Comments on: Strategic Small Business Plan for 2010

By: Local Internet Marketing

Local Internet Marketing — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:05:58 +0000

It is amazing how few businesses actually put in place effective plans. I talk to a lot about their importance, but it does fall on death ears so I apprecaite your post because it is so vital for survival.

By: Merlin D. DuVall

Merlin D. DuVall — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:28:21 +0000

Mike, I like your site and the information. I clicked on the tab ‘Subscribe by Email’. I hope it went through.

I have started the process of forming an LLC, as an umbrella to cover a small manufacturing business and a consulting Business. That is where a marketing plan comes in.

By: Mike Clough

Mike Clough — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:40:04 +0000

Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. And I would bet that based on your actions, your small business is doing far better than your competitors! I know I see you on Twitter and I receive your nifty weekend newsletter which saves me a lot of time.

I bet your employees really enjoy where they work and your customers enjoy giving you their business! It sounds like you are doing everything right and are probably a beacon to other small businesses.

As your business grows you will hire new employees and that is a step in turning our economy around! Now if all small businesses would do the same thing, we would be out of this economic situation in no time.

Lisa, thank you for doing your part, for reading my blog, and for taking the time to comment. Please keep me posted on your success.

By: Lisa Bickford

Lisa Bickford — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:43:44 +0000

Mike: All of your blogs are A+, but this one is A+++. My favorite parts: “To hell with patience, I’m going to kill something.” and “Enough is enough! We are better than this!”.

As a 25 year veteran of my industry and a 13 year small business owner, I am fortunate to have a network of advisers including fantastic employees, ex-employers, vendors, clients and business friends to help me along the way – and I am grateful to count you in that group.

As you have advised, we are marketing like crazy…more than we ever have and more than any other printer I have ever worked for. And it’s working – new opportunities come our way every week.

Also as you have advised, I meet with a SCORE adviser this week to help evaluate and better systemize our marketing plan. Can’t wait to hear their evaluation of what we are doing and advice on how to make it better.

By: Mike Clough

Mike Clough — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:21:39 +0000

Laura, thanks for your comment and congratulations on your businesses!

By: Laura Sheman

Laura Sheman — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:08:09 +0000

YES! It is much better than sitting around whining about how bad the economy is. I have two small businesses and we’re doing just fine. I work hard and am constantly learning and expanding.

However the key thing is customer service. Making sure your client is well cared for. In this climate you must do more and be better. If you do so, you’ll survive and beyond.

ALL HANDS! I love it!

By: Nanette Levin

Nanette Levin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:06:27 +0000

Ah yes, the key is finding the right people. I’ve been fortunate enough in the past twenty years to find some real gems – and recognize them for what they are immediately. Having such “vendors” in your corner makes you shine in your client’s eyes (and sometimes prospects – I’ve brought some in who I know will be better at speaking the language of those we are presenting to as the apparent lead in initial meetings). I’m always sad to see any one of them leave the industry and find them much tougher to replace than any employee I’ve ever engaged.

By: Mike Clough

Mike Clough — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:37:26 +0000

I agree, Nanette! If you can select the correct people, those with the same burning desire for high quality as yourself, you can dramatically increase your productivity and hell a fellow small biz owner.

Consider that 60.8% of the 26.8 million business in America have fewer than five employees. You can read more at http://bestbizpractices.org/2009/07/14/america-runs-on-small-business/.

Thanks for your comment!

By: Nanette Levin

Nanette Levin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:49:59 +0000

Thanks for the rallying cry, Mike.

One thing that I found some time ago is that it’s more cost-effective and a whole lot less stressful (for me) to delegate tasks to other small business professionals vs. staffing up (been there too). In doing so (with the right people, of course) you not only get client-ready deliverables, but also gain from the knowledge and experience of those who may have more seasoned experience or talent in a particular area. Everyone wins – the client, my business and other business owners.

So, in responding to your comments concerning gaining from the wisdom of others vs. being a dictator to discover new growth opportunities, I’d add to the vendor list providers in your industry. Even if you’re a one-man-band, you can’t do it all – at least not well. Sharing the work with others who have a high work ethic, talent and integrity not only lets you focus on what you are best at, but also provides interesting marketing and networking opportunities you may not have envisioned.

By: Mike Clough

Mike Clough — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:09:12 +0000

Thank you Susan. Since there is no advertising on this blog, it generates no revenue. The only rewards are kind words from readers and the knowledge that I have helped some small business somewhere.

So, thanks again!