201 GREAT IDEAS for Your SMALL BUSINESS, Third Edition

201 GREAT IDEAS for Your SMALL BUSINESS, Third Edition

by Jane Applegate
Released May 2011
Publisher(s): Bloomberg Press
ISBN: 9780470919668

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Book description

Completely revised and updated edition of this very popular and successful small business book

The first edition of 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business was hailed by management guru and author Tom Peters as "Brilliantly researched. Brilliantly written. A gem of priceless value on almost every page. Read. Inhale. Absorb. Great Stuff!"

In this completely updated third edition of 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business, renowned small-business expert and consultant Jane Applegate shares new, powerful, creative, simple, and proven approaches for building a better small business.

  • Details how business owners can use online marketing and social networking more effectively
  • Offers timely strategies for thriving in challenging economic times
  • Includes scores of real-life success stories and all-new interviews with small-business owners, experts, and VIP's including Guy Kawasaki, Kay Koplovitz, and Michael Bloomberg

It may be small, but your business is a big deal to you, your customers, and employees. 201 Great Ideas provides lively, practical strategies to help you manage, grow, and promote your business.

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Contents
  6. Introduction
    1. Why Is It a Good Time to Update 201 ?
  7. CHAPTER 1: Management Strategies
    1. GREAT 1 IDEA: Always Deal with Decision Makers
    2. GREAT 2 IDEA: Never Work with Anyone Who Gives You a Headache or a Stomachache
    3. GREAT 3 IDEA: Don't Be Afraid to Reinvent Your Business
    4. GREAT 4 IDEA: Add Spirituality to Your Business Life
    5. GREAT 5 IDEA: Ask for a Quick “Yes” or “No”
    6. GREAT 6 IDEA: Say Goodbye to Corporate Life
    7. GREAT 7 IDEA: Create an Informal Advisory Board
    8. GREAT 8 IDEA: Move Your Business into an Incubator
    9. GREAT 9 IDEA: Organize a Company Retreat
    10. GREAT 10 IDEA: Create a Greener and Safer Workplace
    11. GREAT 11 IDEA: Think Ergonomically
    12. GREAT 12 IDEA: Make Meetings More Productive
    13. GREAT 13 IDEA: Meet Clients in Elegant Public Places
    14. GREAT 14 IDEA: Work the Phones or Walk the Floor
    15. GREAT 15 IDEA: Join or Create a Peer Support Group
    16. GREAT 16 IDEA: Know When to Reach Out for Help
    17. GREAT 17 IDEA: Hire a Great Lawyer
    18. GREAT 18 IDEA: Seek Help from a Restaurant Consultant
    19. GREAT 19 IDEA: Thank Everyone You Work With
    20. GREAT 20 IDEA: Move Your Business into a Main Street Revitalization Zone
    21. GREAT 21 IDEA: Ask Your Staff to Evaluate You
    22. GREAT 22 IDEA: Cross-Train Your Employees
    23. GREAT 23 IDEA: Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
  8. CHAPTER 2: Money Matters
    1. GREAT 24 IDEA: Become a Profit Enhancement Officer
    2. GREAT 25 IDEA: Write a Killer Business Plan
    3. GREAT 26 IDEA: More Insider Tips to Woo Investors
    4. GREAT 27 IDEA: Find Yourself an Angel
    5. GREAT 28 IDEA: Hire a Virtual Chief Financial Officer
    6. GREAT 29 IDEA: Choose the Right Bank
    7. GREAT 30 IDEA: Create a Sensitivity Analysis
    8. GREAT 31 IDEA: Find a Good Accountant
    9. GREAT 32 IDEA: Work with an Enrolled Agent to Do Your Taxes
    10. GREAT 33 IDEA: Find a Strategic Partner to Invest in Your Company
    11. GREAT 34 IDEA: Even Out Your Cash Flow
    12. GREAT 35 IDEA: Consider Buying a Franchise
    13. GREAT 36 IDEA: Franchise Your Business Concept
    14. GREAT 37 IDEA: Barter for Goods and Services
    15. GREAT 38 IDEA: Seek Vendor Financing
    16. GREAT 39 IDEA: EB-5 Visas for Foreign Investors
    17. GREAT 40 IDEA: Invest in Yourself by Tapping Your 401(k)
    18. GREAT 41 IDEA: Apply for a Government-Backed Bank Loan
    19. GREAT 42 IDEA: Invoice Bimonthly and Add an Overhead Charge
    20. GREAT 43 IDEA: Ask for a Deposit
    21. GREAT 44 IDEA: Lock Your Supply Cabinet
    22. GREAT 45 IDEA: Set Up a Retirement Plan
    23. GREAT 46 IDEA: Establish an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
    24. GREAT 47 IDEA: Find a Good Independent Insurance Broker
    25. GREAT 48 IDEA: Buy Disability Insurance
    26. GREAT 49 IDEA: Hire a Debt Arbitrator
    27. GREAT 50 IDEA: Collect the Money People Owe You
    28. GREAT 51 IDEA: Accept Credit Cards
    29. GREAT 52 IDEA: Work Part Time to Support Your Business
    30. GREAT 53 IDEA: Expand Your Vendor Network
    31. GREAT 54 IDEA: Check Out Economic Development Incentives
    32. GREAT 55 IDEA: Produce an Independent Film
    33. GREAT 56 IDEA: Buy Prepaid Legal Insurance or Make a Deal with a Law Firm
    34. GREAT 57 IDEA: Find the Right Office Space
    35. GREAT 58 IDEA: Hire a Savvy Real Estate Broker
    36. GREAT 59 IDEA: Share Space with a Compatible Business
    37. GREAT 60 IDEA: Buy Used Office Furnishings
    38. GREAT 61 IDEA: Sell Your Business at the Right Time and Price
    39. GREAT 62 IDEA: Sell Your Company to an Industry Giant
  9. CHAPTER 3: Technology and Telecommunications
    1. GREAT 63 IDEA: Twitter for Business: Tips from Guy Kawasaki
    2. GREAT 64 IDEA: Facebook Tips for Business Owners
    3. GREAT 65 IDEA: Use Skype for Business
    4. GREAT 66 IDEA: Set Up a Teleconference
    5. GREAT 67 IDEA: Make the Most of Voice Mail
    6. GREAT 68 IDEA: Don't Let E-Mail Rule or Ruin Your Life
    7. GREAT 69 IDEA: Take This Technology Checkup
    8. GREAT 70 IDEA: Smart Technology and Telecommunication Toys to Buy for Your Business
    9. GREAT 71 IDEA: Post Videos and Photos on Your Web Site
    10. GREAT 72 IDEA: Consider a Cloud-Based Telephone Service
    11. GREAT 73 IDEA: Create a Dynamic Web Site
    12. GREAT 74 IDEA: The Truth about Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    13. GREAT 75 IDEA: Hire a Great Web Designer
    14. GREAT 76 IDEA: Run Your Business in the Cloud
    15. GREAT 77 IDEA: Use Online Mailing Solutions
    16. GREAT 78 IDEA: Train Employees Online
    17. GREAT 79 IDEA: Sell Products Online
    18. GREAT 80 IDEA: Visit My Favorite Web Sites
  10. CHAPTER 4: Develop and Launch New Products and Services
    1. GREAT 81 IDEA: Create a Fad
    2. GREAT 82 IDEA: Import Something New and Different
    3. GREAT 83 IDEA: Turn Your Hobby into a Successful Business
    4. GREAT 84 IDEA: Become an Exclusive Importer
    5. GREAT 85 IDEA: Launch a Green Product
    6. GREAT 86 IDEA: Build a Working Model of Your Product
    7. GREAT 87 IDEA: Make a Model with 3-D Software
    8. GREAT 88 IDEA: Serve the High and Low Ends of the Market
    9. GREAT 89 IDEA: Partner with a Big Company for Distribution
    10. GREAT 90 IDEA: Take Advantage of an Online Technology Exchange
    11. GREAT 91 IDEA: Have Your Product Mandated for Use by the Government
    12. GREAT 92 IDEA: Create a Business Based on a Personal Challenge
    13. GREAT 93 IDEA: Sell Your Wares in a Farmers' Market
    14. GREAT 94 IDEA: Set Up a Cart in a Shopping Mall
  11. CHAPTER 5: Marketing Strategies
    1. GREAT 95 IDEA: Strike a Deal with a Giant
    2. GREAT 96 IDEA: Look Bigger Online
    3. GREAT 97 IDEA: Take Advantage of Co-op Advertising
    4. GREAT 98 IDEA: Market to Callers on Hold
    5. GREAT 99 IDEA: Consider Multilevel Marketing: Send Out Cards
    6. GREAT 100 IDEA: Cross-Promote Your Products or Services
    7. GREAT 101 IDEA: Sell through a Dealer Network
    8. GREAT 102 IDEA: Create a Cool Business Card
    9. GREAT 103 IDEA: Create a Dynamic Database
    10. GREAT 104 IDEA: Package Your Products for Success
    11. GREAT 105 IDEA: Give to Charity
    12. GREAT 106 IDEA: Use Coupons to Attract Customers
    13. GREAT 107 IDEA: Use Food as a Selling Tool
    14. GREAT 108 IDEA: Set Up a Strong Referral Network
    15. GREAT 109 IDEA: Give It Away
    16. GREAT 110 IDEA: Design a Great Sign for Your Business
    17. GREAT 111 IDEA: Produce an Infomercial
    18. GREAT 112 IDEA: Put a Pig in Your Window
    19. GREAT 113 IDEA: Put Your Company Name on Everything
    20. GREAT 114 IDEA: Free Up Your Sales Team to Sell
    21. GREAT 115 IDEA: Hire a Celebrity Spokesperson
    22. GREAT 116 IDEA: Publish a Newsletter or Blog
    23. GREAT 117 IDEA: Market Your Consulting Services
    24. GREAT 118 IDEA: Host an Open House
    25. GREAT 119 IDEA: Use Great Public Relations to Promote Your Business
    26. GREAT 120 IDEA: Coproduce a Seminar
    27. GREAT 121 IDEA: Ask for Two Business Cards
    28. GREAT 122 IDEA: Treat Your Best Clients Well
    29. GREAT 123 IDEA: Invite Associates to a Trade Show
    30. GREAT 124 IDEA: Know Your Competition
    31. GREAT 125 IDEA: Tap the Growing Hispanic Market
    32. GREAT 126 IDEA: Make Your 800 Number Ring
    33. GREAT 127 IDEA: Attend Charity Events to Make Contacts
    34. GREAT 128 IDEA: Publicize Your Specialty Food Business
    35. GREAT 129 IDEA: Market to Uncle Sam and Other Agencies
    36. GREAT 130 IDEA: Get Certified as a Woman- or Minority-Owned Business
    37. GREAT 131 IDEA: Don't Forsake the Yellow Pages
    38. GREAT 132 IDEA: Send Pizza to Potential Clients
    39. GREAT 133 IDEA: Think BIG—Why Not?
  12. CHAPTER 6: People
    1. GREAT 134 IDEA: Cast a Wide Net to Attract Good Employees
    2. GREAT 135 IDEA: Write Clear Job Descriptions
    3. GREAT 136 IDEA: Know What Not to Ask Job Applicants
    4. GREAT 137 IDEA: Recruit Great Employees
    5. GREAT 138 IDEA: Look Far and Wide for the Best Person
    6. GREAT 139 IDEA: Work with People You Like
    7. GREAT 140 IDEA: Hire Talented Seniors
    8. GREAT 141 IDEA: Hire Teenagers
    9. GREAT 142 IDEA: Use the BATH System for Hiring
    10. GREAT 143 IDEA: Perform a Personnel Checkup
    11. GREAT 144 IDEA: Hire a Welfare Recipient
    12. GREAT 145 IDEA: Hire Ex-Cons
    13. GREAT 146 IDEA: Telecommuting as an Option
    14. GREAT 147 IDEA: Tailor Benefits to Employees' Needs
    15. GREAT 148 IDEA: Offer Classes in English as a Second Language
    16. GREAT 149 IDEA: Find Out How Disney Does It
    17. GREAT 150 IDEA: Ask Your Best Clients to Meet Key Job Candidates
    18. GREAT 151 IDEA: Hire an Experienced Labor Attorney
    19. GREAT 152 IDEA: Hire an Interim Executive
    20. GREAT 153 IDEA: Train Your Employees
    21. GREAT 154 IDEA: Offer Employees the Right Incentives
    22. GREAT 155 IDEA: How to Deal with Domestic Violence
    23. GREAT 156 IDEA: Be Serious about Your Sexual Harassment Policy
    24. GREAT 157 IDEA: Rely on Temps and Freelancers
    25. GREAT 158 IDEA: Work with a Virtual Talent Agency
    26. GREAT 159 IDEA: Send Gifts to an Employee's Spouse
  13. CHAPTER 7: Time and Personal Management Ideas
    1. GREAT 160 IDEA: Get Organized—Right Now
    2. GREAT 161 IDEA: Appoint a Personal Information Officer
    3. GREAT 162 IDEA: Plan “In” Days and “Out” Days
    4. GREAT 163 IDEA: Beat Your Deadlines
    5. GREAT 164 IDEA: Spend an Hour a Day Thinking
    6. GREAT 165 IDEA: Five Quick Time Management Tips
    7. GREAT 166 IDEA: Work Hard and Play Harder
    8. GREAT 167 IDEA: Tell the Truth
    9. GREAT 168 IDEA: Overcome a Fear of Public Speaking—Join Toastmasters
    10. GREAT 169 IDEA: Find a Mentor and Be a Mentor
    11. GREAT 170 IDEA: Do Something to Reduce Stress
    12. GREAT 171 IDEA: Put on a Happy Face
  14. CHAPTER 8: Customer Service
    1. GREAT 172 IDEA: Customer Service the Zappos Way
    2. GREAT 173 IDEA: Quick Customer Service Quiz
    3. GREAT 174 IDEA: Hire a Mystery Shopper
    4. GREAT 175 IDEA: Listen to the Telephone Doctor
    5. GREAT 176 IDEA: Don't Make Your Customers Angry
    6. GREAT 177 IDEA: Make House Calls or Have a Trunk Sale
    7. GREAT 178 IDEA: Make Apparel to Order
    8. GREAT 179 IDEA: Demand Great Service from Vendors
    9. GREAT 180 IDEA: Get to Know Your Customers Personally
    10. GREAT 181 IDEA: Wrap It Up
    11. GREAT 182 IDEA: Customer Service at Its Best
  15. CHAPTER 9: Going Global
    1. GREAT 183 IDEA: Return to Your Homeland to Export Products
    2. GREAT 184 IDEA: Move Your Manufacturing to Mexico
    3. GREAT 185 IDEA: Forge an International Alliance
    4. GREAT 186 IDEA: Do Business in India
    5. GREAT 187 IDEA: Explore Opportunities in Russia
    6. GREAT 188 IDEA: Do Business in China
    7. GREAT 189 IDEA: Meet U.S. Safety Rules for Products Made Abroad
    8. GREAT 190 IDEA: Learn about a Culture before Going Abroad
    9. GREAT 191 IDEA: Translate Your Marketing Materials
    10. GREAT 192 IDEA: Abide by the Etiquette of International Trade
  16. CHAPTER 10: Great Ideas and Insights from VIPs
    1. GREAT 193 IDEA: Herb Kelleher—Be a Maverick
    2. GREAT 194 IDEA: Lynn Tilton—Be a Modern Industrialist
    3. GREAT 195 IDEA: Mike Bloomberg—Keep It Simple
    4. GREAT 196 IDEA: Tom Peters—Forget Credentials
    5. GREAT 197 IDEA: Kay Koplovitz—Leverage a New Technology
    6. GREAT 198 IDEA: Wally Amos—Reinvent Yourself
    7. GREAT 199 IDEA: Lillian Vernon—Advice from the Mail-Order Queen
    8. GREAT 200 IDEA: Charles Shackleton—Follow Your Passion
    9. GREAT 201 IDEA: Set Your Ego Aside and Ask for Help
  17. Conclusion
  18. Resources
    1. U.S. Government Help
    2. Regional Government Agencies
    3. Federal Government Resources
    4. Export/Trade Resources
    5. Family Business
    6. Franchising
    7. Financing Information and Resources
    8. Minority Business Resources
    9. Advocacy Groups
    10. Women's Business Organizations
    11. Other Associations
    12. Other Resources
  19. About the Author
  20. Index

Product information

  • Title: 201 GREAT IDEAS for Your SMALL BUSINESS, Third Edition
  • Author(s): Jane Applegate
  • Release date: May 2011
  • Publisher(s): Bloomberg Press
  • ISBN: 9780470919668