Stop by most any rural coffee shop and you probably will hear a discussion about attracting more people to the community. Then the question arises, can it be done? The Center for Small Towns, located at the University of Minnesota, Morris, plans to look at that question. Mark June 4th and 5th on your calendars…
. Years ago, a town near me won a grant to improve their downtown. They hired an architect, who drew up 3 alternative plans. The council looked them over, debated which one would work best, then sat on those plans with no further action for a couple of years. They couldn’t come to an agreement on which…
You want to start a business. But finding a good idea is a task many prospective business owners find daunting. There are many suggestions on how people can find a business idea. Brainstorming, building on a skill or talent, or using an idea you have seen somewhere else are three commonly used techniques. Another method…
Mark Riffey Interview Mark Riffey looks at small town business the same way he looks at all small business: you’ve got to do things right to succeed, and you have a responsibility to others when you’re in business. Mark has long impressed me with his smart writings about small business. While he’s not always saying…
If you ask, most business owners will acknowledge that connecting with others is a crucial element in their success. Of course, we know how important networking is in building a client base. Yet it also can help you answer questions on how to start and operate your business, as well as help you find…
A small business lost their chance because they didn’t get specific. I was looking for shampoo in bar form. (It’s great for travel.) I did some research on my own, and I talked with friends online to get their recommendations. A friend on Twitter introduced me to a small soap maker. I asked the…
What if you cut out an entire group of potential customers? You just might succeed. Graham Reid from Charleville Bush Caravan Park in Australia has been telling me about their business’s success with allowing non-smokers only. It’s the kind of niche idea that many rural businesses could adapt. There are a few parks that ban…
People ask all the time how they can help save their small town. I always say, “start your own business.” Here are four reasons why starting your own business is the best thing you can do to help your small town prosper. 1. When you start a business, you decide what values to put…
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