Small Business Information


Street Wars Between Mobile Car Washers and Mobile Auto Detailers


There is much competition in the mobile auto detailing business. There are two different lines of reasoning emerging as to how the business should be run.

Competition in the Mobile Car Wash Industry


We have all seen the mobile washing units cruising our city, usually they are trucks, vans or trailer set ups with a water tank and a pressure washer unit aboard. They market their services with flyers and business cards, however most of their business comes from weekly repeats and referrals.

Auto Detailers and Competitive Aspects of Automobile Detailing


There are both fixed and mobile detailers. Consumers often will use either or both during the life of their car.

Small Businesses With Work Trucks; A Warning


If you are a non-operator owner of many work trucks, you should keep your business credit card with you not leave it in one of the trucks. You should not issue them to employees without strict guidlines.

Most Franchises Are Small Home Businesses


Many of our nations 400,000 franchisees run their businesses out of their homes and therefore their home addresses and phone numbers are listed in the Unifrom Franchsie Offering Circular's, attachments. Uniform Franchise Circulars, UFOC, are for franchise buyers and they explain the investment involved.

How to Get Maximum Results With Minimum Effort


Get maximum results with minimum effort. Sounds great doesn't it? The key is leverage.

Pet Grooming Business


Do you like animals? Would you like to work for yourself? Pet grooming could be the career for you.A grooming business is more than just washing dogs.

How To Start a Small Business


Not sure how to start a small business? This guide will offer you some useful tips on the basic requirements of starting a small business.Initially, there are two types of businesses available to you, Sole Trader or Partnership.

How To Select a Franchise


Here are some useful tips on how to select a franchise. When selecting a franchise, carefully consider a number of factors, such as the demand for the products or services, likely competition, the franchisor's background, and the level of support you will receive because like any other investment, purchasing a franchise is a risk.

Shopping For a Franchise


Shopping for a franchise is easy if you know what you are doing. You can choose between radio adverts, newspaper adverts, personal recommendation, Internet, or visit a franchise exhibition.

What To Consider Before Buying A Franchise


Here are some useful tips on what to consider before buying a franchise. Before investing in any franchise system, be sure to get a copy of the franchisor's disclosure document.

Buying a Franchise


Buying a franchise is not for everyone. This guide will help you evaluate whether buying a franchise is right for you.

Is Your Business Property Safe and Secure?


Security Professionals provide the products and services necessary to create a safe and secure workplace for you and your employees. Products such as lever hardware, panic and exit devices, desk locks and high security key control systems, as well as security boxes and safes, can help you protect your business and property.

The Benefits of Using Freelance Consultants / Trainers for Your Project


What are the benefits of using a Freelance Consultant / Trainer for your next project?Companies are often wary of employing freelance trainers when setting up a new project or contemplating a 'roll out' operation or 'change' scenario. There are however distinct advantages to using freelance as against permanent resources, and some of these are outlined as follows.

7 Advantages to Incorporating


There's no question that hard work and a little luck is what it takes to BE successful. But a little knowledge, especially when it comes to setting up your business, will help you STAY successful.

Small Businesses - Big Obstacles


Everyone is talking about small businesses. In 1993, when it was allowed, more than 90,000 new firms were registered by individuals.

Why Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Should


As the owner or an employee of a small-to medium-sized business, you might have never thought about media monitoring. Maybe you are not even sure what exactly is meant by this and have thus ignored it so far.

Postcards Make It Rain Referrals


One of the simplest ways to expand your marketing efforts is through the consistent use of postcards. Create a list of narrowly targeted prospects and then hammer away at them with powerful marketing messages.

Data Loss - Can Your Company Survive? (Most Do Not)


Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to the kingdom of geeks.

Postcard Marketing - Low Cost Visibility


You need to be visible to attract customers, right? But how do you get that visibility when you're short on cash? Here's an idea that's worked for many businesses. It's postcard marketing, and it's very affordable.

Are You a Small Business Lone Ranger? Take My 10-Question Quiz To Find Out!


So what exactly is a "Small Business Lone Ranger?" A "Small Business Lone Ranger" is a business owner who does all the work themselves.No matter how big or small the project, the Lone Ranger handles 100% of it.

Are You Ready to Own and Operate a Business?


How often has someone thought of starting a business based solely on the fact they think it will be easier than working for someone else. Fact is, owning and operating a business can be one of the most grueling experiences you will have. >[?

Earn More Money in Your Small Business by Creating a PIG


If you really want to earn more money with your small business than you need to strongly consider adding a P.I.

Small Business And The Ability To Find Market Place Opportunities


Marketing is one of the four corner-posts of a solid business. Knowing a few marketing tricks is great, but to be really successful you must be able to assess market place opportunities.

Do You Want Your Own Fully Programmable ERP? - Part 2


In the first article we mentioned the main characteristics that should have a software to be used as a Front-End with some functions of an Enterprise Resources Planning ERP:ODBC,Replication,Computed Views,Integrated e-Mail,and we used the Lotus Notes example, but in principle will be possible to use other softwares with similar functions.Now we will see a practical case, a system to detect and control - marketing, sales, new purchase orders - your aground products.

Do You Want Your Own Fully Programmable ERP? - Part 3


Continuing from the second article:6. About the aground mathematical model, let us to see the product k:First quantity received in 10/6/98, quantity 1,000, unit cost US$ 34.

The Role of the Business Model and Strategy for Business


People will always stress that having a well researched business plan is key before you start your business. Although creating a business plan is often an important step in the evolution of a business, particularly if you need financing or you are not experienced at running a business, it is not necessarily the essential first step.

Common Sources of Financing for Small Business


The choice of financing is an important determinant of whether a product reaches the market, or whether an existing business can survive. The choice of financing is an important part of being an entrepreneur and business owner, and the ability to raise cash when you have no or limited history takes skill and creativity.

New Habits, Rebounding Economy Help To Sell Giftware and Collectibles


Just a few years ago, when one thought of a home-based sales business, Tupperware, Avon and a host of multi-level marketing schemes might have come to mind. Today, however, changing market conditions and evolving consumer habits have converged to make home-based selling businesses a realistic opportunity with real profit potential.

Successfully Adding a Service To Your Business


There will come a time in your business where you feel ready to add another service offering. To make this successful, there are ten tips to consider before moving ahead.

Effectively Completing the Operations Plan Section of Your Business Plan


The Operations Plan is a critical component of any business plan as it presents the Company's action plan for executing its vision. The Operations Plan must detail 1) the processes that are performed to serve customers every day (short-term processes) and 2) the overall business milestones that the company must attain to be successful (long-term processes).

How to Create an Information Plan


What is in an information plan?Before you even meet with a potential customer, you should have an action plan in place. The action plan should consist of 5 areas.

Power Tools for Business


How do we keep track of our business deals?If you are only working with one or two deals, keeping track of them is a simple matter. However, most of us have far more than two deals on the plate and even more coming down the pipeline.

How to Bond a Business Relationship


When should you create a foundation in order to solidify a business relationship?Before you bond any business relationship, you need to make sure that this is a relationship that you both want to have. No relationship is a one way street; the relationship must work in both directions.

How to Integrate Yourself in Someone Elses Business


When do you need to get more involved with the day to day activities of your business partner?The best business relationship you can have is one where the client does not know whether you are a contractor or whether you are an employee. Working alongside the client, you are the one that offers solutions to problems.

Never Burn a Bridge


Why should you always maintain a good report with a business even when you are parting ways?It is human nature to get mad and then rant and rave about what is not going well at work. Many of us spend time gossiping and socializing with the main topic of what the problems are and who is responsible.

How to be Annoyed and Make Money


When do annoyances in a relationship become too much to bear?Have you ever worked for a client that drives you up the wall and back down the other side but you keep working with them because you need the money? I am sure most of us have been in that position and were so happy when that relationship finally broke up. It felt like you were finally free and able to do what you do best somewhere else, or you fell into panic because you had no income anymore.

Knowledge is Power


Why does research and education play an important part of the business relationship?Have you ever attended a business briefing or meeting without reading the materials ahead of time? I know I certainly have, and I also know that I felt like a fool when asked a question. It was up to me to be informed about the meeting and to read the information, and I neglected to do so.

Keeping Business Alive


Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship?Nurturing a business relationship will take effort on your part and effort on the part of the other person. If you feel the business is worth having, then you must take the time to make sure you are in touch on a regular basis.

If You Want Business - Be Consistent


Why does consistency in the message have an effect on how the business relationship is formed?Your message to others needs to be consistent. You need to define your expertise and develop your elevator pitch.


More Resources


If You Want Business - Be Consistent
Why does consistency in the message have an effect on how the business relationship is formed?Your message to others needs to be consistent. You need to define your expertise and develop your elevator pitch.
How To Plant Seeds of Success With Small Business Ideas
Think of all of your business ideas as tiny seeds that have the potential to germinate and grow into huge fruit bearing orchards! However, the proper steps must be taken; you can't scatter the seeds haphazardly on pavement and expect they will germinate. Growing a business is no different; it needs a fertile environment conducive to growth in order to germinate and thrive.
10 Ways to Start a Business on a Budget
If you've been thinking about starting a business, but are held back due to cash-flow issues, there are plenty of ways you can get your plans off the ground. Though your vision may be to own a big store, restaurant, warehouse, or office, consider starting on a smaller scale.
Five Simple Software Tips for Small Business Owners
The start of a new year is a time for a clean start. Resolutions are made, you clear your files of last year's paperwork, and you swear you are going to start the year off keeping your financial house in order.
7 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners
Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do you find it difficult to take time out for you? Are you constantly working in a mess?Unfortunately there are far too many business owners working too long and too hard. They tend to be involved in every aspect of their business from being the bookkeeper, marketer, human resources manager, mediator, customer liaison officer and cleaner.
Window Cleaning Business Start Up
Should you buy a business opportunity or Franchise if you want to get into the window cleaning business? Or just start your own and work hard; grow the business into a full-time profession and expand from there? Let us talk briefly about window cleaning franchises is in general.One could argue without too much difficulty that buying a window cleaning franchise is simply a waste of money, after all you could simply go down to be 99 cents store and by a bucket 3 towels and a squeegee and hey, you are in business right? Well one could argue that, since to really be in business, you probably need to get a business license, insurance, buy some business cards and make a few flyers.
Dealing With a Crooked on the Take Government Worker
Many government department heads are on the take. Oh they'll jump up and down and swear legitimacy, but it just is not so.
Starting a New Business in a Small Town
Q. I am a former pastor who left the ministry after sixteen years to spend more time with my family.
Competition Relations in Auto Detailing
There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing. Even more between types of cleaning businesses, as each company attempts to expand into other services which are the mainstay of similar business models.
The Perfect Mission Statement
One way to determine your companies mission statement is based on a general overview of the company. Some important questions are asked like: Why does the company exist and what kind of business is it in? Is there a particular market or niche that it will concentrate upon? How will the company be distinctive in its business methods? Once these questions are answered, the focus moves to the accomplishment of these broadly expressed objectives.
Understanding Franchise Releationships in a Franchised Business
Now that you have invested your time, energy and money in buying a franchise, how do you work within the system? How do you take advantage of all your franchisor has to offer? How do you deal with your counterparts, other franchisees?In this chapter, I will give you tips that will help you thrive and prosper in your new business.CommunicationIn any franchise organization, it's important to maintain open communications lines.
Business Valuation is Critical
What is Business Valuation?The term business valuation is the method by which the business worth is determined. This usually happens when the business is for sale, when the business is looking for extra funding from the banks, when the business is considering taking on extra investors, or where the business is looking at merging with another organisation.
5 Small Business Management Questions to Help Choose Marketing Programs
As small business managers, we juggle limited resources in a quest for success. To an extent, when we focus on success in one area we forego attention elsewhere.
How To Start a Small Business
Not sure how to start a small business? This guide will offer you some useful tips on the basic requirements of starting a small business.Initially, there are two types of businesses available to you, Sole Trader or Partnership.
Due Dilegence 101 Or What You Do Not Know Can Kill You! - Part 1
Introduction:This article is written as a general discussion on the subject of "Due Diligence". It is for informational purposes and not intended to be a definitive guideline for your exact situation.
Business Debt Collection Letter Writing Secrets
Debt collection letters--an overview"Debt collection letter" in the singular may be an oxymoron, since unfortunately, one is rarely enough. You should have a series of letters to send to deadbeat clients, each one becoming a little more insistent.
What Your Small Business Can Learn From The Doctor
Most doctors never distinguish the difference between customers and patients. That's why they have waiting rooms instead of reception areas.
Loose Lips Sink Ships - The Fastest Way to Put Yourself Out of Business
I agree that knowledge should be free, but the next person I see revealing their hard attained business practices in a public forum, I am going to feel the need to approach them, make them choose their own switch from an outside tree, then whip them with it.This is the mistake I see most small businesses make: running their mouths too much.
Proper Care and Feeding of the Business Owner
That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of a major hidden cause of businesses closing their doors. It's called burnout.
Drivng Home the Point - An Outsourcing Story in China
A few years ago, I visited Beijing for the first time. At Beijing airport, I got into a taxi and paid 450 yuan (about US$54) to get to the city.

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Understanding Franchise Releationships in a Franchised Business
Now that you have invested your time, energy and money in buying a franchise, how do you work within the system? How do you take advantage of all your franchisor has to offer? How do you deal with your counterparts, other franchisees?In this chapter, I will give you tips that will help you thrive and prosper in your new business.CommunicationIn any franchise organization, it's important to maintain open communications lines.
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Become The Squeaky Wheel and Watch Your Business Skyrocket!
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Keeping Business Alive
Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship?Nurturing a business relationship will take effort on your part and effort on the part of the other person. If you feel the business is worth having, then you must take the time to make sure you are in touch on a regular basis.
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Solving the Late Paying Customer Blues
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Starting a New Business in a Small Town
Q. I am a former pastor who left the ministry after sixteen years to spend more time with my family.
Small Business Secrets: Self-Confidence Can Be Arranged
At first blush this idea might be difficult to wrap your brain around. That's because you've been taught that self-confidence is achieved through mastery of knowledge or skills.
Covenants Not To Compete: Another Franchise Quandary
Imagine that you have operated a successful franchise business for the past several years. Your franchise agreement's term expires in the near future and you are contemplating whether renewing the agreement would be a wise business decision.
How to Achieve Real Success in Business: Five Breezy Tips
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A Business Plan Is Not Worth A Cracker To A Struggling Business - A Plans The Last Thing It Needs
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Small Business Marketing Secrets: Look Like Sizzle, Be The Steak
You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle, not the steak." Advertising initiatives best reach their target audience with benefits and the "wow" effect, not the value or features of their product or service.
Professional House Cleaning - The Dirty Little Secret
Are you tired yet of all the books out there telling you how easy it is to start a house cleaning business? I'm not inferring that all their information is bad, but let's be honest about how "easy" it really is.There's a dirty little secret hanging over the cleaning trade that nobody talks about, but every professional cleaner runs into.
Six Essential Skills to Business Success!
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