BizCoachDeb's BizBuzz -

Archive for December, 2008

Perhaps you’re wondering just how much more of a bite the economy can take out of your small business, but take heart: you can fight back and even be profitable. Whether your a bootstrapping startup or a long time business owner, with a couple of changes in how you do things now, you won’t even miss the old way, plus you’ll make your office just a little more “green.”

Do Your Best, Hire the Rest
It’s a common misconception that you’ll save money trying to do it all yourself. Take it from someone who’s “been there, done that”, you have to place a value on your time. If you’re whittling your time away with menial tasks or working on activities that are not bringing in money, well, you’re wasting more than just your time. Do what you are able to do quickly and effectively and where possible (and affordable) hire the rest out. Filing, organizing, labeling,  whatever, these are things an eager high school student or intern can handle for you. For more complex work and professional needs, consider either a barter arrangement or hire a person from a source like Craig’s List for a short term project.   The rest of the story...

There is so much discussion around bailing the Big Three automakers out and different ideas on how to fix it, it got me thinking; how can their loss be a small business owner’s gain? Simply put, can you learn from their mistakes and improve the way your own company runs, but without risking the billions they have? Of course you can!

Today, I’m going to share a lesson with you on how to catch more fish so you don’t need a bailout of your own.

Lesson One: Use the Right Bait

When trying to attract customers, it is of foremost importance to entice them in a way that not only makes them feel wise for their purchasing decision, but does not offend their sensibilities. Cater to your customer’s intellect and taste and give them assurances that their choice of your product or service is the best value for their dollar.

Lesson Two: Fish Where the Fish Are   The rest of the story...

How do you offer products for a specific niche? Ask the ladies at Bela Hockey: Based in  Portland, Maine, and operating since 2006, they’re breaking away from the pack and reaching the oft-overlooked segment in the sport of ice hockey – girls and women. Their product line includes sticks, caps, socks and other great accessories, but what truly makes them shine? Colors! Using some of the coolest and fun color combos around, any gal, young or old, would be thrilled to get geared up for her game.

Believe it: Chicks Dig Hockey!
Each year, the sport of hockey grows more popular with girls and women across the U.S. According to USA Hockey, registration of girl and women players is over 58,000, up from just over 10,000 females in 1993. With that popularity also comes a need for gear that appeals to this burgeoning market, gear that both reflects a player’s personality, but also suits the pocketbook and performs as advertised. Girls are tired of always seeing colors for guys, but where to look?   The rest of the story...

Customer service might be making a comeback! Okay, maybe I’m being optimistic, but I am excited to report on a recent experience. Ordinarily when a business drops the ball, we’re not really surprised any more, and it appears to be the general sentiment with American consumers, especially in certain industries. Being the coach I am, I find it irresistible to rank and rate my experiences (secretly observing things, of course) when I’m out spending money: let’s face it, if it’s messed up, it’s an opportunity for me to approach them later on with help. Customer service is the “new marketing“, and knowing that, businesses have a unique opportunity to “right the wrongs” and still come away with a happy customer. In this situation, you might be as surprised as I was how well it goes from bad to good, really good.   The rest of the story...