Filed Under (Education, Operations) by admin on 12-30-2010
Over the past few years we have been doing some consulting for both small and large companies. I have to say that it never ceases to amaze me how, even when trying to increase revenue, companies big and small tend to concentrate on internal processes, procedures, informational meetings, and organizational projects, rather then concentrating on their customers. I have seen some larger customers take up two thirds of their external sales or external affairs employees time on a constant trail of meaningless meetings and other external activities that have absolutely nothing to do with their core responsibility, improving their market share, increasing opportunities to improve profits, or that are in line with accepted goals. Even some small companies overtime can evolve in that direction as well. I’ve been confused, seeing many leaders or owners in these companies are in no way unintelligent. So after taking a look I have decided to post for you some hints to make sure you do a periodic head check to see if you’re still on the same goal and objective track you want to be on.
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By: Don McDaniel VP – Discovery Bay Group L.L.C.
No doubt that last couple of years have been a big economic challenge for all businesses. The one thing for sure to remember about the economic downturn is that you, as a small business owner, will get no bailouts if you get into trouble. Although the economy is a little better we still have some challenging times ahead in the future. My guess is that we will be digging out for the next couple of years minimum. So What should we do to protect our portion of the marketplace. Here are some basic ideas that I know you already are acquainted with but maybe need to reconsider:
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I have been purchasing a product called Mega Scenery Earth for my flight simulator hobby over the past couple of years. This product gives new life to the stock scenery found in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. I like to download these scenery products so I can have them faster then ordering a DVD. You know, instant gratification!!! A couple of weeks ago I purchased several new scenery blocks and was trying to download them over the internet. The speed was so slow it would have taken an entire day for one purchase. The problem was most likely my server speed was very slow because of increased use locally. So I emailed and left a message asking for help and suggestions at: http://www.megascenery.com Even though it was not their problem they immediately responded by sending me all the products I had purchased online on several DVD’s at no added cost to me. The result is I not only love the product but will continue to buy from them in the future because of their attention and quick resolution to my issues. This is the answer folks to long term success, a good product, great support, and a quick follow through on all customer inquiries. I’ll even pay more then somewhere else just because I know that they truly value my business.
The Business Mole
Well it has been awhile since we have posted to our business blog. Even though the market place is showing signs of improving and the stock market is beginning to respond it is still clear we have a long way to go before we see a return to a retail market that we experienced some two years ago. I’m going to write a couple of articles one on bad and one on good customer service. Small businesses must survive in the long haul by first having something folks want to buy and second by providing the type of customer service that will bring new customers through the door to purchase your product.Today I’m going to give you an example of how a good product can fail in the marketplace just because of poor support or customer service. I’m an avid flight simmer. My platform is Microsoft Flight Simulator X but I also buy a lot of flight simulator add-on products such as aircraft, scenery, and utility type software, to enhance my flying experience. I recently purchased a program, FSPassenger, that is a business, career, and passenger interface program, that helps you build your own airline and then manage and fly it.
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Today’s tip is brought to you by Business Week. We also encourage you to visit Tom’s site for more information.
Opinions vary about efforts to make it easier to get an SBA-backed loan, but certain entrepreneurs should still apply, says Tom Taulli.
The Business Mole
Article By: Tom Taulli
Small Biz
http://www.bizequity.com/
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Filed Under (Financial, taxes) by admin on 02-04-2009
By: Tiare Rath
Tax season is not a time any taxpayer particularly relishes, and small-business owners are no exception. However, entrepreneurs who play their cards right can ensure tax time is a little less burdensome.
Here are seven ways to reduce your small-business tax burden:
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Interesting comparison of the Barack Obama campaign and success.
By: Basic Marketing Blog
http://www.californiaadvertisingmarketing.com
What lessons can any small business learn from the phenomenal success of Barack Obama? Here is the story of how the ultimate small business (one man) attempted to capture majority market share in the national marketplace – the Presidency. Well, as we know he oveturned established brands (Clinton, McCain) and created a new brand image (change) that no one could match. It was a brilliant strategy to turn the long experience of competitors into a weakness and then exploit that weakness.
Isn’t that the challenge for all small business competing with larger, more established companies? How can I make a major competitor compete on my terms, not it’s terms. The book may be incredibly useful in helping you think about your business in new ways. It’s something that a maverick small business marketer might try!
In a nutsell, the book suggests that Barack won with the mantra: Be Cool, Be Social, Be The Change. That’s pretty good position for any small business.
Filed Under (Education, Financial) by admin on 01-05-2009
Here is a tip on getting start-up funding for your new business at About.com.
By Rosemary Peavler, About.com Guide to Business Finance
Saturday January 3, 2009
Even in a recession, angel investors are still interested in funding start-up small businesses, even though they are a bit pickier about which start-ups they fund. It’s always a challenge to get angel investor funding, but in these trying times, you have to have a bullet-proof business plan, a good management team, and financials that will stand up to the glare of the spotlight. Sources of angel investor funding have not dried up in this recession. Companies just have find a good match and take their presentation preparation seriously.
We like the work that comes out of Score. You should go take a look at their site as they have some good tips for you to consider. The website link is at the bottom of this article.
By Christine Banning, SCORE VP Corporate Relations
- Create a brand. Spend a little money to create a professional logo, business card and stationery. Present a professional image.
- Ramp up Online. Make creating a Web site a top priority. A Web site is today’s calling card. You really shouldn’t do without one. Give people a place to go to learn about your business.
- Make Your First Sale. This is key. Get that first sale even if it’s friends or family at a discounted rate. This counts as getting started, so go for it.
- Promote Testimonials. Get testimonials from your first sales. Start building credibility for your business from day one.
- Build Buzz. Be creative. Look for a special promotion, big event, email campaign or something out of the norm for your business to get people talking about you, your product or service.
Brought to you by SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business.”
Ask SCORE
Over the past few years we have been doing some consulting for both small and large companies. I have to say that it never ceases to amaze me how, even when trying to increase revenue, companies big and small tend to concentrate on internal processes, procedures, informational meetings, and organizational projects, rather then concentrating on their customers. I have seen some larger customers take up two thirds of their external sales or external affairs employees time on a constant trail of meaningless meetings and other external activities that have absolutely nothing to do with their core responsibility, improving their market share, increasing opportunities to improve profits, or that are in line with accepted goals. Even some small companies overtime can evolve in that direction as well. I’ve been confused, seeing many leaders or owners in these companies are in no way unintelligent. So after taking a look I have decided to post for you some hints to make sure you do a periodic head check to see if you’re still on the same goal and objective track you want to be on.
