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Carnival of the Capitalists – July 10, 2006
Welcome to this weeks Carnival of the Capitalists, a weekly roundup of the best business articles posted by bloggers. This edition of the Carnival of the Capitalists is utilizing the CotC hosting template provided by Gongol.com. I hope you like…
Very impressed with the blog.
There’s anything from suggestions on how to determine your product’s selling price to salesmanship to human resources-it’s all on the blog.
Thanks for providing dealers with a first class resource for growing their business.
Jim,
Thank you for the nice comment. Our goal is to give you the information you need to help you in your business. If there’s anything that you’re particularly interested in seeing, please let us know.
If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to take our survey.
Mike Buckley
Carnival of the Capitalists – July 31, 2006 Edition
Welcome to the Carnival of the Capitalists, a weekly roundup of the best in business and economics blog posts. I am your host, and I am pleased to present this July 31, 2006 edition with over 50 entries. Many thanks to all those who participated this w…
We have an every week all year workbook class of some nature at least 2 days week. We find too that it works to have an event planned in the slower months. We find Grandmothers still have money to spend
Next Up at Google, Local Coupons
Note: If you are looking for online coupons, then try out a coupon site like Latest Coupons.
Im beginning to believe that Google wants to be synonymous with Internet, Google Videos, Google Maps, Google News, Google Talk, Google Coupons, everywhe…
While True Value might be independantly owned, in my area they are most definately a competitor selling bags and belts at lower pricing. Also they sell the HooBissRekaDevil junk just like a box store.
The Carnival of the Capitalists
Welcome to The Carnival of the Capitalists at The Business of America is Business This is my second time hosting the Carnival in the last month. Keeping with what has become something of a tradition, I have found myself hosting within a few days of my …
Phil,
Excellent point! Do you think the hardware store actually sells many vacs? If they do sell any, where do they send their customers for service?
Your comment raises two questions. One, when the hardware store competes with you, where do you and other readers buy your hardware items? And, two, have you considered approaching the True Value store to do their service.
If you were to do their service, you would have a strong selling story to tell and a chance to upgrade their customers when their cheapo vac either doesn’t do the job or dies a premature death.
Put Customers First
Nothing is quite as frustrating as a company that, when confronted with a widespread consumer behavior that it doesn’t know how to deal with, takes its frustrations out on its customers when it should instead find a way to make
As manufacturers reps in the lighting industry, my company has many opportunities to participate in “government”, or more specifically, military base projects. We have been selling domestically-manufactured lighting to these military housing projects for years, but we can’t sell Tacony’s Regency or Vista brands because of the “Buy America” act.
What drives us crazy is that our competition, supplying several ceiling fans made entirely in Asia, possibly from some of the factories that Regency is using, is claiming that they meet the “Buy America” criteria.
Can someone tell me what is going on? How can Tacony Corp. get some of their products qualified?
Greg,
Good question! As I understand the Buy American Act, a government procurement officer must buy American made products as long as the American product is the lowest bid. If the lowest bid is a foreign made product, the buyer must add six percent to that price. If it’s still lower than the American product, the buyer can go ahead and purchase the foreign product.
I would think that you would have no trouble beating the lowest American-made item by more than 6%.
There are some exceptions. For example, if the dealer making the bid is owned by a member of a minority group, a woman, or a disabled veteran, their bid should get preference.
Also, purchases less than $2,500 can be made by government credit card and require no bid. Purchases between $2,500 and $2,5000 require the purchaser to seek three bids, but not necessarily to get three bids. If the buyer calls three vendors and two aren’t interested, he can give the order to the third one. He (or she) has met the requirements.
Sometimes the rules vary between government agencies, but those are the general rules as I understand them. I’ve posted a link to the Buy American Act in the links list on the left.
Who’s On Your Board of Directors?
People need personal advisors for the same reason major corporations need boards of directors
HI,
I HAVE A SUGGESTION, WHY DON’T YOU EMAIL YOUR MONTHLY SPECIALS TO EVERYONE,I WOULD LOOK AT IT MORE OFTEN IF YOU WOULD EMAIL IT.
Paul,
That’s a good suggestion. I’ll pass it along to the marketing department. Thank you for your input.
No wonder Tacony is leaving Miele in the dust. Case in point. I wanted to run an Ad for christmas, they restrict you so badly it’s no more than an National ad that does not fit my local market. I asked them to reconsider there descision on good solid points, No dice. So now all ads will be Simplicity with a small Miele ad in one of the corners.
Ralph,
Thanks for the comment!
I’ve always felt it best not to comment on the competition, but we appreciate your support of our products.
I’ve posted on this many times. Every consumer is different. Every dealer is different. Every market is different. That’s why most of our business units do limited national advertising. Over the last 60 years, we’ve found that the best ads are local ads.
While we may provide you with ad slicks, we understand that you know your market better than we do. We’re happy to tell you what’s working for other dealers, but the local market is your call.
Thank you for sharing your experience and for your support of Tacony Corporation.
Merry Christmas!
Right to the point, Big box is beatable you just need to know how. Do everything different and you will win.
Interesting post, I love analogies between real life and the business world.
Thanks for the comment. I guess it just shows that whatever we do for a living, we’re all salesmen (and women). Without his talent for self-promotion Houdini might have just been another guy in a straitjacket.
Good post.
It proves the point that following the crowd (i.e. following the “conventional” method of selling) is not best for you, or your customer.
I’ve been a subscriber to “Sales Caffeine” for 3 years now, and I definitely agree with you–Jeffrey Gitomer provides some great information to his subscribers. He is unconventional, in a very memorable way.
Michelle,
Thanks for the nice words. It’s all about building relationships and you do that by showing a sincere concern for the other person.
By the way, your blog, Economic Edge, http://econedge.org/, is very good.
Thanks Mike.
Thanks for highlighting my post!
Emergency Flashlights
There hadn\’t been enough power � John glanced at his hand. Are you alright? When you
Mike,
Reading your post based upon the carnival
http://startupspark.com/the-13th-carnival-of-entrepreneurs-at-your-doorstep/
Really liked your article! You have to ask for the business.
In that same carnival was a highly related article on how to create awesome business cards. Thought your readers might want to know.
http://www.greatfxbusinesscards.com/news/powerful-business-cards.htm
Dave
http://businessadvicedaily.com
Thanks for reminding me about this survey. It is very important statement about small business as leaders — and a survey others should know about.
Anita
Small Business Owners Inspire The Highest Confidence
Who would you have more confidence in: a titan of Wall Street, or a military general, or a doctor or a small business owner?
In a recent Harris Poll survey, more people had confidence in leaders of small businesses than any other kind of leader they…
Anita,
Thanks for the comment. It would be great if the percentage for small business were higher, but I guess it reflects the fact that many people don’t trust anybody.
Can you give some suggestion as to how to tell the customer gracefully that you are closing in 5 minutes?
I agree that this “guy” that didn’t sell the vac was not a sales person and shouldn’t have been alone in that store. My hang up is that I have been in retail with my husband for 15 years, and we are constantly having to stay later for that late sale…thus causing us to be late for important things that our children are involved in. I don’t agree with missing or being late when it hurts other people. And I get annoyed with that customer that KNOWS we are closing and just comes in 5 minutes before close to look at a top of the line machine.
I would love some help at phrases that will help not loose the sale, but press upon the customer the importance of being a good parent.
Jen,
Thanks for the comment. I feel your pain. I’d like to think that most people just don’t realize that it’s almost closing time. Of course some people are just plain inconsiderate.
This may not be the answer you’re looking for, but if late shoppers are a consistent problem you might want to take a look at your store hours. If most of your customers work from nine to five and you close at 6:00, you’re limiting them to a very narrow shopping window.
I understand that you want to spend time with your family and I don’t blame you. They grow up fast. But if you’re missing sales because you’re not there when your customers want (need) to shop, you really have three options. One is to continue as is. Another is to expand your store hours with you and your husband working later. The third is to expand your store hours by hiring additional staff.
Personally, I’d seriously consider the third option. Every store is different but the math is fairly simple. Let’s say you need to have two people in the store at all times and you’d like to stay open an additional three hours per day. That’s six working hours per day. If you’re paying $10.00 per hour,that means an additional $60.00 of payroll expense per day. To keep the math easy, let’s say that additional electricity, heat/air conditioning, etc. brings the extra expense to $100.00. How much do you need to sell to bring in another $100.00 in gross profit?
Is it realistic to think that you can do that much extra business by being open another three hours per day? If the answer is “yes”, then you have your solution. If the answer is “no”, then you have to choose between the first two options.
Bob Negin has an excellent short article on the subject of store hours on his web site, http://www.whizbangtraining.com/sb/images/reports/pdfs/sales_surefireway.pdf
Having said that, let’s get back to your original question. Assuming that the customer is serious about buying and that you have a good reason for leaving, I think being honest with the customer is the best course to follow. I’d say something like this:
“I’m sorry, but we’re closing in just a few minutes. I’d be happy to stay over but my daughter’s dance recital is this evening and I REALLY have to be there.
“You’re going to be using (insert product here) for a long time and I really don’t want to rush you into making a decision. Would it be ok if I give you some literature to study this evening, at your leisure? Then we could get together tomorrow when we have plenty of time and choose the (product)that’s best for your needs. What time would be convenient for you?”
The customer will either agree or she won’t. If she agrees, then you have an excellent chance of making a sale tomorrow. You’ve started a relationship based on a mutual understanding of what’s really important. Plus, you’ve explained that waiting is actually to her benefit.
If she gets indignant and storms out of the store, then she’s probably not someone you want to do business with anyway.
I hope this helps. I’d love to hear what other dealers have to say on this topic.
More info on the I’m closing in 5 min. The main staff leave at 4:30 and the son of the owner closes the store. I guess a beer is more important. I sure hope the Father gives the store to the Son
“I sure hope the Father gives the store to the Son.”
I’ll bet you do!
Would would the original Foolish Sewing guy stay an extra 15 minutes and make $2.50 in salary? He’s not incentivized to work any more than the minimum unless he’s working on commission / some sort of profit sharing.
If a small business owner complains that his employees don’t go the extra mile then he only has to look at his pay structure to see what’s wrong.
Thanks Mike – I like the wording you used – telling the customer that they will be using that product for years and we want to make sure we don’t rush their decision. I will use that!
We don’t get the daily late traffic – so it’s not cost effictive to stay open later (stip mall and we are open the latest etc). It just seems that the late-highend shopper comes in on the day when there is something going on with my kids. I woul love to have someone else close the store, but we seem to have trouble finding people that don’t have difficult schedules to work around, so we close a lot! You can’t just get someone that knows how to run a register when you need them to know how to sell machines and software.
I appreciate your help and will keep looking for that needle in the haystack employee
ps I have to totally disagree on many levels to Bob’s article on his site. I believe that thinking is why are families are falling apart – meaning we are more concerned with the almighty dollar than the value we should be placing on our family.
I will never be open on Sunday and have been told by many employee prospects AND customers that if I was open on Sunday they would not work or shop with me. I think Bob’s statistics depend on the area of the county you are in. Sad statistics again anyways.
I don’t want to look, smell or act like a big box and I hope those that read his bit don’t get sucked into that.
True – times will change, but I say we have to stick with the things that hold value….if your hours causes you to be topsy in wages (as I have experience) then don’t do it. You won’t be there to service that customer that wants you to be open at 8pm everynight but statistically doesn’t come in until Saturday because they are too tired to shop after work….cuz you will be bankrupt.
If we do as Bob says (small retailers) we will slowly not have a life. Since I own my own, I know I can do what serves me, and I will. Disagreeing with him is my right – and I say that smiling – no rudeness intended.
Jen,
Thanks for the comments. I’d like to address both of them.
First, finding good employees is always a challenge, whether you’re an independent retailer or Wal*Mart. There’s no magic answer, especially, as you point out, when you’re looking for someone who can demonstrate and sell a sewing machine or other high-end product.
One place you might look is right in your own store. Do you have any good customers who might enjoy sharing their expertise with others? I have a good friend who loves to sew. She works part-time for a local sewing machine retailer. She and her husband are retired so she can use the extra money but the real reason she loves her part-time job is because she gets to talk to her fellow-hobbyists and she gets to be the first one to play with all the new items. I know every retailer has customers like that.
Your second comment is a little harder to answer, but certainly follows from the first. Assuming you just can’t find anyone to cover additional store hours, you have to decide at what point your work and personal lives balance. I’d be the last one to tell you to sacrifice family time for the sake of making a few extra dollars.
I was in retail for many years (working for someone else) and frankly the hours were terrible. Since I didn’t own the store, I had no input into store hours. We were open six days and five evenings per week. As store manager I had some flexibility, but not much. At the time Missouri had a “blue law” that kept us from opening on Sunday. When the legislature started talking about repealing the blue law I changed careers.
Everyone’s situation is different. You know how much money you need to make and how much time you need to spend with your family. To get more of one you have to give up some of the other.
My point, and I know Bob feels the same way, is that in 2007 customers are demanding more convenience. There are places where they can shop at 3:00 in the morning, if they want to. They can even shop in their pajamas over the Internet. Everything else being equal, the retailer who stays open later will get more sales, as the original story illustrates. Your job is to make sure that everything else isn’t equal. You have to be so good at what you do that customers will adjust their schedules to shop in your store.
Personally, I applaud your decision to not open on Sunday. There’s an appliance retailer here in St. Louis who promotes his Sunday closing in his advertising. He’s about the last independent appliance dealer in the market, so his six day schedule seems to be working.
As he says in his ads, a lot of business is done on Sundays but he chooses to let his employees spend the day with their families. Some people are going to say, “Hey, he’s a good guy. Let’s buy our washer and dryer from him.” Others are going to go to Circuit City. Hopefully the first group is bigger than the second.
If you’re happy with your current store hours and income then sell the hours as a benefit. (“I don’t want to rush you.” “I want to work with you personally, not turn you over to a part-time employee.” Use your imagination.) One thing that makes our business so interesting is that one size definitely doesn’t fit all.
With all the stuff I need to do, I could get 2 of them done in the time it would take to list the level of importance of all the stuff I need to do.
Ah, but would they be the right two?
Definitely improved – small business focus is better than before…
With my sense of humor, Shopping with us is unlike any other shopping they can do. Make it fun and they will come. We have run ads that are very different. One we ran ( My wife hateded it) ” We lie the least” Got a ton of response, For our Knife sharpening ” Is cutting the cheese getting tough?”. We are different so act different.
A man after my own heart.
It seems to be getting easier to be the best since there seems to be no shortage of Idiots and they are breeding at a very high rate and more and more people are willing to accepting less than decent products and services.
It is said in the rooms of recovery ( NA and AA ) ” Change or Die”. Seems to fit very well in all places.
Amen!
If you don’t have what they want send them to where they can get it. My repairmen could not believe how hard I was trying to send a customer to another store to buy a Vacuum that we did not carry but they did. What the customer needed was a shop vac. The repair person kept telling the customer while I stood there that the canisters we had would work for construction if she was carefull, I knew it would not work and the customer did not want to shop at the big box I was trying to send her. Just as I had figured she was back in less than 30 minutes with a cloged hose. The repair person tried to convince me to charge a return fee. I then explaind that I knew it would not work to begin with and it was only because he said it would work that the deal even happened. She wanted her money back and she was angry, even though I told them it would not work for what she was doing.I then told the repair person that when I’m trying to send someone somewhere else there is a reason and it would probably be best if he just stayed out of it. Sometimes it really hurts to have an employee learn customer service.
Ralph,
Thanks for the comment. You make an excellent point. Clearly the idea of selling them what you have in stock does have limitations and there’s tremendous PR value to helping the customer make the purchase when there’s no chance for you to make the sale. Remember “Miracle on 34th Street”?
One small point: I’d be very careful about where I sent the customer. Rather than pointing her to a BBS, I might try to direct her toward another independent. For a shop vac, I might refer her to a local hardware store or even a rental center. You don’t want her to stumble over a pile of sewing machines or household vacs at Wally World.
You might even make a list of items that your customers may ask for and decide, in advance, where you would send them. Then see if you can work out an arrangement with that dealer. “I’ll send you my shop vac customers if you refer your h/h customers to me.”
Your right that all learning has a price and sometimes it can be painful. Anyone with cans can feel your pain.
We do portable Vacuums and Central Vacuums and they each have there own card. A friend years ago told me a contractor didn’t care if I sharpened knives and suggested I get a seperate card. I did and it looks much cleaner on both cards not to have so much on them.
It makes since for independents to support each other. I am a member of Team National, a network marketing company that has created a Business Exchange for local businesses to market to a national audience. Group buying allows members tosave money on many things such as mechant accounts and office supplies.
Carnival of The Entrepreneur – July 30, 2007
S-Proprietor.com July 30th
Welcome to the July 30, 2007 edition of the Carnival of the Entrepreneur. At the Carnival of the Entrepreneur you will find many articles submitted by authors all over the internet relating to anything associated with bein…
This Weeks Carnival of the Capitalists is Up!
Hosted by Rob at BusinessPundit.
I comb through the posts looking for those that are apt for small business or one-man bands. Here are the first three posts that made me click through:
The first-click-through award goes to Nikole Gipps at Small Busin…
Five marketing/business lessons from Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini was more than just an escape artist. He was also a master of self-promotion. I caught [...]
At what point would a store think about hiring someone to do all the advertising stuff that has been suggested. It all sounds really great but somedays I barley have time to eat lunch. Sure I could squeese some time from here and there but are you really going to be able to do it right so it doesn’t look like you through it together. How do others do some or all of the things you suggest we do to get more people in our doors.Thanks
very informative and to the point
I enjoyed reading this, very informative, to the point and content real rich
Carnival of Small Business Issues — Edition 20
The Freestyle Entrepreneur (TFE) is proud to host the 20th Edition of the Carnival of Small Business Issues. CA over at Atlantic Canada’s Small Business Blog continues to deliver great content and make outstanding progress on this carnival. Thanks for …
If I know and care about them as a person and as a friend or acquaintance, I owe it to them to suggest a better solution, and how I can help. What kind of friend am I if I just let them go on, enabling them to make the same error of judgment over and over again? If I at least tell the story, I fulfill my commitment to them. What they then do with it is up to them.
What is really hard for me is when someone comes into the store and claims to be a long time customer(I’ve been in business almost 30 years)and is so happy I’m there and wonders how us small stores stay in business and then they ask for bags for a cleaner that I don’t carry.I’m never quite sure to point out the fact that they did not buy the machine from me and that selling bags alone will not keep me in business or just smile sell them the bags and let it go. How do others handle this
I think the key here is to turn it into a money-making situation. I treat the customer just as well as I would if they had bought the machine from me, maybe better.
I offer to do a repair, or if the item is really cheap, I offer to take it in on trade. For example, if they paid $199.00, I try to get them into something for at least $398.00. If they’re agreeable, I give them something like $175 for the trade-in.
I don’t make anything on the sale, but I didn’t make anything on the original sale either. The difference is that now I have a customer who will come back to me the next time and will tell her friends.
Great comments! I’m surprised that no one has suggested physically throwing the person out of the store or suggesting that they do something unnatural with their big box widget. Of course, that’s a terrible idea, but I’m sure it’s crossed a few minds.
Keep the conversation going.
Checked ahead with the supplier as to the cost of a new or refilled one and sold it at my cost or if it was cheap enough just given you a refilled one.
I am glad you enjoyed my life lessons story. It has surprisingly been one of my most popular posts. Who knew that working at McDonald’s would have paid off so well. Thanks for the mention.
I hate it when people price things really high only to drop them later. It doesn’t seem fair but I have learned to wait later for things. If that is what it takes.
The iPhone fiasco proves that you’re not the only one. We all know that electronics prices are likely to fall, especially around the holidays and that we pay a premium to be one of the first to own new technology. But a third of the price in just over sixty days was just too much.
That’s why it’s important for us to get it right the first time.
A Cold Carnival Monday
Mine Your Own Business talks about, believe it or not, Bad Ideas. Really! But it’d be a good idea to read it.
Pulling the plug isn’t easy for some corporations. It always leaves the scent that it’s some employee’s fault. –John
To go along with the grocery store not just matching the price but giving it away as policy any vacuum purchased at our store will never pay for a belt or the labor to install it. To see the face of a customer when we ask if they purchased there machine from us and we do not charge them for it as the Master Charge commercials put it “Priceless”. We also have made deals on the fact we tell them when we are showing a Vacuum that they will never pay for a belt. Even when a complete service is done we do not charge for the belt.
I like this approach -
It’s very liberating to take the view that its okay to have bad ideas. By not avoiding bad ideas, it frees us up to find the occasional good one buried among the rest.
Thanks for sharing. By the way, I found you over at the Carnival of Small Business Issues (http://www.businessopportunitiesandideas.co.uk/460/carnival-of-small-business-issues-26)
John and Liz,
Thanks for the comments. It’s like selling. Every prospect isn’t going to buy and every idea isn’t going to make money. But you’ll never succeed if you don’t try and that means a few “failures” along the way.
Also, thanks to the Carnival of Small Business Ideas for picking up the post.
Hi Mike
Thanks for writing about my blog and adding me to the blog roll – and the stumble was great as well!!
Even though I gear my business toward Women Entrepreneurs, a lot of my readers are men – and all are very welcome!!!
Your blog has a lot to offer – count me as your latest subscriber!
And don’t forget Be Late and Rude
Ralph,
Good one!
Great list!
Another one – don’t try anything new!
Thanks, Liz. That makes twelve.
Years ago I was shopping for a Washer and Dryer. I first went to Sears and gave the Salesperson every reason to close,what color does it come in?Do you have it in stock? Can you deliver today? and not once did the salesperson ask if I wanted it. I was not going to give him my money without him earning it. So my journey continued until a salesperson closed the sale.
Ralph,
Thanks for the comment. I couldn’t agree more.
I’m a sucker for a good sales presentation. I own a lot of stuff that I would have never bought if not for the skill of the sales person. On the other hand, I’m also going to make him (or her) earn the sale, just like you did.
I wouldn’t go to a doctor who doesn’t stitch up the patient at the end of an operation. I wouldn’t hire a lawyer who walks out of the courtroom before he makes his final argument. And I won’t buy something from a salesperson who doesn’t finish the job.
This Weeks Carnival of the Capitalists is Up!
Hosted this week by Business Opportunities And Ideas.
Here are the first three posts that made me click through see if you can identify a similarity among all three items:
The first-click-through award goes to Michelle Cramer at Small Busines…
This Weeks Business Reading List
We have several blog roundups to point you to this week:
Dawn Rivers Baker hosts this weeks Carnival of Small Business Issues: The Microbusiness Edition. Dawn is an excellent commentator on microbusiness issues and every one of the posts she ha…
If you bundle, usually by the time it’s all tallied up for the customer, it’s virtually impossible for a competitor to match the offer. The idea is to make it completely irresistible to the customer so price becomes even more secondary.
Hi Mike, you have a great list there.
How about make it 13 – Don’t ask any helps from others(who willing to do so)
I totally agree with you that a gift must be appropriate and target at the right person. This is a way to show your sincerity and your heart to appreciate his/her efforts.
I’m sure you’re right, Mike. This would not have happened at a smaller store, especially one where the owner was present. Funny thing is that I DO prefer to shop small and local. However, on this particular rainy day, I rushed into Home Depot because it was next to another store I had to go to. I am fortunate to live in a town with a thriving downtown where we can WALK to the bakery, fish store, butcher, independent card shop, etc. By far, these retailers give the best service. Too bad there’s no hardware store in downtown Oakville!
Donna,
Thanks for the comment! As you can see, I’m very pro independent business and not just because my company works with so many of them. If I did nothing but post stories about bad customer service at the various chains, I could do ten posts a day and never run out of material.
BTW, we do have a hardware store in Oakville, MO, where I live. I frequently walk there.
Hi, thanks for the Work.com mention and I’m happy to discover this blog. By the way, anyone with business experience or expertise can contribute and get exposure at Work.com. To share your own business advice, visit: http://www.work.com/writeaguide
Shara Karasic
Community Manager
Work.com
You are so right Mike. This holiday is all about attitude and execution. While I’m concerned with the higher market share discounters got this past Black Friday, there is still a lot of opportunities for the independents.
I believe that managers/owners/executives need to be realistic about the challenges before us but optimistic that their store or stores can still succeed this holiday. But optimism is just useless fluff if they aren’t realistic about their store or stores ability to do what it takes to make sales this year. Hope or optimism doesn’t make your sales numbers. . . . your staff’s ability to execute the right strategy does.
My mantra for Holiday 2007 is either sell it cheap or sell it better. There’s nothing in-between. Keep up the great posts!
Mike:
If you really want an online payroll that does everything a small busiess needs done including making deposits and filings for the business and providing expert advice and services when needed? Look at
http://www.payrollonabudget.com
Regards,
Charles Read
We use this system and it is very good and when you can have a happy bookkeeper and wife at the same time, that is a good thing
Ralph,
I think it was Andy Griffith that used to say it was extra good.
Thanks for the comment. Normally I might have deleted Charles’ comment since it’s obviously intended to get you to his web site so he can sell you something. But since the original post was about a specific product, I thought it was ok to let a competitor have his say. Besides, Charles’ site has some interesting articles about payroll that you may find useful.
Since I personally know nothing about payroll programs, I appreciate your comment. Anyone else have any thoughts?
I don’t see how any of those very large company’s will ever be warm and fuzzy. They just don’t have the track record to be trusted. It can’t be anything but self serving.
I spoke at the last session. It’s definitely worth a listen, especially because it’s the future of recruitment and career management.
I have Xm Radio in all my cars and most of the time or if things are a little down I listen to the comedy channel. It’s really hard to be in a down mood when you are laughing.
Thank you for the many uplifting stories you have given me. I’m coming up on 30 years of running a Vacuum Store and it’s good to know that I can still learn new ways to do things or look at them differently. I look forward to new tips and ideas. Thanks Ralph
Keep it coming! I really appreciate the content and have made use of a number of suggestions through the year. Hoping everyone has a great ‘08!
Mike-
I’m not scared of the so-called recession. I believe in small business! Great post on the other side of the recession scares.
I’ll be highlighting your post on my blog for the Tuesday, January 8th Carnival of Small Business Issues.
Thanks, Jason M. Blumer
Preparedness is a lesson to be taken from large companies – they don’t play around with assets. Large disaster recovery facilities and exercises are tested regularly to ensure companies can endure data and/or facility damage. I often wonder how many small business owners backup company data and plan for operations during and after an emergency.
You also might check out the local Optimist Club in your area, They raise funds for local youth projects plus people in the community see you and may just show up at your business. It works for me in my community.
Thanks for referencing my post! I knew people would empathize with my technology woes. Too bad that so many manufactured products just don’t last the way they used to.
Elaine,
Political party, religious convictions, or nationality may divide us, but we all have one thing in common. Computers drive all of us crazy.
Hello,
Very good article.
Keep up the good work.
Grtz.
Thijs
I wanted to agree with your comment that there doesn’t have to be a direct benefit to your bsuienss for it to be worthwhile to help in the community.
I am a cub leader and enjoy it, but I also get the benefit of being away from a computer (LOL!), talking to different people, thinking of different activities and talking to kids. All of which refreshes me and encourages my creativty which all helps my business and clients.
I’m off to read your merit badge post now as it has caught my attention!
What a great idea – letting local scout (or cub!) groups knowing you will help on particular badges is wonderful – and less time consuming for you than becoming a full leader.
By the way, the 100 years of scouting was last year (2007) – we have to remove the cententary badges from uniforms soon. This year we are celebrating 100 years of scouting in Australia so the fun continues!
Hope your daughter gets her car fixed soon. I totally agree with you – every customer is important and should be treated as such.
Thanks for the comment. It’s very gratifying to find out that someone who blogs on professional writing would find some value in our little effort.
You’re to be commended for your work with the Scouts. If there were ever a time when we need Scout values, it’s now. Also, congratulations on the centennial of Scouting in Australia.
That’s awesome! It reminds me that you can use your ecommerce site to do more than sell product but also be memorable.
Part of what we do is install and service Central Vacuum Systems. Sometimes the unit must be returned to the shop for repair. Some folks get really uptight of the thought of no Vacuum for a week. The last time my supplier changed models I took our floor model and put it on the service truck. You would think I gave them a $100.00. We now use that in our sales pitch. A loaner program fashioned after our Simplicity loaner program.
As a business owner who is elected to our City Council, it’s always a concern when you take a vote that upsets others. Fortunately, most folks deal with their disappointment appropriately. I have an elected colleague, however, who has a permanent restraining order on a mentally unbalanced individual who pulled a gun on him at the polling place two years ago. It really can happen anywhere, and those who serve the public on local bodies seldom get the credit they deserve for putting themselves out there on behalf of their neighbors and fellow citizens.
Steve,
Thank you for your service. Maybe these recent incidents will give people a greater appreciation for our dedicated public servants.
Mike, Thanks so much for the mention here. You are right. There was really no other way for me to reach my goal without the power of community. After a few emails to Joseph Jaffe, CC Chapman, and some friends on twitter I realized that if I was going to make my goal that I’d better get “turning” some bowls! The power that these bloggers and podcasters wielded was just amazing and I am forever grateful. I attended Podcamp Toronto this past weekend, got engaged, had amazing conversation, and just an all around great time. Social media has provided me with one of the best weeks of my life! Thanks to all!
Mike, Thanks so much for the mention here. You are right. There was really no other way for me to reach my goal without the power of community. After a few emails to Joseph Jaffe, CC Chapman, and some friends on twitter I realized that if I was going to make my goal that I’d better get “turning” some bowls! The power that these bloggers and podcasters wielded was just amazing and I am forever grateful. I attended Podcamp Toronto this past weekend, got engaged, had amazing conversation, and just an all around great time. Social media has provided me with one of the best weeks of my life! Thanks to all!
Congratulations on your engagement! I’m glad she said “yes”.
Revisiting (and Fixing) the Generic Email Address Issue
Mike Buckley over at Tacony Corporation’s Mine Your Own Business blog picked up on my recent entry about the glut of businesses using generic email addresses. In the short time since my original post ran, I’ve received quite a few
Customer Service Carnivale: Another Great Tips Edition
This edition contains some very good advice and tips – as always! Sit back, relax, and soak up some knowledge and goodness… Rich Vosler offers us some lessons in overcoming obstacles for network marketing. These lessons apply to anyone…
Customer Service Carnivale: Another Great Tips Edition
This edition contains some very good advice and tips – as always! Sit back, relax, and soak up some knowledge and goodness… Rich Vosler offers us some lessons in overcoming obstacles for network marketing. These lessons apply to anyone…
I was on my cities Planning Commission for almost 11 years and I know for a fact I lost some business during that time. So even when giving back to your community it can cost you
It’s a shame that volunteering your time to help your community might result in lost sales. Being an optimist, I would suggest that you might gain more business than you would lose.
I haven’t read the book but what works for me is Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be nice to people, help the community and find the best possible people to run the show. After 30 years I have a crew that I am proud of and I let them know it.We go to Sunday brunches, Crab feeds, Pizza on Saturdays. I give them the power to make decisions,even if they make a wrong one they know it’s not the end of the world.
This just proves that the flakes of the world comes in many shapes and forms
I would suggest you have Tacony look at there own customer service treatment at the Vac Pro Division. For 30 years I have been able to just give a description of what I needed and it was done. Sure an error happened from time to time but it was no big deal. Now when a part is ordered by description and an error happens all of a sudden it’s my fault.
Ralph,
Thanks for the comment. I’m not in the office today, but I’ll look into this the first thing Monday and get back to you.
I thought I read the cornflake sold for just over $1,300?
This auction was even flakier than it first appeared. Apparantly there were a number of fraudulent bids which were removed. Then the whole auction was shut down because eBay doesn’t allow food sales.
The sisters who own the flake resubmitted the item as a “gift certificate” for the Illinois-shaped flat piece of corn. Meanwhile, auctions for flakes shaped like other states started popping up. In the end, the sisters sold their corn flake for something like $1,350.00. Still not bad.
This quote has stayed with me throughout my career..used to post it at the end of each team brief as a reminder to us all what leadership is all about…glad you are enjoying the podcast
If you want to see customer service at it’s best, Go to Disneyland. There attention to detail is unbelievable. Ask anybody there a question and they had the answer. Right down to the people with the brooms and dust pans. They all had the answer. Do they charge a high price for everything, Yes, Do you grumble, yes but you accept it because of the service. We talked to one of the 210 people that roam around with a camera to either take your picture with their camera and send it somewhere wireless for you to buy or they will take your picture with your camera. They have created collectors of pins. A marketing Genius. They give you a few pins to start. Some are doubles. They then have some of there people wearing them around there neck to trade. If they have one you want and they don’t have one you want to trade the deal is done. Of course this make you buy more pins to trade. There are some pins that are sold in only one place so you must go there to hopefully find that special. Brilliant Marketing at it’s best. Did I get hooked on the pin trade NO, I’m already hooked on EBay and Ford Falcon’s.
And they NEVER say “Can I help you?” Business owners should be able to deduct a trip to Disney from your income tax. It’s definitely a learning experience.
Congratulations Mike on your 500th post. You don’t look a day over 450!
Seriously, great job in being a wonderful resource to your customers and all of us who enjoy your blog.
Doug
I regularly read your blog, Mike, and I think you do an excellent job. In a commercial blog, it isn’t always easy to walk the line between engaging content and the need to promote one’s company. You walk it very well, and I’m sure Tacony is richer for your efforts.
Even an Internet dealer like AnnTheGran.com can find some useful nuggets in your posts. Over at our site(any dealers reading this, we are NOT the enemy), we have a couple blogs as well that I hope walk the line as well as yours.
Something you might find interesting: As the economy cools, companies are starting to shrink their travel budgets — a move likely to put further strain on struggling airlines. Hotels, car-rental agencies and restaurants, which along with airlines employ roughly 4 percent of U.S. workers, will also feel the pinch. So far, travel bookings are holding up. But corporate travel managers are taking a more active role in keeping on-the-road spending in check: — Employees are increasingly being asked to provide an economic rationale for their trips. — Rules that require employees to book the lowest fare, stay in pre-approved hotels or double-up in cars and rooms are being enforced more strictly.
I was traveling over the weekend and there did seem to be fewer people than normal in SOME of the places we visited. Others seemed normally busy, or even a little better than usual. Of course, the weather may have been a factor, including snow yesterday morning in St. Louis and even in southwest Missouri.
Great tip! Finding different ways to implement new strategies is always key in staying fresh in the business. I actually work with Microsoft, and right now I’m really excited to spread the word about the “Vision to Venture” tour they’re having between April and May, which will consist of five live events. Featured speaker, John Jantsch is a marketing and digital technology coach, award-winning social media publisher, and author of Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide, as well as many other speakers offering industry tips. The tour is fully geared towards entrepreneurs and business owners/ deveoplers .You can see more and register at http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/v2v/ so let me know what you think! And if you have any questions, I’d be more than happy to answer them !
Tanya,
Thanks for the information. I’m sorry I missed the session in St. Louis but I’ve signed up for the online version. I’m not familiar with the other speakers, but I do know John and have his book on my desk.
We’re always happy to pass along information about worthwhile small business resources.
Mike:
After an experience this weekend, I wonder if TV causes our teen to have an unrealistic view of what will be required to succeed in the business world.
My wife and I were hosting an engineer and his family from our Truvox division in Southapmton England during their first visit to the United States. At then end of their trip, we asked if the United States was different than what they expected. They said that they were surprised that they had not seen one car chase or one shootout during the whole time they were here. American shows on TV and news of the vilolent crimes here had convinced them that criminal activity was to be expected as an everyday occurence everywhere in America.
Do shows like the Office or the Apprentice give our young people the wrong idea of what it takes to succeed in business in much the same way as our English guests were misled by America crime dramas? They think that it will be necessary to lie or be violent in order to succeed because that is what they see on TV and they have no other frame of reference.
I think “bring your child to work day” is approaching later this month. Maybe we all need to look as that as an opportunity to help set the record straight — one child at a time.
Thanks.
Bill
Excellent point. I don’t think most people realize how powerful television and movies really are. I’m convinced that the epidemic of eating disorders among our young people can be at least partially blamed on shows like “America’s Next Top Model.” Even some of the music our kids listen to contributes to their perception of what’s right and wrong.
That’s why things like the Junior Achievement Ethics program, some of the new Boy Scout programs, and Take Your Child to Work Day are important. It’s a chance for us to work one-on-one with the kids to overcome some of the media stereotypes.
By the way, “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” (the official title) is Thursday, April 24. I’ve added a link to the post.
Some are getting their sense of ethics from their parents, and that’s not always good either. I am a retailer who is also an elected official. We have a land use controversy where a developer has followed the rules of the City and the State, but are being blocked from building on because the neighborhood opposition is based upon the possibility that some of their new neighbors might be of a different race or religion. This attitude is being sold to the community as “standing up for our values”. So, in their view, the law be dammed. They don’t have to abide by it because they are above the law. The leading opponent is a builder/developer who is also a councilmember who is, frankly, angry he didn’t get to develop the property himself. That’s supposed to be a noble, ethical decisionmaker? And that’s the example our children are to be following? I guess it’s easy to blame television but the moral and ethical failings in our country are caused by much more than a passive activity. If ethics were taught as part of every school curriculum, I think it would make a difference. At least the level of discourse would be raised considerably.
Steve,
I don’t want to get too political here, but as you point out, the survey statistics illustrate a major problem that has many causes including racism, greed, and self-serving elected officials. Parents must take a major share of the blame.
I do find it encouraging that organizations like Junior Achievement, Scouting, church organizations, and the “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” group are trying to make a change. I can’t think of a better use of our time than to participate in their activities.
Meanwhile, we need to deal with the reality that we have to be cautious in making personnel decisions.
I agree with your analysis. Stoppers for coffee are not obvious, until you hit that speed bump and the coffee shoots out of the hole and coats your dashboard.
Beyond that, let’s say you own or manage a smaller company without the resources of Starbucks. You’re looking for ideas about how to improve your products or services. Your customers could probably point you in the right direction. How do you tap into all the ideas that they could come up with?
That’s why we created brainstorm exchange. http://www.brainstormexchange.com It gives you, companies of all sizes and even non-profits, an easy to use, free or very affordable solution to solicit and collect ideas from customers, suppliers, employees, and other companies.
No matter how good the system is the people that work for you have to understand it and accept it and that is where the problem lies. They either don’t get it or they want to add there twist to it. The labor pool like the gene pool seems to be getting a bit thin.
I am loosing my Sewing machine repairman in Dec. He is the best I have ever seen in repairing machines. People that repair machines are very hard or impossible to find. I am now having to get back on the bench to start getting back into the swing of things. It’s been a while since I have been at the bench and I am having my issues. Some of the machines he works on I don’t have a clue as to how to fix them. Wish me luck.
I feel your pain! The simple answer is that following the system is a requirement of the job. McDonald’s wouldn’t stand for someone putting pepper on the french fries instead of salt. But in real life, it isn’t that simple.
The best answer I know to your problem is to show them that they get better results when they do it the right way. Once they’ve been shown that ad libbing makes them less effective, they should come around.
As far as the mechanic is concerned, this is a big problem throughout the industry. Hopefully you have enough time to find a replacement before your current tech leaves.
Good luck!
Thanks for the mention Mike.
See you in the spotlight!
Tsufit
Thanks for the coverage of http://businesscard2.com. Much appreciated.
You’re welcome. We’re glad to report on anything that might help our readers. Best of luck to you.
So why didn’t I visit CommonCraft before? I just watched a video on RSS feed and how it all works. For anyone who is still kinda in the dark ages about all the ways to use new cool technology, I highly encourage checking out their site. Thanks again, Mike, for teaching me something new!
Wow, I cannot imagine what you and your team are going through. I remember a credit controller having a stroke and visting her at her bedside as she slipped away. It was humbling that her family wanted me there…why did I want to be…because she was a very much loved member of the team…not a number. The more meaning we can give, the better….my very good wishes to you all Anna x
Anna,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. Business is all about people working together. As you pointed out in your original post, we all want “meaning”.
I think the key is to align the three different meanings (work, life, relationships). A disconnect will result in confusion and conflict and a very unhappy workforce.
My service truck gets 8 MPG, that works out to about 75 cents per mile.I’m still short end of the stick.
No doubt 58 cents is a Band-Aid, and a tiny one at that. It’s going to take a lot more to stop the bleeding.
When talking about private health care, I believe two factors meet there. There is good motivation of being healthy, because you can save lot of money – it’s good both for you and society. On the other hand, if preventive care consumes your insurance limit, you will try to avoid it. And that’s bad. I believe the best way is to provide prevention care for free…
Lorne
Regularly shopping the competition has been on my list of things to do for years! Knowing what was going on “out there” helps you make good business decisions. I loved the Google Alert tip and plan on signing up!
Thanks so much for the mention!
Clearly great minds think alike! Glad I could be of service….don’t you find that we complicated things too much and that the best ideas are often the simplest!
Anna
Anna,
Yes, I do. Things that are supposed to simplify our lives usually end up making them more complicated. Before the Internet our social media tool was the telephone. Before that it was the backyard fence.
Now there are dozens of tools and you’re afraid not to use them all because you might miss something.
who doesn’t want freebies? i’m in.
You got it, Michael! Great post. Thanks.
Well said!
thanks for reading.
Well said, Mike. And thanks for the trackback.
Good job with the time codes, Mike! You’re doing a nice job with the podcast. Welcome to the club.
Interesting … Have any rivals signed up? I’d be interested to hear.
I’m surprised Seth left it at that. I’d have been inclined to say “No, I’m not here with the Summary Execution party. I’m a customer. Talk to me politely.”
I do love my iRoomba ivac and I am rapidly developing a love for you for writing such a nice follow up!
I didn’t see my post as unrelated to Internet marketing for the very reasons you’ve mentioned and then some. I only developed an interest in iRobot because I liked the Web site. It seemed to supply everything a good site should do for businesses and consumers. It piqued my interest. The site sold me! And that is what I write about: How do sites engage visitors so they want to stick around and hear more. That’s something that applies to marketers who sell vacuum cleaners as much as it applies to pump manufacturers for heavy industry.
I am waiting to read your Ode to Your Power Washer.
I don’t understand why they call it a vacuum Cleaner, it is a carpet sweeper plain and simple.
Thanks for sharing my post with your readers!
More importantly, I’m delighted to see you captured exactly what I was going after as a corporate filmmaker: who better to tell your company’s story than the founder?
Add your customers and employees and bingo…a story is born.
Done properly, it’s a story that is natural, authentic, engaging and compelling to watch.
I enjoyed your take on my thoughts.
Nicely done.
Thomas,
Thank you for your kind words. Every business has a story and the independent business owner’s story is usually the most interesting and compelling. I wish more would use the available tools to share theirs.
Mike – thanks for sharing my post with your readers.
I got the idea to write it while chatting with a couple coworkers who said “who cares where I’m going to lunch.” I shared one or two of the ideas above with them and they said, “oh, that does sound worthwhile.”
I agree that it’s not for everyone, but it’s a great tool for most. Maybe we’ll win over a few more twitterers with posts like these.
Twitter sounds like a good idea. But I think people need to be careful about how many social networking sites / tools they use. I was talking to a marketeer recently who said she regularily contributes to 6 or 7 social networking sites / tools – and that it is all getting too much etc .. And I stil think that the blog is as important as ever but that social networking is another useful tool to use alongside / support the main blog. Do you have any strong views on the value of blogging?
David,
As a former twitter-doubter, I’m amazed at how useful it can be. Sure, some of the tweets are silly. Some might not be useful to me. But there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t find something really good, like your post.
I have to come up with something to write about every day and it’s become much easier since I’ve become a twitterer.
Eamon,
I share your concern about the number of tools and which ones to use. I don’t want to use EVERY social media option, but I don’t want to miss anything either. I’m waiting for the one grand aggregator that combines everything in one place.
As far as blogging is concerned, I love the medium and I doubt that it will ever go away. Personally, I use the other tools to support the blog.
Doug Fleener pointed me this way. He told me that you were looking for some SEO help. My company, http://www.spinshark.com works with smaller businesses to create great content, drive more traffic, and grow your business. I’d love to chat to see if we might be a fit.
Thanks,
Tim@spinshark.com
When you sign up with them there is a good side, I get a monthly report that will tell me if there is any changes in my credit score and in todays world that is very important to know.
[...] Click Fraud? (from: Mining the [...]
Mike,
Thanks for continuing the conversation on MYOB. I’m not sure exactly how I came across your blog. I know we follow each other on Twitter. I can’t remember which came first, Twitter or the blog.
Thanks for creating great content and making your blog educational and worth reading.
Thanks. This is a great piece for this question. Small businesses should read this first before starting their my space or facebook pages.
Jay,
Your comment underscores the strength of social media. If you use it correctly, you literally get so much good information that you often can’t remember how you got there.
What are the odds of you, in Texas, and me, in Missouri, having this (or any) conversation without web 2.0? I’m trying my hardest to convince small business owners of the power of these tools. “Small” business isn’t small at all when owners work together.
Very good series about eMail Newsletters. I agree with you in every point.
Just for sending out the newsletters I would recommend straight away using a professional autoresponder service. Aweber would be my #1 choice there and it is also the mostly used in internet marketing, followed by getresponse, I would say.
Great point that self esteem isn’t the same as tooting your own horn. The differences are immense.
Yeah, you should always ask the customer what they want. But sometimes they have no idea, and that’s where you step in. Thanks for the post.
Yours is honestly the first positive review of HP customer service I have ever read.
1 out of a million ain’t bad I suppose…:-)
Yours is honestly the first positive review of HP customer service I have ever read.
1 out of a million ain’t bad I suppose…:-)
Who has the time to use all these tools? I find a lot of these so called tools are just time suckers.I think some of the problems with young people they spend so much time at the computer they miss a lot of interaction with other people face to face. Maybe that’s why people are putting on so much weight, to much time sitting.
Sometimes I wish I could just sit and do nothing but that happens so seldom.
Who has the time to use all these tools? I find a lot of these so called tools are just time suckers.I think some of the problems with young people they spend so much time at the computer they miss a lot of interaction with other people face to face. Maybe that’s why people are putting on so much weight, to much time sitting.
Sometimes I wish I could just sit and do nothing but that happens so seldom.
Thanks for the information…I bookmarked your site, and I appreciate your time and effort to make your blog a success!
mail owned business? hehe
Here are a few more tips:
Attach your business cards to brochures or flyers that contain a special offer or discounted/free service.
Create your business electronically so that it can always be added as an attachment to all electronic correspondence.
Include your business card in all forms of mailed correspondence – letters, bills, etc.
Love your blog – I’ll mention it on our retailer-only website section as a valuable resource.
Lisa,
Thank you very much. Compliments are always appreciated.
Mike
Wow…what great company. Thanks. Usually instead of Godin and Peters I’m in the same sentence with Larry, Moe, and Curly.
Actually I thought Godin to Peters to Fleener was the triple play combination for the old St. Louis Browns.
Mike,
Thanks so much! I think it’s so important that we don’t adopt a band-aid on the damn philosophy, trying to patch every leak as it springs up. Rather, value in business is built over time and through relationships, and in a down economy, trust and humanity are worth more than ever before.
Thanks again for your shout out.
Amber
Mike,
I enjoyed the article! The Baby Lock Training team also conducts classes that can be attended by consumers. Our Sew@Home program allows owners of our software programs to take live classes too. All they have to do is buy the classes from their dealers. It’s a win/win for everyone!
Linda,
Thanks for pointing this out. You can learn to do just about anything on the web.
WOW! Thanks very much for such fulsome praise — I’m very flattered!
You’re welcome. I’m usually too cheap to pay for online content, but this was the best $34.00 I’ve spent in a while. [There was that big bottle of Jameson I bought in Ireland. But that's another story. Besides, that was Euros so I really don't know exactly how much it cost.]
In fact, I’ve spent so much time reading the bonus material I haven’t gotten to “Better Business Writing” yet.
Thanks for the comment. You made my day!
Wow Mike! It seems like there should be more parts inside a iPod! Are you sure some of them were not fully mulched! I think this could be a fun if not dangerous (and expensive) series of videos!
Very Helpful, Thanks!
Bummer! But being a guy, I sure wish I could have seen it happen. I used to pitch tomatoes and apples at an overturned lawnmower. It was fun watching them explode into nothing when they hit the whirling blade. I don’t know why I get a thrill from watching destruction–but I do.
Trying to turn lemons into lemonade, I’m lobbying my wife to let me buy an iPhone, but that $100.00 per month service charge is a real deal breaker.
Thanks for pointing out this article. I have always made it a priority to shop at local businesses because they were like me – working hard and going above and beyond to deliver a premium shopping experience to all their customers.
I believe that everyone who reads this blog, dealers, Tacony employees, anyone who’s interested in small business should think long and hard before they shop at a big box or national chain.
In spite of all the publicity given to the banks and the auto companies, small business is the real backbone of the economy. We can all do our part by spending our money with our friends and neighbors and not having it shipped out to Bentonville.
Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!
Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!
Mike, as I told you the other day, I will certainly miss you! I have gained inspiration and knowledge which I have passed along to countless others. I wish you the absolute best in all your future endeavors and will certainly follow you wherever that may lead! Linda
Linda, thanks for the support and the kind words. I’m sure MYOB will continue to deliver quality content. I’m hesitant to promote myself here, especially in my last week, but I’ll be blogging at http://www.miningthestore.com. I’m also on Facebook, LinkedIn, and twitter.
I want to thank Mike Buckley for creating the MYOB blog and making it the high quality, high value tool for the independent retailer that it is today.
Mike’s dedication to serving the customer is not just something that he writes about but something that he has practiced consistently during his 29 years with Tacony Corporation.
My Grandmother O’Rourke was heard to say that God smiles on the Irish. May His smile always be focused on Mike, Jan and their wonderful family.
Bill Hinderer
Mike,
Thank you for making me think outside the box on many occasions. Later Ralph @ Ralph’s Vacuum & Sewing Center
Ralph,
Thank you for the nice comment. I think that’s what blogs are for; not to preach but to encourage readers to think for themselves. I’m glad I was able to do that for you. Have a Merry Christmas.
Mike
Nice post
Please see this linka nd post your valuable comments
http://infosysblogs.com/oracle/2008/12/is_this_the_right_time_to_go_a.html#more
Thank you.
Thanks for blogging this.
by:ford
Hi. I am a long time reader. I wanted to say that I like your blog and the layout.
Peter Quinn
I’ve been going to this site at least weekly for the past year. It’s a great resource that all small business owners should use. And yes the SmallBiz Central is great. It has some great blogs and podcasts.
Prosperity to all,
Bruce
Bruce,
Thanks for the comment and for reading MTS. We small biz owners need to stand together in the face of a difficult economy and larger competitors.
Prosperity to you too,
Mike
That’s a very good point.
It’s important to keep positive and put your best foot forward. Your business is still looking for sales after all.
It’s good to hear another story about how independents can thrive, even if it ended poorly.
The Retailing Together staff has been interviewing a lot of local retailers and are finding that many of them are doing fine, largely because they adapt to local changes and they have strong customer service. So, not only does Macy’s think the strategy is a good idea, as you noted, but the strategy has been working for retailers for, well, centuries.
Unfortunately, we also see retailers that aren’t using these basic, proven practices. My impression is that there were a lot of retailers who got started during the recent boom times and their solid cash flow hid poor business practices. Those are the independents that are failing, but frankly, they deserve to fail. The independents that are attentive to local tastes, customer service, proper merchandising, inventory control and sensible promotion are doing fine.
Eric,
Thanks so much for the comment. Of course you’re right in saying that the best retail strategy is the same one the very first merchant used to make the very first sale. Nothing takes the place of good customer service.
You’re also right in saying that in boom times, you can rent a store front, fill it with merchandise, and staff it with chimpanzees and you’ll make some sales. While I hate to see anyone fail, there’s no doubt that only the strong are going to survive. And strong doesn’t always equal big.
It’s always a good idea to reread your comment before you hit the “submit” button. The comment about the chimpanzees is mine, not Eric’s. I was paraphrasing. Sorry for any confusion. For any chimpanzees reading this, no offense intended.
Alistair,
Thank you for the comment. You summed up my rather lengthy post in just two sentences. Bravo!
I just stopped by your blog and thought I would say hello. I like your site design. Looking forward to reading more down the road.
Advocates of government intervention usually claim it protects the little guy whereas the free market favors huge corporations.
The bailouts and stimulus plans have certainly flipped that on its head. Now all the little guys are being forced to help the huge corporations.
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for the comment.
[...] Showpeople wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptBeing sort of an amusement park fanatic, I’d heard of Holiday World but have never been there. It’s about a three-hour drive from St. Louis which is no big deal since Jan and I visit Branson, which is about a four-hour drive, … [...]
Gee, thanks for the love! We really do work hard on customer service (we lump it into the “friendliness” category). We figure families aren’t just investing their money in coming to visit us — they’re also investing their precious time. We don’t want to waste it.
Hope you come see us this season … we also have free sunscreen, free parking and free use of inner tubes (and if it rains, free ponchos).
And a harried-free drive here … just head east on I-64 and three hours later, you’re here. :0)
Thanks again for the calorie-free sweetness, just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Paula (@HolidayWorld)
I’m another person in love with Holiday Word, and I live 7 hours from the park.
I took a friend of mine a couple of years ago and she said the park was a smaller version of Disney World. The workers are so friendly and they really DO care about customer service.
The water park is fabulous and is included in the admission price. There is something for everyone, from the smallest children to teenagers and even old farts like me (who still loves a good roller coaster).
If I lived only 3 hours away, I’d visit the park several times a year.
Hello, I can’t understand how to add your blog ( miningthestore.wordpress.com ) in my rss reader
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Paula,
Roller coasters, free soda, and great customer service. What could be better than that.
Thanks for the comment.
Linda,
HW is looking better and better.
Thanks for the comment.
yo, miningthestore.wordpress.com great name for site)))
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[...] on February 16, 2009 by mlbuckley Friday I wrote a post, Word of Mouth, where I praised Holiday World Amusement Park, Santa Claus, IN, for great customer service. [...]
[...] Mike wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptFriday I wrote a post, Word of Mouth, where I praised Holiday World Amusement Park, Santa Claus, IN, for great customer service. Rather than use high-margin soft drinks as a profit center, they use them as a perk for their customers. Soft drinks and other beverages are free, both at the amusement park, and at the adjacent water park. Just a couple of hours after I posted the article, I received a comment from … Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Digg 3 Column by WP Designer. [...]
Does anyone in Washington have a clue about small business? Answer . . . a resounding NO!
sportsone234,
Thanks for the comment. No argument here.
And therein is the meaning of social media — being social! Glad to hear one of the local stores won.
@debworks Deb
Thank you very much.
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
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Hey I just did find your blog. Good Stuff! Dont have time now to read trough all the topics but I will come back later to read more.
Holiday World is the best-run amusement park I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to many, many of them. They are the cleanest park I’ve ever seen too. The owner of the park can be seen around the park picking up trash (not that there’s much of it around) and the tidiness is contagious! When people see how much care is put into cleanliness and they see a piece of garbage it looks out of place, so they pick it up and throw it away. At other parks you see employees walk right past piles of junk and it makes nobody else care either. Not at Holiday World. It helps that they have 3 great wooden coasters! They also have free sunscreen in the water park which is part of the regular admission to the park. The food is much cheaper than at other parks too. Did I mention free parking? Really, if you haven’t been there….go. I live in Minnesota and I go there every other year.
Chris, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see so many people sing the praises of a well-run business. It sounds like Holiday World might be a potential Baldrige Award winner if they were interested in doing something like that.
As you point out, if employees show an interest in ensuring a pleasant experience for their customers, the customers in turn join in making the experience for other customers and start acting as evangelists, like the dental assistant in the original post.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Mike
Thanks for your kind words. Just to add my few thoughts, I think its just a question of a bit of thought. So in my world I try and buy local in terms of meat and vegetables, as it seems silly to ship things around the world that are available right here, and of course I know that I can make a real difference to our local economy by spending within it. From Wiggly Wigglers point of view we are for sure trying to add value to our products with extra knowledge, tips, podcasts and videos which make a positive impact and at the same time we aim to positively source locally. Where things are not so easy and more specialised then I think there is a great reason to trade with other individuals in other countries.
To sum up, I think we just need to think about it, make a few positive steps to buy locally, and not make up strict rules that we have to break…Balance – thats the key for me. When things have gone completely barmy – so we grow our standard cotton then ship it to China and then ship it back as a standard T-shirt it’s time to make a positive step to change it me thinks.
All the best
Heather
It’s worth noting that there are a lot of weak “buy local” campaigns that make little impact. I suspect the survey involved groups assisted by AMIBA, which are pretty sophisticated and do much more than standard PR campaigns. I love that the AMIBA decals talk about self-interest to customers, not just “be nice and buy local.”
You make a very good point. A bad organization might be worse than no organization at all. One key to competing with the big guys is to under-promise and over-deliver. If the program isn’t first class from top to bottom, the consumer will just be disappointed and the result will be exactly opposite of what we’re looking for.
Thanks for joining the converstaion.
P.S. Be sure to read Heather’s comment on the previous post.
Wow, Heather! It’s great to hear from you. You’ve said it in two paragraphs, better than I did in my long-winded post.
You’re right, there are no hard and fast rules. I’m still going to buy Guinness, but I’ll buy it from the local store. If I ever need goat socks, you get the sale.
I believe the giant chains are more prevalent than they are in the UK. and there’s no question that they’re hurting the independent merchant. Those are the places we should avoid.
Thanks for your pithy comment.
Mike
Great blog and hope to have some time soon to come back and read more!
Katie,
Thanks for the kind words. Glad to have you as a reader.
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I would like to say that someone finally put a common sense touch on the whole spiel of “Buying American” and recognizing the blurred lines when it comes to the subject. Never has it been put better than within the easy to understand, yet eyebrow raising blog above, kudos.
There is alot more of this, and specialty features on real born and bred American Companies that make a fabulous product that many people just don’t see because of the blanket marketing buy huge conglomerates.
Go check that out over at http://americanboom.com/blog/, it’s one of the better, truthful blogs out there.
Jon,
Thanks for the kind words! I did check out American Boom and it’s very good. Thanks for the tip.
Mike: Was touted onto your site yesterday by REI CEO Sally Jewell as we were having breakfast. I’m retired publisher of a business journal in Seattle, now do a weekly e-column called Flynn’s Harp (appropriate column…and blog…name for the offerings of an Irishman. Raised in a Jesuit parish and educated by them at Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University, but not yet aspiring to deacon. Take a look at the blog on emikeflynn.com and let me know if I can add you to the 900 or so who get the weekly e-mail.
Mike
Mike, Thanks so much for the comment. I’m always glad to have new readers. I’m also pleased to see that Ms. Jewell has been a visitor. I’m a big fan of her company.
I did subscribe to your newsletter and would encourage other readers to do the same.
Have a great St. Paddy’s day tomorrow!
[...] mlbuckley placed an interesting blog post on Small Business Email Marketing « Mining the StoreHere’s a brief overviewIt’s sent to a purchased list of email addresses with no regard to the person’s interest in the product. A solicitation from a total stranger to buy a product that “enhances” some body part or other is spam. Gardening tips from the neighborhood hardware store who got my … Building Your Small Business with Email Newsletters Part 2 · Our Five Step, Fail-Proof Permission Based Email Marketing Plan · Ten tips for email marketing · How to improve your email marketing: Part 1 … [...]
“The government, made up of our elected representatives, the people we chose to represent our interests in Washington, D.C., and our various state and local government centers, has become a political machine operating on the principal that if something is popular, then it’s OK. This “government by popularity poll” has gotten us into the mess we’re in today, and doesn’t seem capable of getting us out of it.”
Not trying to split hairs here… but the popularity debacle of which you speak is called “democracy” in lay man’s terms. The Greeks experimented with it a few thousand years ago and discarded it as a valid form of government once they realized that; “Given the opportunity, the empowered people would invariably vote to give themselves the sum of the treasury.”
That being said.. and of course, being evidenced by recent events… What do you suggest as a solution? I am sincerely interested in your answer and am not here facetiously.
I anxiously await your response.
[...] Read the original post: Small Business Email Marketing « Mining the Store [...]
Joe,
Maybe I didn’t express myself clearly enough. You and I (and the Greeks) seem to be in complete agreement. I don’t understand why we Americans insist on calling our form of government “democracy”. As you point out, pure democracy has been tried and found to be a poor form of government for a country of any size.
We elect representatives based on their perceived belief systems. Sadly, once they’ve gotten the job, they often behave much differently than we expected. They turn to polling data to tell them how to act today so they can be reelected tomorrow. This is not what the founding fathers had in mind.
What I would suggest is pretty much what the 912 Project suggests. We should demand that our elected employees stick with the principals that got them elected and if they don’t, throw them out of office. If you or I were hired for a normal job based on a false resume, we would soon be fired. Politicians should be held to the same standard.
This is a business blog so I don’t want to go off on too much of a political tangent, but there is a correlation. The same things that make a business successful would go a long way toward returning the United States to its leadership position in the world. Earlier this week I wrote a post on the Baldrige Award. It’s awarded by the Federal Government, so somebody in Washington must have a copy of the criteria.
The seven criteria of:
1. Leadership
2. Strategic Planning
3. Customer Focus
4. Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management
5. Workforce Focus
6. Process Management
7. Results
would certainly be an excellent framework for all governments.
On a more personal level I believe every American should take the time to educate him/herself on how the government’s supposed to work and to get involved in something like the 912 Project to show the politicians that “we”re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore.”
This blog’s great!! Thanks
.
[...] Posted on April 1, 2009 by mlbuckley According to CNET there is no visible sign that Conficker has done any damage so far today. AP reports that the worm may have gotten more aggressive in [...]
[...] Succession of Insights added an interesting post today on Keeping Loyal Customers LoyalHere’s a small readingIt seems that the coupon had to be used within 48 hours and the book … Maybe, while you’re there, you might find some other books that you [...]
[...] here to read the rest: Keeping Loyal Customers Loyal « Mining the Store Tags: book, busy-right, catalinas, cell-phones, first-trip, least-ten, nabil-el-wakad, newest, [...]
Great site this miningthestore.wordpress.com and I am really pleased to see you have what I am actually looking for here and this this post is exactly what I am interested in. I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor
After reading the article, I just feel that I really need more info. Can you suggest some more resources ?
Thanks for the response. Here’s a link to more information on REI, http://www.rei.com/aboutrei/about_rei.html.
I think we have outgrown the days of Mom and Pop. It does have a negative connotation as far as I can tell.
Mike, I think the important part of this project is not to just spend money randomly with three local businesses. Pick out those businesses that deserve it. The ones that deliver a great experience and participate in the community.
Jay, I couldn’t agree more. I think the key lies in the question “What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared?” That qualifier should rule out the bad ones.
terrific site this miningthestore.wordpress.com formidable to see you have what I am actually looking for here and this this post is exactly what I am interested in. I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor
Often you need at least twelve different sizes…
1. Close your PC on the night.
‘Mom and Pop’ is definitely not a neutral label or description of a small business anymore. It is often demeaning, like when it is used to imply your business isn’t successful because you haven’t been bought out by a conglomerate. However, the mom and pop label can also convey very positive feelings when it is used by someone who values the things that mom and pops were traditionally known for: customer service, product knowledge, fair prices and treatment, community involvement etc.
Love this blog I’ll be back when I have more time.
[...] gallbladder, you are going to have that surgery no matter what it costs, but you may hold off Small Business Planning in a Recession – miningthestore.wordpress.com 04/06/2009 Wayne Rivers is a small business consultant based in the [...]
Just grabbed the feed… thanks for posting this.
Way to go! I just rode in Tour de Cure San Diego a week ago! Good luck on your journey!
Thank you. I was just out for a training ride in the rain. Not my favorite.
[...] Read the original: Help Fight a Killer! [...]
[...] See original here: Help Fight a Killer! [...]
Protect my computer and eliminate the bugs and viruses.
When you are searching for a great scan that can help you keep your computer running like new, I would suggest that you visit http://www.Search-and-destroy.com. Here I found the antispyware solution from Search-and-destroy and it was exactly what I needed to protect my computer and eliminate the bugs and viruses that would make it run slow, freeze up and shut down. Search-and-destroy Antispyware was the answer to my computer bug problems and it was certainly worth every penny I spent to have this great antispyware to protect my PC. Not only does it work great but it cost less than many of the other scans available.
[...] Precautions for Small Businesses? Posted on May 1, 2009 by mlbuckley I posted the other day on the swine flue but I thought I’d go ahead and give you a link to an article in USA Today [...]
DeKpmL comment2 ,
Mike,
If you want to add Facebook or email sharing buttons to your blog posts, there’s a plugin that does it for you: http://tinyurl.com/sharebuttons
Hope you find it helpful!
Cheers,
Chase
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Thanks for the kind words. New readers are always appreciated.
[...] Really Up with Retail Posted on May 20, 2009 by mlbuckley Yesterday I took Forbes.com to task for assuming that all retail is big retail in spite of readily available numbers to the contrary. [...]
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Great post. Thanks for the helpfull info one again. I have become a great fan of your blog. Keep up the good work
Thank you.
[...] This post is inspired by a comment on the 3/50 Project facebook page. [In case you missed it, I wrote about the 3/50 Project earlier. There’s also a link to their home page on your [...]
Congrats! Old guys rock! Seriously, nice job on the ride and helping to fund a cure.
Doug,
It’s great to hear from you.
It doesn’t happen often, but once in a while it’s nice to be able to say “In your face, kid”. Seriously, I admire anyone who puts forth the effort to do something out of the ordinary.
There was a guy at the ride wearing a diabetic jersey who must have weighed 300 pounds. He was riding a fat-tired bike with a basket on the front. I thought there was no way this guy was going to go five miles. But every time we stopped at a rest stop, there he was. And I thought, good for him! He finished behind me, but he did finish.
Nothing’s impossible with the right attitude and a bunch of persistence.
[...] on Store Hours Posted on June 11, 2009 by mlbuckley As a follow up to Tuesday’s post, “Small Business Retail–Setting Store Hours” some readers have commented that it’s just too hard to find qualified employees and that they [...]
[...] (I hate to repeat myself) but I wanted to update you on something I wrote about a few weeks back (Saving the Economy 3 Stores at a Time), The 3/50 Project. In case you missed it, the idea of the project is to support local business [...]
Mike – thanks for sharing the interview – I think direct mail is often overlooked.
By the way the photo is not of me but Gabriela Avram who was an attendee at the event.
Krishna–It was an excellent interview. I agree that direct mail is often overlooked, possibly because small businesses aren’t collecting contact information. For those who do, postcards are inexpensive and effective.
Sorry about the photo. Of course you’re right. It’s not you. You must have been out of frame because I remember you being part of the conversation. Thank’s for providing a proper picture.
[...] Post Card Marketing for Small Business « Mining the Store Post Card Marketing for Small Business. Posted on June 15, 2009 by mlbuckley. As important as it is for small businesses to get involved in social media and web advertising, sometimes you just have to go to the Postal Service to deliver … Read the rest of this great post here [...]
[...] Rather than present the users of the Grant Trail with another concrete block wall to look at, here’s a business who thought outside of the box, turning unused space into a very effective marketing message. … Read the rest of this great post here [...]
Very true. Sometimes I wonder if the art of sales is dead.
[...] about Rush Limbaugh as of July 3, 2009 July 4, 1776 – miningthestore.wordpress.com 07/03/2009 IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF [...]
Very good read. I just posted a blog about me as a geek. Finding this one and seeing how we approached the topic was fun. Goes to show the difference between a man and a woman.
Thanks for sharing the information of last minute gift. I really enjoyed as I usually buy gifts at the last minute. Your article reminded me of important ocassions in my life. BTW nice blog. Keep it up the good work.
[...] Last year’s global winner, Heather Gorringe, founder and director of Wiggly Wigglers, was often featured here on the Small Business Blog and shared her story of innovation with other entrepreneurs through social media. Heather’s passion for her business inspired a lot of great conversations throughout the entrepreneurial community (The Global Small Business Blog, bpodr, Mining the Store). [...]
Mike,
Kudos to YOU for representing both sides of the coin with much forethought included!
As a Mom and Pop manufacturer of SUN AIRE products here in America, we would ALWAYS prefer Mom and Pop main street indy store fronts selling our products than BBS and/or internet anglers for many reasons.
Those who are, in our opinion, “still working for a living” by putting their blood, sweat and tears into their home town businesses to make ends meet offering quality products to their valued customers, while supporting the local economy, know what their customers need and most importantly, know the products they sell from back to front and top to bottom.
They’re not just “dangling the manufacturer’s worm” on the line (internet), hoping for someone to swim by and bite it while never even seeing a worm, buying a worm, or getting a little “dirty” putting the worm on their own hook.
Our SUN AIRE products lend themselves to “show ‘n tell” just like any quality product. For instance- let’s talk cars again! ; )
A Cadillac is a car. So is a Yugo. They both will probably get you hopefully from point A to point B….not necessarily in the same way since one will last for years with simple regular maintenance while the other will probably be in the “take it to the metal buyer” catagory before too long. As a car salesman, would you rather sell a Cadillac that makes your customer happy for a lifetime or a Yugo so you have to hide your face when they drive ‘er into the repair shop and are told- SORRY, we can’t fix it! But, you get my point.
Why build and offer cheaper/inferior products to another “line” of distributors since that’s what got us where we are now- the Made in China lack of quality being distributed in nearly every store front in America today and all of the BBS too… and the mentality that goes with it. Buy it today, throw it away tomorrow. Then, ask themselves what just happened to my hard earned money and my job I used to go to every day? Well DAH!
If Americans got back to being “Main Street America” again whether you’re a manufacturer or a store front business owner and supported only Made in America products, we wouldn’t have any economic challenges here in this great country we all call home.
Be the BEST; build the BEST; sell the BEST. That includes American factories building the BEST products they possibly can, creating the BEST jobs where you can support your family and work until you retire, running the BEST store fronts where Mom and Pops can make a living while supporting their local economy….you know….The America Dream!
Jeannie
Jeannie,
Thanks for the great response. Like most of the problems in the US today, there are no easy solutions. But manufacturers who truly support independent retailers are the ones I vote for with my dollars.
There is no problem until the manufacturer takes a few of the gold plated Alpha Pieces and puts them with the Beta pieces to sweeten the pot and draw more sales from the Beta distributor. The net effect is it cheapens the Alpha and builds up the Beta. Neither line deserves the change of perception. The Alpha line loses both its Repuation and some of its profit.
Alpha pieces to Beta dealers are like good street drugs. Its not long befre they need more and are dissatified with beta. Alpha dealers know this. The manufacturer risks losing his Beta dealers if he doesn’t supply them with the right stuff.
Ah, that’s when life really gets complicated, especially if the mfr is at all diversified. Independent reps run into this too. A customer says, “I’m doing $1m in screwdrivers. If you don’t sell me Alpha hammers, you’ll lose my screwdriver business.
One of my reps once had a customer who was way past due with my company, but the rep wouldn’t help us collect because the customer did big business with one of her other lines. In fact, she wanted us to write off OUR balance so she wouldn’t lose the dealer’s other business. Needless to say, the rep and the customer were soon history.
Sometimes life just gets way too involved.
[...] See original here: Multiple Channels of Distribution « Mining the Store [...]
Mike,
You think the least they would have done would be to try to sell you something to fix your next flat, or a new tire with a kevlar belt. I’ll lay odds too, that it was the rear tire (it almost always is!).
Hey Randy, good to hear from you! It was the rear tire. 2nd one in a few weeks. I asked them about a new tire but they didn’t have one to match the front.
I would have tried to sell me a pair of tires, but I guess they were too busy talking to one another.
Thanks for the comment.
Hi Mike,
Thank you very much for the birthday wishes and sharing this post. You know I’m still waiting on your birthday post so I can learn even more from you.
Thanks again.
Doug Fleener
It’s coming….October 30. Don’t fail to miss it!!
[...] Small Business Search Using Google Local Posted on August 13, 2009 by mlbuckley I’ve posted here before on the subject of Google Local Search. Rather than go into too much detail again, you can review Free Advertising for Your Small Business. [...]
[...] mlbuckley wrote an interesting post today onImportant for <b>Facebook</b> Users « Mining the StoreHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
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[...] [...]
Your blog very useful information for me.Thanks for useful information…
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading.
P.S. Tell your friends.
Where does “freedom of speech” fit into that? Nobody stopped him from saying what he wanted to say, but people have a right to react to things people say that they don’t agree with. Speech can be in the form of boycotts, also.
[...] more here: Hot Stuff in Gatlinburg Share and [...]
Thanks for the kind words!
Craig,
You’re welcome. Feel free to tell your friends.
[...] Tour of Missouri–Stupid Is as Stupid Does « Mining the Store miningthestore.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/tour-of-missouri-stupid-is-as-stupid-does – view page – cached #Mining the Store RSS Feed Mining the Store » Tour of Missouri–Stupid Is as Stupid Does Comments Feed Mining the Store Mining the Store? Hot Stuff in — From the page [...]
[...] Go here to see the original: Retail Business “Killers” « Mining the Store [...]
[...] here: Retailing-My Top Five Business ‘Killers’ Share and [...]
[...] you to the Flu.gov, a web site with tips for businesses to deal with a possible flu pandemic. (Small Business-Are You Ready for H1N1?) As I was writing the post, my daughter walked through the room complaining of flu-like symptoms. [...]
[...] Dave Sinclair Posted on September 25, 2009 by mlbuckley Back in July I wrote a post (Salesmanship Part 1) about a Saint Louis car dealer, Dave Sinclair. Rather than repeat what I wrote in July, [...]
[...] Read the rest here: RIP Dave Sinclair [...]
I don’t know If I said it already but …Hey good stuff…keep up the good work!
I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,)
A definite great read..Jim Bean
Thanks for the kind words.
hello,
thanks for the great quality of your forum, every time i come here, i’m amazed.
i read your posts regularly and i finaly decided to subscribe.
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Thanks for the link through to my Brian Tracy blog.
I have found his training materials to be consistently high quality.
Very interesting read. Successful ventures begin with an idea however require tremendous perseverance and diligence to succeed.By the way have you read article named Integrated Approach at http://askthiscfo.wordpress.com. Worth keeping tabs on. Thanks for the insight and sharing your thoughts.
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