As business people who dream of owning and operating a personal business, it is essential for us to create a written plan of action. Having a management action plan gives a road-map to the desired success ahead. Setting short and long term goals are a good way to help you stay focused when the path of entrepreneurship becomes overwhelming. Some other things to consider when creating a plan of action include location, target market, a competitive market analysis, vision and goals, mission statement, start-up and operating costs; profit and loss cost analysis, insurance and business license fees, advertising allocation, as well as any additional help will be needed, by way of employees or outside marketing consulting. All of these areas of consideration are only some of the components that go into creating any good business plan. Putting your business ideas in writing, along with specific facts and figures can take some time and effort and compiling components of a solid business plan is an often arduous process. Some business owners make the mistake of rushing into business dealings without putting anything in writing and avoid developing a clear and conscientious plan however; a prudent business person will make the investment to do so. Most entrepreneurs find that their businesses plans provide an invaluable tool for doing business and lend a greater sense of clarity as to what can be anticipated on the road that lies ahead. While you may want to seek advice during the often laborious process of compiling your business plan, it is not a good idea to have someone else write it for you. Since your business plan will be a reflection of your goals, aspirations and dreams for the future, it is something very personal. Most business owners have found that their Mission Statement is the most valuable component to their business plan. It establishes a clear picture of your intention and can later provide you with a great tool for training employees so they are able to see the bigger picture. A good mission statement can also be modified and used in much of your advertising and business dealings in the future. Further, written documentation that illustrates your intention of proposed business may also be useful if you intend to seek additional start-up capital from a financial institution.

If you are not sure how to obtain information needed to create other portions of your business plan, say a good competitive market analysis for example, your local Chamber of Commerce (COC) is a good place to start. The COC is an organization that helps local business owners by providing them with a wide array of information pertaining to the business dealings within their community and can offer you with some valuable information useful for you when writing your business plan. However; while the public information provided by the COC may help you with gathering general information you will need to for your competitive analysis, information may be limited and will require creativity in putting it all together. Further, if you need help with writing your business plan, as most everyone does, you will likely spend a lot of time on the Internet searching for examples of existing plans or even paying for services to companies who assert great success with ‘helping people just like you.’ While some great information and services may be found over the Internet, questions and concerns may not be answered completely as you attempt to tailor your plan to be a true reflection of your company. One of the most valuable ways many people have found in creating a business plan is to take a college course. If higher education is not within your means, consider a community college, which is much more affordable.

Once you complete your business plan, it will likely be something you will be proud of for years to come. Remember to continue to set short and long term goals once you are in business to help you work your plan and achieve success.

Reference: Marketing > Marketing Local Services: Tips and Special Considerations

Marketing a business with the use of the Internet can be great for some, and not so great for others. Many factors come into play as the focus on generating ‘hits’ and ‘leads’ is tedious and time consuming and may even incur out of pocket expense; depending on what service you use to promote your business or website. What did people do before the Internet existed? How did we survive without the World Wide Web? Creating a presence on over the Internet may be one, good way to grow your business. Although; another great and inexpensive way to promote your business is to take a walk around your community and introduce yourself to local business owners and shop workers; and if so inclined, hand them your business card. While you may, or may not see immediate results, at the very least you are planting seeds.

Another way to market yourself in your community is to give people something to talk about or provide a unique attraction for patrons to enjoy while they visit your establishment. Thinking out-side the box when it comes to marketing is also a good skill to employ. One new restaurant owner found that his location and visibility was an issue and passersby would often think he was closed during business hours. After months of having employees pass out flyers, in parking lots and door to door, people would still approach his establishment, often open the front door, peer in and ask “are you open?” After months of hearing this he knew he had to do something. So, he exercised is creativity and asked an artist friend to place some attractive, lifelike, mannequins dinging at the tables in the window during business hours. The mannequins provided a visible sign that conveyed the message of ‘yes, we are open and people are currently enjoying the food here.’ Once inside the customers would see that there were mannequins in a restaurant and would have a good laugh. It generated a conversation and his restaurant became known for ‘the place to eat with the cool mannequins.’

Thinking outside the box and having the courage to do something unconventional when it comes to marketing often pays off. Some other ways business owners have used to generate interest is in way of creative signage or a positive, uplifting quote on a storefront that creates the message that ‘good, happy people work here.’ Appealing to the senses is a simple way to market your business and even retain good customers. Finding something simple in way of décor may also appeal to clientele and keep them stimulated if they have to wait to be helped. Providing coffee, tea or snacks also has great appeal.

Another way to create a calm environment is by having an attractive fish tank highly visible area in your waiting area. Remember to make your place of business a child-friendly place to visit as this is a great appeal to parents who often have to bring their children along. Providing crayons, coloring books, Highlights Magazines or even video games may also provide stimulation and a quieter environment. If customers have a positive and memorable experience while they visit your place of business is it a sure-fire way to retain future business and encourage them to refer others.

Reference: Marketing > What Women Want: Special Considerations in Marketing of Beauty Products & Services