Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Sales shadows are annoying. Everyone has visited a store to browse the racks of stuff. It is frustrating when a clerk appears and follows us around. They frequently ask if they can be of help.
Sales shadows have long been a problem. But today, sales shadowing is entering a new era on the net.
Social media sites capture all sorts of information about us. They think that they can anticipate our future buying habits. And, no doubt, it is true to some extent.
If you buy a handbag and shoes today, it's likely that you will be buying more soon. Social media has tapped into your habits and interests.
But it's more than that. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, ads pop up for handbags and shoes on unrelated sites you visit. Sales shadows are following you around.
Example: Eleanor built her website, deciding to make it simple. She offered her collectibles there, as well as on eBay and Etsy. Using social media, she attracted a good deal of attention for her offerings. When net advertisers showed up wanting her to carry their ads, she declined. She also passed up opportunities to accept associate ads, reasoning that visitors did not want to be bothered. This meant that she did not get any revenue from the associate ads, but it was a small price to pay.
Example: Kevin runs a large hardware store. He hires employees who are experienced and knowledgeable. He trains new employees to always be generous with help for shoppers, but never to follow them around the store. His customers appreciate the help, and they also appreciate not being bothered.
Sales shadows are not good for business. Whether you operate a store or offer stuff on the web, beware of sales shadows.
Yesterday's automobile salesman got a bad reputation--deservedly so. They followed you around and used all sorts of pressure techniques to make the sale. Sales shadows in social media need to join them on the trash heap of history.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Disaster plans
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Fires, floods, burglaries can happen. The electric can go down for a week. A key employee can fall down stairs at home and be laid up for a month. Or your own health can become a problem.
Running your own small business means that you are your own backup. This means you must have plans ready to implement when disasters strike.
Example: Jim runs a small computing services firm with 3 employees. His firm monitors in real time the operating systems of larger firms that are his clients. Jim's firm can electronically repair computing problems remotely. One morning, the husband of a key employee called to say that his wife had fallen and broken her back. She would be laid up for several weeks. Now, with only two employees, Jim had to scramble to cover the work she had been performing. Today, she's back at work, and Jim is busily cross-training everyone to be able to handle each other's jobs.
Example: Amy is a chiropractor. She built up her clientele to the point that she needed additional space. When she went looking for larger quarters, she was careful on two fronts. Some of her clients were unable to use stairs, so that was a prime consideration. Additionally, sometimes the river flooded out into the town. Amy found suitable space accessible by a ramp in a building that was several feet above ground level. Amy's careful planning paid off. When the river did indeed flood, her place was high and dry.
Example: Ella runs a small graphic arts firm. The business was going well when suddenly the landlord informed her that she had 60 days to vacate the premises. The lease gave the landlord that option, but Ella had negotiated a clause to protect herself. In the event the landlord wanted her to vacate, Ella would receive a buyout amount of money. Since she had two years remaining on the lease, she received a substantial payout. She used the money to move and buy new equipment. The disruption was significant, but Ella turned disaster into a positive growth option.
Thinking ahead can help you sleep better at night. Planning for the unthinkable can help you and your small business sail through the disasters that come your way. Now, what do you do when the electric goes down for a week?
Fire and flood, even key employees, can be covered by insurance. But your best insurance can be in your planning ahead for any eventuality.
to help you better manage your small business.
Fires, floods, burglaries can happen. The electric can go down for a week. A key employee can fall down stairs at home and be laid up for a month. Or your own health can become a problem.
Running your own small business means that you are your own backup. This means you must have plans ready to implement when disasters strike.
Example: Jim runs a small computing services firm with 3 employees. His firm monitors in real time the operating systems of larger firms that are his clients. Jim's firm can electronically repair computing problems remotely. One morning, the husband of a key employee called to say that his wife had fallen and broken her back. She would be laid up for several weeks. Now, with only two employees, Jim had to scramble to cover the work she had been performing. Today, she's back at work, and Jim is busily cross-training everyone to be able to handle each other's jobs.
Example: Amy is a chiropractor. She built up her clientele to the point that she needed additional space. When she went looking for larger quarters, she was careful on two fronts. Some of her clients were unable to use stairs, so that was a prime consideration. Additionally, sometimes the river flooded out into the town. Amy found suitable space accessible by a ramp in a building that was several feet above ground level. Amy's careful planning paid off. When the river did indeed flood, her place was high and dry.
Example: Ella runs a small graphic arts firm. The business was going well when suddenly the landlord informed her that she had 60 days to vacate the premises. The lease gave the landlord that option, but Ella had negotiated a clause to protect herself. In the event the landlord wanted her to vacate, Ella would receive a buyout amount of money. Since she had two years remaining on the lease, she received a substantial payout. She used the money to move and buy new equipment. The disruption was significant, but Ella turned disaster into a positive growth option.
Thinking ahead can help you sleep better at night. Planning for the unthinkable can help you and your small business sail through the disasters that come your way. Now, what do you do when the electric goes down for a week?
Fire and flood, even key employees, can be covered by insurance. But your best insurance can be in your planning ahead for any eventuality.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Small Business Careers
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Going to college is a constant mantra today. Young people are bombarded with talk about the value of getting that college degree.
The facts sing a different tune. Perhaps the best example is that of Bill Gates. He quit college to start Microsoft.
High flyers aside, more and more young people are discovering that college might be a waste of their time. Look around and you'll find people who did not go to college and yet they are successful. Others signed up for the college of their choice, only later leaving in disgust.
Example: Alisha loved makeup. At an early age, she borrowed her mother's makeup and applied it to her dolls. Then she discovered hair and hair styling. She badgered everyone to let her do their hair. Then she left regular high school to attend a trade school program. Combining her creativity with what she learned, she opened her own salon after she graduated. Today, Alisha operates her own high end salon and attracts clients from far and near. She is supporting her growing family and teaching them that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Example: Tom had an interest in growing plants. While still in high school, he worked as an apprentice at an organic farm. The owner of the farm and a teacher encouraged Tom to pursue farming. When he graduated from high school, he rented five acres of farmland from a retired farmer. There, Tom began growing organic herbs and vegetables. He sells the produce to chefs who specialize in farm-to-table menus. He is putting up a greenhouse to expand, and he is experimenting with hydroponic farming. His plans include renting a barn to grow mushrooms.
The most important thing we learn as youngsters is how to think. Many young people learn this from a parent, from a teacher, from early work experience. Going to college can put a finishing touch on this, but the basics are already there by the time you matriculate.
Careers in business are built on interest and hard work. Part of that hard work is learning how to think. You see a problem, you wrestle with it, you figure out how to solve it, and then you're on your way.
Trade schools provide real opportunities for young people to connect with their innate interests and turn those interests into lifelong careers. Think electricians, plumbers, welders, auto repair technicians, beauticians, chefs, and more.
Preparing young people for careers can take a multitude of paths. College represents only one path. Careers in small business are another. Too often, teaching the value of small business is being neglected.
The losers in life's casino are those who become so enamored of going to college that they go to college for many years, piling on degrees, while trying to find themselves. Many reach middle age--still looking.
to help you better manage your small business.
Going to college is a constant mantra today. Young people are bombarded with talk about the value of getting that college degree.
The facts sing a different tune. Perhaps the best example is that of Bill Gates. He quit college to start Microsoft.
High flyers aside, more and more young people are discovering that college might be a waste of their time. Look around and you'll find people who did not go to college and yet they are successful. Others signed up for the college of their choice, only later leaving in disgust.
Example: Alisha loved makeup. At an early age, she borrowed her mother's makeup and applied it to her dolls. Then she discovered hair and hair styling. She badgered everyone to let her do their hair. Then she left regular high school to attend a trade school program. Combining her creativity with what she learned, she opened her own salon after she graduated. Today, Alisha operates her own high end salon and attracts clients from far and near. She is supporting her growing family and teaching them that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Example: Tom had an interest in growing plants. While still in high school, he worked as an apprentice at an organic farm. The owner of the farm and a teacher encouraged Tom to pursue farming. When he graduated from high school, he rented five acres of farmland from a retired farmer. There, Tom began growing organic herbs and vegetables. He sells the produce to chefs who specialize in farm-to-table menus. He is putting up a greenhouse to expand, and he is experimenting with hydroponic farming. His plans include renting a barn to grow mushrooms.
The most important thing we learn as youngsters is how to think. Many young people learn this from a parent, from a teacher, from early work experience. Going to college can put a finishing touch on this, but the basics are already there by the time you matriculate.
Careers in business are built on interest and hard work. Part of that hard work is learning how to think. You see a problem, you wrestle with it, you figure out how to solve it, and then you're on your way.
Trade schools provide real opportunities for young people to connect with their innate interests and turn those interests into lifelong careers. Think electricians, plumbers, welders, auto repair technicians, beauticians, chefs, and more.
Preparing young people for careers can take a multitude of paths. College represents only one path. Careers in small business are another. Too often, teaching the value of small business is being neglected.
The losers in life's casino are those who become so enamored of going to college that they go to college for many years, piling on degrees, while trying to find themselves. Many reach middle age--still looking.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Change your focus
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
You watch the marketplace carefully. You know that it can change quickly. You must keep up.
Spotting a trend in the marketplace can be easy or it can be not so easy. Women's dresses can be longer or shorter than last year. Men's ties can suddenly grow wider or narrower than those dad wore.
Every business targets a segment of the marketplace. And the marketplace is on the move--in what it wants and how it buys.
Example: Tashira is a trained and certified acupuncturist. Her business was growing slowly as she attracted more clients to the value of acupuncture. She noticed the current trend of people wanting quick and easy solutions to their problems. One of these problems was the stress of everyday living--juggling work with kids and everything else. Putting the two observations together, she established a community acupuncture room. The room was quiet and dimly lit with padded tables. For $20, anyone could walk in, take a table, get a quick acupuncture session and leaved refreshed and ready for the rest of their day. It was a new focus for Tashira's practice, and it resulted in new clients for more extensive sessions.
Example: Jon specializes in raising native plants. He began offering them to locals for their gardens. It got his business off the ground but he knew he could do better. To serve a wider area and generate additional interest in native plants, Jon began taking pictures of the plants he grew. Pictures showed seedlings, growing plants, and blooms. The idea was to show native plants in drifts and groupings--emphasizing how easily native plants could solve landscaping problems. He posted the pictures on social media, generating lots of additional interest and referrals, and driving more eyeballs to his website. The change in focus in the way he promoted resulted in growing into a bigger business.
Example: Della is a personal trainer. She has clients but she still could do more. Noticing the trend in food awareness on the part of the general public, she underwent training in nutrition. This expanded her focus and extended the range of services to people interested in losing weight, training, food and nutrition. Now she has a waiting list of clients.
By watching the marketplace, people in small business can expand their business by focusing on trends. Of course, trends come and go, so be ready to change directions at any time.
Your business environment is always changing. Sometimes it's readily apparent. Other times, it's more subtle. Some are short term changes. Others are longer term and take time to play out. Stay on top of your game and be ready to change your focus.
to help you better manage your small business.
You watch the marketplace carefully. You know that it can change quickly. You must keep up.
Spotting a trend in the marketplace can be easy or it can be not so easy. Women's dresses can be longer or shorter than last year. Men's ties can suddenly grow wider or narrower than those dad wore.
Every business targets a segment of the marketplace. And the marketplace is on the move--in what it wants and how it buys.
Example: Tashira is a trained and certified acupuncturist. Her business was growing slowly as she attracted more clients to the value of acupuncture. She noticed the current trend of people wanting quick and easy solutions to their problems. One of these problems was the stress of everyday living--juggling work with kids and everything else. Putting the two observations together, she established a community acupuncture room. The room was quiet and dimly lit with padded tables. For $20, anyone could walk in, take a table, get a quick acupuncture session and leaved refreshed and ready for the rest of their day. It was a new focus for Tashira's practice, and it resulted in new clients for more extensive sessions.
Example: Jon specializes in raising native plants. He began offering them to locals for their gardens. It got his business off the ground but he knew he could do better. To serve a wider area and generate additional interest in native plants, Jon began taking pictures of the plants he grew. Pictures showed seedlings, growing plants, and blooms. The idea was to show native plants in drifts and groupings--emphasizing how easily native plants could solve landscaping problems. He posted the pictures on social media, generating lots of additional interest and referrals, and driving more eyeballs to his website. The change in focus in the way he promoted resulted in growing into a bigger business.
Example: Della is a personal trainer. She has clients but she still could do more. Noticing the trend in food awareness on the part of the general public, she underwent training in nutrition. This expanded her focus and extended the range of services to people interested in losing weight, training, food and nutrition. Now she has a waiting list of clients.
By watching the marketplace, people in small business can expand their business by focusing on trends. Of course, trends come and go, so be ready to change directions at any time.
Your business environment is always changing. Sometimes it's readily apparent. Other times, it's more subtle. Some are short term changes. Others are longer term and take time to play out. Stay on top of your game and be ready to change your focus.
Friday, July 10, 2015
What business to start?
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Many people want to have a small business. But they get confused on the way to deciding just what business to go into.
Some look at franchises. Of course, there are many types of franchises. Some are well-known, others not so much so.
Some that come to mind are pizza parlors and burger operations. You think that people must always eat and this provides an on-going income stream. Plus, the companies that offer the franchise also provide a certain amount of hand-holding.
But there are many other ways to start a business. You might open a small shop or a cafe or other type of store. You might offer a product selling entirely from your website and run the operation from your home. The possibilities can be very confusing.
Always think through the possibilities before taking the plunge. Some of your most important work will be done before you actually start up.
You start this process by looking in the mirror. What are your interests? A small business can be built around any interest you might have.
Example: Jesse built his business around his love of playing the guitar. Today, he has a small store where he sells guitars, repairs them, teaches others, and holds open jam sessions. Pictures on social media spread the word.
Example: Marie is a potter who has created many special glazes. She works at home, but her website is very active. She regularly posts pictures on social media, and this generates traffic for her website sales. Recently, she was asked to participate in an upscale regional show. She is on her way, doing what she loves.
Example: Matt loves sailing. He got himself certified in water safety and set up a sail shop at the local lake. He sells sailing gear and supplies--and sailboats. It took some time, but Matt never wavered in chasing his dream.
Build your dream business around any interest you might have. How you do it and how far you take it is up to you.
Always do a business plan before you launch your business. What is the market? What is the competition? How can you use social media to reach out and find your customer/client base?
to help you better manage your small business.
Many people want to have a small business. But they get confused on the way to deciding just what business to go into.
Some look at franchises. Of course, there are many types of franchises. Some are well-known, others not so much so.
Some that come to mind are pizza parlors and burger operations. You think that people must always eat and this provides an on-going income stream. Plus, the companies that offer the franchise also provide a certain amount of hand-holding.
But there are many other ways to start a business. You might open a small shop or a cafe or other type of store. You might offer a product selling entirely from your website and run the operation from your home. The possibilities can be very confusing.
Always think through the possibilities before taking the plunge. Some of your most important work will be done before you actually start up.
You start this process by looking in the mirror. What are your interests? A small business can be built around any interest you might have.
Example: Jesse built his business around his love of playing the guitar. Today, he has a small store where he sells guitars, repairs them, teaches others, and holds open jam sessions. Pictures on social media spread the word.
Example: Marie is a potter who has created many special glazes. She works at home, but her website is very active. She regularly posts pictures on social media, and this generates traffic for her website sales. Recently, she was asked to participate in an upscale regional show. She is on her way, doing what she loves.
Example: Matt loves sailing. He got himself certified in water safety and set up a sail shop at the local lake. He sells sailing gear and supplies--and sailboats. It took some time, but Matt never wavered in chasing his dream.
Build your dream business around any interest you might have. How you do it and how far you take it is up to you.
Always do a business plan before you launch your business. What is the market? What is the competition? How can you use social media to reach out and find your customer/client base?
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Niche markets
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Markets continually change. Your business reflects and serves the fads and fashions of the marketplace.
Some markets will always be there. Food, clothing, housing, transportation and communications are markets that are here to stay. In one form or another these are always there, but they change.
Products come and go. Whatever happened to hats for men? When was the last time you saw kerosene lamps? Hand-cranked ice cream makers? Hub caps? Typewriters? Paper dolls for kids?
Some of these can represent niche markets for small businesses. You doubt these markets? Just check out what's on eBay.
Example: Catherine inherited her father's long-established business. His expertise was gas-fired furnaces, heaters, and other gas appliances. Over a long career, he had accumulated a huge inventory of parts along with manufacturer's schematics and catalogs. Catherine decided to put up a website and offer parts and reprints of the catalogs. To her surprise, she found herself involved in a healthy business. Suddenly she was the expert and filled orders arriving from all over the country.
Example: Elise opened her small gift shop to offer vintage collectibles and other items. She had out-of-date board games and puzzles, reconditioned typewriters, well made kitchenware no longer available, furniture from the 1950s and 60s, and an array of other items. Hers is a niche business that attracts visitors, both in person and on her website.
Example: Tom sells and repairs old vacuum cleaners. He also does a healthy business selling parts. He won't handle vacuums made less than 25 or so years ago--they are made with plastic parts, contrasted with the metal parts used in earlier years. In addition to keeping old vacuums in good working order for a circle of clients, he offers parts on the net.
Looking to start a business? Consider addressing niche markets. Using today's social media, you can reach out far and wide to make sales. And shipping is no problem at all these days.
Whatever you do, make certain you do a business plan first. How big is the market and what is your competition?
to help you better manage your small business.
Markets continually change. Your business reflects and serves the fads and fashions of the marketplace.
Some markets will always be there. Food, clothing, housing, transportation and communications are markets that are here to stay. In one form or another these are always there, but they change.
Products come and go. Whatever happened to hats for men? When was the last time you saw kerosene lamps? Hand-cranked ice cream makers? Hub caps? Typewriters? Paper dolls for kids?
Some of these can represent niche markets for small businesses. You doubt these markets? Just check out what's on eBay.
Example: Catherine inherited her father's long-established business. His expertise was gas-fired furnaces, heaters, and other gas appliances. Over a long career, he had accumulated a huge inventory of parts along with manufacturer's schematics and catalogs. Catherine decided to put up a website and offer parts and reprints of the catalogs. To her surprise, she found herself involved in a healthy business. Suddenly she was the expert and filled orders arriving from all over the country.
Example: Elise opened her small gift shop to offer vintage collectibles and other items. She had out-of-date board games and puzzles, reconditioned typewriters, well made kitchenware no longer available, furniture from the 1950s and 60s, and an array of other items. Hers is a niche business that attracts visitors, both in person and on her website.
Example: Tom sells and repairs old vacuum cleaners. He also does a healthy business selling parts. He won't handle vacuums made less than 25 or so years ago--they are made with plastic parts, contrasted with the metal parts used in earlier years. In addition to keeping old vacuums in good working order for a circle of clients, he offers parts on the net.
Looking to start a business? Consider addressing niche markets. Using today's social media, you can reach out far and wide to make sales. And shipping is no problem at all these days.
Whatever you do, make certain you do a business plan first. How big is the market and what is your competition?
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Event promotions
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Promoting your business is a constant concern. You need to get more clients and customers to visit your website, walk in your door, or otherwise buy your products and services.
Example: Jill is a massage therapist. She attracts clients by offering free demonstrations at corporate gatherings, senior centers and organizational meetings and events. It's a simple and quick chair massage that introduces people to the benefits she can offer. These demonstrations get the word out to new people and they tell others about it. New clients call Jill for a regular appointment.
Example: Jim is an artist specializing in plein air work. He regularly holds classes for people interested in his specialized painting techniques. This gets him publicity on Facebook and in local newspapers. It also adds to his income.
Example: Edgar is a landscape designer. To find new clients, he gives seminars at garden centers and organizational meetings. To attract attendees, he posts pictures on Facebook and Instagram and Pinterest.
Example: Frank is a dentist. He holds an open house every three months, talking about various topics. One will be particularly directed at children. Another will show before and after pictures of dental implants. And one invites the public to ask any questions they might have. These are relaxed settings, and they attract new clients to his dental practice.
Example: Tamara sells her bakery products online. She offers overnight shipping for scones, brownies, and other goodies. Her website attracts attention, but to promote, Tamara uses Facebook to offer specials once each month. The Facebook site brings in new customers attracted by the pictures--and freebies--she offers. When an order is filled for brownies, she always includes free samples of scones and cookies.
Example: Sue runs a bed and breakfast. On holidays, she offers free tours of the place with free food and wine, especially targeting corporate types who can point new clients to the inn.
Any small business can offer events to promote the business. Put on your thinking cap. You might go it alone or you can partner with another business.
Events attract attention. And attention expands your business reach into the community--it brings new people to your shop or online or both. Get creative. The event you hold can result in more publicity.
to help you better manage your small business.
Promoting your business is a constant concern. You need to get more clients and customers to visit your website, walk in your door, or otherwise buy your products and services.
Example: Jill is a massage therapist. She attracts clients by offering free demonstrations at corporate gatherings, senior centers and organizational meetings and events. It's a simple and quick chair massage that introduces people to the benefits she can offer. These demonstrations get the word out to new people and they tell others about it. New clients call Jill for a regular appointment.
Example: Jim is an artist specializing in plein air work. He regularly holds classes for people interested in his specialized painting techniques. This gets him publicity on Facebook and in local newspapers. It also adds to his income.
Example: Edgar is a landscape designer. To find new clients, he gives seminars at garden centers and organizational meetings. To attract attendees, he posts pictures on Facebook and Instagram and Pinterest.
Example: Frank is a dentist. He holds an open house every three months, talking about various topics. One will be particularly directed at children. Another will show before and after pictures of dental implants. And one invites the public to ask any questions they might have. These are relaxed settings, and they attract new clients to his dental practice.
Example: Tamara sells her bakery products online. She offers overnight shipping for scones, brownies, and other goodies. Her website attracts attention, but to promote, Tamara uses Facebook to offer specials once each month. The Facebook site brings in new customers attracted by the pictures--and freebies--she offers. When an order is filled for brownies, she always includes free samples of scones and cookies.
Example: Sue runs a bed and breakfast. On holidays, she offers free tours of the place with free food and wine, especially targeting corporate types who can point new clients to the inn.
Any small business can offer events to promote the business. Put on your thinking cap. You might go it alone or you can partner with another business.
Events attract attention. And attention expands your business reach into the community--it brings new people to your shop or online or both. Get creative. The event you hold can result in more publicity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)