by Chad Maslak on September 9th, 2009
One of the most common emails that I receive from my newsletter subscribers is about the frustration they experience when they are trying to purchase wholesale merchandise to resell. Often times the frustration actually comes when they think they have found the perfect product or a wholesale distributor only to discover that the products that they want to sell are already selling on eBay for the same price or less than what they can buy them for!
In other words, you won’t be making any money and at best you’ll find that you’ll be lucky just to break even!
This... Read more »
by Robert Cyr on September 9th, 2009
Similar in concept to the day old bread stores, salvage dented can stores are opening up nationwide offering incredible deals on the same name brand food items that we are all used to buying [at full price] from the dreaded big box grocery stores. Lower food costs found at salvage grocery stores offer budget minded shoppers the chance to save money in our tight economy, while salvage grocery resellers are experiencing tremendous growth in their business.
What is a Salvage Grocery Store?
A salvage food store is simply a smaller grocery store where the bulk of the inventory is sourced... Read more »
by SmallBusinessDelivered.com on September 9th, 2009
These are important to keep in mind at all times.
1. Set the tone at the top
Do you shout at your employees? Are you always ducking out of the office early? Monitor your actions as the owner of your small business. Employees follow your lead. If bad behavior is acceptable for you, then it will be seen as being acceptable by those who work for you. The tone starts right up with you the small business owner and travels downhill. Show respect, tolerance and have patience with those working for you. If you as the leader do not show... Read more »
by Steve Strauss on September 9th, 2009
Q: Fall always feels like the new year to me with the kids going back to school and all. Do you think this year will be better than last?
Emile
A: It couldn’t be much worse, could it? Like many others, I do indeed see things continuing to improve as this calendar year winds down, and getting better next year especially.
I think the real question is – what are you going to do to make it better?
By now, you know the drill. I don’t need to tell you to work smarter, or market more, or increase your networking,... Read more »
by SmallBusinessDelivered.com on September 9th, 2009
Customer satisfaction levels can actually increase based on how companies handle customer complaints. A problem or issue does not define the staff or the company. How it is handled does defines the staff or company.
Customer complaints often stem from the customer not feeling understood. They feel they are being treated like a number or a widget, and not like a real person with real frustrations when issues arise.
Feelings of alienation set in when customers don’t feel listened to. When the statements “It’s our policy to…” or “It’s not our policy to do that” comes into play, any relationship... Read more »
by Robert Cyr on September 9th, 2009
There is something backwards about this idea of charging someone to sell your inventory. Of course I am talking about excessive dropshipping fees and membership kits that a supplier might force you to buy if you want the privilege of selling their stock.
We will dropship to your clients, just pay our $129.99 dropship club fee and you can be off and running your business today!
Dropshipping Club? What is that about….? Do I get membership card or some sort of vest to wear on Tuesdays?
No, its just a fee we charge to give you the privilege of buying... Read more »
by Jonathan Staley on September 1st, 2009
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is hosting a virtual summit on September 15th from 10am to 6pm (ET). Once inside the exhibit hall, attendees will be able to search for and chat with other small business owners, attend seminars and visit vendor booths.
Register for free with the code “gbb366″
Registration Page
Read more »
by Barbara Weltman on September 1st, 2009
Give your company a financial health examination to determine if you’re in good health or in danger of becoming ill during these tough times. Dr. Jeff Cornwall, who heads up the entrepreneurship program at Belmont University in Nashville, TN (and who’s been a guest on Build Your Business Radio) suggests that you examine certain key indicators and, if you’re not in good shape, work now to cure your problems. I interviewed Dr. Cornwall to find some critical areas to explore; here are his suggestions.
Cash flow
The adage, cash is king, can’t be repeated too often. Even if your sales... Read more »
by StartupNation.com on September 1st, 2009
These days—especially with all the competition on the Web—if you want people to buy from you instead of the other guy, you’d better give ‘em a darn good reason to do so. Otherwise they probably won’t.
And saying you have “great customer service” isn’t going to do the trick. Everyone says that, and so few deliver on it, that this little promise has lost its luster.
Convenience is a possibility. But you better make sure you really are more convenient than your competition.
Ditto experience. While experience is never bad, chances are your competition has plenty of it, too. So... Read more »
by Steve Strauss on September 1st, 2009
Q: Hi Steve. With the current strain on the economy, we all know that businesses are looking for ways to better compete in their markets and grow in the downturn. We have noticed that many small businesses are capitalizing on their flexibility and pivoting their businesses to enter new markets. Agree?
Deanna
A: I know of very few small business people who would trade their lot for a gig with a big business, even given the steady paycheck and benefits that would come with it. The lack of freedom alone would likely emotionally pummel most small business owners (and in... Read more »