Success is not a 4 letter word Tips To Help You Succeed *Reach Out For Support...As a small business owner we often feel like we are on an island by ourselves and it is sink or swim. Time is at a premium and we don't often know where to turn for help. There is help out there and it is easy to find. Try joining forums that are related to your business. This is a great way to connect with people who are struggling with the same issues as you are and it is a great way to bounce ideas off of each other and see what has worked for other people.
Read...Read...Read...Trade magazines related to your expertise, books and online articles are a great way to avoid making costly mistakes and to get fresh ideas. Two such websites that are worth checking out are www.fabjob.com and www.onlygarmentracks.com/wp/
Communicate With Your Customers...Find out what your customers are looking for and listen to their ideas. For example, we had a number of customers tell us it was too difficult to register to be a vendor on our site. Even worse, once you found the registration page it was confusing to figure out where to sign up. Our new site has taken the guesswork out of registering and has resulted in alot more happy customers.
Know Your Market...For instance, you may love cowboy boots, but own your boutique in New York. Chances are those cowboy boots are going to sit on the shelf for a long time, because let's face it, there isn't a big market for cowboy boots in NYC. Now that isn't to say there won't be people that love those boots, but from a profit standpoint you are better off selling what is trending in your market.
Attract A Crowd...Find a way to attract attention, whether it be a great promotion or stocking the hottest hard to find item. Once you have attracted the customer, offer great customer service. We have said this time and time again, most people prefer to shop in a place that they know they will be taken care of, often paying slightly more for that personal attention.
