Archive for the ‘STAPLES BizTIPs’ Category

STAPLES BizTIPs: Pitching to Media

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

Advertising is the most expensive marketing option you can choose. While it does work, chances are your small business doesn’t have a lot of money to spend on newspaper ads, radio spots or television commercials. Instead, try to drum up some free media coverage about your business. Here’s how:

  • Talk about issues, not your business. The media won’t run a story about your upcoming shoe sale – that’s advertising, not news, so don’t waste their time. You must attach your business to some current and relevant issues that interest the media. For instance, a real estate agent might offer five suggestions to beautify a home in order to achieve a desirable selling price amidst this market of declining home sales.
  • Write a media release. A professional, one page media release should be written like a news story that’s already ran. Editors and reporters are busy people, so the less work they must do to fix up your release the more likely it will run. Use plenty of quotes and statistics, such as “painting your house can increase its value by $10,000.”
  • Follow up with media. News desks receive hundreds – even thousands – of media releases each day. Draw attention to your emailed or faxed media release with a simple follow up phone call. It’s a good idea to be prepared with a second story angle or media release in case the media person wants to pursue a different angle or needs more information.

Media coverage will put your business in the spotlight and build your reputation. It’s often more credible than paid advertising because it is a neutral third party saying good things about you.

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on January 21st, 2011

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STAPLES BizTIPs: This year, expect to sell a little to a lot

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

With so many customers cutting back during this recession, small business owners must alter their sales strategies. There’s still plenty of money to be made during these tough times, but getting it will require a different approach.

To keep your sales climbing, follow these suggestions:

  • Sell in smaller amounts. Nervous about big purchases, your customers will more likely say yes to lower-dollar commitments. That means you’ll be selling smaller deals to a larger number of customers, so free up your time to see as many prospects as possible.
  • Sell more frequently. Because your customers are buying smaller amounts of what you sell, you’ll have to sell to them more often. Stay on top of their needs and schedule your next pitch sooner rather than later.
  • Encourage trial. Help prospects to become customers by making it easy to try you out. Offer a free trial, hands-on demonstration or risk-free sample of what you sell. Create a really affordable taste of your business. Once they buy something, you can work to increase the amount of money each new customer spends with you.
  • Be flexible with payments. Consumers and businesses alike are worried about cash flow this year. You’ll close more sales by presenting flexible payment terms and options such as delayed billing, installment payments or by accepting credit cards.

Be good to yourself this holiday season and you’ll be in much better shape to tackle those business challenges and opportunities waiting for you in 2011.

BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today. 

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on January 7th, 2011

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STAPLES BizTIPs: Plan some holiday downtime

 By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…when too many small business owners get stressed out. 

Running a small business is a juggling act in itself. Add in family and social commitments and you’ve got a recipe for entrepreneur year-end burnout.

No matter how busy you are this festive season, please remember this: You are the most important asset to your business.

Try to reduce your stress by following these tips: 

  • Defer invitations. We all feel pressure to “see everyone” before or during the holidays. Why not see them in January instead? Your deferred guest will likely appreciate one less December appointment. 
  • Schedule downtime. It’s your holiday, too. Amidst all the parties and family time and shopping and traveling and planning for next year…whew! You need a break. Give yourself at least a day to do absolutely nothing. 
  • Unplug. It’s hard to unwrap presents while texting, so turn off your devices for a few days. Activate a vacation notification on your email to inform people when you shall resume communications. The world of work shall survive without you for a few days. 
  • Remove tasks. Try to do less instead of more. Review your long task list and see what you can eliminate or postpone.  

Be good to yourself this holiday season and you’ll be in much better shape to tackle those business challenges and opportunities waiting for you in 2011.

BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today. 

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on December 17th, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: Spreading holiday cheer on a budget

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

December is here and it’s time to plan your strategy to build client relationships during the holiday season. Since most small business owners don’t have huge budgets to throw extravagant parties, consider these tips to please your best customers and prospects:

  • Thank you lunch. Remember that most people are busy in December attending evening functions, so take your best customers out for lunch. Your clients will appreciate such quality one-to-one time with you.
  • Greeting cards. Although nothing new, a holiday card says you’re thinking about your client or prospect and usually stays on their desk for a couple of weeks. Create a list and mail non-denominational cards to your prospects, taking the time to personalize each message. 
  • Simple phone call. Pick up the phone and wish your clients and prospects the best of the holiday season in person. Try not to talk about business, other than to thank them for working with or considering yours.
  • Send a small gift. It’s the little touches that make your business stand out from your competition. Assemble a small gift basket with an assortment of coffee, cheese, fruit, chocolates or cookies and drop it off to your best clients or prospects.

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today. 

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on December 3rd, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: Keep smiling in your small biz

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

Life as an entrepreneur isn’t all smiles and chuckles. You may find yourself tight on cash, overwhelmed by multiple tasks and downright nervous about your business future. There will be times when you’ll feel frustrated, exhausted or stressed. 

Keeping your spirits up is therefore extremely important. Follow these suggestions to help turn any frowns upside down: 

  • Take a break. The average self-employed person in Canada works 59 hours a week, which may result in “small business burnout.” Discipline yourself to take a breather every few hours and do something unrelated to work. Walk through the park, have coffee with a friend or go to the gym. Believe it or not, the work will still be there when you return.
  • Get a hobby. Entrepreneurs typically have trouble “turning their minds off” when they leave work.  Always thinking about your business will stress you out – and the people you love. Find joy in a new hobby, activity or charity that has nothing to do with your entrepreneurial ambitions.
  • Remember the corporate prison. Part of the fun of being one’s own boss is a chance to set your own schedule, take time off and get paid to do what you love. Bring a smile to your face by recalling those days when someone else called the shots. You’ll quickly remember how great it is to be an entrepreneur.

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

 

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on November 19th, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: The softer side of sales

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

The word “sales” gets a bad rap because it conjures up images of slick hustlers out to grab your cash. While selling is your most important role as a new entrepreneur, you don’t have to be pushy about it. Try cultivating sales prospects with these “softer” selling techniques: 

  • Listen for business opportunities. No one likes a constant “seller”, like those loudmouths who annoy people at parties by pushing their wares. Instead, simply use your excellent listening skills to identity potential business opportunities within everyday conversations. Be sure to follow up.
  • Plant sales seeds. Remember the expression, “people hate to be sold but love to buy” when cultivating prospects. Plant a subtle suggestion by saying, “I’d be happy to help you with that when you’re ready. Feel free to call me anytime.”
  • Carry business cards. Since you never know when you’re going to meet someone who’s interested in your business, you should carry cards wherever you go. Make your business cards part of your everyday wardrobe.
  • Stay in touch. Timing can be everything in business, so it’s important to keep yours top-of-mind with potential clients. Keep in touch with your prospects and contacts with a casual call or email even when there’s no business on the table.

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

 

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on November 5th, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: Fortune favours the bold

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

Entrepreneurs live by the credo “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.” While there’s plenty of risk involved with starting a small business, more than anything it’s your determination that will make it succeed. Stick to the fight by:

• Ignoring the doubters. Entrepreneurs must endure a certain amount of skepticism about their plans. Understand that some people are simply threatened by change or may resent your ambition. Stick to your goals and keep your self-confidence intact by surrounding yourself with only positive and helpful people.

• Seeking good advice. Entrepreneurs must be careful to whom they listen. The quality of the advice you take to heart will directly impact your small business. While it’s important to learn from the experience of others, make sure you check out a potential adviser first to ensure they know what they’re talking about.

• Making it happen. Growing a small business is tough. Failed entrepreneurs often blame the economy, a business partner or customers who “just didn’t get it.” Accept full responsibility for the success of your business and simply find a way to make it work. Persistence pays.

• Giving it time. Nothing happens as quickly as you want when building a business. It may take some time for your new product or idea to catch on. Buy yourself that time by keeping costs low, setting a realistic schedule and developing patience

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

 

Roger PierceROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on October 15th, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: Tips for attending shows

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

 

Trade shows, job fairs and networking events are great opportunities for career seekers and new entrepreneurs. To make the most of your show visit, remember these simple tips:

 

·         Plan your trip. With so much to do in so little time, you’ll want to plan your expedition. Set aside a few minutes upon arrival or before the event to review the show guide or list of attendees to prioritize the companies or people you want to see most.

·         Limit your talk. Shows and events aren’t meant for people to spend a lot of one-to-one time together. Your goal is to make a valuable contact with someone and open the door to a follow-up appointment or meeting. Avoid monopolizing someone’s attention by limiting your talk time.

·         Mouth the mints. Bad breath will cut short any conversations and leave a poor first impression. Those close, face-to-face chats will go much better if you remember to pop a Tic-Tac.

·         Follow up. Your success at any event depends on your follow through. Within a few days of the event, pick up the phone and contact those people you spoke with about that job opening, training service or business opportunity. Show your professionalism and enthusiasm by taking the initiative to make contact.

 

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

Roger Pierce

ROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on October 1st, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: How to build a great reputation

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch 

The essence of brand and image is based on your product or company reputation. People are adverse to risk, so help them to buy from your small business by following these suggestions: 

  • Deliver a quality product or service. Go that extra mile with customers to “wow” them with your offering. Invest in quality materials or allow sufficient time to serve your clients. Pay attention to details because that’s often what people will notice about your company.
  • Do what you say you’re going to do. Lip service only goes so far, and actions speak louder than words. Be sure to keep your promises to develop the trust of your customers. Remember the expression, “under promise and over deliver” to truly delight your buyers.
  • Fix problems immediately. A mistake only becomes a problem when it is ignored. Remember that an existing customer is worth more to your small business than a new customer, so be sure to address any dissatisfaction right away. Replace a faulty product, correct a wrong or do something to “surprise and delight” a disgruntled client.
  • Never bad mouth the competition. It’s tempting to say rotten things about the other guy, but it can reflect poorly on your small business. It’s better to talk about what your competition does well but mention what you do better. What goes around also comes around.

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ROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on September 17th, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs: Know when it's time to expand

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

Growing your small business may mean opening new locations, franchising or licensing your business model. While some entrepreneurs are quite happy to keep their business small, for others it’s important to know when to expand. Here are some signs you’re ready to grow:

· Customers ask you. Pay attention to people who say, “I wish your store was in my neighbourhood.” Prepare a customer survey to ask your customers where they would like to see your next location open.

· More business than you can handle. If you’re having trouble keeping up with customer demand for your product or service, it may be time to increase your output capacity by expanding.

· Cash surplus. Extra money in the bank is always a good sign and it likely means you’ve made it through those treacherous first few operating years. Consider plowing your dough back into your business by expanding into new markets or improving your current location.

· Aggressive competition. Tim Horton’s quietly opened up 47 stores in downtown Toronto during the past few years, putting pressure on competitors Starbucks and Second Cup. To thwart your competition, it may be wise to dominate your particular geographic marketplace by expanding.

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics in a free STAPLES BizLaunch Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

 

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ROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on September 3rd, 2010

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