First Step Marketing

Some of the small-business ideas which follow, are familiar businesses which can be differentiated in innovative ways. Others are new ideas which have not been subject to thorough investigation. The intention of this listing is not to provide ready-made business ideas, but to set you thinking; ideas breed new ideas. Read the rest of this entry »

Secrecy

Be careful about disclosing the details of your planned business to people. As soon as you disclose an idea to someone, you run the risk of it being used by that person. While it is important to research your idea by questioning people, it is usually possible to do so without revealing too many important details. Where this is difficult, you may want to draw up a secrecy agreement to be signed by anyone with whom you discuss your plans. A short, plain-worded document gives you recourse to legal action should a breach of faith occur. Read the rest of this entry »

Creative thought does not end once a good business opportunity has been identified. For as long as the business operates, it will be faced with problems and opportunities that force creative thinking. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get into a rut and grow complacent. If this happens, good opportunities may be missed and many setbacks, which could have been avoided with some creative problem solving, could occur. Read the rest of this entry »

The industries listed below are all within the scope of small business and have a good chance of exhibiting rapid growth over the next decade. The actual magnitude of this growth will depend on industry-specific factors, as well as the general economic climate. In a rapidly growing industry, competitive forces are less severe and it is easier for a small business to make good profits and expand. New opportunities will arise in these industries and they are fertile hunting grounds for business ideas. Read the rest of this entry »

The ideas listed below are useful, only if they are an integral part of a larger, carefully co-ordinated marketing effort. Some ideas may be unsuitable for some types of product or service; some may clash with certain images; and others may simply be too expensive. Remember that the poor execution of any one of the ideas will render it ineffectual at best and harmful at worst. Read the rest of this entry »

The most important point to remember when promoting your business is that you should never make a promise that you cannot keep. Although you may make a few quick sales this way, your customers will be dissatisfied when they get less than they expected to get, and as a result, your reputation may suffer. It is a much better idea to under-promise and over-deliver. Read the rest of this entry »