Megan Collins is the owner of The Last Wordsmith Book Shoppe in North East PA. We recently sat down and talked about what it is like to start and run a business these days. Below is the first part of our interview:
Kristine: You started a business in August of 2008. The economy had not totally tanked then, but there were signs. What made you decide to start a business in a difficult economical climate?
Megan: My plan was to start up a small bookstore as my “retirement” job. So I had put money aside for a few years for that. When I was laid off from my job as a Human Resources Manager and had no promising prospects for work, I thought I might as well start it now.
Kristine: What kind of research did you do before starting your business?
Megan: I looked at several professional organizations and found The American Booksellers Association to be most helpful. Their forums helped tremendously. There is nothing like getting help from people in the business and several had been in for over 20 years. Their advice was priceless.
I also contacted PAZ & Associates. They are consultants who specialize in opening bookstores. Their books and workshops provide real life situations, budgets, business plans and so much more.
I can’t stress enough the value in talking to people who have been in the business for years. As a business owner, you will use their advice on a daily basis.
Kristine: Some people have predicted the death of independent bookstores because of Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the like. What is your take on this?
Megan: I really think that personalized service will always win out over big box and internet stores. Communities like to help their own. People who come into the book shop become more than just patrons, they become friends. We offer book clubs and writer’s workshops and personalized services that you never get from other bookstores.
People come in and take ownership and pride in the bookstore. I’ve had people come to the Last Wordsmith and call it “their bookstore.” It is a really nice feeling to know that they feel that way and they don’t want to see it close up, so they do what they can to make sure it stays in business.
Part 2 Coming Soon.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Why Use a Web Design Professional?
OK, this is going to sound a bit like a rant. That's because it is!
I have just read yet another article about ways to make money online. Web design is listed as one of those ways. Yes, web design is a way you can make money online. But the part that really ruffles my feathers is where the author goes on to say that, if you don't know anything about web design, just pick up a couple of how-to books and you are good to go. Excuse me?
In part, I blame Microsoft for promoting the idea that anyone can build a business web site. While Frontpage was great for someone who wanted a personal web site to put pictures up of the new baby, it was not a good tool for creating a business web site.
An experienced professional designer will know how to create an attractive, easily navigated web site, will know about how colors look on the web, will know about designing for the different web browsers so the site looks good in all of them, will know how to optimize graphics for the web, will have learned and kept up with the techniques for rankings in Google and other search engines and a good web designer will walk you through the process so it is not a chore. You cannot gain this knowledge through a couple of how-to books.
The fact is that the public expects a business to have a professional looking web site that provides them the information they need. Unless a business owner has the time and knowledge to create such a site, he or she should seriously consider hiring a professional.
OK. Rant over. For now...
I have just read yet another article about ways to make money online. Web design is listed as one of those ways. Yes, web design is a way you can make money online. But the part that really ruffles my feathers is where the author goes on to say that, if you don't know anything about web design, just pick up a couple of how-to books and you are good to go. Excuse me?
In part, I blame Microsoft for promoting the idea that anyone can build a business web site. While Frontpage was great for someone who wanted a personal web site to put pictures up of the new baby, it was not a good tool for creating a business web site.
An experienced professional designer will know how to create an attractive, easily navigated web site, will know about how colors look on the web, will know about designing for the different web browsers so the site looks good in all of them, will know how to optimize graphics for the web, will have learned and kept up with the techniques for rankings in Google and other search engines and a good web designer will walk you through the process so it is not a chore. You cannot gain this knowledge through a couple of how-to books.
The fact is that the public expects a business to have a professional looking web site that provides them the information they need. Unless a business owner has the time and knowledge to create such a site, he or she should seriously consider hiring a professional.
OK. Rant over. For now...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Herding Cats
As a cat owner, or rather someone who is owned by cats, I know that herding them is impossible. They each go their own way. And it is usually the opposite way of where you want them to go.
If you have ever worked for a client on a project that depends on the decisions of a committee, you will probably have had that "herding cats" feeling. One person on the committee will tell you to do one thing, another will tell you the opposite. Or, you find it impossible to get timely answers to your project questions. That's about the time you sit back and think, "Wow. This 6 week project has turned into 6 months!" Ah, the frustration...
Over the years, I have developed a few strategies to keep the "cats" out of the process:
1) Insist that you deal with one person and one person only. A second back up person is a good idea, but when available, your contact should be the same person throughout the project.
2) Ask that you only be given instructions that are final decisions, not those still swirling around in the committee.
3) Use a realistic deadline to get answers when you have project questions. Otherwise, you could be waiting for a very long time.
There is no question that working with a committee on a project takes a little more time and effort, but there are ways that you can minimize the stress level.
If you have ever worked for a client on a project that depends on the decisions of a committee, you will probably have had that "herding cats" feeling. One person on the committee will tell you to do one thing, another will tell you the opposite. Or, you find it impossible to get timely answers to your project questions. That's about the time you sit back and think, "Wow. This 6 week project has turned into 6 months!" Ah, the frustration...
Over the years, I have developed a few strategies to keep the "cats" out of the process:
1) Insist that you deal with one person and one person only. A second back up person is a good idea, but when available, your contact should be the same person throughout the project.
2) Ask that you only be given instructions that are final decisions, not those still swirling around in the committee.
3) Use a realistic deadline to get answers when you have project questions. Otherwise, you could be waiting for a very long time.
There is no question that working with a committee on a project takes a little more time and effort, but there are ways that you can minimize the stress level.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Gotta Get Away!
This is something I really struggle with. Especially since I work at home. It is just too easy to become consumed with the business. I can walk into the office at any time and work, work, work.
Do I have to say that this is NOT a good thing?
I have had to make a conscious effort to take time off during the week, as well as plan short vacation times away. I have even come to look forward to those times when we go off camping and the computer is left behind! Much as I love what I do, I have to get away from it sometimes.
Have you ever had a problem that you couldn't figure out, gone off, had some coffee, taken a walk and then come back to find the solution staring you in the face? The same principle applies to running our businesses. You have to have time away from the business to run it really well. Getting away, even if it is just for a few hours while you read a book, take a nap, go to the spa, can give you a whole new perspective.
Coming soon - interviews with business owners talking about their experiences and how they are dealing with the slow economy.
Do I have to say that this is NOT a good thing?
I have had to make a conscious effort to take time off during the week, as well as plan short vacation times away. I have even come to look forward to those times when we go off camping and the computer is left behind! Much as I love what I do, I have to get away from it sometimes.
Have you ever had a problem that you couldn't figure out, gone off, had some coffee, taken a walk and then come back to find the solution staring you in the face? The same principle applies to running our businesses. You have to have time away from the business to run it really well. Getting away, even if it is just for a few hours while you read a book, take a nap, go to the spa, can give you a whole new perspective.
Coming soon - interviews with business owners talking about their experiences and how they are dealing with the slow economy.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Working With People
Because I sell services to other businesses, I have had to think of ways to work with other business owners who may be struggling in these tough times.
Under typical economic conditions, I ask for a certain amount of money before beginning a web site and then invoice for the rest of the project when the web site is up and running. In certain cases lately, though, I have relaxed those requirements just a bit. I still ask for some money upfront, but I have negotiated with a couple of clients to allow them to make several payments over time after project completion, instead of asking for the remaining amount in a lump sum. Is it a risk? Yes! But what isn't in business? I believe having some money coming in is better than none. I also believe that if you treat people well, you will build a long-lasting relationship with them. I decide payment requirements on a case by case basis, after speaking with the client or potential client first. (Note: any payment requirements should be in a written contract signed by all involved parties. Work with people, yes. But don't be foolish.)
Another way to work with other businesses is to barter. Now, this gets tricky and the agreement should be in writing, but bartering is certainly a viable way for each business owner to get something he or she needs.
Under typical economic conditions, I ask for a certain amount of money before beginning a web site and then invoice for the rest of the project when the web site is up and running. In certain cases lately, though, I have relaxed those requirements just a bit. I still ask for some money upfront, but I have negotiated with a couple of clients to allow them to make several payments over time after project completion, instead of asking for the remaining amount in a lump sum. Is it a risk? Yes! But what isn't in business? I believe having some money coming in is better than none. I also believe that if you treat people well, you will build a long-lasting relationship with them. I decide payment requirements on a case by case basis, after speaking with the client or potential client first. (Note: any payment requirements should be in a written contract signed by all involved parties. Work with people, yes. But don't be foolish.)
Another way to work with other businesses is to barter. Now, this gets tricky and the agreement should be in writing, but bartering is certainly a viable way for each business owner to get something he or she needs.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Reality Check
Nothing like a power outage to bring everything to a stop for awhile. On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, our area had a very strong windstorm which toppled trees and power lines. We were without power at our house for 34 hours. Good thing I had several books on hand. And that we had a kerosene heater that my husband usually uses in his garage workshop!
Since I work at home, the power outage meant no work for me either. At this particular time it was not a big deal, but... what if I had a big project that was due? Lots of questions and thinking about solutions.
The good thing is that long term power outages don't happen a lot. But, they do happen and we should all probably stop and think about what that means for us and our businesses.
Since I work at home, the power outage meant no work for me either. At this particular time it was not a big deal, but... what if I had a big project that was due? Lots of questions and thinking about solutions.
The good thing is that long term power outages don't happen a lot. But, they do happen and we should all probably stop and think about what that means for us and our businesses.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Helping Each Other
In times like these, it is imperative that we as business owners remember that we are all in this together.
Our clients and customers are struggling and other business owners are struggling. People in our communities are struggling, some not having enough to eat. Pets are being turned in to humane societies or abandoned in record numbers because their families can no longer care for them.
Now is the time to focus on ways to help those who are less fortunate. Now is the time to work collaboratively with nearby businesses to offer your customers added value and help those in need at the same time.
How about having a food collection for the local food bank? Several local businesses could participate. Maybe give 5% off a product or service to those who bring in a can of food. Or, how about collecting items for the local humane society? Anyone who brings something is automatically entered into a drawing for a product or service.
If we can pull together and make bonds now, while times are rough, we will also have the strength of those bonds during the good times.
Our clients and customers are struggling and other business owners are struggling. People in our communities are struggling, some not having enough to eat. Pets are being turned in to humane societies or abandoned in record numbers because their families can no longer care for them.
Now is the time to focus on ways to help those who are less fortunate. Now is the time to work collaboratively with nearby businesses to offer your customers added value and help those in need at the same time.
How about having a food collection for the local food bank? Several local businesses could participate. Maybe give 5% off a product or service to those who bring in a can of food. Or, how about collecting items for the local humane society? Anyone who brings something is automatically entered into a drawing for a product or service.
If we can pull together and make bonds now, while times are rough, we will also have the strength of those bonds during the good times.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Your Web Site - Will They Come?
"You build it and they will come". That may be true for a certain baseball field in Iowa, but it is not true of web sites.
If you have used a good professional web designer, he or she has probably done a lot of behind the scenes work to help your site show up in search engines. Your site is attractive, easy to navigate and has lots of relevant information for your web visitors.
Even so, getting visitors to your web site takes time. Search engines may choose not to index your site right away. People may be unaware of your site or the site address. It takes time to get the word out.
There are many things you can do to let people know about your web site and get them to visit.
You must advertise your web address everywhere. On your business cards, on any printed advertising material, in your yellow pages ad, in any media ad campaign - your web site address should be in a prominent place, not an afterthought.
Tell people when you talk to them!
Offer and send out a monthly email newsletter. Have a sign up form on your web site as well as a sign up sheet in your store. One word of caution when using a sign up sheet - always make it clear that people are signing up to receive periodic emails from your company. Never, never, never send an email newsletter to someone who has not requested it.
Build your site and... they will come with a little patience and a little work.
If you have used a good professional web designer, he or she has probably done a lot of behind the scenes work to help your site show up in search engines. Your site is attractive, easy to navigate and has lots of relevant information for your web visitors.
Even so, getting visitors to your web site takes time. Search engines may choose not to index your site right away. People may be unaware of your site or the site address. It takes time to get the word out.
There are many things you can do to let people know about your web site and get them to visit.
You must advertise your web address everywhere. On your business cards, on any printed advertising material, in your yellow pages ad, in any media ad campaign - your web site address should be in a prominent place, not an afterthought.
Tell people when you talk to them!
Offer and send out a monthly email newsletter. Have a sign up form on your web site as well as a sign up sheet in your store. One word of caution when using a sign up sheet - always make it clear that people are signing up to receive periodic emails from your company. Never, never, never send an email newsletter to someone who has not requested it.
Build your site and... they will come with a little patience and a little work.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Choosing a Domain Name
You should take some time with this decision. Your first step should be to write your ideas down. You probably want your company name as your domain, but it's possible that it has already been taken by another company or individual.
To find out, go to Internic's Who Is Registry and do a search. If it's not taken, great! Go ahead and register "yourcompanyname.com". If it is taken, you may be tempted to try your company name with a .net, .org or one of the other available extensions. Don't do it. You are a business, you should use a .com extension. If you don't, web viewers will be confused.
OK, your company name is already taken. What to do? Write down your company's main functions. Is there some combination of words that you can combine to come up with a good domain name? Maybe you sell specialty widgets. Is SpecialtyWidgets.com available? Some things to keep in mind when combining words for a domain. Your combination of words may already be taken and you think, "How about using a hyphen in the domain to separate the words"? Try not to do that, either. People will not remember the hyphen and have problems finding your site. They will certainly find the site without the hyphen, though. If you use a combination like SpecialtyWidgets.com, you can capitalize the first letter in each word when using it on your business cards, printed materials and your email address to help people see where one word ends and the next starts. It's much easier to remember SpecialtyWidgets.com than it is to remember Specialty Dash Widgets.com.
You also do not want your domain to be too long. Remember - you will be typing and writing it out when people ask for your web address. You will also have email addresses using the domain. Try to keep it short and memorable. Here's a chance to use your creativity!
To find out, go to Internic's Who Is Registry and do a search. If it's not taken, great! Go ahead and register "yourcompanyname.com". If it is taken, you may be tempted to try your company name with a .net, .org or one of the other available extensions. Don't do it. You are a business, you should use a .com extension. If you don't, web viewers will be confused.
OK, your company name is already taken. What to do? Write down your company's main functions. Is there some combination of words that you can combine to come up with a good domain name? Maybe you sell specialty widgets. Is SpecialtyWidgets.com available? Some things to keep in mind when combining words for a domain. Your combination of words may already be taken and you think, "How about using a hyphen in the domain to separate the words"? Try not to do that, either. People will not remember the hyphen and have problems finding your site. They will certainly find the site without the hyphen, though. If you use a combination like SpecialtyWidgets.com, you can capitalize the first letter in each word when using it on your business cards, printed materials and your email address to help people see where one word ends and the next starts. It's much easier to remember SpecialtyWidgets.com than it is to remember Specialty Dash Widgets.com.
You also do not want your domain to be too long. Remember - you will be typing and writing it out when people ask for your web address. You will also have email addresses using the domain. Try to keep it short and memorable. Here's a chance to use your creativity!
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