Can't Handle the Stress?

Owning a small business is not for the timid or weak. If your life has been all fun and roses, you're in for a shock when you step into your first business. When you visit other businesses everything looks like it's running smmothly from the customer's viewpoint. That's the way it's supposed to look to the outsider. But go behind the scenes and spend a day with the owner or manager and you may need some aspirin. There's an entire other world there that most customers never see and probably don't want to. If you ever get invited into the kitchen of a very busy restaurant on a Saturday night, you won't beleive it. You'll never figure out how they get all the orders done correctly and timely. In my opinion, a busy restaurant kitchen is either a work-of-art or a disaster. That's why most restaurant owners stay out of the kitchen and let the executive chef run it. And the chef gets paid very well to do it. If you can handle the stress you can succeed.

Oh No! Not Cold Calls

The worst thing about cold calls (in person or by phone) is rejection. But isn't our entire life a series of rejections? Did you ever get a NO when asking someone for a date, a rejection from a college, a book proposal or a job application? We take these in stride and move on. Cold calls for business are just a chance to present what we have to offer to someone who may want to buy. When the answer is NO think about why and move on. Learning fron rejection is an important tool. Not everyone wants or needs what you're selling so keep asking until you get a YES!

Before You Buy a Franchise

Investing in a franchise is a major commitment for you, your family and your finances. Going into it without the proper investigation and due diligence can result in a disaster. You must read and re-read the franchise agreement and be comfortable with everything in it. Some parts may be changed or adjusted like a reduced fee if you open a second unit or the ability to sell related products. You are buying a concept that has worked in the past but there is no guarantee that it will work for you. If a franchisor does say you can't lose run to the door and look for another one. And always talk to at least 5 other franchisees and ask some serious questions about how they are doing and if profitable. There is a longer article that you can receive free at my website www.idealetter.com with more questions about franchises and their management. When a franchise works for you it will change your life for the better. But if it's the wrong franchise you'll regret that you ever got involved.

Scratch-Off Cards

Everyone likes to win something, especially if it's free to enter or as a bonus. Scratch-off cards get customers involved in the process of playing a game with the chance to win something of value. Cards come in many sizes and even can be used as a post card for mailing to prospects. They have a much higher redemption rate than coupons because everyone wants to claim what they have won, even if it's just a percentage off a purchase. It also increases loyalty because they are having fun doing business with you and could win a big prize. Use them at fund raising events, trade shows and conventions. Scratch-Off cards can be an inexpensive addition and add a boost to your marketing. They will get prople talking about your company and make them take a serious look at your business. More ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Conventions and Trade Shows

Everyone in business should attend at least one event in their industry or association once a year. More if possible but one is mandatory to stay current and learn new innovations and changes. You will not only find out what's new but meet your suppliers and yes, your competitors who are just trying to succeed like you are. Smart show management will not only present industry information but also sessions on general business and marketing. What good is it if your know everything about your industry but don't know how to market it. Attend as many workshops or sessions as you can and meet the presenters afterward. Find ways to use what you learn in your business and stay on the cutting edge of your industry. Your customers and prospects will respect you as an expert and it will create more loyalty. Find the funds somewhere to attend trade shows,expos and conventions. It will be money well spent.

Treat Customers like Dogs!

Most people treat their pets better than they treat other people. In return the pet shows tremendous loyalty to it's owner. Wouldn't like to get that loyalty from your customers? You can if you go out of your way for them and do the unexpected to show them how much you appreciate their business. Solve problems quickly and fairly and even if it means you lose money on the sale do it with a smile. When customers feel that you really care and value them they will pass your competitor's special offers to buy from you. Remember how well your treat your dog and do the same for customers and keep them for life! More ideas in my books or at www.idealetter.com.

Tony the Tiger

In 1952 the kellogg company held a contest to see who would represent their new cereal called "Kellogg's Sugar Frosted Flakes of Corn" The contestants in the contest were Katy the Kangaroo, Elmo the Elephant, Newt the Gnu and Tony the Tiger. It was a close race with Katy & Tony sharing the lead at first. Eventually Kellogg declared Tony the clear winner and in 1953 he became the sole spokesperson for the new cereal. Later Tony Jr made appearances with Tony Sr. Source: www.foodreference.com

Sell the Difference

It's the little things that can make a customer choose your product or service over a competitor. Things like color, packaging, guarantee, sizes and even a higher price can influence a buying decision in your direction. A high price (not overpriced) can give an impression of higher value. Make your uniqueness stand out so there is not question as to the value to the customer. Lead with the difference between you and your competitor. If that's what your prospect is looking for, you'll get the sale, repeat sale and referrals. Find and use the difference that makes you attract customers.

Lonely Home Business?

Try some of these ideas to keep variety & excitement in your home-based business.
.Schedule customer meetings at their office, home or a restaurant
.Teach or take a class at a local community college
.Hire a part-time employee so you can make sales calls in person
.Offer to speak free on your expertise at local organizations
.Attend trade shows or expos
.Join a local Toastmasters club
.Cross-promote with another local home-based business owner
.Get out and network
Changing your routine a little and talking to different people can keep you fresh and ready to conquer you market.

New Customers are Skeptical

When attempting to sell new customers in a consumer environment, many may be skeptical because they don't know you or your business. Put them at ease using these ideas:
.Acknowledge their concerns
.Ask questions - then listen
.Reaffirm your value
.Tell them you will follow-up
.Offer a private phone number
.Explain everything clearly
.Offer a solid guarantee
.Keep communication open
When a new customer is pleased with your products & services they likely tell their friends & relatives about your business. Being skeptical is good if you handle it the right way. More ideas in my Jelly Bean book.

Your AD is Not Working

When you spend valuable marketing dollars for advertising but you don't get the results you expected consider these questions:
.Was the offer to act not strong or not any better than your competitors?
.was the ad placed in the wrong media or target market?
.Did it make it easy to contact you by phone, website or in person?
.Were your hours of business long enough to accomodate everyone?
.Did you have a headline that grabs the reader?
.If you run it again will the frequency build awareness?
.Even if you get some response is it worth the money spent?

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