The impact of the pandemic on small businesses has been enormous. It radically changed business operating procedures, planning, and investment. The good news is that those who endured have shown themselves to be resilient, innovative, and adaptive. Those who adapted, scaled back, and hunkered down now face another challenge: a labor shortage. The reasons for this situation are manifold, but, whatever the case, businesses must […]
Read MoreWhile just surviving has often been Job #1, consider taking a candid look at what was working and what wasn’t regarding business operations and plans.
Read MoreRestricted shopping, travel and access have severely disrupted your business, it severely disrupted your customers too. As you have been forced to adapt to the impact of the pandemic so have your customers. Under this tumultuous condition the relationship you have with your customers and vice versa can deteriorate. There is a business term called a stranded asset. It refers to an asset that is […]
Read MoreFranklin and Bezos are separated by centuries but make no mistake they are connected. What connects them? They sought to bring producers and consumers into contact. They utilized a communication channel that already existed: the mail and the Internet. In both cases, the technology was on-hand. Neither manufactured products consumers bought. They were/are in the marketing communications business. The technology (movable type printing press) on […]
Read MoreIf you’re in sales, you eventually learn that listening to a prospective or existing customer is two-thirds of the transaction process. Learn what the problem is first and then offer the appropriate solution.
Read MoreBefore you answer, ask yourself this question: Is it possible for a business that provides a good product or service but uses older technology to grow? I’d say yes. A business that provides good products or services has essentially achieved the following: Existing technology meets the requirements Additional financial resources are not presently required Labor understands the existing technology Production/Process issues are solved or manageable […]
Read MoreThe elevator speech is often thought of as a compelling 30-second summation of the value your business brings to its customers. The elevator speech we explore here is not about your business. It is about your customers. If I asked you to stop reading and in 30-seconds demonstrate your knowledge of your customers, top to bottom, could you do it? Some can, many may not. […]
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