I was looking for veterinarians in the Yellow Pages yesterday. The actual printed yellow pages book, that is. I found a nice display ad and grabbed my pen so I could write the phone number down, but soon realized that the phone number was not in the display ad. I had to actually go to the regular listing, find the clinic's name and get the phone number there. Oh-oh!
This is such an easy thing for a business owner to overlook. I admit it, I have done this sort of thing myself. But the above experience is a reminder - always, always, always include your contact information in every ad, on every page of your web site and anywhere else you advertise. People are busy and if they have to take a few extra seconds to track down your phone number, they may use those extra seconds to look at your competitor instead.
Little things count in business. Make sure it is easy for current or potential customers to get in touch with you.
Showing posts with label business owners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business owners. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What Small Business Owners Say - Part 2
Click here to read part 1
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 part 2 of our interview:
Kristine: Is there anything you would have done differently when you started your business, knowing what you know now?
Megan: It’s really hard to say because you learn so much from your customers as to their wants and needs, and you can’t do that until you are actually interacting with them. Like, I had no idea that there would be a big call for Amish fiction. Your customers really determine your inventory in a book store. Personally, I like mostly non-fiction but I wouldn’t sell many books if that’s all I stocked.
I do wish that I had planned an advertising scheme of some kind. Something like, an ad that read, “Guess what’s coming to 17 East Main in North East?” one week and then for the next few weeks give clues and make people guess what it is. Something that would spark interest from the beginning and get people thinking. People remember stuff like that.
Kristine: What advice would you give others who are thinking of starting their own businesses now?
Megan: Be sure that you are ready to struggle, financially, personally and physically. Long hours, no pay and little time for family or entertainment. If you are patient and tenacious and absolutely love what you are doing, you will be fine.
Kristine: What measures are you taking to ensure that your business will survive during these tough times?
Megan: I have cut back on decorations and catered items for holidays and events. Plans for new sidelines are now on hold. I have also had to cut employee’s hours.
I have not cut back on advertising – I think you have to keep your name out in front of people. They have to get to know you and continue to be reminded that you are there.
Kristine: Any other comments, thoughts or bits of advice to potential or current small business owners?
Megan: Just to do whatever you can to get through this time. Other businesses started during down times and kept going, look at Disney, he started during the great depression. It won’t be easy, but if you can make it through, it will be worth it. At least I keep telling myself that!
Kristine: Thanks very much for your time and insight.
Later this week, we interview Katie Rowan, owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen in North East PA.
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 part 2 of our interview:
Kristine: Is there anything you would have done differently when you started your business, knowing what you know now?
Megan: It’s really hard to say because you learn so much from your customers as to their wants and needs, and you can’t do that until you are actually interacting with them. Like, I had no idea that there would be a big call for Amish fiction. Your customers really determine your inventory in a book store. Personally, I like mostly non-fiction but I wouldn’t sell many books if that’s all I stocked.
I do wish that I had planned an advertising scheme of some kind. Something like, an ad that read, “Guess what’s coming to 17 East Main in North East?” one week and then for the next few weeks give clues and make people guess what it is. Something that would spark interest from the beginning and get people thinking. People remember stuff like that.
Kristine: What advice would you give others who are thinking of starting their own businesses now?
Megan: Be sure that you are ready to struggle, financially, personally and physically. Long hours, no pay and little time for family or entertainment. If you are patient and tenacious and absolutely love what you are doing, you will be fine.
Kristine: What measures are you taking to ensure that your business will survive during these tough times?
Megan: I have cut back on decorations and catered items for holidays and events. Plans for new sidelines are now on hold. I have also had to cut employee’s hours.
I have not cut back on advertising – I think you have to keep your name out in front of people. They have to get to know you and continue to be reminded that you are there.
Kristine: Any other comments, thoughts or bits of advice to potential or current small business owners?
Megan: Just to do whatever you can to get through this time. Other businesses started during down times and kept going, look at Disney, he started during the great depression. It won’t be easy, but if you can make it through, it will be worth it. At least I keep telling myself that!
Kristine: Thanks very much for your time and insight.
Later this week, we interview Katie Rowan, owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen in North East PA.
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.
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