photo credit: Orin Optiglot

One of my favorite things to any time I visit a place is check out the local shops.  They always have so much character, and usually awesome products!  This type of business can be a lucrative career choice if managed effectively.  It requires a good understanding of Business strategy and business planning. You will need a general understanding of business strategy and business planning, but other than that all you need is an inventive idea! Once you muster an idea, what’s left is the dirty work of finance and real-estate. After you work out the details, you’re ready to open up shop.

Your store’s location will directly affect your success. If you pick an outlet in a bad part of town or an area where no one visits, it will affect your business. Small businesses have no means of large advertising, since it is so expensive. So, no one will know that such a jewel is hidden in a bad location. Finding a good location can be the determining factor in your success. My favorite stores are the ones located in cute towns.Any store by a waterfront or the city is a jackpot. Giving your customers a reason to stick around your store is great.important. If your store is next to an ice-cream shack, tourists enjoying ice cream will wander into your store. What more could you want!

Also, the store must be inviting. You have to entrance customers into your store. This should be done in a subtle way. People are often scared away by flashy signs and in-your-face commercials.You can do this by making your store homey and comfortable. Adding exiting window treatments will entice onlookers from across the way, or even those driving by. Another nice touch would be chairs and tasteful decorations outside. This will make your business appear welcoming and friendly. Being tasteful is very important however, you don’t want to exclude anyone of any belief from your store.Failing to do this will loose you customers and credibility. You never want to burn bridges with what could be an advantageous client. Always keep an open door.

photo credit: nugunslinger

You also have to seriously think about what it is you are selling. After all, that is what a store is for. You have to give your store use. Try not to end up being the “junk drawer” of retail. Look at your target audience if you need help deciding what to sell. If you’re located near water, a kayak store would be a smart investment. If you’re near an urban area, maybe clothing and accessories would be more appropriate. Selling something that has to do with the community your in will also bring in visitors. When people travel they like to experience the culture, so stores that reflect their culture will be very popular among tourists!

Home run businesses are often some of the best stores. Being run by individuals gives them character, appeal, and they are usually very nicely operated. Starting a small business of your own can be a great money maker if you do it correctly. It doesn’t have any set pre-requisite other than, maybe, social skills. Some things to keep in mind while thinking of opening a small business are location, appeal, and product. The location of your store is directly related to success. Also, your store has to be inviting or else you will loose customers. Lastly, your product is key. You have to sell something people want and need.

Small Business Start-Up Kit

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You’ve had 1,000 of the finest, most eye-catching business cards printed. Now, what do you do with them? Networking with business cards is one of the most cost effective means of marketing your business–and yourself.

Don’t leave them sitting in the box, they do you no good there. Get them into the hands of your prospects! If you think of your business card as a mini-billboard for your company, you’ll realize that you need people to see it in order for it to be effective. Here are a few ideas to get you started…

1) Keep them in your pocket, purse, briefcase, and wallet, on your desk, and at the reception area of your office

Leave some in your car. Always have them on hand so you can introduce yourself to new people when the moment is right. They should be a necessary part of your routine before you leaving home every day. When checking for your wallet and keys, check for a stack of business cards too. Keep replenishing your supply.

2) Store your cards in a nice holder so they don’t get bent

Keeping your business cards in a stylish case makes a better presentation when you give your cards out. Likewise, treat others’ cards well when you accept them. For example, spend a few moments reading the card closely before you put it away. You won’t impress the person by mishandling their business card. If your contact information should change, have new cards printed. Writing in your new email address or phone number leaves a bad impression. For more please visit Business Cards

3) Use them as scrap paper when you need to jot down a note

Instead of a napkin, use the back of your business card to write in your cell phone number. “This is my direct line,” you might say, making the prospect feel important and giving him or her a reason to keep your card.

4) Give people a reason to hold on to your card

Print something unique on the back of it–a calendar, a list of your services, important measurements, or anything relevant to your industry. You could also print a coupon on it, and ask them to return the card with their order, so again they have a reason to keep your card. For more please visit Business Cards

5) As a business owner or manager, have business cards printed for all staff members, right down to the lowest ranking person

The novelty of the cards for those who usually don’t have them will entice employees to hand them out. At the same time, you’ll make them feel appreciated. Your employees are part of your network, so use their networks to generate business for your company.

6) Use your business cards to introduce yourself to prospects you meet at networking functions, in the park or at your children’s soccer games

However, don’t be pushy. Make sure the time is appropriate. One way to do this is to ask for the other person’s card. He or she will likely ask you for your card in return. Another idea is to hand out two or three cards at a time–one for the person you meet, and extras for him or her to hand out to referrals. (Offering to do the same would be the polite thing to do here.) When you go to the doctor or dentist, present your card to the receptionist to announce your presence.

Leaving your business cards to sit in a box or a drawer collecting dust defeats the purpose of having them. They are inexpensive enough to print by the thousands, so hand them out liberally. It’s a cost-effective way to market yourself and your business. Think of the many other ways to empty that box so you need to print more cards. Be creative and you will soon have more business than you can handle!

Does your business card work as hard as you do to gain new contacts? If not, you need cards that will grab attention and spur curiosity. For more please visit Business Cards

The Best of Business Card Design 6 (No. 6)

photo credit: adria.richards
photo credit: Michael (mx5tx)

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