Reader Kevin Thompson sent us a tip on a small town small business: I wanted to see if you’d be interested in writing about one of my good friends. He owns a business with his brother selling hunting and fishing knives (and other stuff) that just reached its 10 year anniversary. Given that this is…
Another great small town small business idea: If you can draw, consider painting windows of small businesses in your town. A local artist used to do a healthy side business of decorating business windows with seasonal designs. Since we can’t draw at all, we miss her! Could you provide a similar service in your small…
More rural entrepreneurship news to report.Cell phones essential to rural businesses globallyI will vouch for this story. In my trips to Africa, I’ve seen how cell phones are vital to rural business people. Broaden your world perspective with this story at MyFox.[Rural cell phone user conducting business in Namibia, Africa, by Francois Haasbrock.] How is…
Broadband means more than internet access Connect SI is a 20-county effort to collaboratively enhance the economic and community development efforts throughout Southern Illinois using greater Internet access and bandwidth to communicate regionally and globally. This project isn’t about broadband internet access. It is about improving the quality of the lives of Southern Illinoisans by…
Our friend Zane Safrit is sharing his point of view as a small business CEO. You need others and others’ help to be a success. It takes a lot more’n a village to create a successful company. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hire people lots better than you in these key areas. Create…
This is an idea in the Tom Peters style. Innovate fast, and get customers involved early in the design process. Our friend Owen Mead-Robins at Oprius Software is doing this. Here is his great idea for getting customers involved early in the design process: We will soon be adding a section to our website where…
The Mem Store shipped my order promptly and correctly. That’s the essential first step. Then Debbie hand wrote a thank you note on my packing slip, and used my name. That’s a bonus. Plus she threw in two lollipops! Now I’m delighted. And raving about it to you. Remember these lessons of great customer service,…
It’s that time again! Brag Basket time! Once a week, I offer this post as a safe place to celebrate a little. You can brag on your business, your community, or your self. The goal is to encourage you to review your week. That’s how you learn: by reviewing your performance. Brags don’t have to…
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