Owning your own company means being your own boss. Not only do business owners get to choose their professional path—they get to determine the direction of their company as a whole. Many would say that becoming a small business owner is the epitome of the American Dream.
If you want to be a business owner, where do you start? Here’s some advice and a few tips on how to start your own business, no matter what type of business you are trying to start.
Technology has changed the way we do business. A physical space or storefront is no longer a requirement to run your business. Now, more than ever, having a solid, engaging, professional website is of the utmost importance.
Small businesses are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this new reality if they put the effort in. But it takes more than a great website. If you’re looking for a proven way to grow your small business, you should have a blog on your website.
The food truck trend represents one of the most exciting developments in the culinary industry. These compact dining establishments bring a variety of enticing flavors to locations in which such cuisine might not otherwise be available. Consumers benefit from convenient access to numerous culinary styles, while restaurant owners are able to expand business flexibility and minimize the costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar locations.
The need for Food Service Managers is estimated to grow by 9 percent through 2026. If you desire to join this industry’s growth by running your own business, consider the Johnson & Wales University’s online Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship bachelor degree.
After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Angelo Pitassi ’03 MBA started two businesses—an e-commerce company focused on meeting needs of Rhode Island’s jewelry manufacturing industry and a consumer-focused health technology company that was inspired by his youngest son’s diagnosis with type-one diabetes.
Do you have a great idea that could turn into a small business? Take a look at some do’s and don’ts to start up and stick to your concept courtesy of some top publications.
Don’t let your great ideas pass you by. If you want to go out and start something, do it!
Although you may have a great idea for an app, make sure that’s your expertise before you jump in head first. If it’s not your industry, find someone who’s an expert to help get your concept off the ground.
Businesses seeking growth often look to add-ons to help increase their average ticket sales. On a drive through of your favorite burger joint, you’ve probably heard, “Would you like fries with that?” In how many other situations have you been asked if you would like to add an item or make an upgrade?
If you have not considered how you can maximize sales for your own business, there is no time like the present to begin. Here are four ways you can grow your business at the point of sale:
Who cares?
In our culture, the statement is often perceived as more of a snarky comment than a question.
One of the fundamentals of making a sale is to demonstrate value to your prospective buyer. Outlining the features, functions, and benefits (FFBs) of your products or services provides a wonderful selling tool. It demonstrates your knowledge, which builds trust; it links product and services knowledge directly to benefits, which identifies direct value to your customer; it may allow your product/services to “sell themselves;” and it easily leads you directly and smoothly into “the ask.”
Let’s look closely at each of the FFBs and why they matter:
At some point in the life of their business, most entrepreneurs will need to apply for a business loan in order to grow. In tough times, that can be a difficult challenge. However, the better prepared you are, the better your chances of success. Here are a few tips:
Why do you need the money? Be clear to both yourself and prospective lenders what business objective you plan to achieve with a loan.
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