In the business world, each of us has a goal of making our product or service better in some way so that our target market will select us and even, be willing, to pay a price premium. Marketing is telling our story to our target market. We can make changes in our products and services, but unless our target market understands the benefits, how our products and services will provide greater value to them, we will not gain market share. Price, the cost of the service/product, is usually one … [Read more...]
Small businesses must reach out…
May 1, 2012 By 1 Comment
Today another example of business isolation reared its ugly head. As I had my first encounter with a new prospect, I asked, “What are your biggest issues that are hindering business growth”? Let me set the stage for my question. This business was located on the second floor of a three story office building housing approximately 30 other businesses. The office was located in a mixed industrial/office park. The business is only 9 month old and the founder is the sole person working … [Read more...]
1-2-3…….vision – focus – action
April 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Growing a successful business is as simple as 1,2,3. The problem is having the discipline to follow through on this “simple” process. Notice I did not eliminate the words “hard work” from the formula. The most comprehensive business and marketing plans do not offer a better solution than these three steps to success. In this context, vision refers to the big picture that you see for your business. It’s a vision that must constantly be in your mind and must form the foundation for … [Read more...]
Fast growth management requires “whale fishing”
April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Many small business owners are in a hurry to grow. Their management style is “all business is good business”; therefore, in my opinion, they don’t have any management philosophy. Setting policy is a prime responsibility for a fast growth management process; that includes the allocation of assets ( time and money), usually a scarce commodity in a small business. All management must be focused on profit. Define your profit centers and analyze the return based on the time necessary to … [Read more...]
Schedule your Success
April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Success has to be scheduled one day at a time and today is the most important day for achieving success. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow has not yet arrived. Today is the only day you have to work with, in other words, you have to achieve success today! A small business owner recently told me “if only I had been born into a wealthy family, I wouldn’t have such a hard time getting new business”. He was telling me that wealth would attract his target audience. Other business owners share … [Read more...]
The smallest business billboard…Are you maximizing yours?
April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Millions of these small billboards are printed every day. Most small business owners feel “undressed” if they don’t have theirs readily available. Hardly a day goes by that I am not handed one of these mini billboards. Of course, I am speaking about your business card. An effective business card is the basis for a good marketing plan. Pull out one of your business cards and answer the following questions: Does it reflect your personality and that of your business? Does it make a … [Read more...]
Connect with Us!