Small businesses are the cornerstone of most local economies. This statement is often said and it is worth remembering. Small, locally-owned businesses put about 68 cents of every dollar spent right back into the local system. On average, a chain store keeps about 43 cents in the local economy. And of course money spent outside…
“Becky….we are looking at installing a downtown wifi area. What are your thoughts on that? I think it is awesome but I know I am going to get….’oh, sure…now the development corp is going to supply free wifi to people! They can pay for their own!’” Angie Schmidt Benz Moffit, North Dakota Here are four…
How many hits did you get? Or how many people saw your ad? If you have read many articles on marketing, especially those talking about social media marketing, you may come away with the idea that marketing is a numbers game. The more people who “like” your page or respond to your advertisement, the better…
Starting a business is a risky adventure. One in five will not make it through the first year and less than 40 percent, and some studies show less than 20%, will still be in business five years later. So why do people try? Because being your own boss and running your own business for many…
You are new in town. How do you find your service professionals? This includes everyone from your doctor and dentist to your plumber and electrician. Once upon a time, we would ask the people we work with and our neighbors and friends. Today we go online. At this point, I suspect some of you are…
What plans are you making for your business? For many of us, the idea of developing a plan is just overwhelming, scary and something we often just don’t do. It sounds tedious and time-consuming, and is seen as something that’s useful only as a doorstop. Yet ask a business owner who takes the planning process…
How often are you asked, as a small business owner, for a charitable donation? I have a friend who has labeled this process as being “$20 to death.” Her comment is often accurate as most small-business operators see a steady stream of people asking for money to support charities, sports teams, clubs, civic groups, etc….
Finding a business idea is easy. Finding an idea that will make money and is sustainable is hard. Ideas for businesses are found in many different ways. The idea may an old family recipe or a new recipe you create. Ideas also come from imagination and observation, and may pop up as you solve a…
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