even complained about the timing of the project on social media sites. Carl took action--he refunded the matron's deposit and referred her to one of his competitors.
Now and then, your relationship with a client cannot be salvaged--no matter how hard you might try. The best solution sometimes is to resign the account. And move on.
Example: Meg runs a gymnastics operation for children--up to about age 12. She attracts new attendees by holding open houses and promoting on social media. But children grow up, and Meg loses them. She decided to expand into dramatic arts, especially for budding teens interested in a career in theater. She found a compatible business partner who was teaching dramatic arts but had no studio. Together, Meg and her new partner now offer programs for young people age 6 to 18 and beyond. The new operation attracts even more attention to the gymnastics side of the house, and many of these get exposed to a career they might not have otherwise considered. In the face of losing kids after age 12, Meg found a way to expand.
The time to replace clients and customers is when you first get them. Sooner or later, plan on losing every one of them. Get ready.
All examples in these write-ups are drawn from real business situations. The names are always changed. The intent here is to describe what others have done in their businesses, so that you might face and overcome problems of operating your own.
from personal experiences--been there, done that.
Sooner or later, you will lose every customer or client you have.
They move away. They grow older. They seek out a competitor. They no longer need your product or service. Their brother-in-law opens a similar business.
So it goes.
Example: Greta runs a yoga studio offering private and group sessions. When she lost one of her private session clients, she was prepared. The long time client one day announced that she was retiring from her corporate office job and moving away to another state. This would be her last session, she told Greta one evening. Greta hated to lose a client, especially one who had become a business friend. She took immediate action. She emailed the private time slot opening to all her group session clients and posted it to Facebook. The slot was quickly filled--because she had already decided how she would react when a private client dropped out.
Think ahead. Have a plan in mind to deal with replacing clients.
Example: Carl is an interior decorator. He concentrates on corporate clients, small businesses, professional offices, along with some residential clients. One well-heeled matron was difficult to deal with, complaining loudly to Carl in front of others about a job in progress. The job he was doing for her required everything to be special-ordered on schedules out of Carl's control. But she was accustomed to having her way and disregarded all his explanations. She even complained about the timing of the project on social media sites. Carl took action--he refunded the matron's deposit and referred her to one of his competitors.
Now and then, your relationship with a client cannot be salvaged--no matter how hard you might try. The best solution sometimes is to resign the account. And move on.
Example: Meg runs a gymnastics operation for children--up to about age 12. She attracts new attendees by holding open houses and promoting on social media. But children grow up, and Meg loses them. She decided to expand into dramatic arts, especially for budding teens interested in a career in theater. She found a compatible business partner who was teaching dramatic arts but had no studio. Together, Meg and her new partner now offer programs for young people age 6 to 18 and beyond. The new operation attracts even more attention to the gymnastics side of the house, and many of these get exposed to a career they might not have otherwise considered. In the face of losing kids after age 12, Meg found a way to expand.
The time to replace clients and customers is when you first get them. Sooner or later, plan on losing every one of them. Get ready.
All examples in these write-ups are drawn from real business situations. The names are always changed. The intent here is to describe what others have done in their businesses, so that you might face and overcome problems of operating your own.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Growing professionals
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas and examples from businesses
from personal experience starting, operating and growing businesses.
Small businesses have been slow to use social media to grow and expand. Finding new clients can be particularly difficult for professionals--therapists, accountants, lawyers, consultants, medical practitioners and others.
Example: Talisha is a CPA specializing in taxes. After asking for and receiving permission, she regularly takes pictures of clients as she tells them they are getting big tax refunds. The surprised and smiling faces of clients now pop out on Talisha's website and they adorn her Facebook page as well. The word spreads and the calls come in.
Example: Herb is a business coach. He helps business owners with cash problems, growing pains, product branding, and other concerns. To expand his client base, Herb put his profile on LinkedIn. He followed up by targeting small business owners and connected with them, writing a brief message introducing his private services and listing his private email address. It worked. New clients regularly respond directly to Herb with questions. He has entered into a coaching agreement with several of them.
Example: Tom is a young attorney. After passing the bar exam, he rented an office and began spending several hours a day at his computer. He set up a website and began writing a blog two or three times each week. The blog explains common problems people face--traffic tickets, minor traffic accidents, getting sued, the differences in various type of business organization--incorporations, partnerships, LLCs, etc. Tom does not give out legal advice in his write-ups--they are designed to educate and inform. He drives people to his website, and to the blog, with a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others. Potential new clients regularly call his office.
Other professionals can use social media to find new clients. Therapists, dentists, chiropractors, consultants, engineers, designers, medical practitioners, and others can tap into the general public's thirst for information.
It can be a three step process: 1. Attract attention on social media. 2. Point to your website. 3. Provide useful information. Throughout the process, build trust, be friendly, show that you are qualified, and give out general information on what you do--from the reader's point of view. In other words, it's always about them, not you.
Many additional examples are scattered throughout these write-ups. Examples are taken from real businesses, but the name is always changed. Tell me about your experiences with what works and what has not worked for you. Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com, putting BLOG in the subject line.
from personal experience starting, operating and growing businesses.
Small businesses have been slow to use social media to grow and expand. Finding new clients can be particularly difficult for professionals--therapists, accountants, lawyers, consultants, medical practitioners and others.
Example: Talisha is a CPA specializing in taxes. After asking for and receiving permission, she regularly takes pictures of clients as she tells them they are getting big tax refunds. The surprised and smiling faces of clients now pop out on Talisha's website and they adorn her Facebook page as well. The word spreads and the calls come in.
Example: Herb is a business coach. He helps business owners with cash problems, growing pains, product branding, and other concerns. To expand his client base, Herb put his profile on LinkedIn. He followed up by targeting small business owners and connected with them, writing a brief message introducing his private services and listing his private email address. It worked. New clients regularly respond directly to Herb with questions. He has entered into a coaching agreement with several of them.
Example: Tom is a young attorney. After passing the bar exam, he rented an office and began spending several hours a day at his computer. He set up a website and began writing a blog two or three times each week. The blog explains common problems people face--traffic tickets, minor traffic accidents, getting sued, the differences in various type of business organization--incorporations, partnerships, LLCs, etc. Tom does not give out legal advice in his write-ups--they are designed to educate and inform. He drives people to his website, and to the blog, with a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others. Potential new clients regularly call his office.
Other professionals can use social media to find new clients. Therapists, dentists, chiropractors, consultants, engineers, designers, medical practitioners, and others can tap into the general public's thirst for information.
It can be a three step process: 1. Attract attention on social media. 2. Point to your website. 3. Provide useful information. Throughout the process, build trust, be friendly, show that you are qualified, and give out general information on what you do--from the reader's point of view. In other words, it's always about them, not you.
Many additional examples are scattered throughout these write-ups. Examples are taken from real businesses, but the name is always changed. Tell me about your experiences with what works and what has not worked for you. Email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com, putting BLOG in the subject line.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)