Posts Tagged ‘Growing Your Business’
by Steve Strauss on November 11th, 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 »
by Steve Strauss on May 6th, 2009
Q: How would one go about beginning a more international sort of business?
William
A: Now, that is a great idea. I have often said that we are living in a remarkable time for small business, probably the most remarkable ever. Not only have there been incredible technological innovations that have revolutionized business (computers, printers, the Net, etc.), but equally, huge new markets have been opened that were never available before (China, India, virtual.)
OK, I think I have run out of superlatives, but you get the idea.
Starting and succeeding internationally, while much easier than ever before, nevertheless... Read more »
by Steve Strauss on April 29th, 2009
Q: I own an Italian market in New York. I would like to expand, even if the conventional wisdom says it’s not the right time. That said, getting a loan is hard and I’m not sure I have the resources to do it without some help. What should I do?
Max
A: Well, if it’s help you need to grow your business, then you should get some. What if I told you there was an easy way to get that help, and it won’t cost you hardly a cent? And what if I further told you this method is incredibly... Read more »
by Steve Strauss on November 28th, 2008
Q: How does a small business get big? We have been at the same level for years now and can’t seem to breakthrough.
Jess
A: Your question reminds me of a quote I recently saw by J. Paul Getty, once the world’s richest man: “My formula for success is rise early, work late, and strike oil. ”
No, you are not going to strike literal oil; those days are over. But figurative oil, why not? Think about Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin? Do you think they feel as if they struck oil? You bet. Richard Branson took The... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on June 13th, 2008
As we get into the full swing of summer and you begin to look forward to taking that much needed 2 week vacation to the Bahamas let’s take a step back and put some things in perspective. You probably work a minimum of 9-5, 5 days a week right? If you work less than that, well my friend you are luckier than most. But what about 39 year old Lee from South Korea who can only spend 10-15 minutes a day with his kids because he’s gone from 5:30AM to 11:00PM six days a week. Oh yeah and he only... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on June 3rd, 2008
Eve Tahmincioglu who writes the Your Biz Blog over at MSNBC.com had a great post today where she enlisted the help of business coach Dan Murphy, president and founder of The Growth Coach , to help cast some rays of hope down upon businesses that are suffering recession doldrums. I thought I might help spread the word a bit.
His tips are sure to help you regain a sense of perspective and lead you to taking active steps in maintaining your business. His advice comes in the tried and true form of the acronym: M.A.S.T.E.R. (as in MASTER your business)... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on June 2nd, 2008
Many brick and mortar stores have learned by now that they need to have a website in order to compete in today’s internet driven consumer marketplace. What many of them haven’t figured out yet is that there is much more to using the internet to draw in customers than simply having a website with store hours and information on it.
It is becoming increasingly important for businesses to make themselves available for customer reviews. Sites such as Amazon.com use the customer review system to sell products. Yelp.com uses the same concept but allows consumers to review actual businesses. This type... Read more »
by Leeia Ladipoh on May 1st, 2008
If you’re like many entrepreneurs, you love everything about your small business. You love what it is about, how it runs and the whole industry surrounding it. With all that love, it is hard to think you could ever get tired.
Nevertheless, it happens. Many an entrepreneur finds him or herself going and going – until one day they just blankly stare at their desk or office space and feel lost and empty.
This is called entrepreneurial burnout. Essentially, the well of creativity and energy that has been running your business has run dry. This doesn’t mean you need to... Read more »
by Carrie Hinkel on April 16th, 2008
If you’re searching for some business bling: bigger profits, more customers, an increase in traffic, etc., then start treating your business like you’re in showbiz, baby! What this really means is giving your business its own identity. You’d never see Jim Carey and Robert De Niro competing for the same role. Why? Because they have positioned themselves as different “brands”, or different identities. And you should do the same thing for your company or products. Having a branded image will help your company to stand out in an already overcrowded marketplace.
Take a look at your competition and find your... Read more »
by Larry Slusser on April 9th, 2008
You have a great business idea and you put it into action. The result is a nice little opportunity that your friends and business colleagues tell you would be a great franchise. The decision to franchise is not one to take lightly. First you need to understand what a franchise is and what other alternatives you have available to you.
The federal government defines a franchise as a business relationship that has 3 specific characteristics. Number one there is a common trademark. Number two, there is a level of operational support or help and training and one company has significant... Read more »