green is good for business
These days, the financial landscape isn’t the only environment your business needs to be aware of. Strong environmental policies are helping companies reduce costs and attract new customers. (They also help you feel good about yourself!)
According to the survey of almost 11,000 business owners conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in late 2007 found that: 83 percent have taken steps to conserve energy by cutting electricity usage and renovating, more than 70 percent have introduced or expanded recycling at work and about a third use environmentally friendly products.
- Where to start? Well, green sights will depend on the nature of your business. For instance, if you are involved in manufacturing of any sort, reducing emissions and waste products should be at the top of your list. Of course, you’ll make sure you are adhering to all government regulations – municipal, provincial and federal. But don’t stop there – listen to community concerns. It’s not always enough to do the right thing; you must be seen to be doing the right thing. Get involved in local environmental causes – even if they don’t relate directly to your business. The resulting halo effect could stand you in good stead should you ever accidentally slip a little yourself. Read more
Plain & Simple Ways to Grow Your Business
Lately I heard a statistic that the majority of businesses operate at 60% of their potential. While I was unable to obtain the source of that statistic it seemed rather accurate or maybe even high. The Small Business Association reports that “2/3 of new employer firms survive at least 2 years, and about 1/2 survive at least 4 years.” The language they use is almost as scary as the statistics themselves. This article provides tips to help you develop and grow a strong, solid business foundation.
- Solid Plan with a Clear Simple Vision- Think of the impact you would like your business to have in the world. Think big! You may never reach your vision but the vision itself is so grand that your team gets excited about it. Then back up and look at what would have to happen to get there. Create a solid plan with realistic short and long term goals.
- Focus on Profitability vs. Revenue- While revenue is important, high revenue doesn’t add value if your expenses are just as high. What can you do to create more profit? Possibly develop various streams of income. What expenses could be reduced or eliminated? How can you operate more efficiently? Think profit.
- Work “in” and “on” your business- Sometimes we get so caught up in daily tasks “in” our business we forget to step back to take a wider look from the outside. Seeing it through a customer’s eyes. Noticing how it fits into the community. Preparing the future of the company. On the other hand, we can get so comfortable working “on” our business we forget to step in to talk with customers and experience what the employees face on a daily basis. Read more
Clear & Simple Guide to Grow Your Business
Lately I heard a statistic that the majority of businesses operate at 60% of their potential. While I was unable to obtain the source of that statistic it seemed rather accurate or maybe even high. The Small Business Association reports that “2/3 of new employer firms survive at least 2 years, and about 1/2 survive at least 4 years.” The language they use is almost as scary as the statistics themselves. This article provides tips to help you develop and grow a strong, solid business foundation.
- Solid Plan with a Clear Simple Vision- Think of the impact you would like your business to have in the world. Think big! You may never reach your vision but the vision itself is so grand that your team gets excited about it. Then back up and look at what would have to happen to get there. Create a solid plan with realistic short and long term goals.
- Focus on Profitability vs. Revenue - While revenue is important, high revenue doesn’t add value if your expenses are just as high. What can you do to create more profit? Possibly develop various streams of income. What expenses could be reduced or eliminated? How can you operate more efficiently? Think profit.
- Work “in” and “on” your business - Sometimes we get so caught up in daily tasks “in” our business we forget to step back to take a wider look from the outside. Seeing it through a customer’s eyes. Noticing how it fits into the community. Preparing the future of the company. On the other hand, we can get so comfortable working “on” our business we forget to step in to talk with customers and experience what the employees face on a daily basis.
- Automate and Create Systems - What do you need to automate? What system can you put in place that would free up your time or make you more money? What tasks need to be eliminated, systematized, or delegated. What system would help your employees be more effective and provide the best service? Finally, is there a system that needs to be upgraded? Automation and systems help your business be consistent and efficient. Read more
Assembling Business Support Team
Building a network of people who can give you advice is like having a “virtual team” to back you up.
Building a network using current contacts - If your new business is in the industry in which you were previously employed, you probably already know key players and customers whose opinions you respect. Talk to them, and then ask whether you can call periodically to get their reactions to your progress.
Building a network from scratch - If you are entering a sector that’s new to you, try to talk to people who can provide you with market intelligence, contacts and ongoing feedback, including: People in similar businesses and Potential clients. Join industry associations, and attend conferences and events, that provide networking opportunities.
Professional advisers - Getting advice from professionals early in your business start-up process can help you avoid common pitfalls and get up and running that much faster. It doesn’t have to be expensive; a small business adviser will give advice for free, and first consultations are often free for other professionals as well.
If you don’t have a banker, lawyer, accountant or management consultant, ask friends and business colleagues for referrals. Look for the right “fit” with the professionals you speak with to ensure they are knowledgeable about your industry and small business.
methods to promote business
- Have a business card and business stationery. This will tell prospective customers you are a professional who takes your business seriously.
- Send business card to as many people as possible. Call your friends and relatives and tell them you have started a business. Visit them and leave a small stack of business cards to hand out to their friends.
- Befriend your suppliers and vendors and give them your business card. Ask if they can use your products or service, or if they know anyone who can.
- Attend meetings of professional groups, computer user groups and groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, or civic associations. Have business cards in a pocket where they are easily reachable and hand them over during introduction.
- Contact nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges, and even other businesses who have customers who may need your services. Ask for some work or leads.
- Do networking with others who are doing the same type of work you are. Let them know you are available to handle their work overloads.
- Send out sales letters to everyone you think might be able to use what you sell. Be sure to describe your business in terms of how it can help the prospect. Learn to drop a business card in every letter you send out.
- Give samples of your product or your work into as many hands as possible.
- Offer a free, no obligation consultation to people you think could use your services. During such consultations offer some practical suggestions or ideas — and before you leave ask for an “order” to implement the ideas.
- Learn to ask referrals.
- Have sales letters, flyers and other pertinent information printed and ready to go.
- Run a contest. Make the prize something desirable and related to your business. It could be a free gift basket of your products, for instance, or free services.
- Look out for free advertising and take advantage of the opportunity.