Posted by Jess Saba on Thu, Jul 23, 2009 @ 06:01 PM
Entrepreneurial Inspiration
Do you have an idea for a business you would like to start? If so, here are three lessons you can learn from the story of President and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, Heidi Ganahl.
Starting from the bottom is better than not starting at all:
When Heidi started Camp Bow Wow she maxed out her credit cards, borrowed from friends and family and invested her savings to develop a business plan she had written many years before. Heidi also strove for success despite the tragic death of her husband. Instead of giving up Heidi decided to follow through and make something big happen. Now there are more than 150 Camp Bow Wow locations across the United States.
Turn your passion into a business:
After the death of her husband, Heidi found strength from the love of her dogs. It was as if they had said, "Hey come on, you've still got life to live, lets get up and play ball."
If you know that there is one thing that will make you happy and inspire you every day than there is a way to earn a living doing what you love. Write your business plan and go for it.
Do not be afraid to ask for help:
Starting a business is hard enough with the help of partners, investors and consultants, but if you are going for it alone it is beneficial to ask for assistance when you need it.
Inspiration, motivation, financial support and understanding are valuable assistance that family, friends and advisers can offer to a aspiring entrepreneur. Having a solid support base is one of the most critical elements of starting a business for scratch.
To hear more about the inspiration behind how Heidi Ganahl started Camp Bow Wow Click here to watch her interview on The Big Idea with Donnie Deutch.CNBC.
Posted by Jess Saba on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 @ 03:46 PM
Entrances That Attract
The entrance to your business should captivate your customer and welcome them to your establishment.
The way you choose to present your business from the outside offers insight into what customers can expect from you as a service provider. The first glance customers have of your business can have a lasting impact on the way your brand is viewed.
Here are a few ways you can improve your facade to demonstrate your values as a business:
Pick up trash- In New York City every store has an employee with a broom and dustpan picking up debris and keeping the sidewalk outside the entrance clean.
When picking up trash feel free to venture beyond your property line and help out your neighbor. Not only does a clean walkway welcome cutomers into your business but it send the message that you care about your community and neighborhood.
Landscape well- Landscaping may illustrate your attention to detail, your free spirt or your businesses level of creativity.
Improve the appearance of the walkway to your business entrance by planting tall grasses, bushes, wildflowers and mosses. Window boxes, hanging plants and ground planters are a great way to add character and charm. While bricks, stones and pebbles can be used to lead a customer to your door.
Example: A restaurant that plants herbs in window boxes sends the message that they value the freshest ingredients.
Or:
A business that offers several comfortable benches for public use sends the message that anyone is welcome to rest and relax outside the storefront and that community interaction is valued.
Remove clutter- Make sure there are no unnecessary objects in front of or against your building or in your parking lot that may make a customer feel that you are unorganized.
When choosing the way you would like to be viewed superficially, think about the essence of the company and how you can portray those values through initial appearances