Monday, August 25, 2008

Capitalizing on Your Client's Needs




Resorts earn well when there are many guests. The more bookings they have the better. But resorts can actually earn more from auxiliary income if they cater to some of the other needs of their guests. For example, guests who are on vacation love to use the pool to have fun and to relax. If there are kids, their kids would probably need inflatable pool tubes. Others would need goggles. They would perhaps need pool balls to play with.



If these facilities are available, their guests would surely appreciate it. They will not even mind paying a fee to rent them. These are just small fees, of course. But when the resort sums the earnings on these things at the end of the year, it would be a big help in covering some of the overhead expenses.



Monday, July 21, 2008

The Great Restaurant Potential

Food and restaurant seems a good topic to go back to. One cannot over stress the importance of the ambiance of the place. Once people come to appreciate the mood that your restaurant exudes, they will really keep on coming back to your place no matter how far it is. And if you offer great food with the great atmosphere, your restaurant will definitely have the potential of great hit.

Of course, you must really market your restaurant to the public. First, you must introduce your restaurant to everybody. You must make it be known that such a restaurant exists. If you have a theme for your restaurant then you have to introduce your restaurant as such.

But then you also have to consider which market segment you want to target. This would dictate how you would place your ads and other marketing efforts. On it also depends your positioning for your restaurant.

While this is not a comprehensive list for opening and running a restaurant, this hopefully provided some tips and reminders to all budding entrepreneurs and restaurateurs out there.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Kids Buy What They See

It’s really easy to catch the attention of the kids. Let’s say, you are selling toys. Just place some really nice and eye catching ads between their favorite shows and your toys will be a hit.

Of course, your products must also be good. It must look very nice and attractive. Another thing of course is that the toy must have a defining feature that’s unique or at least attractive to the kids. Boys, for example, love cars. You can start with this premise and think of something that will make the little boys want to buy what you are selling.

When kids start seeing them always and they get hooked to the toy, there will be no stopping them from asking their moms and dads for one. And more often than not, parents would oblige, if not right away, at least eventually.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Great Location! Great Attraction!

Everybody is almost always in the mood for a romantic dinner. Even when people are not with their boyfriends or girlfriends, they just love being in a nice restaurant. They love being in a very relaxing ambiance. That is why the location is always important.

If you are planning to build a restaurant, you should always pick your location carefully. From the moment they arrive the place, they should feel relaxed already. Here’s an example. The restaurant is located in the middle of the beach. As soon as people get to the place, they can immediately gaze to the waters and if their timing is right, the sunset too. The sea breeze is there to cool them from the hot day they just had. With a great location, people would always find going to your restaurant fun and relaxing.

This is not to say that location is everything though. You also have to serve delicious food. The delight of being served great food begins with a nice presentation so you should put great efforts in it too. What’s important is that you make dining in your restaurant as enjoyable as possible. So whether it is to impress their loved ones, to kindle romance in their relationship or just to enjoy good food and ambiance, they will always be back if they find what they are looking for in your place.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Reaching Out to Customers

Every business needs to reach out to customers. You as the owner or perhaps your staff should see to it that you have a way of reaching your clients. It should be standard procedure to take not only the names but also contact numbers and even email addresses of clients. You should get them from new customers so you can promote your business to them. And you have the more reason to collect contact info from repeat customers. Since you know that they already like your products or services it would be easier to sell them new products or services in the future.

You would also need to have such information to inform your clients when their orders are ready. There would be clients who forget about their orders. And there would be some that for whatever reasons need some reminding before they collect their orders. If you have their contact numbers, you can simply give them a call and tell them politely that their order is ready. This way the money of your business will roll faster. It won’t get stuck in uncollected orders and inventory.

As a business, you should be aggressive in getting to your customers. You should not wait for them to come to you. Instead you should give them a nudge so they will come to you quicker. And for promotions, you have to give them a reason to need your products and services. They will surely appreciate your business if you are constantly providing them with what they need.

Monday, March 17, 2008

You've Got to Test the Waters!

You won't know how good your ideas are unless you try it out. Only then will you see if clients will like what you are offering. If you want less risk, you can try your ideas in a small scale first and then expand later on. The important thing is that you will see for yourself if your ideas make sense.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Ups and Downs of Your Business

Your business may earn so much today but it may not tomorrow. That is something you must learn to accept. You have to learn to adapt and you have to learn how to deal with it.

It's just the cycle of business. There would be seasons or even days when sales are not just good as the previous one. But you have to look at the bigger picture. You must take the average and check how you're doing.

As for seasonal fluctuations, you should be able to get a few gimmicks to keep customers coming. You should try to offer new things which will entice your clients to come. It should be something they need or something new they wouldn't be able to resist.


Monday, February 25, 2008

Internet Cafe Business


The internet business continues to grow...

No matter where you are there's bound to be an internet cafe. Perhaps that's because there's just a need to use internet. Almost everyone use it and many people want to be able to do so even outside their homes.

Of course, an added attraction is when the place offers good coffee. This has been the trend. Whenever there is coffee, there must be internet in the place. Even coffee shops try to at least offer Wi-fi capabilities.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Electronics Sells

eBay is your proof to it.

Perhaps it is really the world we live in today. Everybody just needs gadgets with him. Before it was just the laptop so that one can use a computer wherever he goes. And of course there's the cell phone. One had to carry one because he needed to be reached anywhere he goes.

Now these two gadgets have somehow converged. Cell phones can now send emails, surf the internet and even do worksheet and word processing. One the other hand, computers and laptops can now do PC to PC and PC to phones calls. Who wouldn't want to do that, right?

Hence, the demand for electronic gadgets. It's the world the live in and it's the lifestyle of today. Anyone who can see that has to realize this is market that is very much alive out there. There is obviously a good business in electronics.

If you want to sell something that is in demand, sell electronics. If you don' want to stock them, try dropshipping. That's what many do on eBay. And many are successful on doing this.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Going Big Time!!!

Let’s talk about small business. On your way to office or on your way to school do you pass by newspaper stands and vendors? Do you see those hotdog stands right at many corners? They would seem like a small business but they could actually turn big. Imagine if you start first with let’s say 5 to 10 stands. Then as many customers come to accept you, you start to branch out. Let’s say you’ll add 10 more stands. That would be twenty in total. If you continue to expand, you could easily have a hundred stands in a year or two.

The daily earnings of each stand may not be very big but if you multiply it a hundred fold it could be quite a good amount. The good thing is you won’t be making a very big initial capital outlay. The additional costs would come gradually and you could even use your first earnings for expansion.

The products you should sell are things or foods that people would naturally get. Hotdogs sell. Of course, soft drinks and ice cream does too depending on the weather. You should also situate your stands strategically. Good spots for this are near schools and perhaps parks.

Remember that what may seem small time can go big time if you know how to take care of your business. You just have to plan out your expansion and you should know how to serve your market better.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Hot Months, Hot Business!!!

If you live in the tropics, the hot months are coming in a month or two. And so you better be ready for this season. For seasonal business ventures, you can offer several new ice cold food and beverages. Such food would really sell in the hot season. If you are in clothing and footwear, then it’s time you stock your store with skin baring clothes, sleeveless shirts for men and women perhaps.

Swimming will be the most favorite activity during these months so trendy swimsuits and sunglasses will be in demand. Open toe shoes and sandals will be too. For the beach bums, flip flops will also sell. Men will be looking for beach or board shorts.

Beach resorts will also be full so you better prepare your accommodations this early. It is a good time to do your repair. Of course, your restaurant’s food should also offer the favorite food and drinks during this time.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Day Care At The Airport

An idea just crossed my mind lately. I don’t know how original it is. And I have no idea if it is already being done. Well, families go to vacations together and part of that is going in and out of airports. But when you have let’s say 3 or more small children with you I think it would really be a hassle especially if you have so many luggage. An added burden would be dumped on you if your flight gets delayed. You would have your children running around, getting bored and maybe getting boisterous. If you are busy checking in or you are just tired from the whole vacation, wouldn’t it good if there was a day care center inside the airport?

How about that? With a day care, you wouldn’t have to risk losing one child because you were too busy with the other. You can relax a little while waiting for your flight. Your vacation would have less hassle and it would be more enjoyable as well, wouldn’t it?

I think there would be a demand for this service. It would be something worth looking into. As for now, this is just an idea in the brainstorming process.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Think of the Kids!!!

I have recently attended the birthday party of my nephew. And I just realized that there indeed money in anything that has to do with children. To begin with, there’s children’s clothing. Kids need new clothes very often. Even if their clothes are still fine and look new, they would need new ones because they are growing. After a year or maybe even after a few months their clothes might not fit them anymore. Kids also like to wear those cartoon or movie/TV character shirts. So whatever the hit programs are there’s always a shirt with its characters on it. That’s for sure.

Party materials also give you potential earnings. You have the party hats, party bags, balloons and party poppers. You also have those other materials you’ll need for the games. Some also prefer to use disposable plates, glasses, spoons and forks. These things may seem small but when bundled together, they actually cost real money. So this equates to more potential income for you.

Of course, when there’s a party especially birthdays, the guests need presents for the celebrant. So you can stock on toys for all ages, more clothes, educational items and even electronic games. You should provide choices for your shoppers by also giving them a choice when it comes to the price range. Not all can afford to give expensive gifts. Others also have limited budgets.

You can also display some candies and chocolates in your store. Kids would be going in. These would attract their attention. They would surely want to have some and they would ask their parents or any companion to buy them.

There are many items you can sell to kids. You just have to know what the hit shows are. You have to know what the latest trends in toys are. You also have to update your stock often. And lastly you have to make your place attractive to kids and their parents. If they enjoy going into your store, they will likely keep coming back.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Open It Right!!!

Starting out a business with a bang really gives it a very big leap right away. Although there would be greater risks in investing so much on a business right away, it really is worth it if this makes your market notice you and patronize you right from the start. You won’t have to wait long months and even years for the market to get to know you. Because you start big, they notice you and they get curious. They immediately check out what you have to offer. If they like it, then you are off to a very good start.

Some businesses also like to surprise the competition. They don’t announce that they will soon open their establishment until the day itself. This recently happened in my city. The competition was so surprised that I think they lost a lot of sales for a couple of days. It hit the market by a storm and its competitor definitely felt it. But this was only successful because it was a well known company. Had it been a very fresh name, I don’t think that strategy would have been successful.

But take this cafĂ© restaurant for example. Its business owners put out a sign even before the place is fully furnished. They fixed up the frontage. They made it visible to attract customers and to get them excited about their impending opening. In short, they are announcing it loud and clear that a new place is going to open. It is an open invitation to everyone to try their place once it’s opened.

These are just a few examples of the different approaches one can take. But you shouldn’t just choose one randomly. You have to make sure that the strategy you are taking is best suited to your business based on its strengths and weaknesses.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Good Location, Good Business!!!

Location is very much important in every business. It’s important that you are near or at least accessible to your customers. Convenience really matters to every customer. If going to your store, office or establishment is easy you will automatically be the choice of your potential customers.

Location has a very big impact on the business. It is important that people can see your place so they will know that you exist. I was going around the city one night when I discovered this small bar.

It was located in the city stadium. And it was in the part where it was facing away from the main street. You will not see it unless you go inside the stadium’s premises and go around. It’s not really the main downtown area. In fact, it’s more of a residential district which consists of below middle class citizens. The stadium doesn’t have so much going on so not a lot people go there.

RESULT: Only one table was occupied.

Perhaps if more shows, concerts and ball games are held and more people will discover the place, it may become crowded. As for now, it’s a pity that people don’t even know of this bar. It’s simple but it has a potential. It could be a nice hangout for friends. Of course, one solution for them could be advertisement. For now, this is just to illustrate the impact of location on your business.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Garbage Money

There’s money in garbage. It’s something many of us should remember. While we are throwing away every little thing we don’t need, others are earning on them. If we want to earn on our waste, there are two ways to go about it.

It is so easy to do. The very basic thing to do is segregate our trash as we throw them. We must separate tin cans, plastics, bottles, jars and even newspapers. Then we can sell them to agents of recycling companies who make use of them in making other new products. But we should not be limited to these items only. We can also collect our old clothes, old appliances and other items we don’t need. Then we can put them up for sale in a garage sale. In our place, there are several guys who go around and buy old newspapers, metal and tin cans. Some individuals also go around and exchange their crops for old clothes.

But if you want to really earn big, you should be the one buying these waste and old items from these collectors. You won’t have to go house to house. It would be the work of these collectors to buy the items from the homes. You only have to buy them from the collectors. And all you have to do is pass them all together to the buyer. Buy them at such a small price and sell them in big bulk to recycling companies for a higher price. The bigger the volume the higher earnings you will get. That is the secret there.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

After The Holidays

Well, the Christmas Season is now over. But this should not be a reason for our sales to go down. If we offer products that customers need and customers love, they will definitely keep coming back to us. That is a sure thing. On our part, we should not stop giving them reasons to keep coming to us either.

If you have a restaurant, perhaps you should come up with a new dish or even an array of diet for those who want to shed those extra pounds they have gained during the holidays. So even if they wanted to be on the watch of what they eat, they will still come in. They will even be encouraged to come to you more. Not only are you enticing them to come so you would earn more but you are actually helping them go back in shape.

During Christmas people are bound to spend more than usual. It would not be a surprise if some would be on a tight budget after the holidays. Offering sale discounts will surely be highly appreciated. It doesn’t matter what you sell, it will be a good come on to everyone.

It would also be good to stock up new items. People are always excited to see what is new. The “New Arrival” sign is really a good sign for shoppers. Since it is a start of a new year many people would also like to start it with new things. Also, it helps keep your store thrilling. Customers would always look forward to going to it because you always have new things to offer them.

There are many different tactics you can apply. But always remember to suit to your customer base and to the season. You should always take into consideration the situation of the market and the circumstances of your customers.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Reaping Great Rewards

Introducing a new concept is a good idea. But it takes a lot of work. You have to market the idea. You have to introduce your brand. And you have to take your customers to your location.

Before you even open your establishment, you have to talk to many people and slowly introduce the concept. You have to make everybody understand how this works and how each and every one will benefit from it.

Not only that, you have to introduce yourself. Meaning, you have to show your potential customers the service they will get. They have to realize their need for your product or the service you will render them.

Once they have assimilated this information, it is time to tell them where your establishment is located. It’s quite important that you are accessible to them. Since it will be something new to them, you have to go to them instead of them coming to you. This will make you appealing to them. Not only will they benefit from your service, taking of advantage of it is also easy to do.

Yes, it takes a lot of effort. But if you become successful in this endeavor, you will also reap so much reward from it. Being the innovator, your brand will be synonymous to your product or your service. This will mean more customers and more repeat customers. And naturally, this will be mean greater earnings later on.