Recent Articles Published by Susan Solovic
Why Customer Relationships Are the Key to a Successful Restaurant
With take out and online delivery, meaningful customer relationships can take a backseat. Here are five ways to upgrade your customer service. Read more »
Keep a Close Eye on the Competition.
The sluggish economy continues to be an issue for small business owners. And now it appears competition may be getting tougher too. According to the Guardian Life Small Business Trends Research Report, larger companies will aggressively market to prospects once considered “too small.” That means those of us who own small businesses may find ourselves... Read more »
Tips for Giving Holiday Gifts to Customers on a Barebones Budget
Can you believe it? Here we are in the midst of the holiday season. Where as this year gone? And it’s been another tough year for small businesses. For many of us there is very little left in the budget for giving gifts to our customers. Yet, it’s always nice to show your appreciation for... Read more »
Selling Smart: Not All Sales Are Good Sales
I’ve been on a hectic book tour the past several weeks, and I’ve listened to thousands of small business owners discuss their concerns. One common problem: we need more sales. Yes, we’d all like to increase our revenue and build our businesses. But hold your horses — not all sales are good sales. Sounds counter-intuitive,... Read more »
Make The Most of a Media Opp!
A television appearance. A radio interview. A magazine article or a mention in a popular blog. Every business owner understands the value of positive media coverage. There’s no better way to build your brand. Media coverage is significantly more credible than paid advertising because the content is developed by an unbiased, third-party source. That’s why... Read more »
8 Tips for Starting a Home-Based Business
In the past, home-based businesses weren’t taken seriously. If your office was in your home, you did everything you could to hide that fact. But that’s no longer the case. Home-based businesses comprise one of the fastest growing business segments today. People love the idea of being able to be their own boss and work... Read more »
Technology Creates a Competitive Advantage for Small Businesses.
In my opinion, technology is the driving force behind the burgeoning small business market. Technology levels the playing field and allows small businesses to do business anywhere in the world from anywhere they choose. As technology continues to advance, small companies are enjoying the benefits of increased productivity and profitability. Every small business owner needs... Read more »
New Employee? Make a Positive First Impression!
So you’ve decided to add to your team. Good for you. You’re focused on growing your business. And now that you’ve found the right candidate and sealed the deal so to speak, you may think the hard work is over. Let me assure you, the work has just begun, and it’s important you get it... Read more »
Build a Business Not a Job.
MYTOP is an acronym I created to describe a key strategy business strategy. I’ll explain what it means and how it works momentarily. But first, I need to preface why the MYTOP theory is a critical element for business success and sustainability. With unemployment rates at unprecedented levels, more and more Americans are finding the... Read more »
Partnerships: Six Things You Need to Know Before You Say “I do”.
So you want to go into business with someone. Good for you. Maybe your potential partner is a family member, long-time friend, investor, or business associate. Whatever the relationship, the start of a partnership is much like the beginning of a romantic relationship. The parties are euphoric and it may seem as though nothing could... Read more »
Need Funds: What About Family and Friends?
“I’ve got a great idea for a business, but I don’t have any money to get it started! Where can I get money from the government or find investors to help me start my business?” If I had a dime for every time I’ve been asked this question, I’d be wealthy enough to establish my... Read more »
Good Marketing Strategy Starts With a Defined Message.
Many business owners ask me for advice about how to market their businesses. Before I can answer that question, I need to know what the business owner’s key marketing messages are and who their customer is. Frequently, I get a perplexed look when I ask for the marketing messages. Long before you start choosing how... Read more »
What’s Your Market Opportunity — Really?
Many new entrepreneurs believe their service or product will have wide market appeal. As a result they overestimate their market opportunity and accordingly their company’s potential for growth. So you need to ask yourself: what’s my market opportunity — really!? It’s important to keep in mind that your business can’t be all things to all... Read more »
Customer Focus and Consistency: Keys to Strong Brand Building
Eager to get their businesses off the ground, many young startups make branding mistakes because they don’t understand the right marketing messages. Have you defined your marketing message? You may adjust your marketing messages periodically, or you may have different messages for different audiences, but focus on something from the start and be consistent. Here... Read more »
Successful Businesses Build on Purpose
When you start a new business, you obviously start with an idea. But a critical ingredient for success is understanding your “why”. Why do you do what you do? It’s amazing how many business owners and their teams go through the motions of running their businesses on a day-to-day basis without ever understanding the purpose... Read more »
Minimize Your Startup Risk: Start Part-Time
Starting a business is risky, but there are ways in which you can minimize your risk. For example, consider testing the waters by starting your business on a part-time basis. If you currently have a full-time position, you may be able to get started by working on your business during your own time—for most people,... Read more »
What Is Your Motivation?
Those who are fired with an enthusiastic idea and who allow it to take hold and dominate their thoughts find that new worlds open for them. As long as enthusiasm holds out, so will new opportunities. — Norman Vincent Peale. Why do you want to go into business for yourself? It is important to truly... Read more »
