| |
| |
|
Small Business Information |
|
|
|
Simple Business Tactics Are Your Key To Success
In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the simple things in life. We are so busy trying to work out our twisted problems that we miss out on the simple secrets to success. The same can be said of our businesses. We get caught up in endless problems when all we really need to do is to step back and see the simple alternatives, that will lead us to success. Sometimes we need to think with the simplicity of a child. Not so long ago, Summer holidays (vacation) in the USA meant the rebirth of the Lemonade Empire. Enterprising children of about 10 years and up set up their lemonade stands and earned themselves some holiday money. A note to all who do not live in the USA, school children in USA have a 3 month vacation in the summer, allowing them a great deal of free time. This was before the year round schools that have tried to cut down the long summer vacation. The Lemonade era was in full swing in these "good old days." The Lemonade King/Queen, who would earn the most money by the end of the vacation, depended on individual factors. Being children they did not have any complicated "think tanks" or secret board meetings, they relied on simple business skills and techniques. Let me explain with these few points. There was a need/market: Hot thirsty people, (most of the USA has hot Summers) A proven hot selling product: Cold Lemonade is the ultimate drink for a hot Summer day. Cheap premises, simple set up and low overhead: A stand with supplies at the curb( side of the road) would not be too expensive. However there was hot competition, many children on vacation, and this is where simple business tactics came into play. Just 3 examples: The Price War: One child was selling Lemonade for 10c Another for 15c A third for 25c All had simple stands with a white board saying Lemonade 10c/15c/25c. They had stands that stood alone, with no related service. Location: Each Lemonade Stand owner vied for the best traffic location, some got lucky others not. All fair in the Lemonade game. Then came: The Ultimate Marketer: A small girl was selling lemonade for 30c and she was the talk of the neighborhood. She was selling more and charging more, how could that be? Here were her simple secrets. Her notice did not just say Lemonade 30c. It said "Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, Made Just For You" She greeted all her customers personally. She took obvious pride in her wares and stand. Her stand was simply and nicely decorated and spotlessly clean. However she did not stop here. She set up her stand next door to the most popular Hot Dog/snack stand. This vender was well known throughout the neighborhood for his great food and service. He had a great location near many offices on a busy street and he was not just seasonal he was there all year round so everybody knew him. He was the perfect compliment to the little girl's lemonade stand. Plus he was a friendly fellow and always recommended his customers to have some delicious lemonade with their lunch/snacks. Of course she also returned the favor. Now we can all learn from the simple business principles that made this small entrepreneur the talk of the town. To recap: She had the market (thirsty people) The product: Great tasting lemonade She improved her ad copy, her notice was better than her competitors. She treated all her customers well, going out of her way to make them feel comfortable. Added value. Happy customers=repeat customers, good service = word of mouth marketing, a very powerful form of promotion. A clean, attractive and professional stand attracted more customers. Her strong link with a large popular seller helped her to sell more. Because of all these factors and the added value of customer service she could charge premium price. All these simple business tactics can be applied to your business and not only help you get ahead of the competition but make more money with less fuss. No need for, time consuming think tanks, and board meetings. These simple principles are right under our noses, we just have to apply them. Think with the simplicity of a child and your business will run more smoothly, be more efficient, and ultimately make you more money. About The Author Cathy Qazalbash is the Publisher of A1-Newsletter A free newsletter for start up businesses Helping all who are determined to succeed She is also a freelance writer/copywriter
MORE RESOURCES:
Small-Business - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
5 Tips for Hiring a GREAT Bookkeeper Bookkeeping?the "dreaded" word is something we all have to worry about. Business owners rarely go into business to deal with the financial aspects of running a business. Leverage The Power of Publicity For Your Small Business Your business is only as good as the number of people who knows about it. For your venture to grow, you need to start spreading the word about your business. Truck Wash Business Case Study Often smart entrepreneurs look for out of the way businesses, things out of the mainstream but businesses, which have a good customer base and steady incomes. This is an extremely interesting story. How Small Business And Nonprofits Can Afford Multimedia For The Web Multimedia is everywhere on the Internet, whether in the form of floating ads at major websites, streaming video or animated presentations. Of course, there is a good reason why multimedia has become such an integral part of the web experience: it's an effective tool for capturing attention or provoking visitors to buy or contact the site owner. Basic Psychology of Franchisee Ownership and Expansion If you are a franchisee of a large franchise system; before you expand your franchise to include more stores there are some questions you might ask yourself. If, however, you bought your franchise to expand, grow and amass a small empire of your own, your franchisor will be the last person to stand in your way. 7 Reasons To Take Control Of Your Small Business' Checking Needs Business checks are available in many styles and varieties. They offer many benefits to your small business, some you may not have thought of. Pet Grooming Business Do you like animals? Would you like to work for yourself? Pet grooming could be the career for you.A grooming business is more than just washing dogs. Tips on Setting Up Your Small Business Bank Account One of the first things you will need to set up is a bank account. We recommend a large bank because:They have locations everywhereThey have longer hoursThey will probably buy out your local community bank anywayIf you are an owner/operator of a small business, you will appreciate having a Debit or ATM card for your business. Forming a Corporation - Investors You've come up with the best idea since sliced bread, figured out a business name and formed a corporation. There is, however, one small problem. Starting a Small Business? ?Tips from a Veteran Congratulations, you are starting a small business! You are taking charge and going for your piece of the American dream! Your excitement is high, and the adrenaline is pumping! Everyone dreams of freedom and owning a successful business, but not everyone can successfully create that reality. Now that you've made the commitment to give it a shot, let me give you the single most important tip that I can give you to insure your success. Your Small Business Suggestion Box A suggestion box is a really good idea for your business. It can help you get valuable feedback from your customers -- feedback that they don't normally think to share with you. Dont Let Your Small Business Fall in the FDCPA Trap When someone owes your small business money, you certainly feel like a victim. But did you know that if you aren't careful, you could break the law by trying to get the money back?How to Break a Federal Debt Collection LawYou have a small business, and your bills are coming due soon. How To Accept Credit Cards If you plan to do business online, then your website will need to accept credit cards. For many, the idea of applying for a merchant account sounds like a daunting task, but the truth is that building an online store is incredibly easy these days. Quality Controls for Franchising Companies Sample Outline Quality control in franchising companies is paramount and all franchising companies must have strict guidelines to insure consistency. To insure this takes place throughout your franchise system you must make this a policy in your confidential operations manual. Small Business Failure? Nuts! Pardon my enthusiasm, but a large part of your small business' success is somewhere else. Namely, out among the company's important external audiences. Build Credibility, Value, and Trust on a Shoestring Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to sell. Selling is - writing the orders; receiving the cash; feeding the beast. Proper Care and Feeding of the Business Owner That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of a major hidden cause of businesses closing their doors. It's called burnout. Business Owner--Educate Thyself! Remember the training programs, seminars, and workshops you had to attend when you were on the corporate side of the table? You were expected to complete course after course for professional development and skill enhancement. Well, where do you get your training now that you are on your own? Do you learn from your clients? Are they the best teachers? What about your competitors?Here are six ways to educate yourself and keep your professional edge: Learn from your clients. How to Give Informative Talks Why should you do informative talks to smaller groups?Informative talks to smaller groups allow you more intimacy with the audience. You will be able to more closely connect with their needs and their responses to your speech. How to Find A Group that Needs Speakers How do you find groups that are in need of speakers (at no charge)?Finding groups that use speakers is not difficult. I find that most organized service groups use speakers for their regular meetings.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
