• Survey of Rural Challenges
  • Small Town Speaker Becky McCray
  • Shop Local video
  • SaveYour.Town
  • Front Page
  • Latest stories
  • About
  • Guided Tour
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • RSS
Buynow
  • Experts say
  • Media
  • Blog

for Big Brands and Small Businesses

“The award-winning book”

by Small Biz Survival Publisher Becky McCray and Barry Moltz

Heidi Thorne uses two Small Town Rules

By Small Town Rules

As we celebrate the one year anniversary of Small Town Rules and winning a 2013 Small Business Book Award, we’ve asked a few friends to share the rules that are a part of their business every day. Today, Heidi Thorne shares two examples from her business:

“The most important Small Town Rules for me have been Rule #1 (Plan for Zero) and Rule #3 (Multiply lines of income to diversify risk).

“Rule #1: (Plan for Zero) I represented a publisher for trade newspaper advertising. Had been doing it for over 15 years. The money was pretty good and because it was 100 percent commission, I squirreled away a chunk of liquid cash in case the revenue well dried up or I decided to walk away from that business relationship. Good thing I did because within a short six months, both publisher owners passed away and not too many months later, the remaining family members folded the operation. I was planning for zero even though I didn’t call it that. But it’s a small town or big town rule that kept my doors open in the face of some tragic events.

“Rule #3: (Multiply lines of income to diversify risk) Because my business was heavily dependent on the construction industry, sales were becoming more challenging from 2009 onward. In 2011, I began exploring how I could supplement my business with other income streams. Still working on this… all the time. It does take quite a bit of resources and energy! But it’s an effort that is, just now, starting to see some small gains and is completely transforming my business into a multimedia organization. I now have about four income streams and am on the lookout for even more. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! This must be a part of every entrepreneur’s strategic plan.

“Again, congratulations to you on this 1st Anniversary of your book. It’s an important must-read for business owners.”

Heidi Thorne, Editor & Founder

When Heidi reviewed Small Town Rules, she said one of my favorite quotes about it:

“Amid the gaggle of rah-rah follow-your-passion-the-money-will-magically-and-regularly-appear business books, this is a much needed reality check.”

  • About the Author
  • Latest Posts

About Small Town Rules

  • About Small Town Rules - May 15, 2022
  • Chris Brogan works Anywhere, Anywhen from his small town - May 11, 2022
  • More sightings of Small Town Rules fans! - April 11, 2022
  • Buy Small Town Rules - March 15, 2022
  • Small Town Rules Authors - February 15, 2022
  • Small Town Rules Media - February 15, 2022
  • Experts say about Small Town Rules - January 15, 2022
  • 7th Annual SMTULSA® Social Business Conference Equips Local Business People for Social Media Marketing Success - February 11, 2017
  • Absolut vodka goes local through partner distillers - May 11, 2014
  • Plan for Zero: Small biz owners sacrifice their own pay - December 11, 2013

April 11, 2013 Filed Under: SmallTownRules Tagged With: Small Town Rules

Wondering what is and is not allowed in the comments?
Or how to get a nifty photo beside your name?
Check our commenting policy.
Use your real name, not a business name.


Don't see the comment form?
Comments are automatically closed on older posts, but you can send me your comment via this contact form and I'll add it manually for you. Thanks!