We have talked about it before. Starting a business during economical down times is an opportunity if you just reach out for it.
According to a recent CNN Commentary, No Job? Create Your Own by Peter Bregman:
"And this is the perfect time to start a new business. Marketing costs are way down because of the Internet and less competition. And as I wrote in a recent article about the new economy, small companies are replacing big ones because we trust people more than companies."
Figure out what you love and get going!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Make It Easy for Customers
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.
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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Revamped Web Site is a Wonderful Thing
Just launched the redesign of my web design services web site, TTR Design. Seems like the last web site that gets done is my own.
Have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Smelling the Roses
A little off topic today. Thinking about the tragic death of Natasha Richardson and how fleeting life can be.
It's easy to get caught up the day to day stresses and let's face it, some if it is pure drudgery. Sometimes it takes news of someone's death to make us stop and realize just how precious life is.
So, this morning while I am having my coffee, I am listening to the sounds of birds tweeting, garbage men making their pickups, my little dog barking. And thinking how wonderful those sounds are.
It's easy to get caught up the day to day stresses and let's face it, some if it is pure drudgery. Sometimes it takes news of someone's death to make us stop and realize just how precious life is.
So, this morning while I am having my coffee, I am listening to the sounds of birds tweeting, garbage men making their pickups, my little dog barking. And thinking how wonderful those sounds are.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ways to Attract Customers
In tough times like these, customers are understandably careful about when, why and how they spend their money. As a small business owner, it pays to offer customers an added bang for their buck.
Free is a very attractive word. It commands attention. By offering a free service or item, along with a purchase, you might be a able to persuade a customer to buy from you rather than your competitor.
For retail stores, one technique that works is to have a drawing for a prize of some sort. Not only can you bring people into your store this way, but you can, if done correctly, attain contact information so you can send out email or mailed newsletters to the entrants. Note: if you are gathering contact information and intend to send either email or mailings, you must state that on the entry form and ask the person to check off a box to give you permission to use the information that way. It is also advisable that you let them know that you will not be selling this information to any third party.
Before offering something for free think hard about what you will be giving away. Money is tight for small business owners, too, so you don't want to spend so much on your freebie that it negates the sales you bring in. For example, with TTR Design, my web design business, I will at various times offer one free additional web page with a package purchase, a free slideshow with package, free contact form or a percentage off the final invoice. If I can get someone to buy a web design package, adding an additional page is not too costly and it helped me get the job in the first place.
Free is a very attractive word. It commands attention. By offering a free service or item, along with a purchase, you might be a able to persuade a customer to buy from you rather than your competitor.
For retail stores, one technique that works is to have a drawing for a prize of some sort. Not only can you bring people into your store this way, but you can, if done correctly, attain contact information so you can send out email or mailed newsletters to the entrants. Note: if you are gathering contact information and intend to send either email or mailings, you must state that on the entry form and ask the person to check off a box to give you permission to use the information that way. It is also advisable that you let them know that you will not be selling this information to any third party.
Before offering something for free think hard about what you will be giving away. Money is tight for small business owners, too, so you don't want to spend so much on your freebie that it negates the sales you bring in. For example, with TTR Design, my web design business, I will at various times offer one free additional web page with a package purchase, a free slideshow with package, free contact form or a percentage off the final invoice. If I can get someone to buy a web design package, adding an additional page is not too costly and it helped me get the job in the first place.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What Small Business Owners Say - Part 4
Click here for Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
In Part 4 of our What Small Business Owners Say series, we continue our interview with Katie Rowan, the owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen* in North East, PA.
Kristine: What are some of the ways you use to keep customers happy and coming back?
Katie: I try to be there to answer questions. I teach cooking classes so get more of a chance to do this. I also just try to make tasty, consistent food that isn't expensive.
Kristine: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting his or her own business?
Katie: It's a lot of work for very little money (probably none) the first couple years. You can't get discouraged. You also have to adapt to changing markets and take it one step at a time. Better to start small and do it right.
Kristine: Any other comments or bits of advice?
Katie: BUY LOCAL!! It's the only way that you can support the economy. Where and how you spend your money is how you change the world.
Thanks to Katie for her advice and insights.
*Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen, inside Mary's Select Foods, is located at 22 South Lake St., North East, PA 16428 Phone:(814)725-5227. Made to Order 11-3 Sunday through Friday, Grab and Go during Mary's hours (Sat-Tues 9-5; Wed-Fri 11-7). Fresh Picked Deli's fabulous menu features 7 layer burritos, portabella cheezsteaks, hummus avocado wraps and much more. Fresh Picked strives to use local and organic foods and is always making healthy food that tastes GOOD!
In Part 4 of our What Small Business Owners Say series, we continue our interview with Katie Rowan, the owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen* in North East, PA.
Kristine: What are some of the ways you use to keep customers happy and coming back?
Katie: I try to be there to answer questions. I teach cooking classes so get more of a chance to do this. I also just try to make tasty, consistent food that isn't expensive.
Kristine: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting his or her own business?
Katie: It's a lot of work for very little money (probably none) the first couple years. You can't get discouraged. You also have to adapt to changing markets and take it one step at a time. Better to start small and do it right.
Kristine: Any other comments or bits of advice?
Katie: BUY LOCAL!! It's the only way that you can support the economy. Where and how you spend your money is how you change the world.
Thanks to Katie for her advice and insights.
*Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen, inside Mary's Select Foods, is located at 22 South Lake St., North East, PA 16428 Phone:(814)725-5227. Made to Order 11-3 Sunday through Friday, Grab and Go during Mary's hours (Sat-Tues 9-5; Wed-Fri 11-7). Fresh Picked Deli's fabulous menu features 7 layer burritos, portabella cheezsteaks, hummus avocado wraps and much more. Fresh Picked strives to use local and organic foods and is always making healthy food that tastes GOOD!
What Small Business Owners Say - Part 3
Click here for Part 1 | Part 2
In Part 3 of our What Small Business Owners Say series, we speak with Katie Rowan, the owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen* in North East, PA. Fresh Picked opened in July of 2008. Currently Fresh Picked offers take out and delivery.
Kristine: What made you decide to start your own business?
Katie: I've been teaching cooking classes for the past 10 years and have had hundreds of people tell me I should open a restaurant. Both my parents own their own businesses (R.W. Rowan and daughters, Clymer Hardware & Melva's Beauty Salon) and I know what it takes to make it work in a small town.
Kristine: Why did you decide to open a vegetarian deli?
Katie: That's where my talent lies. I've been a vegetarian for 18 years and my mom was an excellent cook. I learned to make healthy and delicious food- it's an ongoing challenge- and even meat and potato kinda folks love it.
Kristine: What has been your best form of advertising so far?
Katie: It's hard to say, I feel like I'm always networking in one way or another. They say word of mouth is where it's at, and I think thats true, but I think you have to use all forms.
Our interview with Katie Rowan continues tomorrow.
*Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen, inside Mary's Select Foods, is located at 22 South Lake St., North East, PA 16428 Phone:(814)725-5227. Made to Order 11-3 Sunday through Friday, Grab and Go during Mary's hours (Sat-Tues 9-5; Wed-Fri 11-7). Fresh Picked Deli's fabulous menu features 7 layer burritos, portabella cheezsteaks, hummus avocado wraps and much more. Fresh Picked strives to use local and organic foods and is always making healthy food that tastes GOOD!
In Part 3 of our What Small Business Owners Say series, we speak with Katie Rowan, the owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen* in North East, PA. Fresh Picked opened in July of 2008. Currently Fresh Picked offers take out and delivery.
Kristine: What made you decide to start your own business?
Katie: I've been teaching cooking classes for the past 10 years and have had hundreds of people tell me I should open a restaurant. Both my parents own their own businesses (R.W. Rowan and daughters, Clymer Hardware & Melva's Beauty Salon) and I know what it takes to make it work in a small town.
Kristine: Why did you decide to open a vegetarian deli?
Katie: That's where my talent lies. I've been a vegetarian for 18 years and my mom was an excellent cook. I learned to make healthy and delicious food- it's an ongoing challenge- and even meat and potato kinda folks love it.
Kristine: What has been your best form of advertising so far?
Katie: It's hard to say, I feel like I'm always networking in one way or another. They say word of mouth is where it's at, and I think thats true, but I think you have to use all forms.
Our interview with Katie Rowan continues tomorrow.
*Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen, inside Mary's Select Foods, is located at 22 South Lake St., North East, PA 16428 Phone:(814)725-5227. Made to Order 11-3 Sunday through Friday, Grab and Go during Mary's hours (Sat-Tues 9-5; Wed-Fri 11-7). Fresh Picked Deli's fabulous menu features 7 layer burritos, portabella cheezsteaks, hummus avocado wraps and much more. Fresh Picked strives to use local and organic foods and is always making healthy food that tastes GOOD!
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.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Is It a Good Time to Start a Business?
I just read that the nationwide unemployment rate in the U.S. has hit a whopping 8.1%. There is no doubt, times are tough. Many are without work.
If you are not working at the moment, it may be time to think about starting your own business. Business did not stop during the Great Depression. In fact, Allstate and Disney both started during the depression, as did others. Existing businesses held on and some even thrived through the depression. We know it is possible.
Start by looking at your skill set. Make a list. Include your job skills, natural talents, your hobbies, etc. Think about what you enjoy doing and decide if others might pay you for doing the same thing for them.
Oftentimes, the best things come out of adversity. This may be one of those times.
If you are not working at the moment, it may be time to think about starting your own business. Business did not stop during the Great Depression. In fact, Allstate and Disney both started during the depression, as did others. Existing businesses held on and some even thrived through the depression. We know it is possible.
Start by looking at your skill set. Make a list. Include your job skills, natural talents, your hobbies, etc. Think about what you enjoy doing and decide if others might pay you for doing the same thing for them.
Oftentimes, the best things come out of adversity. This may be one of those times.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Building on Your Strengths
Every small business is a reflection of its owner. We each have strengths, we each have weaknesses. The trick is to realize our strengths and build on those, while downplaying our weaknesses.
One of my strengths is working with people. I recently changed the focus of my web design business for this very reason. Previously, I was a web designer for all. I worked on large projects and small. I came to realize however, that when I worked on large projects, I was not able to give the personalized service I am good at and really enjoy. I discovered that I loved working with small business owners and getting to know them, even if they were hundreds of miles away. I loved the process when working with the Mom and Pops or even Sons and Daughters of the business world. I didn't like the stress and unpersonalized process when working on large projects where committees usually ruled. So, I recently made the decision to only serve small businesses. I do what I am good at and am much happier.
Sit down and think about what your strengths are and then grow your business with your strengths in mind. You will be happier and so will your clients and customers.
One of my strengths is working with people. I recently changed the focus of my web design business for this very reason. Previously, I was a web designer for all. I worked on large projects and small. I came to realize however, that when I worked on large projects, I was not able to give the personalized service I am good at and really enjoy. I discovered that I loved working with small business owners and getting to know them, even if they were hundreds of miles away. I loved the process when working with the Mom and Pops or even Sons and Daughters of the business world. I didn't like the stress and unpersonalized process when working on large projects where committees usually ruled. So, I recently made the decision to only serve small businesses. I do what I am good at and am much happier.
Sit down and think about what your strengths are and then grow your business with your strengths in mind. You will be happier and so will your clients and customers.
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