Top 10 Rules for Small Business Success
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 your competitors are doing it, don't. Stand out
from an overcrowded marketplace where 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
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 flavor 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.