Brian Depew, The Rural Populist blog, has the story on businesses moving into our ruralSchool Buildings for Sale. This is happening all across the US heartland. Nearby Carmen, Oklahoma, recently brought in a pool supply company, to their town of 400. Buffalo, Oklahoma, population 1200, recruited a textbook business, and had two more potential businesses…
Progressive Farmer has an article detailing how rural retail is changing, Not Your Father’s Farm Store. Indeed, successful retailers know that much of what they sell can be had in the big box stores, sometimes cheaper. It’s what goes along with the sale that keeps their parking lots full. “We have four certified crop advisers,…
Two news stories yesterday on supporting rural business, especially in traditionally agricultural areas. The interesting thing is that the stories are from India and Scotland. In Cupar, Scotland, the local college has opened a Rural Business Centre. Services will include: business and skills related information, short courses, skills training, flexible learning and tailored training. It…
Rural folks drive more, and for that reason, we really care about gas prices. Edmunds.com has tested some of the common gas saving tips, to see if they really work. The result? Some meaningful savings are possible! Hurray! Two of the best tips? Avoid aggressive driving and shut down anytime you’ll idle more than one…
Ed Morrison writes a weekly roundup of stories and commentary. Three items came together for me today. I’ll try to tie them together to share with you. What does your small town need to grow? Entrepreneurs need mentors and networks of support. Education is economic development, especially early education. Tourism is a traded business just…
While writing about rural broadband, and the lack thereof, I decided to also share a bit about this blog. When I talk to small business people of all ages, I find myself explaining what blogs are. This type of technology still hasn’t penetrated to our target market: the small business owners and entrepreneurs of rural…
I thought you might be interested in this site, with stories of real people who have immigrated to the United States. Statistics do not tell the story of immigration. People do. Since its inception, this nation has been continually infused with the energy of newcomers. Yet their assimilation has seldom been smooth. The challenges we…
First, treat your customers as guests or as friends, but not as workers. Don’t expect them to do your part of the business. Second, let people know what you offer, repeatedly. Customers don’t study your business like you do, so you’ll have to tell them over and over. Take time to review your week, and…
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