expert advice
Published September 4th, 2008
Q: I am looking at buying a franchise and the franchisor has painted a very rosy picture. What is the other side of the story?
Tom
A: First let me say that as a general rule, I like franchising as a business concept (and write for the Franchise Handbook.) The pros of buying a franchise are self-evident:
There should be less risk - ideally, the business model has been vetted and there is a successful system in place that you can follow.
There is support - a great franchisor will help you all along the way. As Ray Kroc, the... Read more
Tags: buying a franchise, expert advice, franchise, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Steve Strauss
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Published September 2nd, 2008
Q: Steve, what is your take on the state of small business right now? And if small businesses are having as much of a hard time as it seems, what are they doing to break out of the doldrums?
Rick
A: If I had to choose one word to describe small business right now, it would be unease . If I had more words, they would be nervous, retrenched, and cautiously hopeful (alas, we are usually hopeful, even when there is little reason to be.)
Although my pessimistic perspective is inherently subjective, even objective measures point to the same conclusion.... Read more
Tags: economic downturn, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business, small business expert, Steve Strauss
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Published August 25th, 2008
Q: I own an upper-end shop in New York and we too are being hit by the economic slowdown. With people looking for bargains, how to we compete without hurting our brand?
Jenna
A : There is no doubt everyone is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn these days and woe to the business that doesn’t react in accordance with the times.
Back at the turn of the 20th century, the automobile was a newfangled contraption. But even so, it was apparent almost immediately that it was also a revolutionary item that was here to stay. That is one... Read more
Tags: competing with other businesses, economic downturn, economy, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Steve Strauss, tips
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Q: Steve - We all think that "it couldn’t happen to me" but I am here to tell you that it can. We lost our business in Hurricane Katrina and I would just like everyone to know that it’s smart business to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Thanks for the platform.
Stan
A: Stan and I met earlier this year when I was giving a speech. When he learned that I write for USA TODAY, he really wanted to share his story and in the process help other small business owners avoid his unenviable fate.... Read more
Tags: advice, disasters, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss
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Q: I am starting a green business but lack sufficient startup capital. Are there federal grants for such a business, and if so are they realistic or even plausible?
Rachael
A: I would have to say, I get more variations on this question than any other: "Where the heck can I get some of this free government startup money?"
I’m not exactly sure where this urban myth comes from, this idea that there are government agencies out there just waiting to give out free money to start a business.
I suspect that the main culprit is Matthew Lesko. You know,... Read more
Tags: Accounting, capital, expert advice, Finance, Finance and Accounting, going green, green business, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, startups, Steve Strauss
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Published March 25th, 2008
Q: Steve - I am a manager for a fairly large company. My section has been tasked with increasing our sales to small business and I was wondering whether you had any insights to share as to how to reach that market. Thanks.
Brian
A: There is no doubt that selling to small business is quite different than selling to large corporations. Having sold to both in my business, I’m not sure whether it is any easier selling to one versus another; both present challenges in their own way.
First the commonalities:
Both require patience: Selling to a large business... Read more
Tags: expert advice, Generating More Sales, MrAllBiz.com, Sales, small business, small business expert, Steve Strauss
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Published March 19th, 2008
Q: Steve - I just want to give a word of warning to other would-be entrepreneurs. It’s not for everybody! I went into business with a partner last year. The business is fine, but I am not. I hate the long hours and the uncertainty. I also make less money. Don’t do it!
Dave
A: I agree that owning a business is not for everyone. Here is my handy dandy quick quiz that will help anyone decide whether or not they are an entrepreneur:
Does the thought of leaving your current job make you more scared or excited?
If the... Read more
Tags: entrepreneur, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss
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Published March 7th, 2008
Q: I was in business about four years ago and things did not turn out like I planned. While I still have the entrepreneurial bug, it is hard for me to shake my fear. I know you are not a psychologist, but how do I get back on that horse?
John
A: I don’t know of any entrepreneur who has not suffered adversity along the way, and usually some significant adversity at that. Whether it is losing a huge client, a bankruptcy, lawsuits, or what have you, business and problems often go together.
The real measure of an entrepreneur is... Read more
Tags: entrepreneur, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss, tips, tony little
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Published March 6th, 2008
Q: Steve - It seems that blogging is here to stay, wouldn’t you say? I have been told that it makes sense for a small business to blog, but I don’t really get what it would do for my business. Do you?
Shelly
A: No, blogging is not going away anytime soon.
And I can’t say I’m not surprised, because I am. When blogging first made its way into our consciousness a few years ago, I was as skeptical as they come. Was I really heard to remark, "It’s the CB radio of our time!" Yes, I was.
But, halleluiah!... Read more
Tags: Blog, blogging, E-Commerce and E-Business, expert advice, Marketing, Marketing Your Business, MrAllBiz.com, online marketing, SEO, Steve Strauss, tips
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Published February 27th, 2008
Q: Steve - I know, I know, I am supposed to have a website. That said, as I have no plans to sell online, I just don’t see the need for a site. My business has been around forever and we have done just fine without one. Am I wrong?
Phil
A: I think you are, for reasons both large and small. Let me give you but one example:
A few days ago on a busy school night, my wife called and asked me to pick up some dinner on the way home. She mentioned a restaurant we like, even... Read more
Tags: E-Commerce and E-Business, expert advice, Growing Your Business, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Steve Strauss, website
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