Recent comments

Lots of great ideas here! I think we all should win :)

Great article. It's time to start celebrating our successes instead of chastising ourselves for what we've done wrong. I wish that more leaders and managers practiced this philosophy with their employees, and understood the value in learning from one's mistakes.

yes good good good

I suggest accounts receivable insurance from Euler Hermes.

It is a great piece, but is it worth it "depends." Old sayings may sum it best: do not place your eggs all in one basket.

A marketing mix should now include online marketing, but the degree to which you advertise there should be proportionate to the degree you believe your clients will use online search to find your business.

A local gas station will not find itself uncompetitive without online advertising. Neither will the bakery next door. (I have one two doors down. The best advertising for them remains the aroma wafting from their doors each morning.) And just how far across even a small city are consumers willing to go for a new dentist, a computer technician, or even a well-reviewed eatery?

I recently provided marketing planning for a local massage business. In addition to encouraging the owner to increase their online marketing presence, I outlined steps for increasing neighborhood awareness. A well-designed building sign, direct mail to the business' neighbors, introductions to related small businesses in the neighborhood, etc. AND presence in online listings and Google local search = dramatic increase in business.

Let's encourage each other to use emerging tools to their fullest potential. But let's also remember the solid strategies that may even trump technology in effectiveness!

This is fantastic, thanks Leah. I've always wanted to start my own business and get frustrated when things don't 'fall into place'. But recently I've been spending time planning, researching, mulling over names and engaging family and friends. I feel much more prepared now

Thanks for the great reminders Steve.
I really like the point on being a better listener.
I find this so difficult when busting to say something about our product or services. However, holding back really does give the potential lead or customer the opportunity to let you know where they're up to and the right angle to take for a more solid introduction
http://www.onesherpa.com

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exodus Studios...definitely!!!

This article is very true. I am going through the long and complex problem of dealing with insurance/lawyers/adjusters for my two businesses (one just started 4 months ago) which received totaling damages due to a fire.

Thankfully, having gone through Hurricane Katrina, I stayed on top of my insurance policy and basically know it like the back of my hand.

Had this just been a normal claim, things would be going a lot easier, but it also involves a legal suit with the energy company.

Definitely agree on getting outside experts to help - the tasks of trying to tie up everything with the fire added to the hard work of trying to rebuild are very taxing. And while most clients and customers are understanding, be prepared for those who say, "I'm sorry to hear about that, but where's my stuff".

While you have suffered a loss and want to resume operations as quickly as possible, your customers and clients don't want their business to be interrupted so they want whatever products/services they were owed despite your losses or possibly inability to produce.

Don't expect the process of restoration after a loss to be rapid. Everyone is going to look out for their best interest which results in complicated negotions.

And of course remember to turn to the experts and resources at ideacafe.

Percy Marchand
Winner of the 2006 Idea Cafe Pilot Grant
Owner and Operator: Marchand Ink and Renaissance Reception Hall

If you guys are still in contact with Ms. Francie Ward, tell her I said hello!

Good Luck on your adventure/venture! Spread the word about Solar Cooking and have an impact on the environment!