Business Tips

Always keep things clean and tidy.
Organize and streamline your work systems. Everything you use should
have its place, and those things you use frequently should be kept within
easy reach. Get rid of things you don’t need.
Whenever possible, refer to your clients or customers by name.
Always open on time (or early) and stay open until your posted closing
time; stay on-site (if applicable to your type of business) until you close.
Answer the phone on the second ring, but no later than the third ring.
Smile when you answer the phone.
Use an answering machine (or answering service) to provide your hours
or sell products/services while you’re closed.
Return calls on the same day, or at least within 24 hours.
Greet customers with a welcoming smile.
Project a positive attitude at all times (especially if you’re feeling down).
Don't offer to do anything you know (or suspect) you cannot do on a
regular basis – it will come back to haunt you.
Never promise something you cannot deliver (remind yourself how fast
bad news spreads).
Use positives when giving instructions, explanations, etc.
Run your business as if you're in a recession with no end in sight.
Talk about your business as if it were the most successful company on
the planet.
Get feedback/advice regularly from one or more qualified advisors.
Resist the urge to grow your business too fast – it often pays more to
stay small.
Reinvest your profits into your business (that new BMW will be there
next year – make sure that your business will, too).
Don’t forget to pay yourself!
Develop and implement a strategic marketing plan. Spend what you can
honestly afford (not just what ad reps. say you should spend).
Track all advertising; know what works and get rid of what doesn't.
If possible, provide a simple map to your location in your advertising.
When giving directions to customers, don't have them drive by your
competitors (they may never make it to your place).
Write press releases for your company on a regular basis.
Never make your own signs (it’s a business – not a hobby).
Use neon for retail signage, if possible.
Use tasteful and appealing decoration and signage (always get someone
else’s opinion; and hire a designer, if you can’t figure it out).
Save things you can still use or re-use.
Shop for deals on office supplies and equipment (check newspapers,
garage sales, second-hand stores, auctions, etc.).
Buy the best new equipment you can afford – but don’t break the bank.
If something breaks, fix it whenever possible; don’t just replace it.
Remember to work on your business, not just in it.
Get to know other successful business people; share ideas; network.
Gain visibility by joining local clubs and organizations. Get involved in
your community.