Two things I want to share with you.  One is the “Top 10 Rules for Small Business Success” by Brain Grinonneau from About.com.Marketing, a part of the New York Times Company.

1. Target

You are not all things to all people.  Decide on your niche-narrow your focus and broaden your appeal.

2.  Be Different

If you competitors are doing it, don’t.  Stand out from an overcrowded marketplace whee so much of the advertising and products look the same.

3.  Build a Team

Don’t hire an employee to fill a position.  Employ a person to be part of a team to build your business.

4.  Be Fast

Time is the most precious commodity.  When delivery is expected Friday, show up Thursday afternoon.  Return calls and emails now!

5.   Say Thank You

A lot.  Tell your customers and employees how much you appreciate them.  Better yet, do it the old fashioned way: take a pen to paper and write them a note.

6.  Be Consistent

Make sure your business has a consistent look and feel.  A customer must get the same flaor from everyone within your organization.  Always.

7.  Smile

Throw out the reasons you think people buy from you like price, product quality or your warranty.  They buy because they like you.

8.  Fanatical Optimism

The glass must always be half full.  Attitude will always win out in the end and infect all of those around you.

9.  Sell Soft

Don’t ever hard sell.  Solve problems.  Satisfy wants. Do what is truly best for your customer.

10.  Leave Your Comfort Zone

Never accept the idea that this is the way you’ve always done it.  Never accept that a new idea or technology could never work for you.

The second item I want to share with you is this great website: 

http://www.learnmarketing.net/index.htm

This website is a must for those in business.  Enjoy!

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA