Business Sales 101: How to Start a Conversation

Not a day goes by when I am not asked for tips on growing a small business from business owners in my community.  I visit many types of businesses and have never once discriminated based on ethnicity, condition or appearance of the business, or the language barrier.  The reason is:  You can NEVER judge a […]

How Important is Quality Control?

Arguably one of the most neglected areas of business is the area of ‘Quality Control’. Consultants at Aeon Internet Marketing report that too many business owners do a lot of assuming in this area. Based on experience, neglect of quality can create almost irreversible long term damage. Remember that in any business, relationship building is […]

Basic Promotional Actions Part 4: Schwag

Have you ever given something away without necessarily expecting to get anything back? I once surveyed a total of 100 staff from various offices throughout the US on the same question. An overwhelming 79% answered “Yes” to that question. Perplexing it is when business owners don’t give anything away for free, but yet expect their […]

Basic Promotional Actions Part 2

Basic Promotional Actions (Part 2) When you think of a goldmine, what is the first thing that pops into your head?  Some visualize a gold lined cave with pieces of gold in mine carts and dollar signs, while others get a different image.  Regardless of the picture that is invoked, most business owners are unaware […]

Basic Promotional Actions (Part One)

There are few things more disturbing than a business owner saying: “I don’t promote my business…I get all my business from word of mouth”.  While word of mouth is the best kind of advertising and the least expensive, it is clear that many business owners do not grasp the concept that their image, both online […]

Hiring a Good Receptionist

In the 15+ years I’ve worked as a small business consultant I’ve seen many a business/ practice shoot themselves in the foot because of poor, non-existent, or untrained personnel at the front desk/ reception area.  This area seems to be neglected more than most.  I’m not sure why, though I suspect that most business owners […]