Small businesses form the cornerstone of local economies. In larger cities they are important, but in rural areas, they are crucial, not only economically but for the variety of products and services they provide. To begin with, the economic impact of the small business is sizable. Research shows that for every $100 spent, $68 dollars […]
Building a Sustainable Business
As you probably know, if you are going into business, the odds your business will be around in five years are not good. But they aren’t as bad as you may think, either. Approximately one-third of businesses close within two years. At the five-year mark, about one-half of all businesses have closed. We don’t approach […]
Success = Storytelling + Satisfied Customers Who Return
People starting a business plan on being successful. Achieving success, though, is much easier said than done. When starting, one of the first tasks facing the business owner is letting people know you exist. Your story can be one good element to use in this phase. Stories are engaging. People can relate to stories. Stories […]
Setting the Right Price
Pricing is a task that puzzles and frustrates many small-business owners. Some think good pricing is magic, while others dig deep into their financial records to come up with a very specific price point for each product and service. Business owners are frustrated by wanting to be perceived as offering a competitive price to maximize […]