Redbox Biz Blog

Small business owners are guilty of this.

I am too.

It’s not through any fault of ours that we have this business shortsightedness.

Well, that’s what I call it. We immerse ourselves completely in our business that we hardly take time to step back and plan.

Yes, plan. No, this post is not about writing business plans.

Most small business owners are frightened of that big word. I won’t tell you how many times I tried to sit down and write my own business plan.

Yes, me. Even after all these years in business. (I have phrases here and there and more mind maps than ever. I think I’ll stick to mind maps since I am more of a visual person.)

But it’s good to ask ourselves some questions every once in a while. I decided to post this now and not in the earlier part of the month of January because lots of people are offended by resolutions. Some hate it and won’t make any. Many make some resolutions and stash them away until 31 December and then they’ll feel extremely guilty for forgetting half of their resolutions!

These 10 questions prompt you to think about your business in a way that’s part-evaluative and part-visionary. You reflect on what you did before and design what you want in the future. Take your time with each question. Ponder over them as I did.

I wrote them all down in 3 x 5″ cards (one question on each card) and looked at the cards when I had pockets of time such as waiting in the car for my other half, or waiting in line at the bank. Or take them with you to the beach and take time to answer each one as honestly as you can. Answer out loud as you do and record these thoughts using an MP3 player. (This saves you from writing and forgetting your thoughts halfway!)

Thanks, Paul Lemberg, for 10 Ways to Grow Your Business.

The biggest problem for most wannabe entrepreneurs is that they don’t know what sort of business they ought to set up.

A friend, JS, was asking me this question not too long ago. I then told him what I always tell my other friends who want to emulate my lifestyle (that is, become my own boss).

I said, “Do what you love.”

He looked at me like I was mad. JS had this incredulous look on his face which said, you have to be joking. Continue reading »

Good question!

Why indeed?

Based on my years in business (and this year will be my 8th year in business), every business regardless of how big or small, needs a logo. And not just any slipshod logo either.

Like a website, don’t stinge on your logo. That’s the first thing you have to do if you want to be in business. More importantly, hire someone competent to design a logo reflecting your business. When I say competent, that person must know the elements of good logo design.

A logo will then stand for your business. It will be printed on your name card and other business stationery. It will allow you to brand your business easily and shows your customers that you are serious about your business. It projects professionalism.

To find out more, do read Erin Ferree’s article. She notes that it is very important (and I do agree with her!) that small businesses get themselves in order by having a good logo. Here’s her take on why it matters for small businesses to have a logo system in place.

I’ve the utmost respect for C.J.Hayden ever since I read her articles two years back. She’s an extraordinary consultant, trainer, author and speaker. Grab her books if you can as in them, she teaches you how you can get more clients and more importantly, retain them.

I’ve chosen this article of hers titled “Make your website work for you so you can work less” so you will know why a website is one of the most helpful tools in your business marketing toolkit, if designed correctly and used correctly! Continue reading »